A Lemon A Day ... Keeps the Allergies at Bay

I start each day with HOT WATER and a WEDGE of LEMON. I learned about this Ayurvedic technique at a workshop and have been a fan of it ever since. Not only is the warm liquid soothing to start the day, but also the health benefits are amazing! I know lemon water works as it has helped me tremendously! My food allergies have been minimized, my skin is clearer, and my digestion improved.

Hot water with lemon at the start of your day is beneficial. It does the following:

·      Boosts immune system

·      Sparks metabolism

·      Is a gentle diuretic

·      Removes toxins/fights allergies

·      Aids digestion/elimination of waste

·      Clears skin

·      Balances the body’s pH level

Lemons are an inexpensive item in the produce section of the store. Depending on the size of the lemon, you could get 4-6 days of lemon wedges from a lemon. Lemons will keep in the refrigerator, stock up a bit when they are on sale OR find a friend with a lemon tree and do an exchange!

NOTE: If you find the lemon too bitter you could add ½ tsp of local honey to the water.

Yoga for Digestion and Detox

Many people take supplements or go on a cleanse to aid in digestion or to detox. A regular yoga practice can help the body digest better and to detoxify. Add in a nutrition component and the process can be natural.

A yoga practice that involves twists, forward folds, and side stretches stokes the digestive fire. Yoga Journal has an online sequence that you can follow if you are looking for a set series to help you get started.

A rule of thumb when eating that will help your digestion is to fill your belly 1/3 with food, 1/3 with water, and 1/3 leave empty. Adding prebiotic fiber like that found in Gutzy is helpful to maintain your digestive flora. Gutzy is an on-the-go pack that you can take in your car and eat after a class if you feel you need to refuel.

Yoga's Simple Seated Twist

Parivrtta Sukhasana or simple easy twist stretches your lower extremities: hips, knees, and ankles. The pose has many variations which I will explore with you over the course of this month.

You can use this pose to increases flexibility throughout the spine, shoulders, hips, and chest.

This pose allows you the opportunity to reduce stress and anxiety.

The benefits of abdominal twists are many. Twisting stimulates and tones your abdominal organs so it is beneficial it is done when your stomach is not FULL (hint ... you need room to twist). Be kind to your kidneys and digestive organs and twist! 

Twisting allows your body to detox, boosts your energy, and can improve your health. As Tubby Checker sings, "Come On Everybody ... Lets Twist Again"!

Meet me on the mat to twist!

TIP: Sit with your non-dominate leg (if right handed it is your left leg) in front to begin. Do twist twice ... once with each leg in front. 

TIP: Twist the RIGHT side first (ascending colon) then the left (descending colon) to help with digestion.

TIP: Twist AFTER your food is digested ... perhaps 2 hours after a meal