A toxic free, clean system is the most important part of staying healthy and living a long vibrant healthy life.
Therefore ensuring that our body rids itself of toxic build-up to stay healthy is paramount.
Most people instantly think liver cleanse, colon cleanse – and the gut and liver are definitely extremely important to ensuring that we stay healthy and energised- but the one area which is often neglected is the lymphatic system.
Unfortunately if people do not take care of this part of their body, it will become congested and clogged and not work properly.
The lymphatic system is part of the circulatory system and is a crucial part of the immune system.
It consists of glands, lymph nodes, the spleen, the thymus gland and the tonsils.
It has multiple functions such as:
- Removing interstitial fluid from tissues
- Absorbing and transporting fatty acids and fats from the digestive system
- Transporting white blood cells to and from the lymph nodes to the bones
- Transporting antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells to the lymph nodes where a immune response is stimulated.
Unfortunately, the lymphatic system is out of balance in many people due to nutrient deficiencies, high intake of processed foods, and lack of regular daily physical activity.
Signs that your lymphatic system requires a serious cleansing:
- Arthritis
- Skin conditions, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, acne, congestion, uneven skintone.
- Digestive disorders
- Frequent headaches
- Sinus infections
- Unexplained injuries,
- Excess weight
- Chronic Fatigue
The lymphatic system doesn’t have its own pumping system – it needs the body to move, breathe and the intestines and muscle to help it flow and push toxins out of the body.
To ensure your system is working at its optimal best – here are 11 ways to get it moving!
- Exercise
Regular vigorous exercise is key for a healthy lymphatic system. Walking, Ashtanga yoga, swimming and cycling are all great – and yes running helps – but I don’t recommend running as it is damaging to the joints, face and breasts. The jarring action causes issues later in life and will age you prematurely. One of the most stimulating exercises is rebounding on a small trampoline – but if you are trying to incorporate weight management and fitness in whilst you are detoxing your lymphatics – you will find that the trampoline will not help much in this area. It is great to do for 10 minutes when you get home if you have been sitting most of the day.
- Lymphatic drainage massage
A lymphatic drainage massage is one of the easiest ways to detoxify the lymphatic system. This needs to be done by a professional – but you can use a cupping method to treat your skin in between treatments – but do use a good oil (look at number 11) or if you cannot find someone to do the massage. Use the cups on the face as well, or massage your face daily for a few minutes for fabulous results!
- Hot then cold shower.
The hot water helps dilate the blood vessels, then the blast of cold water shrivels them. This creates a “pump” action that forces out the toxic fluids that have remained in the body. Ideally this should be done every morning after dry skin brushing in the shower – first a hot shower followed by a blast of cold water – seriously invigorating! This therapy is not recommended for pregnant women or for those who suffer from cardiovascular disease.
- Dry skin brushing
Brush your dry skin all over in a circular motion for 10 minutes by using a natural bristle brush, before you take a shower. Do this before having a hot then cold shower.
- Drink filtered clean water
Drink 2 – 3 litres of filtered clean water every day – starting your day off with a glass of warm water with ½ a lemon in it. Unfortunately, tap water contains chlorine which kills your gut flora so ensure your water is always filtered or spring.
- Avoid wearing tight clothes
By wearing tight clothing such as gym gear all the time will cause blockages in the lymphatic system, which can lead to an accumulation of toxins. Yes – I am sure you are wearing the special gear which helps with circulation – but no – it is still not great for your lymphatics when you wear it all day every day! Panty hose, and skinny jeans are also in the not suitable to wear list nor are body shape wear or tight dresses.
- Deep breathing
Our bodies have 3 times more lymph fluid than blood, but there is no organ to pump it. The pumping action of deep breathing will help the lymphatic system transport the toxins into the blood before they are detoxified by the liver. Think yoga breathing – or stand outside when you are in clean air and breath in and out in a rhythm whilst raising your arms up and down or around.
- Eat foods that promote lymph flow
Eating a diet full of raw and nutrient rich foods promotes a healthy lymphatic system. Some of the best cleansing foods for the lymphatic system are:
- Leafy green vegetables
- Low sugar fruits
- Flaxseed oil
- Chia seeds
- Avocados
- Garlic
- Brazil nuts
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Cranberries
- Avoid foods that cause the lymphatics to become sluggish
Avoid the following foods:
- Processed foods
- Farmed meat (only eat free range – and in small quantities)
- Artificial sweeteners
- Dairy (unless it is organic in small quantities)
- Sugar
- Table salt
- Drink herbal teas which help with the lymphatic system
Herbs can be very helpful for the lymphatic system. Use the following herbs to prepare teas that promote lymph health:
- Echinacea
- Astragalus
- Wild indigo root
- Goldenseal
- Cilantro
- Poke root
- Parsley
- Massage with essential oils to help the lymph detox.
Massaging your body with essential oils (or even better massaging these in and then cupping) can be helpful for the lymphatic system. Use the following essential oils in a good almond, hemp or olive oil base:
- Lemon
- Juniper berry
- Grapefruit
- Rosemary
- Peppermint
- Eucalyptus
- Orange oil
- Ginger root oil
Need more help getting this right?
Book a glowing skin consultation and I will take you through the steps (minus the breasts for obvious reasons lol)
Yvette xx
Thank you for reading my blog!
Hi!
I am Yvette van Schie, I am a holistic beauty therapist, skin nutritionist, skincare developer and makeup artist. I am passionate about sharing real beauty advice with a whack of reality.
For over 30 years I have worked with the best in the beauty and health industry as a trainer, educator and product formulator and I still do – so my knowledge is diverse – I am not blinkered when sharing my information with you because everyone I speak to shares what they know, and I turn it into easy to digest information because I want my readers to feel empowered to make their own decisions and to feel that they are fully in control of their beauty and well being.
