The Amazing Lymphatic System

Your body has 7 pathways that is uses to remove toxins. The liver, colon, lungs, kidneys, skin, blood, and your lymphatic system. They all work together to filter bacteria, toxins, harmful substances and foreign materials. Your lymphatic system does the bulk of the work through lymph. Lymph is 75% of your body's fluids and blood is the remaining 25%. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph, which is the fluid containing white blood cells that fight infection, throughout the body. Your lymphatic system also drains excess fluid from tissues and cells into the bloodstream to prevent water retention, swelling and inflammation. Here are some ways you can keep you and your lymphatic system healthy.

Movement and Deep Breathing

Moving your body increases the flow of lymph and increases the removal of toxins from the organs and muscle tissue. Any kind of movement or exercise will help the flow of lymph. But since the main lymph vessels run up the legs, arms, and torso, moving these areas will move the most lymph.

If you're not able to move, you can do deep diaphragmatic breathing to move your body's lymph. To do it, breathe in
deeply through your nose and hold for four counts. Exhale through your mouth for two counts. As you get better at this, you can increase the time. For example breathe in for a count of five, hold for 20 counts and exhale for a count of 10. Repeat these deep breaths three times a session, and do 3 sessions a day.

Hot and Cold Showers

Alternating between hot and cold water during a shower will relax and contract your lymph vessels, resulting in increased lymph flow. The blood in your body will also flow in different directions in response to the hot and cold water. And because blood vessels are connected to the lymphatic system, it encourages lymph flow.

Stay Hydrated

Your body needs water to stay hydrated and keep the lymph fluid flowing well. And the purer the water, the better. Avoid water from plastic bottles and get a good water filtration system. Even if you are on a well, the water may still contain heavy metals and other contaminants. Sipping on warm water or herbal teas between meals will help loosen lymph and increase your hydration levels.

Diet

Eating poor quality foods is the biggest contributor to a stagnant, dehydrated lymphatic system. Some of the worst foods for your health and your lymphatic system are processed foods, conventional dairy and animal proteins, fried foods and artificial sweeteners. Drinking acidic beverages such as coffee, alcohol, soda, energy and sports drinks, is equally as bad. The best way to improve your health and your pathways of elimination is to alkalize your body by eating lots of ripe, organic, uncooked fruits and vegetables. Mixing these in a smoothie is a great way to get support your body's health. Other foods that are good for the lymphatic system include ground flax seed, chia seeds, avocado, garlic, Brazil nuts, cranberries, almonds and walnuts.

Loose Clothing

By wearing excessively tight clothing, you are reducing circulation in the lymphatic system. Tight clothing can cause blockages in the lymphatic system, which can lead to an accumulation of toxins. For women, bras, and especially underwire bras, are problematic. Approximately 85% of the lymph fluid that drains from the breasts, go to the lymph nodes in and around, the armpits. Wearing too tight a bra can cut off lymph flow and keep toxins in the breast tissue.

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