Quick Read:
- Your lymphatic system as your body’s internal cleaning crew, flushing out toxins and other things that can sabotage healing.
- It relies on movement, hydration, and care to keep flowing. Daily movement, sweat, hydration, lymph-loving foods, and therapies will help you curate lymphathic health.
- Many of the therapies mentioned below are available at our Healing Diva Elite Retreat this October! [1]
If you are on a healing journey or just seeking longevity and optimum health, there’s one often-overlooked system that deserves your full attention: your lymphatic system.
It doesn’t get the press that your liver or gut does, but your lymphatic system is a key player in clearing harmful toxins, supporting immune surveillance, and maintaining cellular health (aka: stopping the spread of cancer cells).
On the opposite note: a sluggish or congested lymphatic system can contribute to inflammation, immune dysfunction, and even the recurrence of cancer.
What Is The Lymphatic System?
Think of your lymphatic system as your body’s internal cleaning crew. Lymph fluid (milky white and rich in white blood cells) circulates throughout your body, picking up toxins, pathogens (like viruses, yeast, and bacteria), and waste. After gathering the toxins, they drop them off at your detox organs: liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs, and skin.
Side note: Did you know that your skin is your largest detoxification and absorption organ? That is why sweating (which is why we are big sauna [2] and exercise [3] fans) is essential, and so is what you put on your skin. In other words, pay attention to what you lather onto your skin, as it goes straight into your bloodstream. Click here to learn about nontoxic and safe beauty products. [4]
And now back to your lymphatic roadmap: Along the way, it passes through lymph nodes, which act like security checkpoints, housing powerful immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells that identify and attack cancer cells and other threats.
When your lymphatic system is working optimally, it prevents the buildup of cellular waste and supports a strong immune response that can defend your body against cancer recurrence and other dis-eases. However, when it becomes congested, this waste can become trapped in your tissues, leading to a condition called lymphedema (swelling due to fluid accumulation) and contributing to inflammation and fibrosis.
Even low-grade lymphatic dysfunction can silently sabotage your healing as it can lead to:
- A higher risk of breast cancer recurrence (Discover more ways to prevent it here [5])
- Weakened immune defense
- Buildup of cancer-promoting toxins
- Poor circulation of vital nutrients
Emerging research [6] suggests something even more shocking: the same bacteria found in the mouth have been discovered inside breast tumors, indicating how invasive and far-reaching your lymphatic system really is. However, on the other hand, it isn’t all that shocking since every single part of your beautiful body is completely connected. Nothing lives in a silo, which is why healing breast cancer requires a total mind, body, and soul transformation.
How to Keep Your Lymphatic System Flowing
The lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump like the heart. It relies on movement, hydration, and care to keep flowing. This means it is something you have control over since you are in charge of how you intentionally look after your body. Here are proven ways to gently and powerfully support your lymphatic health:
1. Move Your Body Daily
Movement is the #1 way to support lymph flow! Exercise encourages muscles to contract and pump lymph fluid through your vessels. Doing so also reduces swelling and inflammation while transporting immune cells throughout the body.
Additionally, researchers found [7] that there were 72% fewer metastatic cancer cases in people who reported regularly exercising at a high intensity compared to those who did not engage in physical exercise. 72% FEWER CASES! Ladies, it’s time to live the sweat life to enjoy the sweet, healthy breast life!
Today, and every day that ends in “Y” (Ha! Every day), make it a priority to get moving! Click here [3] to learn more about exercise oncology and HIIT workouts.
2. Hydrate. Right now and all day long.
Lymph is 95% water. If you’re even slightly dehydrated, lymph flow slows. Aim for at least half your body weight in ounces of filtered water (we pour out the reasons why here) [8] and healing fluids each day.
[9] Some Breast Cancer Conqueror favorites include:
- Matcha Tea. Superfood Science Matcha [9] deactivates cancer cells. To learn more about the healing powers of Matcha, please read this blog post. [10] Try this Matcha GingerAid [11] for a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up!
- OnkoTea™. These teas are masterfully created by the Bekjanski family (learn more about their cancer stem cell work here) [12]. Our shop sells Lemon Essence for Wellness [13] and Tulsi Mango Peach for Radiance. [14]
- Dr. V’s healing other teas. There are so many types that we dedicated an entire blog post [15] to her top teas and the research behind the power of sipping tea.
- Lemon and a pinch of salt. (Good) salt and sodium are actually your hydration friends and necessary parts of your healing journey. Click here [16] to learn why and which salts we recommend.
3. Dry Skin Brushing
Dry brushing only takes a few minutes and can easily be done at home. It supports your lymphatic, nervous, and immune systems, all while providing a relaxing and invigorating self-care therapy. For more insight and the exact protocol we teach at the Healing Divas Retreats [1], please read this blog post. [17]
4. Castor Oil Packs
Castor oil has been used for centuries to reduce inflammation and stimulate lymph flow. Apply over your abdomen or breast area and relax with a warm pack. This is another effective at-home therapy; you can learn more about it via this blog post [18].
5. Lymph-Loving Foods
These foods are natural lymph movers and detoxifiers:
- Berries: Rich in antioxidants. Try this divine blueberry dessert recipe [19].
- Garlic: Allicin supports lymph circulation. We love this lemon garlic recipe [20].
- Ginger: Helps drain lymph and boosts circulation. It can be easily consumed through a powerful supplement. [21]
- Curcumin: Reduces swelling and inflammation, and is critical for healing journeys. Discover why here [22].
- Cucumbers: Super hydrating. And some vibrancy to your afternoon with this spicy cucumber salad [23].
- Parsley: Natural diuretic and detoxifier. Travel to the Mediterranean with this parsley-infused salad [24].
- Omega-3s: From fish oils [25] or flax seeds [26], they reduce inflammation and support cellular function, doing a world of good for your brain, heart, and general health.
6. Try Innovative Lymphatic Therapies
There are several trailblazing therapies designed to activate and decongest your lymphatic system. You can try many of them at our new Elite Retreat in Boise this fall [1].
- FLOWpresso®: A combination of deep pressure, heat, and compression therapy for a uniquely engineered wellness experience. To discover more about this breakthrough non-invasive natural approach, please click here [27].
- Ionic Detox Foot Bath: Detoxifies heavy metals and toxins through the feet, cleansing, rebalancing, and revitalizing your body from the ground up. Soak in all the details and benefits here [28].
- Chiropractic Soft Tissue Therapy: If you are experiencing lymphedema due to the removal of one or more lymph nodes during conventional surgery or radiation therapy, chiropractic care may be an excellent choice for facilitating lymphatic drainage. It’s also something that everyone can benefit from as it focuses on whole-body alignment, physically and energetically.
- HOCATT: Hyperthermic Ozone & Carbonic Acid Transdermal Technology uses an advanced combination of TEN modalities at one time! Learn more about it via this blog post [29] and The Karlfeldt Center’s web page [30] (the home of the Elite Retreat [1] this October!
Clear Your Path to Healing
Your lymphatic system is not just a “nice to have” system. Oh no, it’s a vital lifeline in your healing journey. When it flows freely, your immune system is stronger, your detox pathways work better, and your risk of recurrence drops.
You don’t need to do it all at once. Pick one new habit and stick with it. Once that becomes routine, add in another. Every new lymph-loving step you take helps clear the path for your body to heal.
Harness your inner power and make healing happen. You got this; we’ve got you!