Your lymph nodes -- small, round structures found throughout your body -- make up a part of your lymphatic system. Each node houses white blood cells, called lymphocytes, which support your immune system, while vessels connecting lymph nodes allow for the movement and drainage of lymph fluid. A number of dietary nutrients can support lymph node function and prevent disease.
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids
Polyunsaturated fatty acids can benefit your lymph nodes. They contain two or more unsaturated chemical bonds within each fat molecule, making the fats liquid at room temperature. Consuming a diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids might help reduce your risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymph nodes, according to a study published in "Annals of Oncology" in April 2006. Consuming nuts, seeds, fish and whole grains can help increase your polyunsaturated fat intake and potentially help preserve healthy lymph nodes.
Vitamin D
Consuming vitamin D, a hormone also known as calcitriol, might also help maintain the health of your lymph nodes. Like polyunsaturated fats, consuming vitamin D in your diet might reduce your risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, according to the same April 2006 study in "Annals of Oncology." Vitamin D appears particularly important for reducing the risk of follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Consume dairy products, tofu and leafy greens, which are sources of vitamin D.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A might also play a role in supporting healthy lymph nodes. Retinaldehyde -- a form of vitamin A -- interacts with the lymph nodes surrounding your digestive tract. Consuming vitamin A allows for proper gene activation within these lymph nodes, according to a study published in the "Journal of Immunology" in February 2011. This gene activation allows the nodes to properly drain lymph fluid surrounding your small intestine, while failure to consume enough vitamin A in your diet can interfere with lymph node drainage. Consume sweet potatoes, kale, pumpkin, carrots and fish oil, which are sources of vitamin A.
Selenium
A nutritious diet rich in selenium might also support lymph node function in some cases. Proper lymph drainage proves important to your health, since an inability of the lymph nodes to drain lymph fluid causes fluid buildup and swelling, a condition called lymphedema. Many cancer patients have an increased risk of lymphedema due to the removal of cancerous lymph nodes during cancer treatment. Consuming selenite -- a compound containing selenium -- can help reduce lympedema after cancer surgery, according to a study published in "Biological Trace Element Research" in September 2005. If you have cancer, talk to your doctor about the possible benefits of taking selenium to prevent or reduce lymphedema.
References
- "Annals of Oncology"; Linoleic Acid, Vitamin D And Other Nutrient Intakes In The Risk Of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: An Italian Case-Control Study.; J. Polesel, et al.; April 2006
- "Journal of Immunology"; Expression of Retinaldehyde Dehydrogenase Enzymes in Mucosal Dendritic Cells and Gut-Draining Lymph Node Stromal Cells Is Controlled by Dietary Vitamin A; Molenaar, et al.; February 15, 2011
- "Biomedical Trace Element Research"; Reduction Of Postoperative Lymphedema After Oral Tumor Surgery With Sodium Selenite; Zimmermann, et al.; September 2005
