10 ways to support your Lymphatic Health

Do you need help with detoxing? Is your immune system underpar?  Are you struggling with constipation?  Do you have low energy?

Our lymphatic system is a hardworking but often overlooked part of the body, playing a vital role in immunity, fluid balance, and the removal of waste products. Unlike the circulatory system, which has the heart to pump blood, the lymphatic system relies on a combination of movement and lifestyle factors to function optimally. By giving it the care and attention it deserves, you can help boost your overall health, support efficient detoxification, and potentially improve energy levels. In this blog post, we’ll explore 10 simple yet effective ways to support your lymphatic health so you can feel your best, inside and out.

Support your lymphatic system

Your lymphatic system may need some support – it has lots of jobs to do in the body including protection against infections.   The organs that are part of your lymphatic system include your tonsils, adenoids, thymus, spleen, bone marrow, lymph vessels and lymph nodes.

We are not actively thinking about our lymphatic system or are even aware of it as a system similar to the circulatory system in the body.  We cannot see the lymph vessels which transports toxins in a fluid called lymph fluid.  But if we suffer with constipation, this can have a significant effect on the workings of the lymphatic system causing congestion which results in low energy, skin issues, digestive issues and brain fog.

Here are 10 tips to help keep your lymphatic system running smoothly:

1. Any form of exercise – walking, cycling, swimming, dancing – helps to get your lymph system going!  When you move, your muscles contract acting as pumps, circulating lymph fluid throughout the body.  The toxins collected are released through our digestive system, through sweating and deep breathing.
2. Drink more water – lymph fluid is 96% water and staying hydrated helps maintain its volume and consistency.
3. Eat a nutrient dense diet – what you eat really impacts your lymphatic health. Foods that help support this important detoxification system include fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, oily fish as well as herbs such as garlic, ginger and turmeric.
4. Try dandelion tea or juice for a wonderful herbal support in terms of detoxification and also boosting the immune system.
5. Herbal teas are good to introduce in your daily routine as they are hydrating and depending on the ingredients, will be very supportive for the lymphatic system.  Try nettle or echinacea tea if you want to support a sluggish lymph.
6. Dry skin brushing – use a natural, firm bristle brush on dry skin before showering.  Make it part of your morning routine.  It will help remove dead skin cells as well as improving circulation and moving lymph.  The lymphatic system does not have a pump to help it move like the blood has the heart to move it around the body.  Start dry brushing at your feet, moving upwards towards the heart – light strokes are recommended.
7. Stretching especially in the neck and shoulders boosts lymphatic health by moving lymph more freely throughout the body.
8. Sweat it out!  As you sweat, your lymphatic system kicks into high gear, pushing out toxins that have been congesting your system.  A relaxing sauna or a brisk hike can get you glowing and give your lymphatic system a healthy kick!
9. Cold therapy has become very popular – think sea swimming all year round!  Start by turning down the heat at the end of your shower to a cold temperature.  Your blood vessels will tighten,  lymph fluid will start moving and you will be left feeling invigorated for the day.
10. The simple act of breathing is like a super power for your lymphatic system – get out in nature, if possible and take lots of deep breaths.  It is a simple but very effective way to boost lymphatic health.

Blog by Davina Dowling Nutritional Therapist