What Foods Are Good For Lymphatic Drainage?

Eating a well-balanced diet with healthy foods helps your heart, blood pressure and energy levels -- and it can have an impact on your lymphatic system. Lymph nodes, ducts, organs, vessels and fluid make up the parts of your lymphatic system. Because this system works to fight infections, choosing foods to help your lymphatic system drain properly may help your overall health.

Function

Your lymphatic system functions to move lymph fluid through vessels in your body. Lymph is a "clear-to-white" fluid that contains white blood cells and chyle, which the National Institutes of Health defines as "fluid from the intestines." Lymph nodes help to fight infection and act as a filter for waste and bacteria. The lymphatic system aids the circulatory system by moving oxygen and other nutrients to cells. Unlike blood circulation, which is powered by the pumping action of the heart, the lymphatic system flows on its own, from your fingers and toes toward your neck.

Potassium-Rich Foods

Eating foods high in potassium can improve the functioning and drainage of your lymphatic system, according to Linda Rector-Page, author of "Healthy Healing: An Alternative Healing Reference." Page indicates that potassium can help the lymph fluids circulate and drain more effectively. Foods with high levels of potassium include apricots, bananas, dried figs, raisins and dates, Lima beans, white potatoes, spinach and orange juice. A single baked white potato contains 610 mg of potassium, 1 cup of raisins has 1,086 mg and 1 cup of bananas contains 537 mg. The USDA National Nutrient Database indicates that 1 cup of canned tomato paste contains more than 2,600 mg of potassium.

Raw Fruits and Vegetables

Processed foods can be difficult for your body to digest, but the natural enzymes present in raw vegetables and fruits help your lymphatic system to flow more easily, according to "Natural Healing Wisdom and Know-How." Cranberries and freshly squeezed cranberry juice contain flavonoids and acids that may benefit your lymphatic system. Easily obtain enzymes and other unprocessed nutrients daily by eating apples and drinking fresh apple juice, consuming raw salads with dark green vegetables and eating snacks of raw fruits and vegetables instead of chips or crackers.

Foods With Essential Fatty Acids

Brian Seaward, writing for the Wellness Council of America, indicates that all the fats you eat first pass through your lymphatic system before moving to your liver. Eat mainly foods with healthy fats; avoid saturated or trans fats that can cause inflammation of your lymphatic system and contribute to other serious diseases. Foods with healthy fatty acids include nuts and seeds, fish and fish oil capsules, tofu, olives, sesame or olive oil and avocados.