The lymphatic system is one of the most overlooked parts of the body when it comes to health and healing. Often referred to “the lymph system,” the lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that work synergistically together. The main role of the the lymph system is to remove unwanted toxins from the body. It also transports a fluid, lymph, throughout various parts of the body which help fight various infections. This fluid has been shown to contain infection fighting white blood cells (immune cells) (1).
A healthy lymphatic system will constantly collect this fluid and return it back to the bloodstream. The major parts of the lymphatic system are located in the bone marrow, spleen, thymus glands, lymph nodes, tonsils, heat, lungs, intestines, appendix, liver, and skin (2).
The Dangers Of A Congested Lymph System
When the lymph system becomes congested or stagnate, the body becomes overburdened with toxins and waste. As mentioned before, a healthy lymph system is necessary in order for detoxification to take place. The likelihood of becoming sick often or unable to get well is also associated with a congested lymphatic system.
Symptoms of a congested lymph may include:
- Body Swelling (lymph fluid building up)
- Constantly Sick
- Low energy / brain fog
- Itchy Skin / dry skin
- Bloated
- Sore or stiff in morning
12 Easy And Natural Ways to De-Congest The Lymphatic System
1. Exercise
It may sound cliche but exercise is the best medicine for a congested lymphatic system. Walking for 30 to 60 minutes a day is great for activating a stagnate lymphatic system. Yoga and rebounders are also great tools to utilize as they promote lymphatic circulation. I personally like to go for long treks through the woods while practicing deep breathing exercises and ancesterol movements.
2. Sauna
The sauna is great if you have access to one. When we sweat we are forcing the body to detoxify any toxins that may have accumulated. Saunas can help take a load off the lymphatic system if it’s having trouble removing toxins from the body. Just remember to always bring in a gallon of salty water (sea salt) in the sauna with you. This will allow you to properly re-hydrate.
3. Natural Herbs
Numerous herbs have been shown to support the lymphatic system. Some of these herbs include dandelion root, passion flower, nettle leaf, fenugreek, and manjistha. If buying whole herbs it’s recommended to make an infusion of the top parts and a decoction of the roots.
4. Chew Your Food
Chew your food! Although the health industry is loaded with information about how good smoothies and juicing is for your health, it may not be the best choice. We are required to chew are food in order to properly start the digestive process. If you skip out on chewing, you will eventually over burden your stomach acid and this leads to mineral deficiencies, as well as a poorly functioning body. You can read my article are smoothies wreaking havoc on your digestive system to learn more about the importantance of chewing.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar has been shown to kill various pathogens and bacteria (3). If the lymphatic system is not functioning properly due to bacteria overload, Apple Cider Vinegar may help. By taking apple cider vinegar, you will also get the added bonus of improved blood sugar levels (4).
6. Lemon Water And Sea Salt
32 ounces of spring water with a fresh squeezed lemon and a pinch of sea salt can help aid the body in elimination. This drink is perfect in order to hydrate the cells, which in return, will begin to start the detoxification process. Many lymphatic system problems stem from dehydration. Aim to drink 8-10 glasses of spring water, sea salt (Celtic) and lemon throughout the day.
7. Watch Your Words And Thoughts
Our words hold more power then we have been lead to believe. If we are constantly saying negative things or constantly thinking negative thoughts are body will suffer. It’s important to always be positive and play the cards you were dealt with. Looking back into the past or dwelling on past mistakes will only cause more problems and more suffering.
8. Always Choose Organic
It’s sad that we have to navigate the grocery store in order to protect ourselves from toxins but this is the world we live in. Foods that are not organic have most likely been sprayed with pesticides, herbicides, insecticides and fungicides and are possibly genetically modified. This is bad news for the body and will lead to an overburdened lymphatic system.
It’s important to note that there have been no long term human studies performed on the overall safety of these chemicals or GMO foods. So, if you want to be part of the science experiment, go ahead and buy non organic food. It may be more expensive but is there really a price you can put on good health?
9. Elimination Diet
The elimination diet can be a real game changer for those suffering from a congested lymph system. Many are unaware that certain foods are actually working against them. Personally, I believe the rise in food allergies is due to the overabundance of food (eating too frequently) and lack of preparation (soaking, sprouting, fermenting).
Nevertheless, to perform the elimination diet, it’s recommended that you fast for 3 days on spring water and sea salt only. After 3 days, slowly begin to re-introduce foods into your diet one at a time. Take note of how you feel. You will be amazed of how some of your favorite foods were actually working against you!
Disclaimer: Due to the dangers some may experience while fasting, always check with your “Health Authority,” also known as doctor, before performing any type of fast.
10. Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is a great technique to get the lymphatic system moving. Simply brush the entire body (neck down) morning and night. The stimulation of the brush helps get the lymphatic system moving which then begins the detoxification process.
Sources:
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/lymphatic-vessels-discovered-central-nervous-system
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMHT0024459/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7796781
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10656352
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Great article.