Feeling the Lymph Node

And What Lymph Loving Foods To Eat

We are at that time that people are going through getting the vaccines for Covid-19.

Freyja received her Oxford Jab for Covid-19 and noticed some side effects. You can see common side effects through the NHS website.

Now, this is not a usual type of article, but the side effects are quite common with this vaccine and it all mostly comes down to one thing: lymph nodes. 

“I have found 3 weeks of head pain arise in my heads back left lymph node, creating consistent head pain”

Freyja, May 2021

What is a Lymph Node?

Most of us seem to know what lymph nodes are… Or at least that when we have a sore throat, it is to do with the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small glands that filter a clear fluid (lymph) that circulates throughout the entire lymphatic system in the body.

“A small bean-shaped structure that is part of the body’s immune system. Lymph nodes filter substances that travel through the lymphatic fluid, and they contain lymphocytes (white blood cells) that help the body fight infection and disease.”

National Cancer Institute

Lymph nodes can be found in the:

• Armpits 
• Under the jaw 
• On either side of the neck 
• On either side of the groin 
• Above the collarbone

Lymph nodes are found at the convergence of major blood vessels, and an adult will have approximately 800 nodes commonly sited in the neck, axilla, thorax, abdomen, and groin. These filter incoming lymph and play a role in infection as well as in malignancy. 

Anatomy of Lymph Nodes – PubMed

You can read more in depth about lymph nodes, where they are found, and what causes lymph nodes to swell through Healthline.

What I want to discuss today is what to do to prevent the swell of lymph nodes. These are preventative measures that we should all take to help lymph flow. 

With foods, eating both raw and nutrient rich foods promotes a healthy lymphatic system and prevents swelling. There are many foods that offer these benefits but these are some of the best according to Synergy Health Associates:

• Leafy green vegetables
• Low sugar fruits
• Ground flaxseed
• Chia seeds
• Avocados 
• Garlic 
• Brazil nuts 
• Almonds 
• Walnuts
• Cranberries

Through this Synergy Health Associate article, you can also find a list of foods that cause blockages. They also state that herbal tea is extremely good with stimulating lymph flow and list some great herbs that are good for lymph flow, as well as other ways to prevent it such as activities and actions to take. 

Going back to the list of foods, of course I have to give a recommendation for a recipe to try!

Through the Wholesome World app, you can find a great recipe that is full of ingredients that promote lymph flow: the Avocado & Pomegranate Salad.

Incredibly easy to make, simple steps, and so delicious! Also with the refreshing notes of the fruit, it is perfect for spring and summer!

This is just one example of many easy ways to add simple foods into our daily meals, drinks, and snacks at home to promote a healthy running system. And for those getting their vaccines, a great way to ease some of the side effects (hopefully)!

Even though these foods promote a healthy system, they are delicious and healthy too, so there is no excuse not to have them in our daily diet! Especially if they are so simple and easy!

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