Diet for Lymphatic Health, our Body’s Master Blood Cleanser

August 22nd, 2008

The lymphatic system plays an integral part in detoxification. It transports lymph, a clear, colorless fluid that bathes and purifies all of the cells of your body. The lymphatic system runs parallel to the circulatory system and is composed of a network of porous lymphatic vessels that are similar to arteries, as well as hundreds of lymph nodes that are scattered throughout the body. Lymph passes into and out of the bloodstream through permeable membranes, bringing nutrients to the cells and carrying away waste products. The waste materials transported out of the cells are filtered through lymph nodes, which are clustered primarily in the armpits, neck, groin, abdomen, and chest. The tonsils, adenoids, appendix, spleen, and Peyer’s patches in the small intestine are also part of the lymphatic system. The tonsils, adenoids, appendix, and spleen have erroneously been considered as disposable by the medical profession, when in fact they play an essential role in detoxification. Along with the lymph nodes, these organs filter toxins from the lymph, and destroy harmful microorganisms and cellular wastes such as worn-out blood cells.

The lymphatic system plays a critical role in your body’s immune functioning. Within the lymph nodes, white blood cells such as lymphocytes and macrophages attack and consume trouble-making microorganisms. During an infection, the lymph nodes closest to the affected area swell to contain the toxins. You’ve most likely experienced tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw when you’ve had a sore throat. The swollen nodes indicate that the lymph system is working hard to overpower the invading microorganisms. When the infection has run its course, the lymph nodes return to their normal state, which is about the size of a small pea.

Although the lymphatic system does have some similarities to the circulatory system, it does not have the luxury of its own private pump, as does the circulatory system. The heart regularly pumps blood throughout the arteries, but the lymphatic system relies on external pressure, such as exercise, breathing, and massage, to move the lymph. Consequently, many people suffer from poor lymphatic function. When the lymph is not flowing freely, stagnation occurs, wastes back up in the cells, and infections are more likely to gain a foothold.

If you have swollen lymph nodes that occur without evidence of an infection, or that persist after an infection has run its course, consult your health care practitioner.

Symptoms of poor Lymphatic Function

Swollen lymph nodes
Frequent infections
Tender lymph nodes
Hardened lymph nodes
Cellulite

Lymphatic-Purifying Diet

A simple cleansing diet helps to purify the lymphatic system.

Certain foods tend to produce an excess of waste products that thicken lymphatic fluids. The thicker the lymph, the more difficulty it has in cleansing the cells. To promote healthy lymph, avoid fatty foods, dairy products, red meat, processed and refined foods, and sugars. The most cleansing foods for the lymphatic system are fresh vegetables and fruits. Try to make vegetables and fruits approximately 50 percent of your daily food intake. I keep this uncomplicated by making sure that about half of the food on my plate at lunch and dinner consists of vegetables. In between meals, I snack on fresh fruits. Fresh vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and contain the unquantifiable vibrant life energy of the plant. If you make only one change in your dietary habits, make it this. Within a few days of increasing your intake of fresh vegetables and fruits, you will notice a significant difference in your level of wellbeing.

Carolyn was dismayed to find that her thighs and buttocks were riddled with cellulite, even after losing 20 pounds. She attended one of my cleansing programs, and immediately made the connection between her sedentary lifestyle, poor dietary habits, and cellulite. She began eating an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits, started walking and doing yoga stretches daily, and took saunas twice a week. She also performed vigorous dry body brushing and lymphatic massage daily. Two months later, she reported a dramatic decrease in cellulite, along with an abundance of vitality?.