Sweet Skin

Take a whiff of your skin after an intense sweat. How does is smell (considering of course you don't have a thick slathering of toxic deodorant on)? Is it sweet and clean or is it enough to wilt a bouquet of roses? Not exactly the sexiest thing to have after a sweaty romp between the sheets if you know what I mean. Many people think that body odor is normal. It is important to note that there is a difference between normal and common. While it may be common for many people to have body odor, it is not normal and absolutely not optimal. So many people are spraying, slathering, and applying all sorts of gunk on their skin trying to mask this issue. Why don't we just get to the source and eradicate the problem rather than coping with cover ups? If you find that your skin is not as sweet as you'd like you may benefit from a cleanse. The smell of the skin is directly related to the elimination functions of the colon, urinary, alimentary system (skin), and liver. If those are overloaded then the symptom is body odor.

Incorporate these into your regular practice and you'll be smelling sweet in no time.

1. Do things to make you sweat- vigorous exercise like power yoga or even a sauna will do the trick. The digestive tract, urinary tract and alimentary system (skin) are the 3 major proponents to cleansing. Did you know the skin is considered the 3rd kidney? Sweating has a huge impact on the smell, tone, clarity and color of your skin. Many people tell me they don't sweat and think this is a good thing. It is actually the opposite. If you aren't sweating you probably are not drinking enough water.

2. Drink lots of water- at least half your body weight in ounces. To support the liver and spruce up the flavor add lemon, lime or orange wedges.

4. Eat foods that encourage the colon to purge itself of any residue or old matter that may be rotting in the GI tract. Chlorophyll is a natural odor eliminator. Chlorophyll is found in leafy green vegetables. According to Victoria Boutenko in her book "Green For Life", she recommends that we consume 2 bunches of greens a day. Beyond greens, apples, carrots, celery, and beets (especially the beet tops) are all great for colon cleansing. This is the best step to take. If more aggressive measures are desired herbs can be introduced.

5. Skin brush - this gets the circulatory and lymphatic system going to where it can cleanse the body at an optimal rate.

6. Try a series of colonics, perform home enemas, or try purging herbs like licorice, cascara sagrada. This can be habit forming so do not exceed 30 days on this herb. If after a 30 day break from this herb you can resume on 30 day intervals or as needed. Ideally, you want your body to function on it's own without the need of herbs to force your body what it should do naturally. Some people enjoy the benefits of bentonite clay mixed with psyllium to accelerate the cleansing process.

In the meantime, try going off your smelly cover ups. If you feel your body odor is too strong you can use a natural salt deodorant and/or essential oils.