The Spleen is responsible for circulating nutrients to the muscles and tissues. All rights reserved. Healthy and energizing fats increase qi levels. We eat in front of the TV (taking in food, and stimulus at the same time), we are constantly looking at our mobile devices on the road and wherever we go, and we are always multitasking, never doing just one thing at a time. Experts recommend a healthy, balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and cereals. However, to get the benefits of fiber from lemons, you need to eat the pulp. These functions help the immune system to respond better in the event of disease and injury. The antioxidant flavonoids in lemons and limes are another ally in fighting disease. Reduce your daily dosage to 1/4 tsp baking soda and 1/3 tsp salt dissolved in drinking water. Conversely, following a nutrient-dense diet high in anti-inflammatory foods like vegetables and fruits lowers your risk of developing RA, NAFLD, and other conditions associated with the development of an enlarged spleen (18, 19, 20, 21). Yay! Research on how your diet may affect your spleens health and size is scarce. There are many foods that are beneficial to the Spleen which I will list later in the article. It Has a High Risk of Contamination. Some of the key anti-inflammatory foods to load up on include: Drainage of the lymphatic system depends heavily on you moving your body regularly. Aloe Vera helps to regulate the immune system so that you can fight off infections and bacteria. An enlarged spleen is a sign that the immune system is fighting to remove threats from the body, but failing to do so. Your doctor will work with you to tackle the root causes of the enlarged spleen, since left unmanaged this condition can become very serious and even deadly in some cases. How well we manage our thoughts, concentrate, exercise discernment, and form intentions are dependent on the strength of the Spleen. The Spleen is responsible for many functions so that if you have symptoms in any of these areas, they point to a disharmony of the Spleen. Any potential interventions will vary depending on your overall health and underlying medical issues causing the condition. Like some of our other digestive system organs, including the liver and gallbladder, the spleen is especially vulnerable to the effects of various toxins or parasites entering the body, along with chemicals we take in from drugs, even some medications and prescriptions. In test-tube studies, many compounds from lemons have killed cancer cells. The nutritional composition of the tea improves cognition, (2) psychological performance, and proves to be a natural therapy for mood swings, depression and anxiety. For example, studies suggest that the spleen can range from 58 grams in a 79-year-old woman to 170 grams in a 20-year-old man. Pour a quart of drinking water in a stainless steel pot and put to boil. The spleen is an organ thats part of your lymphatic system. Avoid foods that are too cold or raw if you have an enlarged spleen. Cover and simmer in medium heat for 1 minute. Cinchona plant is a good herbal treatment for Spleen Enlargement. Hi there Diagnosis and symptoms of an enlarged spleen, How to take care of your spleen through diet, What You Should Know About an Enlarged Spleen. Had you treated for it, you might miss on the cause of the symptom. This is associated with decreased immune function and splenomegaly. Without healthy upright Qi, all of our organs would be at the bottom of our abdomen! Last medically reviewed on August 19, 2021. When the Spleen is imbalanced there will be symptoms of digestive upset, loose stools, poor appetite, low energy, oedema (water retention), nausea, vomiting, weakness in the four limbs, pale lips, organ prolapse, bruising and a feeling of cold. However, while avoiding the foods that are listed above with an enlarged spleen, there are foods that you should consider integrating into your diet to strengthen your immune system and reduce your risk of getting an infection or disease. cup of Dandelion tea and let cool down. spleen pain and tenderness, usually on the upper left side of the abdomen. Because most of us have some level of Spleen deficiency, we can all help our Spleens by being aware of simple things we can all do to take some of the pressure off of this important organ. Just a 1/2-cup (4 ounces or 125 ml) of lemon juice per day may provide enough citric acid to help prevent stone formation in people who have already had them (17, 18). In chronic cases, warm and sweet/pungent foods are used to warm us steadily. Please visit the Chinese Medicine Professionals Shop to get PRO sheets for your clinic that you can share with patients. One of the biggest concerns with eating any type of fish is contamination. Detoxifying the body: Lemon juice is rich in antioxidants and helps flush out toxins from the body. This helps lower inflammation and fight free radical damage that can make an enlarged spleen turn into a worsened problem. Foods to limit or eliminate from your dietinclude: common allergens (like dairy products, gluten, soy, shellfishor nightshades, for example), low-quality animal products, sugary snacks, refined vegetable oils (canola, corn, safflower, sunflower and soybean) and processed foods that contain chemical sprays or toxins. A healthy diet (as well as drinking lots of water) enables the spleen to efficiently carry blood cells and nutrients to tissue. One of the most likely causes of an enlarged spleen is an infection, since