The importance of ridding the body of accumulated toxins is key to optimizing one’s health.
The human body has special systems, glands and organs whose main function is to eliminate these toxins. However, those organs may become clogged, thus preventing them from performing their normal function.
The lymphatic system belongs both to the circulatory and the immune system. It is composed of lymph glands and nodes, the thymus gland, tonsils, and spleen.
We can list the functions of the lymphatic system as follows:
- Carries out and takes in the fatty acids from the digestive tract
- It removes the interstitial fluid found in tissues,
- It transports white blood cells to and from the lymph nodes
- It transfers the APC (antigen-presenting cells) to the lymph nodes stimulating immune response
However, nutritional deficiencies, increased intake of processed foods, and lack of physical activity may lead to functional deterioration of the lymphatic system.
The following symptoms are a clear signs that the system has to be cleaned:
- Frequent headaches,
- Skin problems (conditions)
- Unexplained injuries
- Digestive disorders
- Chronic fatigue
- Arthritis
- Excess weight
- Sinus infections
Since the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump (like the heart for the cardio-vascular system), the flow in the body can be stimulated by increasing intestinal activity, muscle action, body movements, and breathing.
Here are some tips on how you can stimulate and improve the flow in your lymphatic system to encourage the removal of toxins from your body.
- ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS
The easiest and simplest way to eliminate the toxins from your lymphatic system is the lymphatic drainage massage.
Acupuncture is also a very effective way to stimulate toxin elimination.
Infrared saunas may also be a good way to improve the functioning of the lymphatic system.
- DRY BRUSHING
You can brush your skin by using a natural bristle brush.
- Brush the legs toward the heart (up)
- Brush the arms toward the heart (down)
- Brush your belly and torso circularly
- Do the same for your back
Take a hot/cold shower.
- STOP WEARING TIGHT CLOTHES
They, obviously, prevent lymphatic circulation, resulting in toxin accumulation.
- PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Exercise regularly to prevent lymph clogging. As I have sated before, I always warm up by rebounding on a trampoline for 10 minutes, before I hit the weights.
Walking and HIIT are also highly recommended.
- HOT AND COLD SHOWERS
Hot/cold showers provide a “pump” action, which helps eliminate fluid buildup. Not recommended for pregnant women and people suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
- DRINK PLENTY OF CLEAN WATER
You should drink good/clean water (not from plastic bottles) according to your weigh. If, e.g., you weigh 160 lbs. you should drink 80 oz of water. If you weigh 200 lbs., drink 100 oz.
- SLEEP ON YOUR LEFT SIDE
Please re-read “Why You Should Sleep on Your Left Side”, posted on April 14, 2017
- BREATHE DEEPLY
There is 3 times more lymph fluid than blood in our body. As the lymph system does not have a pump, like the heart, you need to breathe deeply to help eliminate the toxins in your body.
- WHAT FOODS TO AVOID
- Artificial sweeteners
- Soy
- Conventional dairy
- Processed foods
- Sugar
- Table salt
- Industrial meat
- WHAT FOODS TO EAT
- Cranberries
- Chia
- Almonds
- Garlic
- Avocados
- Ground flaxseed
- Leafy green vegetables
- Low GI fruits
- Walnuts
- Brazil nuts
It is also suggested that herbs like:
- Goldenseal
- Astragalus
- Parsley
- Echinacea
- Pokeroot
- Cilantro
can be consumed as a tea; they are highly beneficial for your lymph system.
I’ll be visiting my family in the US, and am therefore taking a 2-week break. See you all when I get back.
