Hey gorgeous people!
I've been doing lots of lovely research lately. Research in to any particular foods that affect your lymphatics. I've compressed everything I have found out from other sources in to this article for you.
There are lots of articles to sieve through with different suggestions that aid your lymphatic system.
DISCLAIMER- I AM NOT SUGGESTING THAT DIET ALONE CAN 'CURE' LYMPHOEDEMA, BUT CHANGING YOUR DAILY DIET CAN HELP REDUCE THE STRAIN ON YOUR LYMPHATIC SYSTEM WHICH WILL AID YOUR LYMPHOEDEMA.
THESE ARE THINGS THAT I HAVE RESEARCHED AND TRIED AND THAT I HAVE SEEN A POSITIVE OUTCOME FROM IE LESS ACHING ETC.
I'm the type of person who will give anything a go, especially if it's natural.
ALCOHOL, CAFFEINE, SUGARY DRINKS- Try and keep these to a minimum, same goes for fruit juice. JUNK FOOD (McDonalds, KFC, Dominoes). Don't eat what comes with a label. Although, every now and then won't hurt (you are human after all!).
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES- A bit obvious I hear you say. Here's the important part- RAW. They are also more beneficial on an empty stomach- the enzymes and acids in fruit and powerful lymph cleansers, so by eating them on an empty stomach it means better digestion and maximum lymph benefits.
GOOD OLD GREENS- The leafy variety. These help cleanse and purify your blood and lymph via their chlorophyll.
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS- Yes, fats. You need them. I hear you saying 'But you just said no junk food, now you're saying eat fat!?' Foods such as nuts, seeds, fish, tofu, olives and avocado have a different type of fat to junk food. Unsaturated fats instead of trans fats and saturated fats. Essential fatty acids help power up your lymphatic vessels.
CITRUS FRUITS- These help increase your lymphatic flow- add citrus fruit to your water for a kick or twist. There's a reason the internet is going crazy for 'detox water'.
MELON- This is great for keeping your body alkaline which allows your lymphatics to work at their best.
BERRIES- These are full of antioxidants. Antioxidants are the fashionable food of the moment. However, they help to stop the lymphatic vessels overworking by aiding the removal of toxins from the lymph fluid.
HERBAL AND GREEN TEA- These still contain some caffeine. You can find some lymphatic boosting teas. PLEASE CONSULT A NATURAL MEDICINE SPECIALIST BEFORE COMBINING OR CREATING YOUR OWN INFUSIONS OR WHEN TAKING MEDICATION OR WHEN SUFFERING FROM ANY SERIOUS MEDICAL CONDITION. Some of the herbal teas that are said to boost the lymphatic system are astragalus, echinacea, goldenseal, pokeroot or wild indigo root tea ( yes, these all sound a bit Harry Potter). But, even good old peppermint or camomile or green tea have a soothing effect and will do your system some good.
WATER- Lots of it. Your lymphatic fluid cannot flow correctly without adequate water. Adding lemon can ensure that water is readily absorbed by your cells. I like adding berries as well as lemon and mint to my water to top up my antioxidants (tastes good too).
POTASSIUM RICH FOODS- These can aid and improve the functioning and drainage of your lymphatic system. Foods such as apricots, bananas, dried figs, raisins, dates, spinach, lima beans and white potato all contain high levels of potassium.
I've tried various way of eating to help my condition.
Vegetarian and vegan diets days are of use to me. I find my system works quicker and feels less sluggish when eating vegetarian and vegan for a few days per week.
Juice detoxes. I've tried 2 different detoxes. I've not noticed much difference to my system but I continue to juice fresh vegetable and fruit for other additional benefits.
Acai. This has been a controversial one. Some lymphie friends have been taking acai supplements (as to find acai berries in the UK is a needle in a haystack) from a health food store and have seen positive results. I'm currently taking these supplements too as a trial (I did say I'll try anything). I haven't changed any other part of my diet to see if they male a difference. Personally, I haven't noticed any size difference, but I've found my leg returns to its normal size quicker than before.
Thanks to the following sites for aiding my top lymphatic foods:
www.care2.com
www.livestrong.com
www.womentowomen.com
www.jessainscough.com (please check out this inspiring young lady and wellness warrior)
On instagram follow @detoxwater and @detoxtips for some lush recipes for your water!
Lots of Love
xoxox
Copyright Lauren Toner 2011-2014
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