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Drinking Water Is Good For Digestion…

We all know that drinking water or really any beverage before a meal is bad for digestion.

Right!

Actually Wrong!

Whenever I mention that is actually good for our digestion to drink a glass of water before a meal I am often met with but…..

Today I wanted to share the science behind why it is so helpful for our digestive system to start with this glass of water before we eat.

Our stomachs are lined with a bicarbonate layer, which is essential to buffer the acids that the stomach produces for digestion.

This layer of protection is 80% water.

In the very first newsletter I sent out I mentioned that studies have shown that 95% of us do not drink enough water and are dehydrated to some degree.

If the body is dehydrated and there is not enough water to maintain the water ratio in this bicarbonate layer, the stomach does not produce as much stomach acid needed for digestion.

The stomach knows to cut back on acid production as a protection for the stomach lining.

Without adequate stomach acids we cannot digest our food properly and this undigested food passes out of the stomach and into the intestines where it can create numerous health problems.

The intestines can become irritated, congested, and the lining of the gut can swell and block the lymph drainage vessels.

This can translate into poor digestion, weight gain, and overall poor health.

There is a term called “thermogenesis” which refers to the generation of heat in the body.

Drinking water before a meal increases this thermogenesis action that in turn aids in digestion and can even help with weight loss.

With both more stomach acid and thermogenesis occurring it helps our bodies digest foods that otherwise can be very difficult to digest such as wheat, dairy, eggs, nuts, etc.

Those with food allergies, drinking a glass of water before every meal could make a huge difference.

Other benefits would include more energy from the foods you eat, less gas and bloating, better bowel function, not to mention just better overall health.

For anyone working to control a yeast overgrowth this is essential as the undigested food material feeds the yeast and encourages its growth.

Drinking a glass of water (8-16oz.) (15-30 minutes) before a meal can mean more digestive acids, which means better digestion, that means better health.

Cheers….

Together Our Hands Are Joined To Heal One Another…

Alexander Gardener
The Lymph Guy
thelymphguy.com
thelymphguy@gmail.com

A Perfect Food?

There are not many foods that can be included in practically any diet and for practically any type of individual.

When I was researching foods to help treat inflammations in the body, avocados came up at the top of the list.

It struck me what a wonderful gift avocados are and when they say, “Let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food,” they must have had avocados in mind.

Not only are avocados a wonderful food to include in our diets but there are many external uses also.

Avocados are a fruit, more specifically a berry.

They have more potassium than bananas (twice as much).

They are one of the few high protein fruits containing 18 of the most important amino acids all of which are available to the body to use.

Avocados are high in fiber, vitamin E, the B vitamins, and folic acid.

Avocados are low in fructose but rich in monounsaturated fat that is easily burned for energy.

Research is showing, besides its anti-inflammatory properties,  avocados may help to protect us from liver damage and may actually improve its overall health.

Avocados contain compounds that appear to destroy oral cancer cells.

Because of its beneficial raw fat content, advocados enable our bodies to more easily absorb fat-soluble nutrients.

When you use avocados as a mask the antioxidants, amino acids, and essential oils help to repair damaged hair, treat dry skin by replenishing moisture to the cells, soothe sun burns, and perhaps even reduce winkles.

Because of the high levels of vitamin E and moisturizing plant sterols and lecithin, avocados are helpful to heal skin problems such as acne.

A mixture of Avocado Oil and Castor Oil* has a similar effect, as does Oil Pulling to clear our blocked pores, reduce sebaceous gland inflammation, and generally improve skin tone.

Or you can just simply smash an advocado and spread it on your face for about 1/2hr as a mask.

As an extra bonus, avocados are one of the top Alkaline foods for anyone needing to balance the body’s ph.

Avocados are the perfect food to be our medicine and the perfect medicine to be our food!

Together Our Hands Are Joined To Heal One Another…

Alexander Gardener
The Lymph Guy
thelymphguy.com
thelymphguy@gmail.com

What Exactly Is Bacteria?

While I was writing the article on Oil Pulling, I wondered how many us actually know much about bacteria.

Bacteria have their own classification due to their unique cellular and morpholigal characteristics that make it different from other classifications such as fungi, virus, or animal.

The oldest known fossils are of Bacteria, 3.5 billion years old.

They are microscopic, single celled organisms that are ancient and are responsible for numerous lethal diseases as well as causing numerous basic health issues.

But Bacteria also help us in many ways.  For example Bacteria is the “tang” in our yogurt and the “sour” in our sourdough bread.

Bacteria help our bodies as well as plants convert nitrogen into a useable form.

We tend to refer to Bacteria as “germs”, but they do help us in amazing ways such as making vitamins, breaking down waste material in our bodies, as well as even helping to maintain our atmosphere.

Bacteria are some of the earliest forms of life that existed here on Earth.  They helped shape the planet into what it is today.

