What to eat for health and healing
What should I eat to get the most from my lymphatic sessions? I get asked this often, so often that I made a short handout for anyone here at the office that would like it. When you come in you can ask for a copy or you can just read it online. While this is basic stuff it is not the stuff that we are taught, not in schools growing up, not in the doctors office, and certainly not in the main stream media advertising. The FDA has done us a huge disservice by allowing as many additives and chemicals in our food supply as we have today. It is my strong belief that this is what is making us sick and keeping us that way.
What to eat to help your recovery, wellness, everyday life.
Lymphatic supporting diet. (diet as in what we put in our mouths as opposed to the “fad diets” BS)
A lymphatic supporting non-inflammatory diet emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods that combat chronic inflammation while avoiding processed items that promote it. It's similar to the Mediterranean diet and focuses on antioxidants, healthy fats, and fiber. Vitamins A, D and K are very good for your lymphatic system as well as your cardiovascular system.
This is not a complete list nor is this medical advise. This is just a starting point the rest of the research is up to you and your team of wellness practitioners including your doctor. Your individual diet needs and restrictions should be talked to with your doctor- I am not a doctor.
Foods to Include
Fruits like berries, grapes, and pomegranates for their anti-inflammatory compounds.
Citrus fruit helps clean the liver and are high in vitamin C (which enhances collagen for repair and rebuilding of the lymphatic vessel walls) and citrus fruits provide carotenoids and flavonoids which help reduce inflammation as well.
Vegetables such as leafy greens (kale, spinach etc.), broccoli, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, and cruciferous types like cauliflower but all veggies are good for you and provide high amounts of vitamin K and other minerals for lymphatic vessels.
Healthy fats from avocados, olives, olive oil, nuts (walnuts, almonds), seeds, and fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) rich in omega-3s.
Whole grains (oats, brown rice, quinoa), beans, lentils, tofu, and tempeh for fiber and plant protein.
Spices and beverages like turmeric tea (with curcumin), arnica tea, ginger lemon tea or green tea. Dark chocolate (in moderation), and herbs like oregano, cloves, cinnamon, garlic basil etc all provide minerals your body and lymphatic system needs daily.
Foods to Avoid
Processed sugars --soda, candy, cakes, cookies, and sweetened drinks, which spike inflammation-- we are trying to avoid causing more inflammation.
Sunflower oil, Canola oil, Corn oil, Soybean Oil- all slow your systems down and your body sees these things as toxic
Yogurts ( like Yoplait) with the added sugars or carrageen- (animal studies using mice and microscopic amounts of carrageen caused 8 weeks of inflammation!!)
Refined carbs like store bought white bread, pasta, pastries, and cereals made with white flour.
Processed meats ( bacon, hot dogs, lunch meats) high in saturated fats and nitrates.
Fried foods, trans fats (partially hydrogenated oils in chips, baked goods),
High-sodium processed foods (fast food, chips, canned soups) and certain oils like corn or soybean oil.
Any food served out of a window.!! Seriously those fast food lunches are bad news and so are those 4000 calorie Starbuck sugar bomb lattes.
TIP ABOUT OIL.. if your olive oil does not turn solid in the fridge over night it is not olive oil it is a blend that might have some olive oil added but could be anything and is highly inflammatory. Costco Kirkland Organic is real olive oil and is less expensive than many brands at other stores.