Body Info : The Lymphatic System

Q : Why do we need the lymphatic system ?

A: The lymphatic system transports toxins and unwanted materials through the colorless fluid called 'lymph', to be excreted by the body. It also functions to transport white blood cells (disease-fighting cells) to and from the lymph nodes and bone marrow. 

The lymph nodes act as scanners for diseases and are found mostly at the neck, armpit and groin regions. Lymph nodes can swell up due to reasons such as injuries, infections and cancers in serious cases. Swollen lymph nodes are usually tender and pain to touch. Sometimes, the skin covering swollen lymph nodes turns red and warm. 

It is important to ensure smooth flowing lymphatic system, not only for a healthier immune system but also for easier weight loss! This might be good news to all ladies out there who are working out very hard but see slow improvements in their weight loss progress, especially at the UPPER THIGHS and ARMPIT areas.

How to have better lymphatic circulation, you ask?

Now, because the lymph flows only in one direction which is aided by the contractions of our skeletal muscles, the very first way to improve our lymph circulation is to EXERCISE! Believe it or not, the best exercise that can help is jumping on a trampoline (REBOUNDING)! It is found that such exercise increases lymph flow by 15 to 30 times due to the gravitational pressure adding on to muscle contractions while jumping.

To elaborate more on the rebounding exercise, it is an exercise safe for almost anybody of any age! It doesn't hurt the knees like how other exercises do. It does not only improve blood and lymph circulation, but also have other benefits such as muscle toning, reduce stress and tension, lowers cholesterol and increases body co-ordination and balance. It's also super fun to do!

Here's a rebounding workout video for beginners!

If you can't find a trampoline nearby, doing some stretching and aerobic exercises is better than not doing anything!

You may hear this many times before, but WATER is the key to a better lymphatic system. Drink about 2 litres of water everyday. That excludes other drinks such as coffee, hot chocolates and juices.

Enzymes in RAW FRUITS and VEGETABLES are known to be lymph cleansers. So eat more fruits and greens, but eat them on an empty stomach for best results.

Sorry to all fans of DESSERTS and SOFT DRINKS but you have to ditch your favourite chocolate cake or sodas if you want a healthier lymphatic system!

You can also treat yourself to a relaxing MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE at a reputable spa centre every now and then to stimulate your lymph flow.

Last but not least, an interesting way of stimulating good lymph circulation is ALTERNATING COLD AND HOT SHOWERS. This is because hot water causes the lymphatic vessels to dilate while cold water contracts them, increasing peristalsis which causes flow of lymph in the vessels.

Do all these before it's too late, for a healthier and a more beautiful you! xx

Ways to get rid of bad breath

Feeling less confident when talking to someone due to your bad breath? Find out why and how to cure it!

There are many people who are experiencing this problem so don't be shy to ask for help if its affecting your daily life. It is not something you should be ashamed off. The following few methods are known to cure or reduce bad breath. Try it for yourself!


1. Practice a good oral hygiene

One of the most famous reason for having bad breath is poor oral hygiene. This causes excess bacteria build up in the mouth which gives out a smelly odor. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and after your meals if possible. This is because bacteria lives on the food particles left in your mouth after eating and they release certain sulphuric compounds which gives out that trashy smell.


2.  Keep your tongue clean

If you haven't already know, 90% of bad breath cases are caused by the tongue. The tongue has a large surface area for bacteria to grow on it. Don't just brush your teeth, clean your tongue as well! It is equally important! Gently brush it with a soft nylon toothbrush or a tongue cleaner after you brush your teeth. You can easily get a cheap one in the supermarket these days.


3. Drink More Water!

The drier your mouth, the worse your breath gets. By drinking water, it will prevent bacteria from building up in your mouth. Also, don't replace your 8 cups minimum of water daily with other sugary drinks especially sodas. The sugar in the drinks will cause the bacteria to multiply and also causes cavities which also leads to bad breath. Try putting 1 tablespoon of lemon juice into your water everyday as it helps eliminate bad breath.


4. Avoid breath mints and/or gum that contain sugar

Do not be fooled when you see statements like "for fresh breath" on breath mints/gum packages! It will only give a temporary effect which only lasts less than an hour and will actually worsen your breath after the mint effect is gone. Chew on fresh mint leaves instead! The mint leaves will give a longer lasting fresh breath, plus it can be found easily!


5. Blow your nose more often

Your breath gets worse when you have allergies, post-nasal drip or a common cold. This is because when your nose is blocked, you tend to breathe more using your mouth instead of the nose since its all clogged up, hence it will cause the mouth to be dry causing less saliva to filter the bacteria in the mouth. If you are experiencing this, try going to the doctor to cure the root of the problem instead!


6. Stop Smoking

It will give you bad breath in a nanosecond, but may only take 20 years to kill you!The chemicals in the cigarette are known to cause bad breath as the chemicals will accumulate and be deposited in your mouth.

In addition to the things mentioned above, eat your way to fresher breath! Here is a list of food that will help reduce bad breath.

1) Anise seed
2) Cinnamon
3) Fennel
4) Cloves
5) Fresh mints
6) Parsley
7) Lemon juice
8) Green tea

Fancy some chilling fruit juice on a hot day? Try this juice recipes at home and you will be on your way to a cleaner, fresher breath!

Juice 1
Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber/zuchinni
- Few handful amount of spinach and kale
- 2 slice of watermelon
- 10 strawberries

Juice 2
Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber/zuchinni
- 1 cup kale
- 1 lemon
- 1 fennel bulb

Method : Just juice them all together and get it down your throat while its fresh! Do not leave the  juice for more than 10 mins.

Tips : The amount of spinach and kale can be adjusted to your own liking! If you are a fan of celery, you can use them instead of kale.



Stay confident with your clean, fresh breath! xx