The lymphatic system is made up of glands, lymph nodes, the spleen, thymus gland, and tonsils. It works to bathe your body’s cells and carry cellular waste from bodily tissues to the blood, where it can be eliminated through the liver and kidneys. This waste is comprised of byproducts of our bodily processes, over-the-counter medications, narcotics, cigarette chemicals, environmental pollutants, food additives, pesticides, and more.
Roughly 80 percent of women have sluggish lymphatic systems. Getting your lymphatic system to flow smoothly is beneficial for weight loss and improved overall wellness. If you are experiencing arthritis, headaches, or have excess cellulite or weight, a sluggish lymphatic system may be the culprit. Boost your lymphatic system by using the following techniques.
#1: Breathe Deeply
The body contains three times more lymph fluid than blood, but no organ can pump lymph fluid. The lymphatic system solely relies on deep breathing to help it transport toxins to your blood. Take deep breaths to help yourself, or try taking up meditation!
#2: Exercise
Your lymphatic system can have a healthy flow if you exercise regularly. You don’t have to go crazy in the gym or become a power lifter, but light exercises like walking, jogging, swimming, yoga, pilates, or rebounding help to improve lymphatic flow.
#3: Stay Hydrated
Lymphatic fluid cannot flow properly if you do not supply the body with adequate water. Drink half your bodyweight in ounces of water every day to stay properly hydrated. If you weight 150lbs and divide that by 2 to get 75, you should be drinking 75oz of water a day.
#4: Eat More Raw Fruit On An Empty Stomach
Raw fruits contain powerful enzymes and acids that help to cleanse your lymphatic system. When you eat fruit on an empty stomach, you can gain maximum lymph-cleansing benefits.
#5: Eat Raw, Unsalted Nuts and Seeds
Raw nuts and seeds work to power your lymph with essential fatty acids. The best nuts and seeds to eat include walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, macadamias, Brazil nuts, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds.
#6: Drink Some Lymph-Boosting Herbal Teas
Some herbal teas that are great to drink for a healthy lymphatic system include astragalus, Echinacea, goldenseal, pokeroot or wild indigo root. It is recommended to consult with an herbalist or natural medicine specialist before combining two or more herbs for consumption.
#7: Dry Skin Brushing
Before showering, use a brush with stiff bristles to brush your skin in circular motions toward your heart. The reason you brush towards your heart is because that is the direction lymph flows. Start with higher lymph node areas like your armpits or groin.
#8: Alternate Hot and Cold Showers
Jump in the shower and alternate between hot and cold water. Go as hot as you can handle and as cold as you can handle for several minutes in each temperature. The heat helps to dilate blood vessels, while the cold causes them to contract. If you have high blood pressure or are pregnant, avoid this natural remedy.
