Now more than ever, supporting our immune system is crucial. When looking to better support our immune system, it also means supporting our lymphatic system. Our lymphatic system serves as your body’s drainage system, aiding in natural detoxification, immune health, and fluid balance (not to mention there are beauty benefits too). Unlike our circulatory system that utilizes our heart as a pump, the lymph system does not have a pump and it relies on us to keep things moving.
How can we support our lymphatic system?
1. Getting in movement daily. Since our lymphatic system doesn't have a pump, think of movement and muscle contractions as a pump.
2. Staying hydrated. Lymph is mainly made up of water. Without enough water, the lymphatic fluid cannot flow properly and it can lead to stagnation in the body.
3. A diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Think about it like this: the more nutrient dense your diet is, the less stress you are putting on your body and the better your lymphatic system can do it's job (which is helping protect us from infection and disease).
4. Dry body brushing is an Ayurvedic technique that can boost circulation and lymphatic flow manually. Dry brushing is simply brushing the skin in a particular pattern with a dry brush on dry skin (usually before showering).
How to dry brush:
Ensure your skin is completely dry. Starting at your feet, working your way up and inward, moving the brush over your skin in long, strokes that go in the direction of your kidneys. Maintain a slightly firm pressure as you dry brush. Dry brushing is great for improved circulation, lymphatic health, cleaning your pores and exfoliating the skin.
Dry brushing offers numerous health benefits and is an easy, cost-effective way to care for your well-being.
5. Gua Sha / Massage / Foam rolling. Massage aids in moving the flow of lymph and blood, and can aid in reducing fluid build up in the body.
6. Contrast showers (hot/cold immersion). Alternating from hot and cold temperatures can have a powerful effect on your blood and lymph flow. Simply finishing your morning showers with 60 seconds of cold water can do wonders for your body.
7. Adequate magnesium levels. Magnesium isn't called the miracle mineral for no reason. Magnesium helps to regulate blood pressure and is anti-inflammatory, which both aid in supporting the lymphatic system. Supplementing with magnesium or including magnesium rich foods daily like avocado, almonds, spinach and pumpkin seeds are crucial.
8. Reducing toxic load.
It is impossible to remove all toxins from our lives, but reducing the amount we are exposed to can give our body as a whole a better chance to work towards balanced health.
Eating a nutrient dense diet, getting regular movement in, along with adequate sleep and reducing overall stress levels are all critical for lowering stress and assisting in the body’s natural detoxification processes.
The health of your lymphatic system relies on you to keep things moving.
Putting forth even the smallest continuous efforts, repeated day in and day out, can make a world of a difference and bring positive change into your life.