The lymphatic system is the most forgotten and least understood system in the body and it’s critical to the detoxification process. The lymph travels parallel with the blood system and is responsible for the removal of waste from every cell in the body, in addition to regulating the immune system. Your lymphatic system is one of the many important cleansing parts of your body, along with your liver. Both of these systems keep your blood healthy.
We are exposed to roughly 82,000 different toxins, chemically ­based products, and processed foods on a weekly basis! Take a moment and let that sink in. Detoxification is not some fad term used by hippies in yoga pants drinking green drinks. Detoxification is simply the body’s natural, ongoing process of eliminating harmful toxins from the body so that it can function at its best and maintain homeostasis.
Toxins are everywhere; they are man­made chemicals found in the air, water, food, household cleaners and cosmetic products. We also create our own waste every single day with our normal cellular activity. We have a LOT of biological processes happening every second of the day.
When toxins enter the body through the skin, nasal passage or mouth, the body prevents “pollution” by surrounding the toxins with fat and water and stores them in different areas of the body. This can put a strain on our body’s own detox system (the liver, intestines, kidneys, lungs, skin, blood and lymphatic systems). These systems can become burdened as they try to safely excrete toxins.
Our bodies were not meant to work this hard to maintain optimal functioning. By adding a detox program to your wellness regimen, you can help pull these toxins, along with the excess fat and water, out of the body and improve your health quickly.
Keep Your Body’s Pipes Clean
The lymphatic system is like the garbage disposal of our body and therefore proper functioning of the lymph is essential in order to properly eliminate waste. Because our lymphatic system is a stagnant one, it can become congested; while our cardiovascular system has a heart to pump it, the lymphatic system has nothing to keep it moving and flowing. Thus, it relies on movement (exercise, massage, etc…) and nutrition to be its “pump”.
Given that we live in an environment of toxins that weaken our immunity, proper lymph drainage helps eliminate these toxins and assist the body to function optimally.
So how do you know if your lymph system needs some assistance? There are signs including headache, sluggishness, inflammation, poor digestion, mucus build­up, and general stiffness. Be sure to avoid dairy foods as they slow lymph down, as well as processed foods, sugary foods, and foods high in oils. These can all clog your lymph.
Whole raw fruits and veggies possess natural cleansing properties that also energize you and keep you moving (a key to healthy lymph flow).
You can imagine then that doing a raw food cleanse can benefit your health greatly. When you focus on cleansing the lymph system, there is a cascade effect. The blood gets cleansed, and then the liver and kidneys follow suit and also get a good cleaning. Health improves and you end the cleanse feeling GREAT!
BEST FOODS FOR LYMPH CLEANSING:
  • ● Watermelon
  • ● Oranges
  • ● Peaches
  • ● Pineapple
  • ● Grapefruit
  • ● Grapes
  • ● Berries
  • ● Cucumbers
  • ● Tomatoes (raw not cooked)
  • ● Romaine lettuce
  • ● Apples
  • ● Spirulina
  • ● Wheat Grass
  • ● Bok Choy
  • ● Watercress
The easiest way to do a quick lymph cleanse is to follow the 80/20 rule. For as many days as you can handle, eat 80% raw fruits and veggies. The rest of the day you can eat a healthy cooked meal. This usually equates to raw foods all day until dinner. Drink lots of lemon water and try to avoid meat and dairy on a raw food lymph cleanse. They both create stagnation of the lymph system.