A Mega Shin Workout
The lower legs are a part of the body often forgotten in strength training, and less popular than calf workouts, is shin strengthening. Your tibialis anterior runs along the front of your lower legs, and strengthening this muscle can make the difference between skinny lower legs and strong, shapely lower legs.
Detoxifying the blood essentially means to remove waste matter that may be in the blood as a result of biological processes or from disease. Certain natural treatmemts, including herbs, homeopathic medicines and remedies made from everyday grocery items, can be used in different ways to help purify your blood and enhance your immune system. If you are using herbs, remember that they can produce side effects. Consult your health practitioner before using any unfamiliar herbal or natural product to ensure it is right for your condition.
Lemon Juice
Juice from the common lemon can contribute to your health by helping to clear your blood and digestive tract of waste and other chemicals that may interfere with your health. Lemon juice is a mild acid that can create an alkaline-producing environment in your body, altering your pH and helping to eradicate various toxins, according to "The pH Miracle." Because many waste materials, viruses and other pathogens are unable to live in an alkaline environment, drinking fresh lemon juice daily contributes to boosting your immune system and helping to remove unwanted materials from your bloodstream. Squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon into a glass of warm water and drink in the morning before breakfast every day. Do not microwave the water, rather heat it on the stove.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Somewhat similar in action to drinking lemon juice, apple cider vinegar and baking soda in combination helps alter the body's pH and reduce acidosis, writes Felicia Drury Kliment in "The Acid Alkaline Balance," clearing the blood and body's tissues of certain toxins in the process. In particular, a mixture of apple cider vinegar and baking soda may remove waste materials like uric acid from the blood, she adds. It's important to get the proportions right for this mixture to create a near-perfect pH of 7, notes Kliment.
To make the mixture, place 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar in a tall glass with 1/2 tsp. baking soda. Allow the mixture to fizz and bubble until it is flat. It takes about two minutes. Then add 8 oz. of water and drink immediately. Lemon juice can be used in place of apple cider vinegar for similar results. Although the baking soda is neutralized in this mixture, preventing it from raising the blood pressure, you should still speak to your health practitioner before taking this drink if you have high blood pressure.
Echinacea
Echinacea is one of several herbs known for the ability to enhance the immune system and clean the blood, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. UMMC adds that echinacea has been used for centuries to treat all kinds of infections, including blood poisoning. Today it is more common to find echinacea on the bedside of those suffering from colds and the flu; however, its effects are the same in that it is working to clear the blood of pathogens to help restore good health. Echinacea is available in powdered and liquid extracts; although, some of the products on the market are more efficacious than others. Buy your herbs at reputable stores from well-known brands and where there is high turnover. This ensures you will receive the most potent, freshest products.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal is another ancient herb native to North America that has been used for centuries to treat various ailments and infections, according to UMMC. Goldenseal is known as an immune system enhancer and a blood purifier, having antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties, according to "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." Goldenseal is often found in herbal tonics in combination with other herbs and can also be used on its own as a tea. Making an herbal tea from powdered goldenseal is the best way to utilize it for cleaning the blood, as it is most potent in this form. Goldenseal is very bitter, so you may want to sweeten the herbal tea with a small amount of stevia or honey. This herb may cause a rash in sensitive people or when exposed to sunlight. In addition, it may cause irritation to the mucous membranes in the throat or the mouth. If any of these symptoms occur, stop taking it and contact your practitioner.