Care for the Lymphatic System

This information is not intended to replace appropriate professional advice.  Please check labels and consult your pharmacist if you take prescription drugs.

The lymphatic system drains waste from every cell in the body and pounds of plaque from the brain each year. It plays a major role in immunity and is a delivery service for fats and amino acids. A congested lymphatic system can result in fatigue, pain, a weakened immune system, changes in the skin, and weight gain. It functions best with regular exercise, and simple nutrition properly combined and consumed at the correct times.

A Supportive Diet

• 7-10 glasses filtered or spring water.  Avoid chlorinated water.
• Organic food is free of pesticides and hormones linked to various diseases.
• Consume a diet that is 75-80% alkaline forming.  Very important.
• Make fruits, vegetables, raw seeds and nuts, beans, legumes, and whole grains your diet mainstays.  Avoid wheat unless sprouted.
• Fermented foods improve digestion, assimilation, and correct pH. 
• Avoid heavy protein after lunch for better digestion of amino acids.
• 1-2 tsp apple cider vinegar and honey (opt) in water with meals for digestion.
• 1-3 tbsp ground flax, hemp or chia seeds for fiber, nutrients, and fatty acids.

Cook gently.  High heat generates acrylamides and advanced glycation end products.

Herbs for Cleansing the Lymphatic System

• Astragalus is a rejuvenating tonic for the lymphatic system and a boost to the immune system.  When the lymphatic system is congested or toxic, immunity is impaired which can result in hypersensitivity reactions anywhere, but particularly on the skin.
• Echinacea is an outstanding lymphatic cleanser and like astragalus, it has strong immune boosting properties.
• Ginger has a beneficial effect on the collecting ducts of the intestines and gives a natural boost and cleanse to the lymphatic system as a whole.

Therapies, Exercise, and More

• The lymphatic system moves primarily via muscle contractions and exercise.  A sedentary lifestyle leads to congestion.  You can manually move lymphatic fluid by dry body brushing.  Instructions are available.
• Favourite foods for the lymphatic system are the “reds”. Pomegranates, berries, beets, acai, and their juices are a tonic.                                                 
• One of the best exercises for lymphatic vitality is rebounding.  Just an easy “happy bounce” for 2-5 minutes a few times each day can get stagnant material moving.  The gentle upward bounce meets up with 100,000 pounds per square inch of gravity to push you back down.  You get muscle toning and lymphatic “massage” with every bounce!
• In iridology heavy lymphatic congestion is visible as a dark ring around the iris of the eye called a scurf rim (easy to spot in blue, grey, green or light hazel eyes).  Some customers have been amazed to watch this ring disappear after several weeks of lymphatic cleansing.
• Avoid restrictive clothing.  The lymphatic system needs to free flow!
• If congestion is severe the German homeopathic preparation Lymphdiaral is specifically designed to promote lymphatic flow.  There is also a topical formula that can be applied directly to swollen nodules.  The swelling can disappear minutes after application!
• There are many lymphatic drainage tutorials online. Or if you prefer a professional, there are holistic practitioners such as Bloom With Raven in Lindsay.
• Fresh air and exercise are foods for Life.  Breathe deeply, exhale completely.

The lymphatic system is vulnerable to damage through inactivity, unwholesome foods and fats, or chemicals for any length of time. To heal and restore we recommend the following supplements to cover common deficiencies and for maintenance of good health.

Supplements – to cover common deficiencies 

• Bio-Strath – a source of B complex vitamins, improves digestion, relieves fatigue, protects cells from damage.
• Vitamin C with bioflavonoids – anti-inflammatory, antioxidant.
• Vitamin D – 8,000 IU for one month then reduce to the upper limit of 4,000 IU anti-inflammatory, steroid precursor, strengthens immune system.
• Magnesium – more than 300 biochemical processes in the human body, aids in digestion and assimilation, strengthens muscles and nerves.
• Omega 3 fatty acids – aid in assimilation of other fats, anti-inflammatory.
• Probiotics – we recommend intermittent use to strengthen immunity, correct pH, prevent inflammation.

Journal and track your progress for 3-4 months.  If you are in great health already and just want to tone the system 3-4 weeks is sufficient.

Good Health Happens by Design, not by Chance! 

*Revised February 2023