Raw Food For Health: Flirting with The Lymph
Swollen Lymph Nodes And What To Do About It!
– by Michele Santo
Lymph nodes are small, bean shaped nodules of tissues that are a part of the lymphatic system. Ducts go in and out of them like tiny doorways. These nodes can be found under the arm, neck and groin. If they become swollen, it’s your body’s way of saying an infection may be present.
A few cases can cause swelling. Things like a compromised immune system, infection, cancer, virus or inflammation. It also can be an indication that your body is fighting off something. You can detect swelling in this area if you experience a fever, runny nose or sore throat. Temporary pain is what I always say.
To prevent this altogether, be friendly and flirty with the lymphatic system.
Give these 5 action steps a go ’round to let it know you care to help out! Any little thing you decide to do will be wise.
1. Drink Cantaloupe Milk!
…Canta-who?
Here’s what ya gotta do to make Cantaloupe Milk:
- Take a nice, lovely ripe cantaloup and cut it in half.
- Scoop out the cantaloupe seeds.
- Put into a blender with about 4 cups of water and process to crush the seeds.
- Strain the seeds.
- Return the liquid to the blender.
- Add 1 cup of cantaloupe flesh to the blender.
- Blend until smooth!
2. Eat 3 Servings of Fruit and Veggies a Day!
Yep! We should all be eating at least (as in, the bare essential minimum) 3 servings of fresh, raw fruits & veggie-liciousness a day!
Why? Because fats and protein are low in oxygen and therefore require oxygen which is stolen from the cells. Arg!
Furthermore, refined sugar, white flour, alcohol, coffee and soda, are other foods that require precious oxygen that also snatch it from, you guessed it, your cells. Eep!
3. Massage
Mmm. Massage. Who doesn’t love a nice massage?
Inquire about lymphatic system massages. They specialize in stimulating the lymph nodes to get to work and take out the trash.
Plus, massage is a beautiful way to tell your body, “I love you!”
4. Hot & Cold Compresses
This will stimulate the ducts to open and close and further clean house! Wahoo!
5. Square Breathing
This is the best thing to do not only to let stress go when someone is micro-managing you but it actually releases toxins.
Yes, it’s true! With each deep exhale, cruddy ole toxins flow right on out. Where they belong! Simply:
- Breathe in for 4 counts
- Hold your breath for 4 counts
- Exhale slowly for 4 counts
- Hold your breath for 4 counts
… and repeat!
Think of each step as drawing a square. In you’re feelin’ fancy, whip out a pencil and draw a square as you complete this exercise.
Mind and body, unite! Did I mention it’s free?
Don’t underestimate the lymphatic system. Its main duty is to remove impurities, dead cells, bacteria, unwanted organisms or toxins from the body. For all that hard work it does for you, you should lavish on the love and TLC for your lymph! It’s only fair. 😉