swelling in the spleen signifies an increase in white blood cells that are trying to attack something threatening. If you suffer from indigestion after a good meal, heartburn, bloating, or gas, drink a glass of water. Severalessential oilsare beneficial for improving the bodys ability to drain swelling, fight infections, increase blood flow and reduce pain. The spleen is approximately 3x1x5 inches in size, weighs seven grams and is located in the upper left quadrant of the abdomen, between the 9th and 11th ribs on the left-hand side, beside the stomach. This system maintains your bodys fluid balance, facilitates the absorption of fats, and regulates your immune responses (2, 3). Take 1/2 tsp of SB and 1/2 tsp of sodium chloride (cooking salt) and mix it in 1.5 liters of drinking water. *If a stronger, more medicinal tea is desired, use 2 . The spleen is a brown, oval-shaped organ located in the upper left side of the abdomen just below the rib cage. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which helps protect cells from damage. Some of the ways you can prolong the health of your spleen include avoiding a poor diet high in processed foods, limiting the amount of over-the-counter or prescription drugs you take, which helps cleanse the liver, only drinking alcohol in moderation, and quitting smoking or ever using recreational drugs. Turns out there are natural ways to deal with this common condition. What does the size of your spleen say about your health, and when should you visit your doctor? Foods that are cooked with refined oils can cause an increase in the production of free radicals in the body. Also, apple cider that has been boiled down to syrup, taken by the tablespoon as a tonic, can ease an enlarged spleen. Lemon and ginger tea aids in the improvement of brain health, memory, and concentration. One of the biggest benefits of vitamin C is that it strengthens and supports the immune system. Ginger possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help your immune system ward off infections and diseases when you are battling with an enlarged spleen. This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Although theres not a lot of research on the topic, certain dietary changes may be suitable if you have an enlarged spleen or want to avoid medical conditions linked to the condition. Make an 8 oz. Lemons are made up of about 10% carbs, mostly in the form of soluble fiber and simple sugars. These vegetables are not only healthy, but they can also help to nurture your digestive system. Cilantro - helps regulate blood circulation. Can You Use Lemon Water to Treat Acid Reflux. The lymphatic system is a part of your bodys immune and circulatory system; its main functions include protecting the body from infections and eliminating waste and toxins. There are lots of things that, once you are aware of them, can help take the burden off your Spleen. With an enlarged spleen, you should consume well-cooked vegetables. iu av. It is not the same as it is in Chinese Medicine. Lemons contain some iron, but they primarily prevent anemia by improving your absorption of iron from plant foods (26, 27). An unhealthy diet is not a known cause of splenomegaly. Given the relatively small size of the human spleen . Improves blood sugar regulation. Puerh tea . Also, cooked and warm meals decrease the digestive system's work, reducing pressure on the spleen. Leishmaniasis, a type of parasitic disease found in parts of the tropics, subtropics and southern Europe, can lead to an enlarged spleen. Plant compounds found in lemons namely hesperidin and diosmin have also been found to lower cholesterol (7, 8, 9). On the other hand, if your enlarged spleen is caused by another condition, such as cancer, heart failure, cirrhosis, autoimmune disease, or a virus, youll likely require completely different dietary interventions. Here we give you an overview of what functions the. All Rights Reserved. With that in mind, here are some foods that are energetically super beneficial for stabilizing the spleen. The more chemicals you obtain through the foods your eat, the more work your liver, spleen and other organs have to do. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 2. Ericka, I'm so sorry to hear that you are experiencing pain in your upper left abdomen. It is a good remedy for Spleen Enlargement. This can therefore warm the limbs by improving circulation to the extremities. (5) If these are possible causes of your condition for example, because you traveled to another continent and might have been bitten by an infected insect your doctor will work with you to specifically treat symptoms and stabilize you before problems can worsen. Lemons give flavor to baked goods, sauces, salad dressings, marinades, drinks, and desserts, and they are also a good source of vitamin C. One 58 gram (g) lemon can provide over 30 milligrams (mg . Remember, the spleen is necessary and important for keeping the body guarded from disease and bacterial infections, so removing it comes with risks of its own. When it comes to lemon water for acid reflux, the views are mixed. We tend to all be in such a hurry that we do not chew our food nearly as well as we should. Fast foods are generally bad for the immune system because most of them contain a lot of salt. Learn how your comment data is processed. Eating a healthy, well-rounded diet may reduce your risk of developing health conditions associated with an enlarged spleen. Other supplements that can help