The lymphatic system is one of the major ways that the body has for eliminating toxins. Even if you have had lymph nodes removed, there are still MANY ways that you can make sure that it is functioning well and working properly. Knowledge about how to do this is of utmost importance whether you are preventing of reversing breast cancer. 

What the Lymphatic System Does

Lymph fluid circulates throughout the body through the lymph “nodes” to transport harmful toxins towards the body’s many pathways of detoxification, such as the liver.  When this system gets clogged or is sluggish, the building up of lymph fluid, usually in the extremities, can occur. This condition is called lymphedema and, in turn, can lead to edema and fibrosis. This system is one of the body’s first lines of defense against pathogens such as infections, bacteria, yeast overgrowth and viruses since white blood cells and other immune system mechanisms reside in the milky-white lymph fluid.

According to National Cancer Institute, roughly 5 to 17 percent of women with Breast Cancer who have had Sentinel Node Lymph Node Biopsy (NLNB) will get lymphedema and a whopping 20 to 53% of those who get Auxiliary Lymph Node Dissection (ALND) will develop the condition as well.

Improperly functioning lymphatics can also lead to higher risk of breast cancer and breast cancer occurrence. Besides the build-up of toxins that can occur with a sluggish lymphatic system, lymph nodes are also one place in the body where the production of Natural Killer cells, can occur. NK cells specifically target cancer cells and other pathogens.

Ten Lymphatic Boosters

Even if you have had some of your lymph nodes removed, you can still maintain a robust lymphatic system. Compression or pneumatic pump, which is covered by most insurance providers, can be very effective if you already lymphedema in the extremities.

There are many other easy actions you can take, however, to get your lymph flowing again.

#1 Move your body! The most important thing you can do to help your lymph system is to keep moving. Experts advice that one of the best exercise for those who are risk of lymphedema is rebounding.

#2 Drink lots of water. The lymph fluid consists of about 95% water. Staying hydrated helps the body avoid lymph congestion.

#3 Skin brushing. Dry skin brushing may seem like a strange activity but thousands of years of practice in the Ayurvedic medical tradition have proven that it absolutely works to help rejuvenate the lymph system. Read about how dry brushing works in this blog.

#4 All natural deodorants. Stay away from deodorants and antiperspirants that use aluminum.

#5 EFT or Tapping. Commit to just 5 minutes a day to reduce stress and promote lymphatic flow!

#6 Lymphatic-supporting diet. A diet that supports your lymphatic system not only includes low-sodium foods that support the gut, such as prebiotics, but also those that are high in essential minerals such as magnesium, zinc and vitamin A. Leafy greens that contain high levels of chlorophyll can also be helpful.  

#7 Adjuncts to mammography. Consider alternative methods, such as thermography, to mammography for for monitoring breast health. Mammography may be damaging to the lymphatic system because of radiation and physical pressure.

#8 Support digestive system. The digestive system is intricately linked to the lymphatic system. By strengthening your balance of good gut bacteria, you inherently strengthen the lymphatic pathways.  

#9 Lymphatic massage.  A qualified lymphatic massage therapist will know how to stimulate the lymphatics through gentle massage in the breast area as well as other areas.

#10 Electro Lymphatic Decongestive Therapy (ELDT). ELDT is a non-invasive ionizing technology that uses vibration, light and electrical waves to gently opens up lymphatic pathways and

allows toxins to be expelled.  ELDT can be very effective for lymphatic health, especially for those who have suffered from Breast Cancer, since it can significantly reduce inflammation and get lymph moving again. A 2014 Italian study found that a form of ELDT helped to improve the symptoms of edema.

A similar therapy known as Electro-lymphatic Therapy uses a hand held device that is swept all over the body. This therapy uses a combination of vibrational, light, and electrical waves help to stimulate the flow by causing the dissociation of proteins that have become trapped in the interstitium. When trapped proteins (not to be confused with nutrient proteins) release their bond, the stagnate lymph is liberated and will flow out into its normal filtration and re-absorption channels. 

Avoid Lymphedema and Enjoy Healthy Lymphatic Flow!

There are a little under two dozen lymph nodes around the breast area. These nodes act as “filter stations” for pathogenic invaders  and they are the only way that cancer cells can initially leave the body. That is why keeping the lymphatic system as strong and free-flowing as possible must be a major part of any Healthy Breast journey!  

 

Dr. Veronique Desaulniers, better known as Dr. V, is the founder of The 7 Essentials System ™, a step-by-step guide that teaches you exactly how to prevent and heal Breast Cancer Naturally. To get your F.R.E.E. 7 day mini e-course, and to receive her weekly action steps and inspiring articles on the power of Natural Medicine, visit https://breastcancerco.wpengine.com/.