Lymphatic System Detox And Lymphedema: Fact Vs Fiction

You can’t browse social media or the web looking for health advice without reading an article raving about a new detox treatment. Whether it’s juice cleanses, detox tea, or herbal supplements, they all promise to purge your body of “toxins” to reduce inflammation, strengthen your immune system, cure chronic illnesses, and protect you from contagious viruses. But do they work, or is it all just snake oil designed to lighten your wallet?

Detox Gurus Are The New Snake Oil Salesmen

We’re going to tell you something that the alternative health websites won’t admit in their sales pitches for all-natural, alternative medicine and detox supplements. Your body isn’t riddled with toxins waiting for a special tea or herbal supplement to flush it out and cure all of your illnesses. Your liver and kidneys are very good at managing and filtering out waste whether you eat it, drink it, or inhale it. Every time you use the restroom, waste and “toxins” are eliminated by the body without the help of teas, oils, or herbs. In fact, herbs and vitamins are also filtered out through this waste removal system, because your body isn’t just good at eliminating waste, it’s also very good at eliminating excess of healthy items that it doesn’t really need.

This doesn’t just apply to lymphatic system detox, either. This applies to any detox treatment, product, or recipe that you use at home to “detox” your system.

True detox is used in extreme circumstances like alcohol poisoning and similar emergencies. These detox procedures are administered in a hospital by licensed medical professionals, often in an effort to save a life. You can bet they aren’t giving a patient in such dire straights a special tea to do the job, either. And these methods certainly aren’t intended as a treatment for your everyday health concerns, such as chronic illnesses like lymphedema and other inflammatory conditions.

Will it hurt to do these home detox treatments? Not usually, though in some “juice cleanses,” such as the infamous lemon and cayenne pepper detox, patients have become severely malnourished, dehydrated, and sick. Taking too many vitamins can also cause health problems.  For instance too much Vitamin C can cause kidney stones. Some herbs may also  interfere with your prescriptions.  That is why you should  discuss any new supplements with your physician before beginning. We recommend caution whenever approaching detox treatment especially if you have other medical conditions..

Healthy living isn’t about purging your body of toxins and replacing them with healthier options. Instead, it’s about eating a balanced diet, following an appropriate exercise routine, drinking plenty of water, and seeing your physician for regular checkups. Indulging in a little bit of alcohol, sugar, and fried foods isn’t going to load your body with toxins.

Does Lymphatic Drainage Massage Really Help?

For most people, and under most circumstances, massage is a powerful tool for health and wellbeing. But does massage help with detox, lymphatic drainage, or inflammatory health problems like lymphedema? Manual lymph drainage, or lymphatic massage, does help with lymphedema swelling and encourages lymph flow out of the inflamed area, such as the legs.

It’s important to note, however, that this is not a detox treatment. Having a lymphatic drainage massage will not cure lymphedema but it can improve the symptoms of swelling providing you with temporary relief from the uncomfortable swelling caused by lymphedema.  It may, also, improve the lymphatic flow going forward.

Note that if you have a blood clot or  DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis), a bleeding disorder, or unexplained pain, massage may not be recommended for you. In certain situations it can worsen these conditions or cause life threatening complications.

What Really Helps With Lymphedema Swelling?

Although a cure for lymphedema is often allusive, there are treatments and lifestyle changes that can provide relief, including:

• Lymphedema evaluation and treatment under the care of an Occupational Therapist certified in the treatment of lymphedema. Which may include…
  • Light exercise
  • Manual lymphatic drainage massage
  • Compression wrap to apply pressure to coax lymph fluid away from the inflamed area
  • Pneumatic compression sleeves with a pump to inflate and apply pressure to the area
  • Compression garments, such as graduated compression hose, socks, and sleeves

Certain special forms of swelling may benefit from surgery to remove excess tissue in the area that is inflamed. Liposuction is typically reserved for a form of swelling known as lipedema.

Forget Lymphatic System Detox And Get Medically-Proven Lymphedema Support In Central Georgia

For over two decades, Vein Specialists of the South has provided patients with support and treatment of venous disease. We observed that many of our varicose vein and blood clot patients also suffered with chronic lymphedema.

In order to meet our goal of providing ‘Comprehensive Vein Care’ for our patients, we added caring and talented Barbara Jones Registered Occupational Therapist specializing in lymphedema therapy several years ago.  Barbara is well respected in the region and her field having over 20 years experience in lymphedema care. In fact, Vein Specialists of the South is one of a few select vein care centers in the country who has a certified lymphedema therapy therapist on staff.

You, too, could benefit from the effective treatment for lymphedema offered by our therapist. If you suspect you have lymphedema, or you were diagnosed and are looking for support and treatment, visit your Central Georgia leg health center Vein Specialists of the South for a consultation. We only deal in proven treatments and therapies supported by peer reviewed medical literature, guaranteeing you the highest quality care in Middle Georgia.

Don’t waste money on lymphatic system detox tea, juice cleanses, or foot baths. Contact us for a consultation and get on the path to a more comfortable life despite lymphedema.