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An important part of caring for our health is ensuring that toxins that enter our body are effectively recognized and removed from the body in a harmless way. Many systems, organs and glands take care of that. Unfortunately, some of them often become clogged and risk becoming completely nonfunctional.
One of these important systems that helps detoxification and can become clogged in various ways is the lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system is actually a complex drainage or “waste” system made up of lymph nodes, lymphatic glands, the spleen, tonsils and tonsils.
Disorders of the lymphatic system
The lymphatic system can be disrupted for many reasons.
Most often it is due to physical activity, lack of nutrients or a high intake of processed foods.
Symptoms of lymphatic system problems
When the proper function of the lymphatic system is disrupted, the following symptoms usually appear:
- skin problems
- arthritis
- unexplained injuries
- overweight, cellulite
- headaches
- chronic fatigue
- sinus infections
- digestive disorders
- joint pain
- enlarged lymph nodes
Because the lymphatic system has no pump of its own, our body needs physical movement, breathing, muscle activity or movement of the digestive system to circulate lymph.
How to stimulate a stagnant lymphatic system
Here are 10 ways to cleanse the lymphatic system and get stagnant lymph flowing again.
1. Exercise
Regular exercise is one of the foundations of a healthy lymphatic system.
The most effective exercise for moving lymph is jumping on a mini trampoline. This movement best stimulates lymph flow and detoxifies other organs such as the kidneys or liver.
2. Alternative therapies
A very effective therapy for stimulating lymph is lymphatic drainage massage, which stimulates its flow and at the same time removes accumulated fluid, effectively detoxifying the body.
Another popular alternative therapy to support the lymphatic system is acupuncture. However, it should always be performed by a therapist experienced in traditional Chinese medicine.
Similarly suitable alternative methods include, for example, the use of today’s modern infrared saunas, which make you sweat and remove unwanted substances from the body.
3. Cold and hot shower
It may seem a little sadistic, but alternating cold and hot showers is very beneficial for the lymphatic system. Warm water dilates blood and lymph vessels, while cold water constricts them, creating a kind of “pump”. This leads to better flow.
4. Dry body brushing
Before showering, stimulate dry skin with circular motions using a natural brush (you can also use a towel). Start at the feet and work your way up the body from the toes to the chest. In this way you massage in the same direction that lymph circulates toward the heart.
This also stimulates the lymphatic system and helps open pores so toxins are more easily removed (a warm and cold shower after the dry treatment is ideal).
5. Drink plenty of clean water
You’ve probably heard it already – drink water! However, you need to be careful about the water you drink. If you drink water from an uncontrolled source, it may contain many easily absorbable toxins, such as chlorine or fluoride.
Therefore drink enough fluids during the day, either filtered with a quality filter or bottled clean still water.
Recommended daily fluid intake
It is generally recommended to drink 3% of your body weight in fluids. For example, if you weigh 80 kg, you should drink (80/100) * 3 = 2.4 liters of water.
6. Do not wear tight clothing
It is very important to avoid wearing tight clothing. This can cause the formation of toxic lumps in various parts of the body and in extreme cases can prevent proper lymph circulation in the vessels of the lymphatic system.
Critical garments include, for example, bras that may be too tight in the area of the underarm lymph nodes (armpit), or underwear in the area of the groin lymph nodes (groin), where such tight garments can cause problems over time.
Occasional wearing is not harmful, but avoid such garments long-term.
7. Breathe deeply
Another method of “pumping” lymph is deep breathing. Because there is 3 times more lymphatic fluid in our body than blood, this exercise is very important so that toxins can enter the blood and the liver and kidneys can detoxify them.
Inhalations and exhalations should be deep to facilitate this process.
8. Eat foods that support lymph flow
Clean, nutritious and predominantly raw foods are the first step to supporting healthy lymph flow. Some foods are especially cleansing for the lymphatic system:
- dark green leafy vegetables
- low-sugar fruits
- garlic
- flaxseed
- seaweed
- chia seeds
- avocado
- cranberries
- walnuts
- Brazil nuts
- almonds
These types of foods help supply the necessary vitamins, minerals and enzymes for more effective cleansing of the lymphatic system.
9. Avoid foods that damage the lymphatic system
You will never win the battle to cleanse the lymphatic system if you continue to pollute it with an inappropriate diet.
Such foods primarily include sweet, fatty and highly processed foods that often cause inflammation in the body.
Avoid and significantly reduce especially:
- sugar
- artificial sweeteners
- conventional dairy products
- conventionally raised meat
- soy
- ready meals
- preservatives
- salt
- baked treats
10. Consume herbs that support the lymphatic system
Herbs are great natural stimulants and when used correctly can be very helpful in revitalizing various parts of the body. Your lymphatic system is no different.
Herbs that are great and worth considering for making teas or juices are:
- Echinacea
- Astragalus
- Goldenseal
- Woad (Isatis)
- Red clover
- Cleavers
- Parsley
- Coriander
Conclusion
As with most chronic conditions, the only way to properly cleanse any system, including the lymphatic system, is often a combination of different approaches. Make sure you carry out a much more comprehensive cleanse of all of the above substances, and enjoy the health improvements that come with rejuvenating an overloaded lymphatic system.
