What Foods Should Be Avoided for Lymphatic Health?

Lymphadenitis is a common condition affecting the lymph nodes, which can occur in any part of the body. When the lymph nodes become diseased, they can have a significant impact on our lymphatic system. Prompt treatment is necessary in such cases, along with attention to diet. Typically, foods that are highly spicy, stimulating, greasy, and prone to causing bloating should be avoided to prevent negative effects on the condition and treatment.

1. Spicy and Stimulating Foods: Strict avoidance of spicy and stimulating foods is recommended after developing lymphadenitis. A diet that is bland and easy to digest should be the focus. Foods such as chili peppers, onions, ginger, garlic, leeks, mustard, and seafood are considered spicy and stimulating, and consuming them can exacerbate the condition.

2. Fried Foods: Foods such as fried dough sticks, fritters, and oil cakes are classified as fried foods. These foods are high in calories and regular consumption can lead to heatiness. It is advisable to avoid these foods during illness as they can increase lymph node infection and hinder recovery.

3. Bloating Foods: Foods such as taro, onions, sweet potatoes, and potatoes can cause bloating. Consuming these foods after developing lymphadenitis can lead to abdominal discomfort, bloating, and a sense of fullness. It is recommended to avoid these foods during illness.

Patients with acute lymphadenitis should focus on eating fresh fruits and vegetables, such as towel gourd, celery, spinach, and bok choy. Drinking mung bean porridge, purslane porridge, and watermelon rind porridge can help clear heat and detoxify the body. Regular consumption of chrysanthemum tea, honeysuckle tea, and autumn pear syrup can also aid in the recovery process.

1. Bacterial Infection: Acute inflammation in areas such as the mouth and face often leads to mandibular lymphadenitis. The enlarged lymph nodes are usually soft and mobile, and they gradually return to normal as the inflammation resolves.

2. Viral Infection: Diseases such as measles and infectious mononucleosis can cause lymphadenitis. Sometimes, lymphadenitis can provide important diagnostic information, as in the case of rubella, which often leads to enlarged occipital lymph nodes.

3. Lymph Node Tuberculosis: Lymphadenitis is most commonly seen in the cervical region. Some cases may result in ulceration, while others may not. Clinically, it can be difficult to distinguish between tuberculous lymphadenitis and lymphoma. Confirmation often requires multiple biopsies, smears, and histological examinations, along with identification of the primary tuberculous lesion.

4. Lymph Node Metastasis Cancer: These lymph nodes are usually hard, painless, and fixed. In particular, patients with gastric cancer or esophageal cancer may notice enlarged supraclavicular lymph nodes. Breast cancer patients should regularly examine their axillary lymph nodes to detect any signs of metastasis.

5. Leukemia: Lymphadenitis in leukemia is systemic, but it is most prominent in the neck, axilla, and groin. Besides lymphadenitis, patients may also experience anemia, persistent fever, and the presence of a large number of blast cells in the blood and bone marrow.