11 Ways to Detox Your Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is system comprised of lymph nodes, glands, the spleen, thymus gland, and tonsils.  It carries body`s cellular sewage to the blood, where it gets filtered by either the liver or the kidneys, the two major detoxification organs.  This sewage consists of byproducts of body`s processes, illicit drugs, cigarette toxins, over-the-counter and prescribed drugs, food additives, pesticides, airborne pollutants, and more.

As estimated by Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD and author of Fat Flush Plan, up to 80% of women have sluggish lymphatic systems.  Detoxifying their lymphatic system and keeping the lymph fluid flowing properly is the key to improving health and regulating weight.

If you experience problems like headaches, cellulite, excess weight, injuries, or bursitis, a sluggish lymphatic system might be to blame.  Luckily, there are ways to get your lymph on the right track!

1.     Breathe deeply

While the human body has 3 times more lymph fluid than blood, it lacks to organ to pump it. It heavily relies on the pumping activity of deep breathing to help transport toxins in the blood prior they are filtered by the liver.

2.     Get moving

Exercise is one of the best ways to promote proper flow of lymph fluid.  Rebounding is highly recommended, but aerobic exercise and stretching also do the trick.

3.     Drink plenty of water

Inadequate water intake causes to lymph fluid to get stuck!  To increase the bioavailability of the water you drink, add some pH drops or fresh lemon juice to your water.

4.     Forget the soda, trash the neon-colored sports drinks, and drop the fruit “juices”

All of the aforementioned beverages are high in preservatives and sugar, both of which are too much for the lymph system to handle.

5.     Eat more raw fruit on an empty stomach

The acids and enzymes in fruits are potent lymph cleansers. It is recommended to eat them on an empty stomach to get the most of their lymph-cleansing properties.  Most fruits are digested with half an hour upon consumption.

6.     Eat plenty of green veggies

Eat green veggies on a regular basis as their chlorophyll content works wonders when it comes to purifying both lymph and blood.

7.     Eat raw, unsalted nuts and seeds

Eating nuts and seeds supplies the lymph system with fatty acids, so feel free to indulge in hazelnuts, walnuts,  macadamias, almonds, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or Brazil nuts.

8.     Lymph-boosting herbal teas

Drink lymph-boosting herbal teas, such as Echinacea, goldenseal, pokeroot, wild indigo, and astragalus.  It is recommended to consult an herbalist prior combining two or more of these herbs.

9.     Dry brushing

Dry brush the skin prior showering with a natural bristle brush.  Make circular motions upward, starting from the feet to the torso and from the fingers to the chest.

10.  Hot and cold showers

Alternate between hot and cold water when taking a shower! The heat dilates the blood vessels while the cold causes them to contract.

11.  Gentle massaging

It has been scientifically shown that a gentle massage helps push up 75% of stagnant lymph back to circulation. A lymph drainage massage is also a great option! Whichever you opt for, make sure it is gentle enough.