Do you feel sluggish, both physically and mentally? Do you feel sore and stiff upon waking? Do you have heavy legs and feet, are your sinuses congested, or headachy? Or perhaps you’re just feeling foggy and find it hard to make decisions?
If you’ve answered 'yes' to any of the above, then your Lymphatic System may need a tune up.
4 reasons it’s important to have a healthy Lymphatic System.
1. The Lymphatic System is our major waste and removal transport system. It silently mops up the litter left behind by all the other body systems. That litter comes in the form of daily stress, fatigue, electronic pollution, chemical exposure, sedentary lifestyles, processed foods, and poor health habits in general. An inefficient collection of waste materials if left lurking in the body can lead to dysfunction, and, inevitably, ill health.
2. The Lymphatic System maintains fluid levels in our body. It removes excess fluid that drains from cells and tissue in the body and returns it to the blood stream to be recirculated through the body. Without this working properly, the problem is like an overflowing bathtub, creating a flood or excess fluid in our bodies.
3. Along with the immune system, the Lymphatic System is at the frontline of the body’s defence system. It helps filter out harmful substances from the bloodstream, producing and releasing white blood cells and other immune cells that monitor and destroy foreign invaders. Poor Lymphatic System functioning can affect our bodies capacity to fight infection and disease.
4. The Lymphatic System plays an important role in the absorption of some fats and proteins from the intestine before being transported to the blood stream to be used as fuel. Imagine a car with very little fuel in the tank - it certainly wouldn’t go far. When our bodies run on low energy levels it limits our capacity to function properly.
So now we know WHY it’s important to maintain a healthy immune system, but how do we go about it?
4 best ways to maintain a healthy Lymphatic System:
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Exercise (such as walking): the contraction of your muscles with movement helps to pump lymph and fluid through the body more effectively. We recommend moving or walking for at least 25 minutes per day.
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Dry brushing: dry brushing stimulates lymphatic drainage and helps to remove toxic build up on the surface of your skin. Buy a brush with natural bristles, and brush daily before you shower - stroking towards the direction of your heart.
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Eating more greens: green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, broccoli, mustard greens, kale, turnip greens, and dandelion leaves) help to stimulate lymph and blood circulation and assist with the removal of excess water in the body.
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Diaphragmatic breathing (AKA deep belly breathing): this type of breathing not only calms the nervous system, but helps move lymphatic fluid and return it into the blood circulatory system. We recommend practicing diaphragmatic breathing for at least 5-10 minutes daily. Breathe deep into the belly for 4 seconds, and out slowly for 6 seconds.
If you'd like more information on how we can help you optimise your lymphatic system health, Contact us now or head to the booking page to make an appointment with one of our health care practitioners.