The lymphatic system, also known as the lymph system, is a system made up of glands, lymph nodes, the spleen, the thymus gland and tonsils. It bathes body’s cells and carries the waste or cellular toxins away from tissue to the blood where it can be filtered by two of the body’s main detoxification organs: the liver and kidneys.
The cellular toxins are made up of by-products of normal bodily processes, over-the-counter and prescription drugs, illicit drugs, cigarette toxins, airborne pollutants breathed in, food additives, pesticides and other toxins.
It is estimated that approx., 80% of women have sluggish lymphatic systems and that getting the lymph flowing smoothly is the key to easy weight loss and improved feeling of well-being.
The body has three times more lymph fluid than blood yet no organ to pump it! Blood is pumped around the body by the heart but our lymph system relies on the contraction and pressure of muscular action such as movement, deep breathing and exercise to help it transport toxins into the blood before the toxins are processed by the liver to then move into the renal system for expulsion from the body.
People suffering from injuries (minimal movement), excess weight or cellulite, pain disorders like arthritis, bursitis or headaches may find that a sluggish lymphatic system may be the result.
How to get Lymphatic fluid moving!
- Exercise ensures the lymphatic system flows properly. Inversion tables are the best and dramatically improve lymph flow.
- Drink plenty of water; without at least 2 litres of water a day and depending on body movement, climate and a few other variances, lymph fluid cannot flow properly. To help ensure the water is readily absorbed by cells, add fresh lemon juice and maybe some include pH oxygen drops also.
- Eat healthy fats such as avocado, raw nuts such as walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, Brazil nuts and macadamias, and of course seeds such as Hemp seeds, an amazing seed so try them! Flax seeds, sunflower and pumpkin seeds are also wonderfully nutritious. The healthy fats, contained in nuts and seeds, will ensure the body gets enough essential fatty acids in the diet to help protect and nourish not only every cells but the entire lymphatic system too!
- Liver herbs – once the toxins get moving, flushing them out of the body via the correct channels is required. A high quality liver tonic will ensure optimal liver function so that the years of toxins that are liberated from the lymphatic system and fat stores are efficiently eliminated and not left in the body and blood stream to settle back in.
- Soft drinks, sports drinks, and store bought fruit juices that contain more sugar than real fruit cannot be a part of anyone’s diet any longer! These sugar, colour and preservative-laden beverages add to the already overburdened workload that the lymphatic system must endure.
- Eat more raw fruit, the enzymes and acids in raw fruit are powerful lymph cleansers; eat raw fruit on an empty stomach for best digestion and maximum lymph-cleansing benefits.
Most fruits are digested within about 30-minutes and assist in the feeling of well-being. Citrus fruits have astringent properties that increase lymph flow, however, don’t go overboard! Just 2 or 3 pieces of fruit a day is more than enough. - Eat plenty of green vegetables to get adequate chlorophyll to help purify the blood and lymph gland. Purchase a bottle of Chlorophyll and add it to drinking water for extra energy and a cleansing hit!
- Congestion of the lymphatic system can also be caused by an Iodine deficiency; Iodine helps protect against the toxic environments in which we live (e.g. radiation and other pollutants that we are subjected to), and Iodine supports the lymphatic system at a cellular level, so be sure to get plenty of sea weed. Eggs and dairy also contain good amounts of Iodine. Supplements can also be taken to ensure adequate Iodine is contained in the diet.
- Dry skin brush before showering; using a hard bristled brush, brush skin in upward motion being the same direction lymphatic fluid flows, naturally, up toward the heart.
- Although not such a popular suggestion, it is very effective, alternate hot and cold showers for several minutes. The heat from hot water dilates blood vessels and the cold causes them to contract.
NOTE: People with a heart condition, hot pressure abnormalities or women who are pregnant should avoid this lymphatic system method. - Massage! Specifically, lymphatic drainage – yes, there is a specific massage to clear the lymphatic system. Studies have shown that even a regular remedial massage can push up to help recirculate up to 78% of stagnant lymph.
- Lastly and most certainly not least, SELENIUM; recent research data has stimulated medical interest in the specific anti-cancer properties of the mineral Selenium. Researchers have found that Selenium can influence gene expression to suppress a protein that regulates tumour onset, growth, and spread (metastasis). The studies confirm that adequate dietary Selenium exerts preventive effects on common cancers.
Please be aware there are three different forms of Selenium with each form having its own unique effect on body; please talk to a Nutritionist or Naturopath for clarification.
Please be sure to remember how important Selenium is for your longevity and cancer prevention, especially if Lymphatic cancer is prevalent in the family.
For further information or a tailored detox program, please do not hesitate to contact Doctor Sandra Cabot Clinics on (02) 4655 885
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