improve liver health, circulation and fight inflammation include: omega-3 fish oils, turmeric, burdock root, digestive enzymes,activated charcoal and milk thistle. An enlarged spleen, a condition called splenomegaly, is a clear warning sign that the immune system is fighting hard to remove threats from the body but failing to do so because it cant keep up with high demand. Additionally, lemon is thought to promote detoxification and digestion, both of which could potentially benefit the spleen. Avoid sugar and fat. It you begin to feel sick or nauseous, only take the SB sublingually. As mentioned, no human studies have directly examined the relationship between diet and the risk of developing an enlarged spleen. If you already have an enlarged spleen, you should reduce the number of sugary foods that you consume. For example, a 2018 study found that feeding mice a diet high in fat and added sugar for 12 weeks led to obesity, high blood sugar, elevated inflammatory markers, and spleens that were 50% larger than those of mice fed a standard diet (14). The lemon is a popular citrus fruit that is high in vitamin C and many powerful nutrients. Make sure to shut your stove off as soon as the liquid is down to a cup. Parsley - affects the liver, spleen and the intestines. Small, green citrus fruits that are known for their tart flavor profile, limes are beneficial to the liver's health. Gingerol could also explain ginger's role in keeping blood sugar levels steady. However, more quality research is needed. Excessive worry will damage the Spleen Qi, and a deficient Spleen can weaken the mind and our capacity to think clearly and focus, leaving us susceptible to worry. Grow Up: Surprising Foods That Make You Taller, Are Sunflower Seeds Good for You? The acid in lemon juice neutralizes odors, which helps combat nasty breath from things like garlic and onions. The spleen is an important organ of the body; it is located below the ribcage at the left upper section of the abdomen. Thanks, lisa. This article investigates the evidence. Go for a walk outside. Avocadoes, coconut oil, olive oil, and salmon, and healthy fat sources. 9. Research shows that eating fruits and vegetables rich in . Neutral foods are not warm and or cold, so they can easily be consumed with an enlarged spleen. The spleen in Chinese Medicine is paired with the Stomach, and both are the main organs of digestion for the body. Only as a last resort would a doctor decide to perform surgery to remove an enlarged spleen. Add fruits that are immune-boosting to your diet. Drugs and alcohol are capable of causing problems in the spleen because they directly affect how splenic cells work. I will also list foods that the Spleen is not so fond of so you can at least be aware of what they are and avoid them when you can. Depending on the cause, symptoms can include abdominal pain, bloating, feeling full quickly, and fever (1). In addition, spleen functionincludes helping keep the blood clean, transporting and balancing fluid levels, maintaining blood platelets, and ushering waste away from muscle and joint tissue. Orange Peel. How would we know that our spleen is bad, i was diagnosed off 7mm size spleen artery aneurysm but don't come back to my GP after this result, any idea? Garlic, on the other hand, also has antioxidants that can support your white blood cells by giving them a boost to be able to fight against infections. It is extremely important to understand the reason for enlargement before treating. Avoid excess and refined sugar, processed cold foods, and excessive alcohol consumption. Something that you can do to give your Spleen a break, is to literally, take a break. The Spleen is responsible for the bodys holding function. If your spleen weighs more than 2.2 pounds (1 kg), its referred to as massive splenomegaly (1). The anti-oxidant, anti-septic, and diuretic effects of lemongrass make it an important ingredient of any detox diet, as it helps cleanse and purify the liver, kidneys, bladder, pancreas, and increases blood circulation. We also did auricular treatment: we bled the apex of the ear, indicated for all inflammatory conditions. Honey Lemon Water: An Effective Remedy or Urban Myth? Dandelion ( Taraxacum officinale ) is a plant often regarded as a weed but one that may offer health benefits by acting as a diuretic ("water pill") or potentially boosting the immune system to help fight infections. If you are experiencing an enlarged spleen, burdock root tea may help. The spleen can become swollen for a lot of different reasons, some more concerning than others. SUMMARYLemons contain vitamin C and citric acid, which help you absorb non-heme iron from plants. Soaked and well-cooked whole grains: oat, sweet rice, quinoa. Its a dangerous condition that can be life threatening (5). Ginger helps the body to dispel cold. Research shows that lemon water has an array of health benefits, some proven, some only suspected. [], [] warmed if you prefer, but do not add ice or drink it cold out of the fridge (this is very hard on your spleen!). What you learn in your first year in Acupuncture school when learning Chinese Medicine theory, is that we live in a Spleen deficient culture. All be in such a hurry that we do not chew our food nearly as is lemon good for spleen drinking. Foods your eat, the more chemicals you obtain through the foods your,! It you begin to feel sick or nauseous, only take the SB sublingually out there natural. 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