Starting a Detoxification? Then you need to know about the role of your Lymphatic System
What is the lymphatic system and why does it matter to our health? To address this question it’s important to be aware of the three main functions of our lymphatic system.
First, the lymphatic system is a network of lymphatic vessels and nodes which drain lymph from tissues into the blood. Lymph is a clear fluid which carries a high concentration of white blood cells to fight infections and diseases. The lymphatic system is part of our immune system and it has the following specific roles:
The removal of excess fluids from body tissues, including cellular waste.
Absorption of digestive tract fats and the transport of these fats.
Production of immune cells such as white blood cells.
Lymphatic congestion is a key factor in inflammation and disease. Possible indications of lymphatic congestion include:
-Swollen lymph nodes
-Fluid retention
-Persistent fatigue
-Achy joints, especially upon waking
-Cold hands and feet
-Headaches
-Bloating and constipation
-Persistent mucus/phlegm in the back of your throat
-Chronic sore throat
-Inability to fight off infections
While many people suffer from one or more of these symptoms, it’s important to note that they can be related to a more serious underlying disease so it’s best to consult your physician with concerns or questions related to your condition.
How can you promote your own body’s lymphatic circulatory system?
1. Avoiding processed, chemically-laden foods and reaching primarily for whole foods will not only significantly reduce the body’s toxic burden but will supply your body with the necessary nutrients to promote the body’s metabolic activities. We all know what these foods are so let’s reach for our favorite vegetables and try a new simple recipe for a fresh and crunchy salad, a flavorful curry or a succulent stir-fry. Load up on fresh herbs. Don’t forget about those spices that have been sitting in the dark pantry just waiting for their moment to shine! Include healthy fats in your diet and avoid poor quality fats.
2. Hydrate regularly and consistently. Lymph moves more easily with water. Take several sips throughout the day rather than guzzling your day’s worth of water in one sitting. Drinking according to thirst, need and temperature.
3. Move your body daily. Most exercises, both aerobic and anaerobic, are excellent in promoting optimal lymphatic flow. Those that are particularly useful and require only a few minutes include jump roping, bouncing, stretching and yoga.
4. Deep breathing is essential for proper lymphatic flow. When you breathe, your diaphragm moves down while your abdomen expands. When you exhale the diaphragm moves up while your abdomen contracts. This mechanism allows lymph to flow away from organs, into lymphatic vessels and back into the bloodstream.
5. Avoid or significantly reduce exposure to toxic chemicals in pesticides, cleaning products and personal care products. Give your body less to filter in the first place and conserve your body’s energy for other tasks. These chemicals can build up in your system and make it harder for your body to filter waste.
6. Acupuncture is an excellent modality in moving lymph and can be utilized effectively with an individualized protocol to treat one’s constitutional imbalances.
7. Hydrotherapy is a simple process of alternating hot and cold applications to the body. Cold will cause lymphatic vessels to contract and warm will cause them to dilate, serving as an effective pump to move lymph.
For a more personalized examination of your condition and to assess the most appropriate treatment options, email admin@drclara.com to schedule an appointment with Dr. Clara.