Our body should be able to detect any toxins entered in our system, and eliminate them in a harmless way in order to maintain our good health. This function is performed by many glands, organs, and systems in our body.
However, they can sometime clog and start functioning less effectively to the point of total dysfunction. The lymphatic system is one of those systems that help in the toxin removal, but unfortunately it can be incapacitated in many ways.
Lymphatic system: Purpose and Signs It Is Clogged
The lymphatic system can be seen as a “sewer” system consisted of lymph nodes, glands, thymus gland, spleen, and tonsils. Its main job is to absorb excess fats, fluids, and toxins from our tissues so that it can cleanse our cells by eliminating these excess materials through the kidneys and liver.
However, our lymphatic system has become quite polluted as a result of our nutritional deficiencies, toxic burden, and relative inactivity. If you experience any of the following health conditions, your lymphatic system might need a good cleanse:
- Arthritis
- Skin conditions
- Unexplained injuries
- Headaches
- Cellulite or excess weight
- Chronic fatigue
- Digestive disorders
- Sinus infections
In case you suffer from any of the listed conditions, we recommend the following 10 methods to effectively cleanse your lymphatic system.
1. Exercise
At the beginning of your exercise practice, think as a tortoise and not as a hare. Start with easy and slow exercises, and as you get more energy, your exercise should be more intense and vigorous.
Rebounding is one of the safest, easiest, and most profound exercise you can begin with. This involves bouncing up and down on a “mini trampoline” in a slow manner. This is an ideal movement to stimulate the lymph flow, and tone other organs responsible for detoxification of your body.
2. Alternative treatments
If exercising isn’t in your wheelhouse yet, or you want to add on some additional body work, you can also consider alternative treatments that can get the lymph flowing.
Another way to get your lymph flowing is doing additional treatments, like a lymphatic drainage massage. This massage performed by a skilled practitioner is an easy way to detox your lymph system, since it causes stimulation of the circulation, and drainage of fluids, fats, toxins, and other waste materials away from cells to enable their proper elimination.
The effective and ancient TCM treatment called acupuncture, aids in the opening of the meridians (pathways) in your body, to help eliminate toxins from the body by stimulating the lymph flow. Another easy and effective option is an infrared sauna. The sweat your skin excretes during this process will help your body release the buildup of toxins in your lymphatic system, thus enabling it to work smoothly.
3. Hot and Cold Showers
Hot and cold shower is very beneficial for our lymphatic system. While the hot water dilates our blood vessels, the cold one contracts them. In this way, a “pump” action is created that forces the stagnant fluid in the system.
This approach, as well as other similar that stimulate the lymph flow, are excellent for the lymph system, since it doesn’t have a central pump on its own. However, be careful with this treatment if you are pregnant or you have a heart condition.
4. Use Dry Brushing
Before taking a shower, brush your dry skin in a circular motion using a natural bristle brush. Begin from your feet and proceed towards the torso, and from the fingers towards the chest. Follow the same direction as your lymph, towards the heart. In this way, your lymphatic system is stimulated, and your pores open up for an easier removal of the toxins. After this dry brushing treatment, a hot and cold shower would be ideal.
5. Drink Enough Clean Water
Choosing the right and healthy source of water is as important as drinking adequate amounts of water during the day. If you don’t drink clean water, you are ingesting toxins from the water which are easily absorbed, thus contributing to your toxic burden. Some of these toxins in the water are chlorine, fluoride, VOC’s, etc.
That’s why you should choose a safe source of water, such as an approved spring water free of these toxins, or a tested filtration system. Once you get a safe source of water, drink up to half your body weight in ounces daily (for instance 160 pounds is 80 ounces of water). You can also add some lemon juice in your clean and fresh water.
6. Avoid Wearing Tight Clothes
We should avoid wearing tight clothing that can restrict the lymph circulation, as this can lead to formation of blockages and buildups of toxins in different parts of the body. Such piece of clothing are the overly tight women’s bras and lingerie which can cause problem in the armpit area (axillary lymph node area) and groin area (inguinal lymph node area). Occasional wearing of something tight is normal, but avoid frequent wearing of tight lingerie and go braless as much as you can.
7. Breathe deeply
Deep breathing can be another way to pump your lymph properly. The human’s body has lymph fluid 3 times the amount of blood, so this technique is very important to get the toxins in the blood in order to be eliminated by your kidneys or liver. To facilitate this process, take deep breaths, and breathe out smoothly.
8. Consume Foods which Promote Lymph Flow
The first thing to do to obtain a healthy lymph flow is eating raw, clean, and nutrient rich foods. Some of the cleansing foods for your lymphatic system are:
- Low sugar fruits
- Dark leafy greens
- Garlic
- Seaweed
- Ground flaxseed
- Algae
- Avocados
- Chia
- Walnuts
- Cranberries
- Almonds
- Brazil nuts
These foods will effectively cleanse your lymphatic system by providing the necessary minerals, vitamins, enzymes and EFA’s.
9. Avoid Personal Care Products, Foods, and Surroundings that Cause Stagnation of the Lymph
If you expose your body to all sorts of toxins, you won’t be able to cleanse your system. In that way, you will continue polluting your body so it won’t have enough power to do so. This involves using conventional personal hygiene products packed with petroleum, parabens, and phthalates, as well as spending time in heavily polluted environments.
Moreover, the listed foods are also harmful for the health of your lymphatic system:
- Conventional dairy
- Artificial sweeteners
- Sugar
- Conventionally raised meat
- Processed foods
- Refined grains
- Additives and preservatives (colors, MSG, etc.)
- Soy
- Baked goods
- Table salt
Make sure you avoid these foods, as well as heavily polluted areas and personal care products with the mentioned toxins.
10. Use Plants which Stimulate Lymph Flow
Plants are very beneficial for our overall health, but certain types can also be very helpful for boosting our lymphatic system. Use the following plants to make various juices, teas, and more:
- Astragalus
- Echinacea
- Cilantro
- Goldenseal
- Red clover
- Wild indigo root
- IFL Science
- Poke root
To properly cleanse your lymphatic system, as well as any other system in your body, combine all of these methods and enjoy the improved health which will be a result of a revitalized lymphatic system.
Via Healing The Body | Healthy and Natural World | Health Free | Organic Lifestyle Magazine | Organic Lifestyle Magazine
