Great Morning Rituals

A Great Morning Ritual

According to Ayurvedic philosophy, choices that we make regarding our daily routine either build up resistance to disease or tear it down. Ayurveda invites us to get a jump-start on the day by focusing on morning rituals that work to align the body with nature's rhythms.  Once we begin to get into a good morning ritual and begin to see results, we start to wonder why we didn't start doing it earlier.

I start every day with Oil pulling. I use organic unrefined coconut oil and the process attracts and removes bacteria and toxins that accumulate in your mouth and throat overnight. It also pulls mucus and congestion from your sinuses. Coconut oil also helps in whitening your teeth! 

But, if you can only make time for one ritual that will improve your health, let it be this...

Start your day with a cup of warm water and the juice of half a lemon.

The benefits are amazing:

1- It boosts your immune system: lemons are high in Vitamin C and potassium.

Vitamin C is great for fighting colds and flu, and potassium stimulates brain and nerve function, and helps control nerve function.

2- It Balances pH: lemons are an incredibly alkaline food, although very acidic on there on, when metabolized they are alkaline. An alkaline body is the key to good health.

3- Aids in digestion: warm water stimulates the gastrointestinal tract and the lemons (high in minerals and vitamins) help loosen toxins.

4- Gentle natural diuretic:  Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials because lemons increase the rate of urination in the body. Toxins are, therefore, released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy.

5- Clears skin: Lemon water purges toxins from the blood and Vitamin C decreases winkles and blemishes.

6- Helps with weight loss: Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings.

7- Hydrates the lymph system: This starts your day on a hydrated note. When your body is dehydrated, or deeply dehydrated (adrenal fatigue) it can't perform all of it's proper functions, which leads to toxic buildup, stress, constipation, and the list goes on. Your adrenals happen to be two small glands that sit on top of your kidneys, and along with your thyroid, create energy. They also secrete important hormones, including aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone secreted by your adrenals that regulates water levels and the concentration of minerals, like sodium, in your body, helping you stay hydrated. Your adrenals are also responsible for regulating your stress response. So, the bottom line is that you really don't want to mess with a deep state of dehydration! (from an article by Ashley Dentino on www.mindbodygreen.com/