Those looking for a way to support their overall health may want to take a closer look at the way their lymphatic system works. This 3-day lymphatic system cleanse is a simple vegetable broth routine that many people follow once or twice a year. The proper functioning of the lymphatic system matters because it works together with other systems in the human body, such as the digestive system, the immune system, the nervous system and the body’s own natural cleansing processes.
Many wellness practitioners believe that lymph health plays a part in general wellbeing, and it is often mentioned in connection with everyday concerns such as cellulite.
A large part of the body’s lymph tissue is closely related to the gut. It is known as gut-associated lymphoid tissue, or GALT, and much of our immunity starts there. Since the digestive tract is the main pathway of entry for unwanted substances such as heavy metals, bacteria, allergens, fungi, molds, trans fats and chemicals, the gut is one of the most important lines of defense in the body.
Natural cleansing routines have a long history. Native Americans used sweat lodges, and Indian Ayurveda techniques have been practiced for thousands of years. Many people feel that supporting the body’s own effort to clear out what it does not need improves their sense of wellness.
Lymphatic cleansing routines are popular among wellness practitioners from Europe to Australia. Keep in mind that the liver, kidneys and lymphatic system do this work on their own every day, and a routine like this one is simply a few days of lighter, vegetable-rich eating.
3-Day Lymphatic System Cleanse
This is a lymphatic cleanse routine suggested by many nutritionists and personal trainers. Before you start, it is a good idea to ask your doctor for their opinion, especially if you have a health condition, take medication, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some people choose to continue the routine for an additional three days.
Preparation Period
- To start with, remove the foods that most often act as allergens, such as wheat, dairy, soy, corn, food additives and preservatives, from your menu.
- Stay away from processed and refined drinks and foods. Pasta, bread, cereal, crackers, cookies and similar foods that come in a box or include added sugar are left out.
- Remove fast food such as onion rings, donuts and French fries, as well as the trans fatty acids usually found in margarine, from the menu too.
- Reduce your coffee intake (drink coffee in the morning, but eat something first). You should also stay away from drinks and substances that act as stimulants, such as tobacco, soda and alcohol.
- Drink between six and eight glasses of filtered water every day. Avoid drinking cold water.
- Get some physical activity, breathe properly and try to spend some time in the sun every day.
- Some people also use an herbal tincture as part of their lymph cleansing routine. The tinctures made by Herbs, Etc. are a popular choice. You can add a tincture to tea, juice or filtered water. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using herbal products.
Day One
Take a large amount of fresh organic green vegetables. These are some good examples of vegetables commonly used for this broth:
- Zucchini;
- Green onions;
- Celery;
- Green peppers;
- Mustard greens;
- Turnip greens;
- Spinach;
- Red or gold beets (you can also mix them) *;
- Carrots *;
- Broccoli;
- Lettuce.
*While it is true that beets and carrots don’t belong to the group of green vegetables, they are packed with minerals and vitamins that make them a good addition to the broth. These vegetables are rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids, beta carotene and similar carotenoids. Antioxidants help protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals.
Instructions
Take all the vegetables and clean them well. Remove all the dead or wilted parts. Don’t scrape or cut them. All parts of the vegetables are useful, including the stems and roots.
Pour 2-3 gallons of fresh, filtered water into a stock pot or a large canning pot. Feel free to use spring water or distilled water too. Put all the vegetables inside and cook on low, steady heat for about 2 hours. Keep the lid on the pot while the vegetables are cooking, so that fewer minerals and vitamins are lost.
After that, turn off the heat and remove the pot. Wait until the liquid cools down and pour it off. Put the vegetables in the refrigerator in order to use them later. Drink about 3 glasses (8 oz each) of this vegetable broth two times a day. The best time to do this is right before lunch and before dinner.
Day Two
Have three glasses of the vegetable broth before your breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you notice that the broth is running low, feel free to add distilled water.
Day Three
Follow the same procedure (3 glasses before every meal), but this time use the vegetables from the broth as part of your meal.
After the third day, slowly return to your usual healthy diet.
Practice
- Eat cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, watercress (lightly steamed) and cauliflower;
- Have between 6 and 8 glasses of clean, filtered water on a daily basis (not cold);
- Use some healthy oils such as virgin coconut oil and olive oil;
- Stay physically active, laugh, smile and be positive;
- Many people repeat this routine two times a year, every spring and fall.
Daily Tips
- Take a glass of warm water and add half a lemon or lime. Drink it before you have breakfast;
- Take care of your diet. Choose whole foods rich in protein, vegetables, fruit and healthy fat;
- Some people also include a gentle colon cleanse and a lighter, cleansing diet from time to time;
- Check whether you are sensitive to certain foods and avoid them;
- Find a way to sweat in a healthy way;
- Consider visiting a lymph drainage massage therapist from time to time;
- Find a way to reduce stress.
Results vary from person to person. If you feel unwell at any point during the routine, stop and return to your normal diet.
Via Longevity
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to your doctor about any health concern.