A Lymph Detox

  • Jaspal Bajwa
  • India
  • Oct 25, 2014

 

 


 

Did you know that we are exposed to over 84,000 different chemicals in our environment? Of these, only about 1% has been studied for safety. No one is safe from this artillery barrage…not even babies. The Environmental Working Group, a non-profit environmental advocacy organisation, found an average of 232 chemicals in the cord blood of babies born in 2009. This was then found to have some link to their development during early childhood. In addition, our body handles waste products produced by normal cellular activity. ‘Body- burden’ refers to the total amount of chemicals that are present in the human body. Scientists estimate that each of us carries at least 700 contaminants, most of which have not been well studied. An increasing number of clinicians are becoming convinced that these chemical exposures contribute to obesity, diabetes, autism, allergies, cancer and other chronic diseases. 

Spring and autumn are good times for some internal ‘house-cleaning’, to gear-up for a change in season. To keep our ‘engine’ humming, our body relies on its own detox system - comprising the liver, intestines, kidneys, lungs, skin, blood and the lymph. Of all the detox organs, the Lymphatic system is the least appreciated and understood; yet, it is critical to the detoxification process. The Lymphatic system is present in all parts of the body (except the brain). The Lymph is made of white blood cells, called lymphocytes, and the interstitial fluid that bathes our cells, bringing them nutrients and removing their waste. Our body contains more Lymph than blood; it travels parallel with the blood system. The Lymph only goes one way, because of the numerous one-way valves on the insides of each Lymph vessel. However, unlike for blood, there is no organ like the heart to help the Lymph flow. The body literally pumps the Lymph along its path, using the physical movement of the arms and legs. In addition to regulating the immune system, the Lymphatic system acts like the garbage system of the body and is responsible for the removal of wastes from every cell in the body. The Lymph is thus very important to supporting optimal health.

There is a strong relationship between our digestion and immune systems. Both systems can become congested and stagnant for many years. The body’s ability to detox starts in the digestive system. The ‘lacteals’ in the villi in the small intestines are part of the Lymphatic system; these absorb nutrients and fat-soluble toxins, extracting them off the intestinal wall. If the gut is constipated or there is excessive reactive mucus bogging down the villi, the Lymph and its white blood cells may not provide immunity or detoxification. In addition, our body has an immunity army waiting just across the wall of the gut. This is the Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT). Lymph vessels are also found under our skin, throughout the body. These vessels support circulation, drainage of waste and immunity. When the Lymph flow slows, the skin appears dull and toxins build up. Since the Lymph moves against gravity, it is common for it and the veins to congest, showing up through an unsightly appearance in the feet, legs, thighs, hips, belly and arms. The Lymph needs to be constantly drained. Keeping the body active certainly helps in this.

 

Tip of the Week

Rebounding on a trampoline, jumping rope, jogging or brisk walking - all help circulate the Lymph. Since there are so many Lymph nodes in the upper body, armpits, neck and shoulders, it is important to ensure that the upper body movements are accentuated. Dry brushing once a day vigorously on the arms, torso and legs is recommended, for moving the Lymph. This helps stimulate all the internal detoxification organs. Using long, smooth strokes of a soft brush, work your way up from the toes to the hands and head, then to the central torso, gently cajoling the Lymph back towards the heart. Some spas offer special massage techniques that focus on Lymph drainage.


Nature's Wonder Food(s) of the week:  Lymph Detox Foods

Some examples of herbs and teas that can be used to cleanse the Lymph are: 


  • Mangistha roots (Rubia Cordifolia), which is a wonderful Ayurvedic herb found in the Himalayas. Although Mangistha addresses many conditions, one of its most important roles is the reduction of toxic reactions caused by detoxification.


  • Guduchi or Tinsoporia Cordifolia, which cleanses the liver, so that it can process fat-soluble toxins.

    

  • Cleavers herb, Indigo, Goldenseal and Echinacea are some other herbs that can aid a Lymph detox.

     

  • Chlorella is a single cell fresh water green microalgae that is loaded with nutrients. It is of great help in the absorption of toxic metals such as uranium, cadmium and mercury.

‘Khichari’ is an outstanding detox food. It is a simple recipe consisting of a blend of rice and ‘mung’ beans (it’s like a wet risotto). Khichari’s  balance of protein, carbohydrate and fat makes for an easy-to-digest yet highly nourishing meal. It is widely used throughout Asia to purify the body. A touch of ‘ghee’ (clarified butter oil) not only adds taste but also lubricates the digestive tract and facilitates the elimination of toxins from the body. In Ayurveda, spicy teas, herbs and chutneys are recommended for keeping the fires of digestion stoked even while a cleanse is underway. Triphala, a traditional Ayurvedic digestive tonic, which contains Amalaki, Bibhitaki and Haritaki, is a mild laxative. It is often used to help preserve the good and to get rid of toxins.

For Education purposes only; always consult a Healthcare Practitioner for medical conditions

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