Have you been working on your health, trying to improve your energy, mood, and digestion, but you have hit a wall? Have you plateaued in your weight loss efforts? You may not be healing because your lymph is congested and not flushing out infections and toxins.
Don't forget to pay attention to your Lymph Nodes & Lymphatic Drainage
This article describes what to look for in lymph congestion, how lymph impacts the rest of your body, and ways to help improve circulation and flushing of your lymphatic system.
What is the Lymphatic System?
A proper functioning lymphatic system is crucial to the health of your immune system and whole-body stability. The lymphatic system runs parallel to the circulatory system and includes hundreds of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes located throughout the body. This system carries lymph - a clear fluid containing toxins and discard from cells and tissues. Lymphatic fluid also helps to deliver white blood cells throughout the body which are the primary fighter of infections and disease. The lymphatic system performs crucial functions like oxygenating cells, eliminating waste and detoxing our body from chemicals in our food and environment. Important parts of the lymphatic system include lymph fluid, lymph nodes, lymph vessels, ducts, appendix, bone marrow, spleen, thymus, and tonsils.
Signs Your Lymphatic System Is Struggling
How do you know if your Lymph isn't moving as it should? Or toxins aren't being flushed from your body as efficiently as they used to? Here are some symptoms and signs that might clue you into a Lymph problem:
Some symptoms can be chronic, while others come and go. Generally, not everyone will experience all of these, but if you find yourself experiencing more than 5 of these symptoms simultaneously, we highly recommend you direct healing efforts toward your lymphatic system.
Can You Improve Your Own Lymph Function?
One of our clinic missions is to help your body do what it's designed to do in healing itself. Sometimes it gets blocked by toxins or allergens, or it needs a boost with supplements and lifestyle changes. Luckily there are several ways you can help your lymphatic system's functioning from home.
Avoid Inflammatory Foods
You can inadvertently make it harder for your body to heal when it's battling infection by eating foods that promote inflammation: sugary foods, processed foods, alcohol, caffeine and additives. Check out our high histamine info to learn more about foods that cause inflammation and how to avoid them. While reducing inflammatory and high histamine foods, you'll also want to ADD anti-inflammatory foods and supplements. There are lots of great resources out there, but one of our favorites is described well by Dr. Axe in this article.
Keep Lymph Flowing with Massage and Dry Brushing
Dry brushing helps the lymphatic system by promoting lymph flow and drainage, physically. Gently brushing the skin in strokes from the extremities towards the heart, along the lymph vessels' path, you can actually help move lymph through the vessels and towards the lymph nodes, where the lymph fluid is processed and purified.
Exercise and Sweat Regularly
Like clearing the clogs in plumbing, getting your body moving, blood, flowing, lungs working, and perspiration active can have a huge impact on the ability of your lymphatic system to do it's job.
Cleanse your Lymphatic System with our DIY Virtual Program
We created this program to support anyone who suspects you have a lymph drainage issue, or you believe other healing efforts have been thwarted by a sluggish or clogged lymph flow. The program is perfect for anyone about to start a detox, nutritional cleanse, or parasite cleanse. With instructional videos from Dr. Tenesha Wards, D.C., A.C.N, and Cellcore supplements shipped directly to you, this virtual course can be completed at your own pace and in the comfort of your own home. Clear out the pathways so that all those toxins can actually get out of your system! Learn more about the Lymphatic Drainage Program here.
When Should You Seek Professional Help for Your Lymphatic System?
Some lymph blockages can be handled simply, just like taking the leaves out of a gutter to improve flow. But other times, lymphatic challenges are more complicated. If you have been struggling with 5 or more of the symptoms listed above for over 3 months with little to no relief, it's probably time to contact a functional nutritionist or holistic doctor. A professional will be able to look at the collection of your symptoms, your history, and even run tests to get to the root cause of your chronic symptoms and diagnose why your lymphatic system isn't functioning at 100%. If you have tried multiple treatments and remedies for various symptoms and haven't found relief, it might be time to look at your under-functioning lymphatic system as a possible (often-overlooked) source of your symptoms. In some serious cases, Lymphangitis is a risk that requires immediate support. Lymphangitis is a bacterial infection that affects lymph vessels and can spread very quickly. Infection occurs typically through an open wound or cut, but some viruses, bug bites, and bacteria can also transmit an infection. Be aware, Lymphangitis can sometimes spread to the bloodstream quickly which can be life-threatening. Reach out to your healthcare provider immediately if you develop Lymphangitis which is commonly signaled by red streaks that develop on the skin near the infected area. Other symptoms of can include enlarged lymph nodes, tenderness and pain around the skin, increased heart rate, high fever, and headaches.
Why Choose Infinity?
We want to support your body getting back to its natural, self-healing state. So, if you suspect you are dealing with blocked lymph or struggling lymph nodes, let's work together to get your system functioning at its highest potential again! Follow Infinity Wellness Center on Facebook and Instagram for more personal doctor perspectives, health tips, home remedies and more! If you’re ready to take the next step on your wellness journey, our passionate experts are here to support you. Become a patient here.