Signs Of a Clogged Lymphatic System And 10 Ways To Cleanse It

Clogged lymphatic system is very serious. It usually is late when the doctors find it out. SO better watch for the signs and symptoms, they will tell you when it is time to cleanse the system. Lately it seems as if every person wants to detox— and for good reason! While detoxing is great, it is much more complex than a quick fix, or the next best juice, or the next best diet. Some detoxes may very well be beneficial, but no detox is better that that of our lymphatic system, which is there to assist in ridding our body of toxins/waste. Toxins accumulate in us every day and if our lymphatic systems aren’t stimulated the way that they should be, toxins build up and cause disease and infection. Some common symptoms of toxin build up include all over sluggishness, constant skin conditions, chronic fatigue, unexplained injuries, digestive disorders, headaches, excess weight, and sinus infections.
The reason we may feel this way is because our lymphatic system may not be active enough. The lymphatic system has no “heart”, no pumping system to return lymph fluid to the cardiovascular system (which eventually eliminates these toxins by end organs). Not having an active pumping system means that we, ourselves, are the pumping system! Our lymphatic system relies on our body’s movement, breath, intestinal activity, and muscle action to create the flow necessary to rid our body of toxins. And if we aren’t moving, these toxins manifest into illness.
Here are 10 ways to create flow in your lymphatic system and be on your way to having proper detoxification.

1. Deep breathing
   
   Deep breathing, from your diaphragm, increases oxygen levels and naturally detoxes your body. Hopefully over time this breathing will become second nature and you can reap the many, many benefits of it on top of lymphatic drainage. You can practice deep breathing any time, any where, and it’s free!
2. Exercise
   
   The muscle contractions and body movement during exercise activates your lymph system. The best forms of exercise for lymphatic drainage is rebounding (jumping on a mini-trampoline) and skipping rope. In both instances, the up and down movement forces the lymphatic fluid to flush and drain away toxins. Maybe as kids we were onto something when we jumped on our beds! Next time you’re near a bouncy house, don’t hesitate to jump right in, that’s your sign to get rebounding.
3. Dry Brushing

Dry brushing is just what it sounds like— brushing your skin when it’s dry, (except with a natural bristle brush). Think of dry brushing as a loving wake up call to your lymph to start doing what it’s supposed to—ridding your body of toxins! Not only does it take only 5-15 minutes, dry brushing also has benefits such as reduced cellulite, stimulation of your liver, gut, kidneys, lungs, and nervous system (resulting in improved functioning of the body), and stress relief.

4. Hot + Cold Showers
   
   Hot water helps dilate blood vessels and cold contracts them. This contraction creates an action similar to that of a pump, forcing lymph fluid to flow. Start with a few minutes of hot water, then 30 seconds of cold water… and stick with it! Repeat several times.
5. Drink purified water
   
   Your body needs hydration to keep the fluids moving in your body, so it is important to get half of your body weight in ounces. For example if you are 200 pounds, drink 100 ounces a day. It might seem like a lot, but buy yourself a nice glass water bottle and put it to good use! Make sure you are drinking purified water, because our water supplies can be contaminated with chloride, fluorine, VOC’s, and many other types of toxins and chemicals depending on where we live. The point of water in this sense is to hydrate your body and allow for the removal of toxins, so you want fresh water to reduce that toxic load, instead of adding to it.
6. Avoid foods, personal care products, and environments that have high levels of toxins/chemicals

If your lymphatic system is clogged with toxins, and you’re trying to cleanse it with the methods in this article, it’s important to stay away from more toxins! Just like I had described with the water, you can’t expect your lymphatic system to cleanse if you continue to expose yourself to toxins. Let’s be clear, toxins are all around us— from the foods we eat, to the products we use, to the air we breathe, and everything in between. It’s important to look at your own life carefully to determine where toxins may be the biggest problem.
Most often than not, it’s unrealistic for lifestyle changes to happen overnight. That’s okay! Do not be discouraged by the bigger picture. Every small thing you change to better your health will pay off. It takes time, it’s a process, but it is a very rewarding journey! Start by examining your life and evaluating toxins you may regularly be in contact with, understand which takes priority, and replace with alternative options. Eliminate pesticides by going organic. Eliminate BPA exposure by investing in a glass water bottle. Additionally, eliminate sugar, artificial sweeteners, conventional dairy, conventionally raised meat, refined grains, processed foods, preservatives and additives (MSG, colours, etc), table salts, as these are all toxins!

7. Eat foods and take herbs that stimulate lymph flow
   
   While you’re removing negative toxins, it’s important to add minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and herbs through a clean, nutrient rich diet. Herbs are great natural choices for promoting healthy flow of Lymphatic fluid, while a mostly raw diet is highly beneficial. Incorporate herbs into your diet, including Cilantro, Parsley, Echinacea, Astragalus, Goldenseal, Wild indigo root, and Red clover. Cleansing foods include dark leafy greens, low sugar fruits, garlic, ground flaxseed, chia, avocados, cranberries, walnuts, brazil nuts, and almonds.
8. Avoid Restrictive clothing
   
   Clothing that is too tight can cut off proper circulation of lymph fluid, simple as that. Ladies, researcher David Moth found that even wearing the lightest bras place pressure on the lymphatic system! This is an area of particular importance due to the axillary lymph node (arm pit). Another area of particular importance is the inguinal lymph node area (groin), where tight fitting clothing can cause problems without proper circulation. Honestly, I change into loose clothing the second I get home from being anywhere that requires me to wear tight fitting clothing.
9. Alternative treatments
   
   Infrared saunas, acupuncture, and lymphatic drainage massage are all awesome in releasing toxins from your lymphatic system. Saunas produce great amounts of sweat to excrete from your skin, which lessens the burden on your lymphatic system. Acupuncture opens up pathways of meridians where toxins actually begin to flow from being stimulated. Lymphatic drainage massage stimulates circulation and drains fat, fluids, toxins, and other waste products away from your cells for proper elimination. These treatments can be highly effective for eliminating toxins, as well as for allowing you to practice self-care. Just be sure to drink plenty of pure water!
10. Laugh!
    
    When you have true, deep belly laughter, (you know where your diaphragm is moving up and down really fast), negative pressure is put on the largest lymphatic vessel, which is known as the thoracic duct. Under negative pressure, the lymphatic fluid seeks an area of lesser pressure, shooting out through lymphatic vessels, and increasing speed and flow up to 10-15 times its normal rate of flow! One more reason to remind yourself to let loose and live a little! Take a step back, have fun with life, be around people that bring out the best in you, watch funny videos (or make funny videos)… do whatever it is that you need to do to give your lymphatic system some love!

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