And no doubt will have an impact on our tomorrow.

Some bacteria can live off sunlight like plants and actually give off oxygen just like the trees.

Other bacteria live off the digested food in our gut or off the material they are living on or in.

They can live in extreme boiling hot springs as well as in the frozen Antarctic.

They can exist as an independent organism or as parasites living off of another life.

So what we are seeing here is a complex situation where as with many things there are helpful Bacteria and Bacteria that can prove harmful, even deadly.

So getting back to the Oil Pulling and its ability to rid our mouth of Bacteria.

There is always going to be Bacteria in our mouths as well in many areas of our bodies.

The problem is when the level of bad Bacteria grows to an unhealthy level.   This is when we haven potential problems with our breath, teeth, or gum diseases.

The basis of a healthy system is Balance.

If any organism gets out of balance such as the bad Bacteria in our mouths then we are open to a wide range of problems.

Left unattended the problems can only grow worse.

There are actually some bacteria in the back of the tongue that helps to prevent halitosis, the formal name for bad breath.  At the same time there is bacteria causing it.

There are good bacteria and bad bacteria.

A treatment such as Oil Pulling helps to maintain the balance where the bad bacteria are being eliminated and the good bacteria are being supported.

Maintaining our immune system helps to keep the balance between healthy bacteria and harmful bacteria.

Diet is perhaps the area that impacts this balance more than anything else other than stress.

And stress can throw the balance off of the healthiest lifestyle.

Together Our Hands Are Joined To Heal One Another…

Alexander Gardener
The Lymph Guy
thelymphguy.com
thelymphguy@gmail.com

The Best Anti-Inflammation Foods!

We have all experienced inflammation at some point in our bodies.  Usually it is associated with an injury to soft tissue such as a sprain as it gets red and swollen.

This inflamation can occur anywhere in our bodies and to any tissues.

By adding anti-inflammatory foods into our daily diet we are helping the body reduce the inflammations and help the body return to a more balanced state.

We do not want to stay in an inflamed state for very long.  The natural Acute Inflammation response that is now a 24/7 Chronic Inflammation state is not healthy for the body to be in.

Symptoms such as fatigue, IBS, reflux, poor digestion, constipation, headaches/migraines, allergies, joint pain, and numerous other symptoms can be linked to Chronic Inflammation.

So what can we do to help our bodies?

One of the best anti-inflammatory foods is Avocados.  They are high in nutrients that help prevent inflammations especially arthritis.

The next wonderful food to add is Ginger.  Very high in ultra potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols.

Turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and antioxidant properties.

Turmeric can actually help prevent swelling and pain.

Then we have Garlic!

Garlic is one of those essential foods in natural healing.  It is anti most anything that can hinder our well being from inflammations, to fungus, to parasites.

Adding fresh chopped garlic a few times a day to our meals can make a huge difference as to how we feel.

Beets and Asparagus are two more foods that can help reduce and prevent inflammations in our bodies.

If you are not already taking some form of Omega 3 every day you certainly want to be.

Adding Flax Seed Meal* to our diets is one of the best ways to get this crucially important nutrient into our systems.  Not only is it a natural anti-inflammatory but also will support brain health and many other essential body functions necessary for overall good health.

Adding the right foods in to support reducing inflammation is of course only half the equation.  The other half is what foods to avoid that actually increase inflammation responses in the body.

The most important foods to avoid are sugar, red meat, caffeine, dairy, processed foods and grains, hydrogenated oils, and most packaged and prepared foods.

Perhaps the most important non-food support will come from plenty of rest.  The body heals itself in an alkaline state (rest state).  Supporting the adrenals and our energy reserves is necessary for any consistent healing to occur.

Together Our Hands Are Joined To Heal One Another…

Alexander Gardener
The Lymph Guy
thelymphguy.com
thelymphguy@gmail.com

*It is important to use Flax Seed Meal or oil, as the whole seed cannot be digested by our bodies and tends to pass through with little to no benefit.

For A Beautiful Smile

“Oil Pulling” or “Oil Swishing” is a folk remedy used for thousands of years where oil is “swished” in the mouth to clean and detoxify teeth and gums as well as to whiten the teeth*.

By swishing the oil in the mouth the salivary glands are stimulated and the salvia is able to trap toxins within the oil particles that we can then expel.

Also the prolonged and mechanical action of “swishing” can help to dislodge bacteria and undigested particles from deep crevices within the mouth.

You can use Sesame Oil** or Coconut Oil** though here we are going to focus on Coconut Oil.  If you find you are sensitive to Coconut Oil then of course use Seseme Oil for the same wonderful results.

How to Do Oil Pulling:

1:  First thing in the morning place anywhere from 1tsp to 1TBS of oil in your mouth.  The coconut oil will dissolve quickly though if you prefer you may liquefy it first.

