Better care for your lymphatic system is needed.  It’s so important to develop an awareness about our bodies, take super good care of ourselves and be our own advocate.  And our Lymphatic System is one body system we often overlook.

And my friends, I want to let you know that over here at feedyourselffully.com one of the things that we’re all about is keeping the weight off.  Interestingly, one of the many functions of the lymphatic system (a network of tissues, vessels, ducts and organs) is to rid your body of toxins, excess fluids and fat.

These toxins are then eliminated by your kidneys.  But if your lymph flow is slow and congested then body fat can accumulate. 

This fat surplus unloads around your belly, hips and thighs.  And guess what?  Most women aged 40+ have a congested lymphatic system.  Oh my!  It’s time to focus on better care for your lymphatic system.

Why Is This Happening?

Toxins

They’re everywhere and collect in lymph fluid before being flushed from your body.

Stress

Stress hormones can be responsible for deteriorating lymph tissue causing lymph vessels to drain improperly.

Loss of Muscle Strength

As we age, the muscle strength required to move lymph fluid diminishes and muscle contractions from surrounding tissues that support the lymphatic system become considerably less frequent once we’re into our 50’s.

Another issue is that inflammation may also block the flow of lymph from being transported throughout your body.

We have many systems in the body, but out of all of them, the one we tend to focus on the least is the lymphatic system.  If you’re focused on creating a healthy lifestyle, you’ll want to learn how to serve your lymphatic system best.

Not Sure What the Lymphatic System Is?

Your lymphatic system is part of your immune system.  It’s a complex system of vessels that course through your entire body.  Lymph nodes located all over your body help keep your body at peak performance.

The lymphatic system helps cleanse the fluids around your body’s cells.  It removes impurities and waste. This helps protect you from toxins and invaders that cause illness. And at the same time, it keeps your body in tip-top shape.

When the system doesn’t function properly, you may wind up with chronic illnesses that leave you feeling run down and ill.  Plus, studies reveal that when you neglect your lymph system, you retain more fat deposits.  Keeping your lymphatic system healthy is essential to having your best health.

What may stand in your way and cause your lymph flow to stagnate are an unhealthy diet, dehydration, infections, lack of regular exercise, as well as the three other factors we mentioned earlier (overexposure to environmental toxins, stress and loss of muscle strength).

What Can You Do?

Have a massage

Massages help stimulate your lymph nodes and get that fluid moving to drain away toxins.  Specifically, consider having what’s called a Lymphatic Massage.  This is one that involves rhythmic circular motion and planned pressure.

Use a jade roller (or a cold stone or metal spoon)

Massage for your face is also important. The fluids pool under your eyes when you sleep, and a jade roller will help release them, providing necessary circulation to keep your skin looking young and vibrant.

Dry brushing

It’s important to point out that the lymphatic system moves in one direction only and that is upward — away from gravity!  Clogging can occur because the lymph system battles to fight gravity.

Therefore, to improve lymphatic flow and circulation, brush your skin (best to do before your morning shower) toward the heart (where your lymph system drains) with a natural bristle brush.

Drink more water

When you feel thirsty but don’t want to get up, just think about how your lymphatic system needs you to do your part to flush it.  Drink up with water for your best results.

Make healthy choices for your meals

When you eat things brimming with refined sugar, preservatives, refined grains, chemicals and other processed items, you’re making your lymphatic system work double-time.  Save the treats for a special occasion and keep your plate full of fresh whole foods like fruits and veggies, whole grains and lean proteins.

Choose essential fatty acids

Your body needs healthy fats — in particular, the lymphatic system needs them.  Pumpkin seeds, almonds, walnuts, flax seeds, and avocados all give you those necessary fats in the best way possible.

Bump up your physical activities

Moving your muscles helps massage your lymphatic system and keeps the flow going.  Using a rebounder, stretching and yoga are great for this and even more vigorous exercises, too, will help you.  And be sure to do some strength training.

Breathe right

Meditative deep breathing is ideal for helping you draw fresh oxygen into your body.  This helps clear the fluid in the lymphatic system.  It keeps you calm and focused, too.

Use steam power

Just one hour each week in the sauna at your gym or at home in a steam bath can do wonders for your lymphatic system!

Now that you’re aware of what you may be neglecting, there’s no time like right now to make a healthy change and focus on better care for your lymphatic system for your ultimate health!

So which of the ideas above, if any, do you think you’ll try?  And if not, why not?  Please comment below, we love to hear from you!