Why I Start My Day with Warm Water and Lemon
I had no idea how beneficial this was for me growing up but every day, like clockwork, mom would pour out a cup of hot water and squeeze some fresh lemon into the cup. Of course I always complained but now, 20-something years later, I am grateful that she persisted in getting me to drink the sour liquid every morning.
So why do I think drinking this is a big deal? In a nutshell:
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It raises your PH levels so from acidic to a more alkaline internal environment. Disease cannot live in an alkaline environment as it needs acidity to thrive. When we sleep, our bodies become acidic so the simple act of drinking water and lemon in the morning balances the body.
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Empowers your immune and nervous system. Lemons are rich in potassium and vitamin C stimulating your neuro-impulses and strengthening white blood cells.
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Improves digestion by removing toxins from the digestive system and promotes bile production in the liver.
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Aids in weight loss again due to keeping the body in an alkaline environment. Lemon is also a craving buster.
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Purifies the body by eliminating toxins, clears the liver and the skin.
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Calms you with a high level of Vitamin C first thing in the morning.
About the Author
Zain Saraswati Jamal uses her personal experience and knowledge to guide her students to a balanced, healthy place within their minds, bodies and spirits.
Jamal is an Ayurvedic, Holistic & Sports Nutritionist, Internationally Certified Kundalini, Sivananda and Ashtanga Yoga Teacher and Personal Coach.
In her hometown of Vancouver, Canada, Jamal works with those struggling to overcome weight issues and/or self-esteem issues, eating disorders, serious illness and who are looking to gain a greater level of overall health.
Raised in an Indian home, Zain Saraswati Jamal received the first teachings of yoga and Ayurveda at the age of five through scripture and a home asana practice. She felt naturally connected to the mystical and metaphysical philosophies, experiencing an innate familiarity, as though the teachings were already a part of her being waiting to be revealed through practice and life experience. Since then, Jamal has learned from esteemed gurus such as Pattahbi Jois, BKS Iyengar, Gurmukh, David Life, Shiva Rea, Dharma Mittra, Geshe Michael Roach, Eddie Modestini and other masters, which have helped her to refine her own practice and teaching.
Deciding to pursue her exploration of yoga and meditation, Zain Saraswati Jamal was classically trained in Mysore, India at the Shri K Patthabi Jois Ashtanga Institute (KPJAI) in 1996. She then studied over ten years of traditional Ashtanga practice and teaching before exploring other styles. In 2006, Jamal was drawn to another classical lineage Sivananda. She completed her E-RYT 500-hour at the Sivananda Ashram in Paradise Island, Bahamas as well as three years of deep philosophical study of the Yoga Sutras, Vedas and other scriptures from both the Buddhist and Vedic perspectives.
During this time, Zain Saraswati Jamal discovered the practice of Kundalini yoga in a Sikh Gurudwara and became fascinated by the liberation of movement and the immediate effect that the technology of kriya offered. She went on to study with the 3HO Certified Karam Kriya School in London, England and her own personal practice is a reflection of these classical styles.
In addition, Jamal leads Kundalini Fire Full Moon Ceremonies in Vancouver on sacred land, where women come together to release that which no longer serves and unite in support of one another?s growth and healing as well as other yoga workshops and classes all over the world.
Next Article
Spleen Health and Function: 60 Ways to Support a Healthy Spleen
Your beautiful, useful, little spleen is a vital organ found under the ribcage, in the upper left part of your abdomen. According to Western Medicine, your spleen is the largest organ in the lymphatic system, making spleen health crucial. It is sister to your tonsils, adenoids, and thymus. Helpful to your digestion and immune system, your spleen is like a youth hostel for the different aspects of your blood.
Your lymphatic system is a compilation of tissues and organs that rid your body of waste, toxins, and other non-beneficial materials. Your “lymph” is a powerful fluid that contains white blood cells, the little warriors that fight infections. According to Western Medicine, the spleen keeps your bodily fluids in balance, yet it is possible to live without it. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers similar ideas, yet expands upon these premises.
There are many similarities between the attributes of Western Medicine and TCM perspectives. Rather than distill each as a separate pathway to spleen vitality, I’ve combined most of their similarities and offer suggestions on dietary and behavioral changes in support of your spleen’s health.
In all things related to your health, seek forward-thinking doctors, D.O.s, and naturopathic practitioners to advance your health and well-being.
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