How To Cleanse Your Body Of Toxins, No Fad Detox Required

The body has a built-in cleaning system that acts like a ‘sewerage system’ and is known as the lymphatic system of the body. The lymphatic system has many roles including balancing the fluid levels of the body, and responding to bacteria. However, the most important role is the removal of toxins – which is happening constantly, with no effort required!

 This system is a network of blood vessels, capillaries and lymph nodes (those lumps under your jaw that get sore when you’re sick) which all carry a watery substance called ‘lymph’. Lymph is made up of waste fluid that has leaked from tissues and often consists of numerous toxins and nasty bacteria. This waste comes from the breakdown of products from our food and also the waste excreted from our trillions of cells.

 The fluid that is collected naturally makes its way to the numerous lymph nodes in the body to be filtered, and through large organs such as the spleen, thymus and lymphatic tissue which filters the blood, and produces cells that fight off infections with special cells called ‘B and T Lymphocytes’.

What happens if my lymphatic system slows down?

If your lymphatic system is compromised, a build-up of lymph fluid will often cause what looks like swelling, in areas such as around the ankles, legs and wrists. In severe cases, this is called lymphoma and can be managed.

How can I help stimulate my lymphatic system?

Unlike the other fluid in our body (Blood), the lymphatic system has no pump, and relies on movement to make its way around the body to assist in detoxification.  Generally, as we are all moving around in our day-to-day, our lymphatic system does its job perfectly without our attention at all. However, for those who struggle to maintain an active lifestyle or need extra help with their lymphatic system, the below can assist:

-       Gua Sha (A tool used to slide lymph along the skin toward lymph nodes)

-       Dry Brushing (Brushing against the body lightly moving lymph toward nodes)

-       Acupuncture and cupping to promote Qi

-       Lymphatic drainage massage

-       Altering the diet, removing processed foods

-       Physical activity

-       Keeping hydrated

Food and the lymphatic system:

As always, food plays an essential role in the success of the lymphatic system. Limiting refined sugars and processed foods is key, and filling the body with a variety of foods is essential to expand the good bacteria in our gut’s to perform optimally. Some foods which are perfect for the lymphatic system are:

-       Green leafy vegetables

-       Omega 3’s

-       Cruciferous vegetables

-       Chia Seeds

-       Vitamin C-rich foods (Kiwi, capsicums, berries)

-       Garlic