2: Swish for 5 – 20 minutes:  You want to give the swishing enough time to dissolve bacteria and plaque but not so long as to allow the body to re-absorb the toxins and bacteria.  The oil will get thicker and milky as it mixes with the salvia and will be creamy-white when you spit it out.

3: Spit out into a trash container.  You do not want to spit into a sink as coconut oil hardens quickly and can clog your pipes.

4: Rinse your mouth with a light saline solution of water and sea salt.

5: You can also at this point use a brushing rinse such as Essential Oxygen Brushing Rinse.  This is a solution of hydrogen peroxide and essential oils that are wonderful for dental hygiene.  This helps to kill any remaining bacteria.

If you are experiencing chronic gum and dental health issues you might consider Oil Pulling prior to every meal.

For anyone having acute health issues you might also consider the fact that by incorporating Oil Pulling you are also minimizing bacteria in the mouth from entering the blood and lymph system and travelling throughout your body.  Yuk!

The mouth is a battleground for bacteria.  This is a age-old remedy that not only benefits the gums and the teeth but is also good for your overall health.

And it will make your teeth whiter and your breath fresher.

Since adding Oil Pulling to my own morning program I can certainly say how wonderful my teeth and gums are feeling.

If your are not also incorporating a tongue cleaner as part of your daily hygiene you might also want to consider this in addition to the Oil Pulling.

Such simple and yet powerful tools to help us stay healthy.

Together Our Hands Are Joined To Heal One Another…

Alexander Gardener
The Lymph Guy

Got Lymph?

thelymphguy@gmail.com

*There can be some side effects as the body detoxifies such as headaches, nausea, or dizziness.  If  you notice this or any other symptoms stop the Oil Pulling and check in with your primary health care provider.

**It is very important that you only use the highest quality oils and that they are organic.  You could also use Olive Oil but generally the Sesame Oil or Coconut Oil is preferable to use.

The healing properties of the Castor Oil plant were so revered that it is commonly called Palma Christi or the Hand Of Christ as the leaves were believed to resemble the hands of Jesus.

Castor Oil and its healing properties were used in Ancient Egypt, China, Rome, Greece, Persia, and Africa.  It was introduced to the west in the 17th century and most notably by Edga Cayce here in the U.S.

The cosmetic industry has and still uses castor oil as a base ingredient in many of its products.

I have been employing Castor Oil Packs both personally and in sessions since the early 70’s.

It is a rare session that a client will not have a Castor Oil pack on their abdomen during the sessions.

One question I get a lot is why and what does it do?

Very simply Castor Oil stimulates the lymph fluid and helps it to flow.

More and more research is being done as to how this happens and with it how we can employ the oil even more as a healing agent.

There are some therapies that are using Castor Oil as a carrier in chemotherapy.

Interesting is that Castor Oil has a component in it, ricin, that can actually be targeted to kill cancer cells.

This is one reason as to why great caution is needed for any internal use.  Be sure to consult with your health professional before using Castor Oil for any internal healing.

Castor Oil is being shown as being an immune supporter and builder when used externally as a pack.

Castor Oil Packs can actually increase our T-Cell count.

Much more research is now being done on this remarkable plant and how we can use her to help heal some of our most deadly dis-eases as well as our day-to-day aches and pains.

I have incorporated Castor Oil packs as a part of sessions to be sure the liver and colon are being supported while I am working on the Lymphatic System.

Since the Lymphatic System is largely responsible for removing toxins and waste from the bodies cells we want to be supporting those organs that are primarily responsible as our waste management system.

Though the most common healing usage of Castor Oil is as a pack you will find many areas of the body that simply by applying it directly to the area is ideal such as toe nail fungus, certain skin ailments, and areas of lymph blockage where using a pack might not be practical.

Also not all packs require an external heat source such as a heating pad.  There are times the bodies own heat that is generated is all you need.

For anyone needing to sleep with a pack overnight the bodies own heat does suffice.

Here you will find even more information on how to use Castor Oil as well as when you may not want to use a pack.

Over the years I have personally experienced great benefits when using Castor Packs.  The testimonials you can find on-line speak for themselves.

I want to thank Edgar Cayce for having brought this healing tool to so many of our attention.  I also want to thank Gardenia Gardener for all her support in collaborating with collecting the information presented here.

Let me know how you are using Castor Oil packs and how they are being a help for you on your own healing journey.

I would love to be able to share your testimonials here with others.

Together Our Hands Are Joined To Heal One Another…

Alexander Gardener
The Lymph Guy

 If You Want Your Dream To Be….

