Is My Lymphatic System Congested?
The lymphatic system is a collection of vessels and nodes throughout the body. It’s responsible for filtering toxins and waste from the blood. The lymphatic system has no organ to pump the lymph through the body. The flow depends upon the contraction of muscles as well as external manipulation. You can move the lymph through manual stimulation such as exercise, deep breathing, massage, dry brushing, and gua sha. When you move the lymph, you may notice your mouth watering or the need to swallow (yes, THAT’s why that happens!) This is the “rest & digest” system of the body activating. You’ll feel your entire body begin to relax.
Stress and constant tension settles in the muscles and creates blockages of lymph. This shows as a puffy appearance most noticeable in the face, jaw, and abdomen. No worries, this stagnation is not permanent. It can be helped with some stimulation. A reduction in lymphatic congestion doesn't just depuff the outward appearance. Internally you'll decrease inflammation, promote digestion, and balance your immunity. Win-win.
What causes lymphatic congestion?
Unhealthy behaviors such as late nights and salty snacks drain water and minerals from the body. This stresses the excretory system as it removes toxins. Thus, leaving the internal environment inflamed and dehydrated. Think of the fluids in your body moving like dust through a straw. Eating a balanced diet abundant with hydration and minerals can remedy this. The body is designed for homeostasis (ie: stabilization). Providing yourself with enough nutrients (including H2O) will decongest the lymphatic system naturally.
Besides water and minerals, eating fibrous and hydrating foods can fight stagnation. Organic leafy greens will help the elimination of toxins in the body. Hydrating cucumbers and melons keep the body bedewed (new favorite word). While 6 cups of leafy greens sound like a lot, remember how drastically it cooks down. Also remind yourself it can be done over more than one sitting. Consider adding in more spinach, kale, rainbow chard, or collard greens to your diet throughout the day. Leafy greens contain prebiotic fiber, the fiber that feeds the probiotic ecosystem in your G.I. tract. A gut robust with healthy bacteria boosts digestion. This leaves your body absorbing more nutrients and eliminating more toxins. Buh-bye bloat and inflammation.
Lymphatic congestion can be felt internally and externally. It can happen overnight or insidiously build. Luckily, taking care of your lymphatic system doesn’t need much more work than nurturing yourself.
Drink water, eat fiber, and exercise daily (words to live by.) And if you’re looking for that extra lymphatic self-love, adding in a self massage never hurt anyone. ;-)