Purpose of the lymphatic system and signs it is clogged
The lymphatic system is a complex drainage or “sewer” system that consists of glands, lymph nodes, the spleen, thymus gland, and tonsils. Its role is to cleanse our cells by absorbing excess fluids, fats, and toxins from our tissues and into the blood where it can eventually be filtered out by the liver and kidneys.
Unfortunately, due to our toxic burden, nutritional deficiencies, and relative inactivity, this system has become increasingly polluted. If you suffer from any of the following, it may be a sign your lymphatic system is clogged and needs a serious cleanse:
Skin conditions
– Arthritis
– Unexplained injuries
– Excess weight or cellulite
– Headaches
– Chronic fatigue
– Sinus infections
– Digestive disorders
– Enlarged lymph nodes
If you identify with any of these conditions, you will want to strongly consider incorporating the following 10 factors to help detoxify your lymphatic system.
– Include These Herbs in Your Diet to Stimulate Your Lymph Flow
You may want to prepare homemade tea from the following herbs:
– Parsley
– Cilantro
– Wild indigo root
– Echinacea
– Pokeroot
– Goldenseal
– Astragalus
– Avoid Eating Foods that Can Contribute to Clogged Lymphatic System
To enhance the health of your lymphatic system, avoid eating the following foods:
– Sugar
– Conventionally raised meat
– Table salt
– Artificial sweeteners
– Processed foods
– Soy
– Conventional dairy
– Eat Foods that Induce Your Lymph Flow
You should eat raw foods packed with nutrients in order to enhance the health of your lymphatic system. These foods include:
– Walnuts
– Brazil nuts
– Avocados
– Low-sugar fruits
– Ground flaxseed
– Leafy green veggies
– Cranberries
– Almonds
– Garlic
– Chia
– Drink Plenty of Pure Water
The lymphatic system is primarily composed of water and must be hydrated to function at the highest level. Drinking purified and mineralized water and water with antioxidant extracts such as lemon water is an excellent detoxification strategy to push toxins from the body.
– Avoid restrictive clothing
It’s important to not wear tight clothing that can cut off proper circulation within the lymphatic system. This can cause blockages to occur and toxins to build up in different areas of the body.
Areas of particular importance where this may occur is bras for women that may be too tight in the axillary lymph node area (armpit area), and in the inguinal lymph node area (groin) where tight fitting underwear could cause a problem over time.
It’s fine to wear something tight from time to time, but avoid being excessive and keep the bra off as much as possible.
– Breathe deeply
Another method of “pumping” lymph properly comes from deep breathing. Since our bodies have 3x more lymph fluid than blood, this exercise becomes increasingly important in order to get the toxins into the blood so they can be detoxified by your liver and kidneys.
So breathe deeply, and exhale smoothly to facilitate this process.
– Exercise
The muscle contractions and body movement during exercise activates your lymph system. The best forms of exercise for lymphatic drainage is rebounding (jumping on a mini-trampoline) and skipping rope. In both instances, the up and down movement forces the lymphatic fluid to flush and drain away toxins. Maybe as kids we were onto something when we jumped on our beds! Next time you’re near a bouncy house, don’t hesitate to jump right in, that’s your sign to get rebounding.
– Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is just what it sounds like— brushing your skin when it’s dry, (except with a natural bristle brush). Think of dry brushing as a loving wake up call to your lymph to start doing what it’s supposed to—ridding your body of toxins! Not only does it take only 5-15 minutes, dry brushing also has benefits such as reduced cellulite, stimulation of your liver, gut, kidneys, lungs, and nervous system (resulting in improved functioning of the body), and stress relief. You can listen to music or practice being mindful, giving yourself some much needed self-love.
– Hot and cold showers
Although it may seem a little sadistic, a hot and cold shower has merit when it comes to benefiting the lymphatic system. The hot water helps dilate the blood vessels, and the cold contracts them, creating a “pump” action that helps force fluid that may be stagnant in the system.
Since your lymph system has no central pump of its own, this therapy and others which stimulate this type of action are great solutions to get it flowing properly again.
Caution is required when using this therapy if you have a heart condition or are pregnant.