If you want your dream to be
Take your time, go slowly
Do few things but do them well
Heartfelt work grows purely
If you want to live life freely
Take your time, go slowly
Do few things but do them well
Heartfelt work grows purely

Day by day, stone by stone
Build your secret slowly
Day by day, you’ll grow too
You’ll know heavens glory

If you want your dream to be
Take your time, go slowly
Do few things but do them well
Heartfelt work grows purely
If you want to live life freely
Take your time, go slowly
Do few things but do them well
Heartfelt work grows purely

Day by day, stone by stone
Build your secret slowly
Day by day, you’ll grow too
You’ll know heavens glory

If you want to live life freely
Take your time go slowly

I rediscovered this song from the movie Brother Sun Sister Moon and was so inspired by it once again that I wanted to share it with you.

No matter what you dream;  improved health, clearer mind, calmer inner world, take your time, go slowly, day by day you’ll grow …

Together Our Hands Are Joined To Heal One Another…

Alexander Gardener
The Lymph Guy

Got Lymph?

thelymphguy@gmail.com

The Little Church, music and lyrics by Donovan

Lymph: The Fountain Of Youth!

There are not many health systems that understand the importance of the Lymphatic System.

In the Ayurveda system lymph is called The Elixir of Life.

The Lymphatic System is considered the most important system in the human body.

The study of the Lymphatic System is called Rasayana or the study of longevity and rejuvenation.

Rasa means “juice” or lymph and ayana means “special study”.

The Sanskrit definitions of rasa include: lymph, emotion, taste, juice, nutrient fluid, melody, plasma, water, menses, semen, breast milk, satisfaction, and love.

For years I have talked about this work I offer as being a system to get the “Juices” moving.

This was long before I knew anything about Ayurveda healing.

It just makes sense!

If our juices or lymph are flowing then our health is flowing also.

The lymph system is responsible for many bodily fuctions such as our immune system, our digestion, the cleansing of toxins from the body, delivering nutrition to the body’s cells, just to mention a few.

Over the course of these newsletters many tools have been and will be offered to help you with your lymphatic system.

If you are looking for the Fountain of Youth you have no further to look than your own Lymphatic System.

If you want to know how to look and feel your best than caring for your lymph is the secret.

Lymph is the Elixir Of Life.

Together Our Hands Are Joined To Heal One Another…

Alexander Gardener
The Lymph Guy

Got Lymph?

thelymphguy@gmail.com

You can learn more about the lymph here: The Lymphatic System and Organs Of The Lymphatic System.

Are You Getting Enough D…

Vitamin D also known as the Sunshine Vitamin is an essential vitamin for our health.

It is processed by our bodies from sunlight as well from a few foods such as egg yolks, some fish, and fish liver oils.

Vitamin D assists in calcium absorption as well as iron, magnesium, phosphate, and zinc.

Low D levels can increase our risk of cancer and may have an impact on diabetes as well as our brain health.

Many people take additional Vitamin D during the winter dark months.

What a lot people do not realize that even in the spring and summer when sunlight is plentiful we may not be getting enough Vitamin D and still would need supplementation.

It are the UVB rays from the sun that supply the body with the components needed for Vitamin D.

UVB rays are very weak during the winter months but are also weakest in the morning and late afternoon summer sun.

The highest UVB rays during the summer are at the peak of the day when many of us avoid being out in the Sun.

Even if you spend time outdoors you may still not be getting a sufficient supply of Vitamin D.

The general recommendation is 4,000 – 5,000IU/day during the winter and 1,000-3,000IU/day during the spring and summer months.

Something to take into consideration is that even if we are out during the peak UVB times, if we swim or shower we would be washing off the pre-vitamin D that is on the skin.

Sunscreen limits the available Vitamin D even more.

Our body oils react with the pre-vitamin D before it gets absorbed and becomes an active and useable form of Vitamin D in our livers and kidneys.

So do not put that bottle of Vitamin D away for the summer but keep it out and adjust the dose to fit your sun exposure.

I love the fact this simple vitamin connects us to the plant world and our being nourished by the Sun.

Together Our Hands Are Joined To Heal One Another…

Alexander Gardener
The Lymph Guy

Got Lymph?

thelymphguy@gmail.com

 Bowing To Life’s Journey…

This being Human is a guest house,
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture.

Still treat each guest honorably,
They may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

The Persian poet Rumi spoke of life’s challenges in this way*.

Great strength is needed for this journey of consciousness.

Also deep faith, discipline, courage, and a knowing that we are not alone.

Stay close to that which is your source of Light.

And Know That:

Together Our Hands Are Joined To Heal One Another…

Alexander Gardener
The Lymph Guy

Got Lymph?

thelymphguy@gmail.com

9 of Wands Tarot Card by Ciro Marchetti

After writing this newsletter I went over to visit with my good friend Gardenia Gardener and can you guess what tarot card she had pulled that morning?  9 of Wands!

*I found this poem in a wonderful book by Jack Kornfield, After The Ectasy the Laundry.