Top 12 Natural Therapies To Detox Your Body’s Natural Drainage System

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You know that old saying, “What goes in must come out?” Well, the same is true of the body. We have several “drains” that remove things that we no longer need or that are dangerous to our body. This system includes the large intestine, the small intestine, and the lymph system. The workings of the intestines are fairly straightforward, but the lymph system is a complex drainage system that is comprised of lymph nodes, the spleen, blood vessels, and the thymus gland. Our lymph system fights infections, absorbs excess fluids, toxic waste, and fats from the entire body, then sends them to the appropriate location for removal.

There are many ways and reasons why our lymph system becomes clogged, and these can cause disease or health problems. The good news is that there are just as many ways (and reasons!) to unclog the lymph system and get things moving again!

A sedentary lifestyle, illness, surgery, iodine deficiency, digestive problems can all clog up our natural drain. By cleanings and detoxing our lymph system we can improve our skin issues, cellulite, sinus infections, colds, cholesterol levels, improve energy levels, and lessen the symptoms of arthritis.

Keep reading and find out some of the best remedies you can employ to get your lymph system up and running like it should.

1. Massage

Studies have shown that even a gentle massage can increase the operating efficiency of the lymph system by as much as 78 percent! There are also massage therapists that specialize in lymph drainage massage. Regardless of what type of massage you choose, be sure that you don’t overdo it. You do not need a harsh massage meant for athletes — you want a gentle massage meant to improve circulation.

2. Acupuncture

Studies have proven that acupuncture can greatly stimulate the flow of the lymph system and improve circulation, which helps to remove a buildup of fluid and other waste products. Be certain that you are using a qualified acupuncture specialist.

3. Try Raw, Unsalted Nuts and Seeds

Raw, unsalted nuts such as walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, and cashews, along with raw seeds such as sunflower, pumpkin, and flax seeds can all help to speed up the lymph system by filling your body with plenty of essential fatty acids. Do not overdo it, however. All you need is one to 1.5 ounces each day (about a handful) to get all the nutrients and fatty acids that your body needs.

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4. Jumping Exercises

This is perhaps the easiest way to get your lymph system moving naturally. Although any type of moderate, regular exercise is good (such as walking), but jumping rope or bouncing up and down on one of those mini trampolines uses the force of gravity to naturally pump your lymph nodes, giving you a type of lymphatic massage. Try to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week to pump things up, and get your lymph system moving.

5. Purifying Herbs

There are several types of herbs that are known to help improve circulation and purify the lymph system. Cleavers is perhaps the best known of all the herbs when it comes to cleansing the lymph system. You will find cleavers as the main ingredient in many lymph cleansing teas and supplements. Other herbs that work well for this purpose are indigo, goldenseal, and Echinacea.

6. Foods That Cleanse The Lymph System

Eating a more natural, organic diet means that you will be introducing fewer toxins to your body, which will naturally reduce your chances of clogging your lymph system. There are also plenty of food choices that will help stimulate the lymph system, including:

Fruits – Especially berries such as blueberries or cranberries, which stimulate the lymph system and kidneys to rid the body of toxins.
Leafy green veggies – Although all vegetables have healthy antioxidants, dark green leafy greens contain tons of chlorophyll, which naturally cleanse the body.
Spirulina
Flax seeds
Chia seeds
Avocados

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7. Foods To Avoid

If you don’t fill your body with junk, it is much less likely to get itself clogged with toxins, heavy metals, and chemicals it does not need. Avoid the following to help keep your lymph system running at its optimal best:

Candy
Baked goods (which contain sugars and white flours)
Refined grains (whole grains are fine)
Artificial sweeteners
Refined sugar
Lots of red meat (especially conventional meats)
Artificial colors
Preservatives
High amounts of sodium
Foods with trans-fats (such as margarine)
GMO’s
Refined oils such as corn, canola, or soybean oil

8. Hot/Cold Showers

Alternating between hot and cold water when you are in the shower every few minutes has a very beneficial effect on your blood circulation, meaning it will also positively affect your lymph flow. Heat causes the blood vessels to dilate, and cold will cause them to contact. During the last two minutes or so of your shower, run the hot water as hot as you can stand it without burning yourself for 30 seconds, then cold water for 30 seconds. Repeat two or three times for best results. Do not try this therapy if you are pregnant, if you have a heart condition, or if you have either high or low blood pressure.

9. Deep Breathing Exercises

This is another simple, yet effective way to bring more oxygen to your body and stimulate all organs to work more efficiently. Deep breathing exercises, twice each day, will stimulate the lymph flow, eliminating toxic build up. Deep breathing not only helps your lymph system, but it can also improve the health of every single cell in your body.

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10. Herbal Teas

These types of teas are powerful medicine. As we mentioned earlier, there are plenty of herbs that can improve lymph flow, and many of them are contained in popular teas. Red clover makes the best cleansing tea. Some of the best lymph stimulating teas are astragalus, pokeroot, and burdock root. Speak to your doctor or an herbalist if you have any health conditions, or if you are taking any prescription medications, to ensure that you do not have an unwanted drug interaction.

11. Dry Brushing

Besides massages, dry brushing before each shower or bath is one of the nicest ways to improve lymph flow. Dry brushing of the skin will give the entire lymph system a huge jolt, kicking it into overdrive. Purchase a brush made just for this purpose, and just before each shower, gently dry brush your skin in long strokes towards your heart. Brush for between three to five minutes, then jump in the shower or the tub! Dry brushing feels so good, it should come with a label warning that it can be addicting!

12. Avoid Toxic Skin Products

One of the worst ways we unintentionally put dangerous and toxic chemicals in our bodies every day is through the use of beauty products. Our skin absorbs everything we put on it, and then it puts those chemicals directly into the blood. Avoid chemically laden sunscreens, lotions, face creams, makeup, toothpaste, and deodorants. There are plenty of natural recipes for making your own beauty products, or look for natural, organic products that have a minimal amount of ingredients.

Extra Tips:

Be sure you are drinking plenty of pure water each day.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that does not constrict the circulation.
Try to eat some raw fruit or raw vegetables on an empty stomach each day. The enzymes and acids in organic produce are powerful lymph cleansers.

You will know when your lymph system is working well again as you will have tons of energy, less pain, better sleep, and your skin will absolutely glow.

References:

Nhs.uk

Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Lymphnotes.com

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