Lymphatic Cleansing

The lymphatic system is an extensive drainage network that lies just under the skin that helps the body fight infection and helps with the elimination of toxins from the body.

The lymphatic system is made up of a network of lymphatic vessels, similar to the circulatory system's veins and capillaries. These vessels carry lymph - a clear, watery fluid containing protein molecules, salts, glucose, urea, and other substances - throughout the body. The vessels are connected to lymph nodes, where the lymph is filtered, and glands around the body including-: tonsils, adenoids, spleen and thymus.

The lymphatic system requires manual movement of its fluid throughout the body- from muscle contraction- unlike the circulatory system that has the heart that pumps blood around the body. It can therefore, easily become sluggish and congested and needs attention before symptoms of edema, toxic build-up or impaired immunity develop. When on a detox it is vitally important that the lymphatic system is supported so that toxins can be drained from the body efficiently.

The Skin

The skin is both the largest organ in the body and the most visible with a wide array of functions. It is the body’s primary defense against the elements, its greatest sensory organ, and a unique communicator between the emotions and the body. It regulates temperature and stores water, fat, and vitamin D. Our skin also serves as a gatekeeper, allowing certain molecules to enter our bodies while keeping others at bay- at the same time it allows certain molecules to leave our bodies while keeping the rest inside. It is this eliminatory function that is important to support on a Detox.

The circulatory vessels bring nourishment to the dermis, while the lymph vessels (that lie just under the skin) flush wastes away. This eliminatory function of the skin is vitally important to maintain a natural and healthy glow. If there is a high toxic load and the primary organs of elimination (being the liver and kidneys) are not working efficiently, the lymphatic system can become congested with toxins being eliminated via the skin.

Supporting the lymphatic system with the dietary and lifestyle tips listed below is going to directly benefit the skin. Additionally, avoiding using toxic skin care products on your skin that can cause congestion and contribute to the body’s toxic load is really important. Many skin care products contain nasty chemicals that congest the skin and overload the lymphatic system. 

Sarita's Top Dietary & Lifestyle Tips for Lymphatic Cleansing

1. 1. Dry Skin Brushing: Use a dry skin brush in light circular motions from the hands towards the heart and the feet towards the heart- for 10 minutes 2-3 times per week.
   2. Hot and Cold Showers: Stimulate the flow of blood and lymphatic fluid by having hot and cold showers.
   3. Plunging in the Ocean: A swim in the ocean will get the heart pumping and help lymphatic flow.
   4. Exercise or Movement: Daily exercise or movement is vital for the lymphatic system. While the circulatory system has a pump (the heart), the lymphatic system requires muscle contraction to pump fluid throughout the body. Try 30 minutes daily of vigorous activity. Rebounding on a trampoline is also beneficial.
   5. Avoid/Reduce Saturated fats, Dairy and Wheat: These foods are best avoided with those who have a tendency for lymphatic congestion.
   6. Include the following foods- Onions, garlic, radishes, horseradish, wasabi, leeks, chives, shallots, oriental mushrooms, grapefruit, ginger, berries and bitter foods like rocket, green tea, brussel sprouts.
   7. Increase Consumption of Good Quality Clear Fluids- herbal teas, water and broths.
   8. Saunas: Saunas are a great way to eliminate toxins through the skin and will help to lighten the load off the lymphatic system.
   9. Lymphatic Drainage Massage: A light massage that helps to move lymph from the peripheral areas towards the heart to be eliminated from the body.

4 Top Teas to Detox 

Herbal teas are a fantastic way to help hydrate and cleanse the body. 

Some of my favourite herbs to support the lymphatic system and skin on a Detox include-:

• Calendula- a lymphatic cleansing herb assisting with the elimination of wastes on a detox and a key herb in BBTC’s Detox.
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• Nettles- contain chloryphyll, vitamins and important minerals including iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium- important blood-building nutrients that help improve the health of the skin. The nutritive content of nettles coupled with its diuretic action means that it can help to promote the elimination of metabolic acid wastes via the lymphatic system and kidneys. This is a key herb in BBTC’s Detox.

To make it easy for you I have put together the Byron T-tox pack that contains my top 4 favourite teas for Detox including the ones mentioned above to support the skin and lymphatic system.  Another one to consider is BBTC’s Glow to support a natural and healthy glow.

Byron T-Tox includes- Dandylicious, Green, Detox and Digest.

To find out how to apply the Teas to your Detox, check out our free Spring: Detox & Revitalise program.