Blueberries. Raspberries. All the berries. Berries are so good for your lymphatic system because they are full of antioxidants that help break down blockages in & around your nodes.
Choose grilled or baked lean proteins, like fish or poultry, and use higher fat meat, like beef and pork, sparingly. Also consider low-sugar Greek yogurt and cottage cheese for versatile lean proteins. Choose carbs like sweet potatoes, beans, brown rice and oatmeal, which have fiber.
When you do not eat enough protein, fluid can seep from your bloodstream into your tissues, making lymphedema worse. For this reason, you should work healthy protein from seeds, nuts, eggs, legumes, fish, poultry and tofu into your regular diet.
Eat more fresh oranges, drink lemon water and add kiwi, nectarines, and pomelo to your menu more often if you suffer from poor lymphatic drainage. The astringent properties of citrus fruits make them effective in removing blockages and improving the functioning of the lymph vessels.
Your lymphatic system thrives on potassium-rich foods. Dark leafy greens, broccoli, bananas and seafood, like wild salmon, are some excellent choices to consider.
Avoid trauma or injury to the affected area. Avoid heavy lifting with the affected arm. No new tattoos in the affected area. Do not wear tight clothing, bands, shoes, or jewelry on the affected area.
Sometimes, trauma to an area of your body may damage lymphatic vessels under your skin, causing lymphedema. Infection: An infection may increase lymphatic system damage. Having obesity: People who have obesity may have excess fat (adipose tissue) that puts pressure on lymph nodes and vessels.
Inflammation is by far one of the most outwardly visible symptoms of lymphedema, and there is ample evidence that shows vitamin D deficiency contributes to higher levels of inflammation in the body. Therefore, vitamin D in your system, helps control inflammation.
Deep breathing is helpful for all types of lymphoedema, even head and neck swelling. It works by changing the pressure in your tummy (abdomen) and chest. This encourages lymph to flow back into the blood system. Deep breathing can also help you to relax.
Sometimes, an injury or infection can lead to lymphedema or a lymphedema flare-up — especially if you have fewer lymph nodes as a result of breast cancer surgery. When we injure ourselves or get an infection, the body's tissues can get inflamed.
Diet recommendations for lymphedema are:
– Almond, coconut, and hemp milk are included in the primary list while sweetened dairy milk should be avoided.
avoiding very hot baths and showers – the heat from saunas, steam rooms and sun beds may increase the swelling. using sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) to prevent sunburn. wearing gloves for gardening and household tasks to avoid cuts if your upper limbs are affected.
Epsom salts work magic on the lymphatic system due to their high levels of Magnesium, a mineral known for its anti-inflammatory properties. In combination with the natural diuretic quality of mineral salts and the temperature of the water, Epsom salt baths have been shown to stimulate lymph circulation in the body.
Avoid diuretics (“water pills”), alcohol and caffeine.
Alcohol and caffeine could also function like diuretics. They both could dilate the lymph tissue and cause more swelling, and as a result, exacerbate the lymphedema.
Apple cider vinegar's potassium content helps to break up mucus in the body and clearing the lymph nodes. This also aids in the removal of toxins.
The lymphatic system requires water to flow properly. After all, lymph fluid is primarily composed of water and must be hydrated to function and flow. Drinking at least 1 litre of warm lemon water in the morning is a great way to get the lymphatic system moving to help expel toxins.
It Improves the Lymphatic System
Lemon water is especially beneficial in stimulating the lymphatic system and this helps eliminate toxins from the colon, lymph glands, and bladder. Ginger makes this process work even efficiently and prevents several chronic illnesses such as cancer.
Ayurveda recommends sipping warm water to gradually and comfortably flush the toxins out of the lymphatic system. Warm water is effective in hydrating and softening hardened muscles or tissues and is also effective in detoxifying gut-associated lymphoid tissues.
Gingerol is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant and is known to be effective in breaking down and reducing the build-up of toxins in the lymph nodes that would otherwise lead to swelling.
Vitamins that support the lymphatic system include, vitamin A, C, E, and B-6. Common herbs that also help include goldenseal, echinacea, and poke root.
The use of olive oil enhances the quality of life of lymphedema patients. Moreover, a diagnostic approach by a NGS panel shows an association of lymphedema with obesity.