We all know that too much sugar is bad for us. We've been told time and time again about the rate in which it’s fuelling chronic disease, poor mental health and autoimmune conditions. But did you know that sugar can also fuel lymphatic blockage? We’ll be diving into what this entails and the role the sweet stuff plays in the matter.

The lymphatic system is a crucial part of our immune system. It helps to remove waste and toxins from our body and transports immune cells throughout our body to fight infections. But when our lymphatic system becomes blocked, it can lead to a host of health problems, including swelling, pain and even infections.

The lymphatic system

The lymphatic system can only move upward, and this means it can become congested easily – particularly when meeting our body’s needs. When the system becomes congested, you may notice a number of symptoms. Poor lymphatic drainage can not only cause physical symptoms, but mental ones too – from depression and mood swings to brain fog. The latter can be caused by a build-up of toxins in our cerebrospinal fluid, which can have debilitating effects on our mental and physical health, leaving us fatigued, confused and lacking in mental clarity. You might also notice skin problems as a result of increased inflammation and poor circulation, leading to rashes, acne and itchiness.

A decrease in immunity is another common side effect of lymphatic troubles, meaning a potential increase in colds and infections. You might also find you’re more sensitive to mould in your home, or you might be experiencing allergic rhinitis or sinusitis more frequently. Cold hands and feet are a hallmark of a lymphatic blockage, and this comes down to the lack of circulation. You may also have stiff fingers, making it hard to grip things or even making simple tasks like writing or typing a challenge. Fluid retention is another common sign of poor lymphatic flow, often resulting blood pooling in your feet or swelling in your arms and legs. This happens because fluid often leaks into our body’s tissues, and we rely on our lymphatic system to clear it out. The digestive system is yet another area of the body affected by lymph drainage – or the lack thereof – and it’s one of the first things you’ll notice playing up. In fact, 30% of our lymphatic system is dedicated to the gut, so it’s no surprise that improper drainage can lead to issues with this area. This is because of inflammation and water retention, which can cause constipation and bloating. It can also cause metabolic rate imbalances, which can lead to weight gain.

How does sugar contribute to lymphatic blockage?

So, you’re probably wondering what role sugar plays in all of this – and while other lifestyle factors can be responsible, excess consumption of the sweet stuff has been known to make the situation worse. When we eat too much sugar, it can trigger inflammation throughout the body, including in our lymphatic system. This inflammation can lead to a build-up of toxins, which can then cause blockages that leave us feeling sluggish and fatigued. Excess sugar consumption can also lead to weight gain, which can put additional pressure on our lymphatic system. The more weight we carry, the harder our lymphatic system has to work to remove waste and toxins from our body. But it's not just about how much sugar we eat – it's also about the type of sugar. Refined sugars, such as white sugar and high-fructose corn syrup – both of which you’ll find in abundance in household staples like bread, flavoured yoghurt and cereal, not to mention the obvious offenders like ice cream and fast foods – are the worst offenders. These sugars are quickly absorbed into our bloodstream, causing a rapid spike in our blood sugar levels.

What can we do to prevent the worsening of lymphatic blockage?

First and foremost, we need to reduce our intake of refined sugars. Instead, opt for natural sugars found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods contain fibre and other nutrients that can help to reduce inflammation and support our lymphatic system. It also helps to increase our intake of water, which can help to flush toxins and waste out of our lymphatic system.

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So, if you’re ready to ditch sugar and the host of maladies that come with it, it’s not too late to join. We’d love to help you get started on your health journey. Sign up HERE today!