How to Cleanse the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system acts as the drainage system in the body, filtering and removing waste from the body. Without the lymphatic system, the cardiovascular and immune systems would stop working. When the concentration of toxins in the fluid of the lymphatic system increases, the muscles do not receive the necessary amount of blood, the organs begin to feel pain and lose flexibility, and the body’s energy decreases. ^{[1] X Source of Research} According to medical practitioners, cleansing the lymphatic system is very important. Every part of the body feels pain when the lymphatic system is congested, because all the cells in the body depend on the proper functioning of the lymphatic system to maintain their health. ^{[2] X Research Source} Congested lymphatic systems contribute to health problems such as heart disease, swelling, and lymphoma. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Table of Contents

Adjusting Diet and Lifestyle

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Avoid eating processed foods. Although scientific research has not proven that foods high in sugar cause toxins to accumulate, cutting down on processed foods, especially those containing sugar, can reduce the amount of toxins in the body. Try to reduce your intake of processed foods with sugar and simple carbohydrates, or foods with artificial flavors. The fewer toxins there are for the lymphatic system to filter, the easier it is for fluids to flow and cleanse the body. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

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Do not eat red meat, shellfish and hydrogenated fats. According to some doctors, red meat and shellfish are difficult to digest and clog the lymphatic system. ^{[5] X Research Source} If you really need to eat animal protein, go for organic meat. Hydrogenated fats are easily oxidized and lead to blockage of arteries or the lymphatic system.

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Reduce consumption of dairy products and white flour. While there’s no scientific evidence that these foods can cause problems with the lymphatic system, they do produce mucus that can clog the lymphatic system. Limit your consumption of dairy products by replacing regular milk with almond milk or rice milk. Cut down on white flour by eating whole wheat flour or trying gluten-free products. ^{[6] X Research Source} Whole wheat flour is better because it retains more vitamins and nutrients.

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Eat organic fruits and vegetables. When you go to the supermarket, you should look to buy fruits and vegetables labeled organic, or directly ask the market seller about organic agricultural products. Organic agricultural products limit the amount of toxins introduced into the body, so the lymphatic system has to be filtered less. They also provide powerful enzymes and acids to cleanse the lymphatic system. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

In the United States, the label on organic fruit and vegetables has a “9” in front of the PLU code (which distinguishes this product). ^{[8] X Research Sources}
The word “organic” describes raw or processed agricultural products that are grown organically. These foods are not grown with: synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, sludge-based fertilizers, genetic engineering, growth hormones, antibiotics, artificial ingredients or synthetic additives. ^{[9] X Research Source}

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Eat whole grains, nuts, beans, and legumes. Whole grains like brown rice, nuts like walnuts, almonds and chia all contain many important vitamins and minerals to help keep the body healthy and maintain the functioning of the lymphatic system. ^{[10] X Research Source}

The recommended daily intake of vitamin A is 700-900 mcg. It works in the intestines to prevent pathogens and viruses from entering the body.
The recommended amount of vitamin C is 75-90 mg/day. Linus Pauling believes that vitamin C has the function of strengthening the immune system and preventing viral infections.
The recommended daily intake of vitamin E is 15 mg. This vitamin acts as an antioxidant and prevents a potential redox reaction that damages the arteries and lymphatic system.
The B vitamins are a group of vitamins that help boost energy and the immune system.
Zinc is a mineral that boosts immune system function through protein production.

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Drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. You need to stay hydrated, and water also helps the fluid in the lymphatic system to circulate to flush out toxins. Drink 6-8 glasses of purified or filtered water every day. Avoid sodas, sports drinks, and fruit juices that are high in sugar. ^{[11] X Research Source}

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Food allergy testing. If you haven’t already done so, ask your doctor to perform allergy or food sensitization testing to see which foods are affecting your digestive system. The ability to eliminate toxins starts with the digestive system, and any food that causes digestive problems also leads to a blockage of the lymphatic system. Once you’ve identified foods you’re allergic to, such as dairy or gluten-containing products, you can eliminate them from your daily diet to prevent lymphatic blockages.

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Use a natural deodorant. Aluminum-based antiperspirants actually add to the amount of toxins in the body because it prevents sweating. Many physicians believe that these chemicals clog the lymphatic system. ^{[12] X Research Sources} It is also thought that aluminum accumulation can lead to Alzheimer’s disease.

You should also avoid using cosmetics containing many chemicals on your skin. Most topical oils, toothpastes, creams, and sunscreens on the market are loaded with chemicals that can clog the lymphatic system. ^{[13] X Research Source}
You should buy natural organic cosmetics that contain little or no chemicals. You can also make your own chemical-free cosmetics at home. ^{[14] X Research Source}

Exercise and Physiotherapy

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Create a regular exercise routine. Regular exercise including jumping rope and jogging will activate the circulation of the lymphatic system better. As the muscles move, they simultaneously massage the lymphatic system and improve circulation. ^{[15] X Research Source}

Walking, jogging and playing sports that require a lot of movement are great activities to improve the circulation of the lymphatic system. You try to exercise at a moderate intensity for 150 minutes per week, for at least 30 minutes to an hour each day.

