The Body's Self-Renewal

The body is continually involved in a process of self-renewal. Each day of your life, the body is challenged to build 30,000,000,000 new cells (anabolism), but in order to maintain homeostasis, it also must destroy the same number of old cells. The breaking down of the dead, worn-out cells leaves behind a massive number of cellular debris, which is instantly taken up and removed by the lymphatic system.

Lymphatics and Hydration

The waste can only be removed if there is enough water available to transport it through and out of the body. However, if the body has been weakened through constant over-stimulation, overeating or sleep deprivation (all of these have dehydrating effects), the cleansing process becomes inefficient, and toxic compounds begin to accumulate in the lymph vessels. Some of these toxins seep into the bloodstream, which could cause blood toxicity. To prevent such an event and to keep the blood as pure as possible, the lymphatic system, which is responsible for removing most cellular metabolic waste products, dead cell material and acidic blood proteins from the connective tissue is already congested, the cell environment cannot be cleaned up properly and becomes increasingly toxic. The cell environment’s pH moves toward higher acidity.

How Does Toxicity occur?

When the connective tissue become overloaded with more toxins, they begin to invade the blood vessels and also the cells of organs. The first cell groups to become affected with toxins are also the first to be deprived of regular supplies of water, oxygen and nutrients, and hence the first to signal a toxicity crisis which is a reflection of too many acidic compounds, including lactic acid, uric acid, ammonia, urea, blood proteins, and of course other toxins of various kinds.

The Body’s Design to Heal Itself

To deal with this toxic overload, all the systems and organs team up to fight for the body’s survival. They do this by diverting energy from the digestive system, muscles and other areas toward the afflicted part. This intelligent action by the body provides the immune system with enough energy and resources to counteract the threat imposed on the body by the high concentration of toxin which may consequently make the body feel more lethargic and weaker than usual. This is not the time to interrupt the body’s healing effort or to stimulate it in any way through drugs, food, T.V. excitement or any other activity. What the body needs during this time is simply rest, and suitable nutrition.

To assist the body in clearing out its congested lymphatics, we can give it a bit of a gentle “nudge” by undergoing a lymphatic drainage treatment, where the lymph glands and nodes are manually handled with gentle strokes to promote their clearance and provide optimal blood and lymph flow and throughout the body.

Gentle exercise which includes moving your arms and legs such as walking, concentrating on the heel-to-toe movement as you step and swinging your arms backwards and forwards mindfully as you walk can also encourage lymphatic flow… hence regular walking and exercise is a great way to prevent lymphatic congestion before it occurs and will also be an important step in helping your body’s cells renew themselves.

It's during these times of "conscious self-renewal" where fasting or changing ones normal eating habits to a short-term diet where light, nutrient dense meals or drinks are consumed are advised. As mentioned earlier, hydration with quality water is imperative, especially when lymphatic drainage therapies are being conducted. This is encouraged to help reduce the burden on the digestive system so the body's energy can be more concentrated on the healing, clearing and renewal processes.

For more information on the types of foods you can eat if you would like to undertake lymphatic drainage, or if you need professional assistance in undertaking a short-term fast, contact me and I can assist you to ensure you undertake this process in a healthy manner.

In health and love

Deena x