The six lymphatic organs include the thymus, tonsils, bone marrow, Peyer's patches in the wall of the small intestine, and mucous membranes. They all serve functions to assist in maintaining body fluid levels, absorbing digestive tract fats and cellular waste, and assisting the immune system.
Our treatment protocol includes: Exercises. Manual lymph drainage massage. Compression garments. Sequential pneumatic compression as seen above. Infrared therapy. Supplementation to support the lymphatic organs.
Limit Certain Foods
Some foods can exacerbate lymphedema symptoms because of the way they are processed and the additives or high salt content they contain. These foods include added sugars — specifically fructose — refined grains, chemically modified fats and most animal and dairy products.
Foods to eat. 1. Protein Protein is an essential nutrient for the health of your immune system cells
2. Vitamin C Vitamin C can help prevent infections or make them go away faster. The result? Less strain on your lymph system and lower chances of a blockage, both of which can mess with lymphatic drainage.
3. Vitamin B6 Another important vitamin for your lymph nodes is vitamin B6. Not getting enough of this essential nutrient in your diet may prevent the production of immune system cells called lymphocytes, which help your lymph system fight off infection that may impair proper drainage, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.
4. Zinc Zinc is a mineral that helps create new immune system cells. Low levels of zinc have been associated with dampened immune function and increased risk of infection, which can get in the way of proper lymphatic drainage.
5. Drink Water, Healthy foods aren't the only way to improve your lymphatic system: Don't forget to hydrate, too! Drinking plenty of water can help lymph fluid move more easily through your body to prevent buildup. A quick way to calculate how much water you should drink in a day? Divide your body weight (in pounds) by two, then drink that amount in ounces of fluid.
Foods to Limit or Avoid
There are also certain foods to limit or avoid when it comes to lymphatic drainage and swollen lymph nodes.
1. Processed Foods A diet high in processed foods can get in the way of a healthy immune system. Some foods to keep an eye out for include: Foods with added sugars, like packaged baked goods, breakfast cereals and granolas and condiments like ketchup, marinara sauce and barbecue sauce Processed meats like bacon, sausage and hot dogs Chips
2. Red Meat Eating a Western diet of COMMODITY red meat, processed foods and not enough fruits and vegetables can upset your gut microbiome, which can lead to inflammation and decreased immune function, INSTEAD choose grass-fed, grass-finished beef which has a healthy fat ratio and is not inflammatory.
3. Caffeine Stick to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines-recommended daily amount of 400 milligrams or less (that's about 4 cups of coffee).
If you're suffering from lymphatic stagnation, you may be experiencing a range of unpleasant symptoms such as a lowered immune system, fluid retention, cellulite, and fatty deposits. But what causes lymphatic stagnation in the first place? Inflammation or irritation of the intestines due to chemical additives in food, food allergies or sensitivities, or a diet high in processed foods can lead to congestion of the GALT (gut-associated lymphoid tissue) and impaired lymph flow, which can in turn lead to poor detoxification, digestive issues, and impaired immunity. A sluggish lymphatic system can also be a root cause of respiratory problems, sinus infections, swollen glands, eczema, colds, and ear infections. If you suspect that lymphatic stagnation may be contributing to your health issues, it's important to speak with Dr. Kim Carlucci for guidance on how to address it.