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Attend Lymphatic Drainage Massages with Vodder Certified MLD Therapists. This type of training is only available to doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, massage therapists, and therapist assistants through a continuing training program. Beneath the skin there are also lymphatic vessels and they are involved in supporting blood circulation. As the lymphatic drainage decreases, the skin appears inert or pale yellow, or worse, signs of autoimmune disease appear. Lymphatic drainage massage is a rhythmic massage technique that improves lymphatic drainage throughout the body. ^{[16] X Research Source}^{[17] X Research Source}

Try to incorporate dry brushing after soaking in a warm bath or while taking a warm shower. If you’re in the shower, you can take advantage of the hydrotherapy technique that switches between cool and warm. Use a body brush with natural bristles, preferably with a long handle. Gently brush your hands in long strokes to avoid damaging the skin. This helps to stimulate the skin and remove dead skin cells.
Brush your whole body in the same way as the lymphatic drainage massage that your MLD specialist does for you.
You can add salt to the massage process by applying salt and a little therapeutic essential oil to the brush before starting the massage. This massage stimulates and draws toxins through the skin.

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Practice twisting yoga poses. Yoga practitioners believe that the “Chair Twist” and “Sitting Twist” poses can squeeze toxins out of the body. ^{[18] X Research Sources}

To do it, do the following: Stand on the cushion with your feet hip-width apart.
Clasp your hands between your chest as if praying. Inhale and exhale and place your left elbow on the outer edge of your right thigh, just above the knee. Your body should then twist to the right, with your hands clasped toward the right side of the room.
The knees should be in line with each other and the hips should be perpendicular to the front of the room. Use your left elbow to press against the outside of your right thigh to get more twist to the right with each inhale and exhale.
Hold the pose for 5-6 breaths and then return your hands to the center of your chest. Complete the same movement on the left side, with the right elbow resting on the outer edge of the left thigh.
To do the Twist, do the following: Sit on a mattress with your legs stretched out in front of you, toes bent back toward your body.
Bend your right knee and bring your foot into the inside of your left thigh. You can keep your right foot on the inside of your left thigh or cross it over the outside of your left thigh for more body twists. You can also keep your left leg straight or bent at the knee and bring your left foot to the outside of your right hip.
Use your left arm to bring your right knee toward your chest. Raise your right arm and rotate your body to the left. Place your right hand on top of the mattress a few centimeters behind you.
Continue to hug your right knee to your chest as you rotate your body to the left. For more rotation, press your left elbow toward the outside of your right thigh. Inhale as you straighten your spine and exhale as you rotate further to the left.
Hold this pose for 5-6 breaths and repeat on the other side.

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Practice deep breathing. While there’s no scientific proof that deep breathing can stimulate the lymphatic system, practicing deep breathing improves general health, including the lymphatic system. On inhalation, the pressure in the chest decreases and the pressure in the abdomen increases. This move pumps lymph from the legs upwards and draws lymph from the arms and head to the discharge points behind the collarbone. These points are like one-way valves so toxins cannot go back, and are mostly eliminated from the body. To breathe deeply you do the following: ^{[19] X Research Source}

Lie on a flat surface like a bed or yoga mat. Inhale deeply through your nose, as you inhale tilt your head back and point your feet out. Hold your breath for 5 hours after taking in a lot of air.
Exhale through your nose and at the same time point your feet toward your head. Tilt your head so that your chin moves closer to your chest.
Repeat the inhalation and exhalation for 8-10 breaths, only breathing through the nose. If you are a little dizzy, don’t worry because this is just the body’s natural response to deep breathing.
Try to practice deep breathing at least once a day, for 8-10 breaths each time.

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Take a dry bath or a steam bath. Once a week dry sauna or steam bath once a week will help the body sweat and remove toxins out. Some physicians believe that dry or wet saunas are also beneficial for the function of the lymphatic system. ^{[20] X Research Source}

After bathing, remember to drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and also to facilitate the lymphatic system to complete its work.

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To an acupuncturist for the lymphatic system. Acupuncture is a health care technique that originated in China. The general theory of acupuncture is based on the flow of energy (Qi) throughout the body and is very important for health. Disruption of this flow is the cause of sickness and disease. ^{[21] X Research Source}

One of the main goals of acupuncture is to decongest the lymphatic system. But before doing lymphatic acupuncture, be sure to check the acupuncturist’s certification. ^{[22] X Research Source}
Side effects of acupuncture include infection from an unsterile needle and partial lung failure due to accidental insertion of the needle into the lung. If the acupuncturist is well-trained and adheres to hygienic standards, these risks are minimized. ^{[23] X Research Sources}

Using Functional Foods and Detoxification Methods

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Talk to your doctor about enzyme supplements. Before taking you need to ask your doctor about the effects of these supplements on the body. According to some doctors, enzyme supplements help the lymphatic system break down complex fats and proteins, thereby supporting the digestive system. ^{[24] X Research Sources}

You can take digestive enzymes with meals and take proteolytic enzymes between meals.
Proteolytic enzymes are the body’s main tool for digesting protein fragments in the circulatory and lymphatic systems. Therefore, adding proteolytic enzymes will improve this ability of the body.
Proteolytic enzymes also help remove circulating immune complexes (CICs) from the body. When CICs accumulate a lot, they trigger an allergic reaction from the immune system and overload the immune system. Therefore, taking a proteolytic enzyme supplement helps the body to deal with this burden, and frees the immune system to perform its more practical task, which is disease prevention.

Steps

Adjusting Diet and Lifestyle

Exercise and Physiotherapy

Using Functional Foods and Detoxification Methods

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