Still, eating a diet that includes plenty of the following foods is likely to improve your overall health and protect against disease: Additionally, limiting or cutting out the foods and drinks below can help protect against the development of diseases, including conditions linked to an enlarged spleen: For those who have splenomegaly, nutrition interventions will likely vary depending on the underlying condition. If your health care provider suspects you might be infected with a parasite, your physicianlook for symptoms like a fever or skin rash and accessblood counts (including a low red blood cell count causing anemia and low white blood cell count) since infected patients usually experience both. Some neutral foods that you can eat include rice, fish, goji, plums, string beans, mushrooms, turnips, berries, kidney beans, and pork. It is also said to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Please visit the Chinese Medicine Professionals Shop to get PRO sheets for your clinic that you can share with patients. Genistein is an isoflavone plant compound found in certain foods, including soybeans, lupins, and fava beans (14). Risk factors for NAFLD include obesity, diabetes, high blood fat levels, and metabolic syndrome all of which can be caused or exacerbated by your diet and lifestyle (6, 7, 8, 9). However, for others, it can point to problems like an underlying infection, illness or developing disorder. 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. Although tea and coffee contain antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation, consuming too much caffeine can affect your sleeping patterns, and can, in turn, lead to an increase in inflammation and may affect your immune system. Most health problems associated with the spleen involve the spleen becoming enlarged and when this happens, the risk for a ruptured spleen also goes up. Because your spleen is in constant contact with your blood, blood-cleansing herbs directly cleanse and protect your spleen. Lemons are high in vitamin C, fiber, and various beneficial plant compounds. Leishmaniasis is believed to affect about 200,000400,000 people every year and develops after coming into contact with parasites, including infected sand flies. Sit somewhere quiet and meditate away from the TV, the phone and try to avoid interruptions. Basil - helps reduce inflammation. A 1% extract cream has been studied as a topical . To ease the symptoms of an enlarged spleen, make sure you eat meals slowly and chew slowly too. Be careful when taking on new projects. Gout pain is associated with the buildup of uric acid and can be extremely painful. Cover and simmer in medium heat for 1 minute. Plant compounds found in lemons namely hesperidin and diosmin have also been found to lower cholesterol (7, 8, 9). 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. Splenomegaly can also be caused by congestive heart failure and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). For each serving of tea, use 1 teaspoon of the blend per 1 cup of hot water. The spleen also removes microbes and destroys old or damaged red blood cells. That explains why occasional cleansing seems to be a good idea. It Has a High Risk of Contamination. SUMMARYAnimal studies show that lemon extract and plant compounds may promote weight loss, but the effects in humans are unknown. We also did auricular treatment: we bled the apex of the ear, indicated for all inflammatory conditions. Learn more about these benefits here. Therefore, more well-conducted studies need to examine whether lemon juice affects kidney stone formation (23, 24, 25). Every organ in TCM is seen to have its own unique Spirit, and the Spirit of the Spleen is called the Yi. The spleen is prone to becoming easily overworked when liver function is poor, and surprisingly some believe the spleen is usually more likely to develop problems when your diet is damp, cold and raw. Traditional systems of medicine, including Ayurvedic medicine, believed that acold or damp environment, eating too many salty or sour foods, overexerting yourself, and poor digestion all make someone more susceptible to spleen and liver damage. As a crucial part ourlymphatic system, the spleen is a vital guardian organ that we rely on every single day to keep the body free from infections, virus and dangerous pathogens of all kinds. Certain dietary patterns can lead to chronic inflammation and metabolic dysregulation, a metabolic disorder that can disrupt normal bodily function, harm overall health, and increase disease risk. In such a fast-paced world where everyone is short on time, it is understandable that people are always doing many things at once, but this small thing will not only help your Spleen, it will relax your mind and body as well. Additionally, lemon is thought to promote detoxification and digestion, both of which could potentially benefit the spleen. Is Lemon Good For Your Spleen? Lemons may aid weight loss and reduce your risk of heart disease, anemia, kidney stones, digestive issues, and cancer. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. 1. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. (1). The results of a suffering spleen? Improves Digestion. And your Spleen will love you. Blackstrap Molasses is a well known, ancient remedy to enlarged spleens. Mix the juice from half of an organic lemon in a glass of water and drink it on an empty stomach every morning. Turmeric. Lemons contain about 50 milligrams of vitamin C, which is over half the amount of vitamin C needed in your daily diet. One of the biggest benefits of vitamin C is that it strengthens and supports the immune system. The information and tips provided by Blend of Bites has helped me change my eating habits for the better. Cilantro - helps regulate blood circulation. Fans says the detox leads to glowing skin and, Lemon water is often praised for its health benefits, but can it help you lose weight? Do Lemons Relieve Acne and Acne Scarring? . Part of the lymphatic system, it performs a number of important functions in the body that protect us from the effects of outside invaders, stress and certain deficiencies. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Just prior to serving, add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice to each cup. Lemons are made up of about 10% carbs, mostly in the form of soluble fiber and simple sugars. Following the 12 weeks, spleen weight was reduced again through exercise and treatment with genistein. Normally in adults, doctors cant feel the spleen when it isnt enlarged, so if they press below the rib cage during an exam and notice a swollen spleen, it points to the fact that something isnt right. The fiber and plant compounds in lemons could also significantly lower some risk factors for heart disease (4, 5). This system maintains your bodys fluid balance, facilitates the absorption of fats, and regulates your immune responses (2, 3). Such vegetables include parsnip, pumpkin, turnip, winter squash, and carrot. 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). Answer: Spleen is the biggest lymphatic organ in our body. This means when you are eating, JUST EAT. Dont sit in front of the TV, read, study or catch up on work. Make sure you eat more foods that are rich in these nutrients. Fruits. zx. Thus it is appropriate to the spring-like wood movement associated with the earlier part of the day. Nothing ruins the mood like bad breath. Foods containing starch, wheat, oatmeal and rice need to be taken in limited quantity as excessive intake of such foods may . They gained less weight and body fat than other mice (14). Research shows that eating fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke (1, 2, 3). For best results, drink cup of lemon juice or add lemon to a glass of water. Help please. So what exactly is an enlarged spleen, how can you tell if you have one and how can you treat it if you do? [] There is a lot we can do to strengthen the spleen, and you can read about that here Loving Your Spleen in Chinese Medicine. 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. The best way to support your spleen and entire lymphatic and digestive systems is to eat a diet high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and essential fluids. The spleen is considered the major organ of digestion and is partnered with the stomach. A healthy adult spleen weighs around 0.150.44 pounds (70200 grams). An enlarged spleen is a sign that the immune system is fighting to remove threats from the body, but failing to do so. 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). Blend of Bites' content is for informational and educational purposes only. In test-tube studies, many compounds from lemons have killed cancer cells. These functions help the immune system to respond better in the event of disease and injury. The size of the spleen can be likened to that of a fist; but when it becomes enlarged, it becomes many times larger than its normal size. It plays several important roles in your body. Turmeric contains a natural compound called curcumin which has great anti-inflammatory properties. 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. Some of the other food items that need to be avoided to prevent Spleen QI Deficiency are seaweed, juices, citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, salads, onion, coriander, millet, peppermint, raw or undercooked grains. Dirty Dozen List: Are You Eating the Most Pesticide-Laden Produce? All organs in Chinese Medicine also are associated with an emotion, and the emotion of the Spleen is worry and overthinking. Its a dangerous condition that can be life threatening (5). Both of these conditions have been associated with certain dietary patterns, including a Western diet high in ultra-processed foods and added sugar (10, 11, 12, 13). However, more quality research is needed. 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. Respiratory Health. pain that has spread from the abdomen to the left shoulder. They are quite common, and people who get them often get them repeatedly. It can reduce the pain associated with gout. Here are 6 evidence-based health benefits of lemons. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can help protect yourself from developing or worsening an enlarged spleen. 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. It is a good remedy for Spleen Enlargement. Combine several drops with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil, and massage them over the spleen two to three times per day. (9). 4. We earn fees through links to affiliate advertising program sites. Mustard Leaf. cup of Dandelion tea and let cool down. 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. This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information. Avoid foods that are too cold or raw if you have an enlarged spleen. The spleen is an important organ of the body; it is located below the ribcage at the left upper section of the abdomen. Historically in Eastern medicine, the spleen is viewed as one of the most important organs to well-being, strength and immunity. Combine turmeric (if using dry pieces), fennel, cinnamon stick, cloves, peppercorns, star anise and cardamom in a skillet over medium high-heat and toast until fragrant bout 3 to 4 minutes. Did you know you could have an enlarged spleen and not even realizeit? It also helps to heal the spleen quickly. Thanks, lisa. Try adding ginger, nutmeg, aniseed, rosemary, cinnamon, vanilla, garlic, turmeric, molasses, capsicum, and fennel to your food. I was diagnosed with a 12.24cm spleen enlargement and I have horrible upper left abdomen pain for 3 days now what can I do ? Eat warm, cooked meals: Food that is warm and cooked decreases the work of the digestion system, which must warm up food and break it down. It's important to see a doctor or healthcare professional as soon as possible to determine the cause of your pain and to receive appropriate treatment. The main function of the spleen is to filter blood and remove old or damaged red blood cells. Aloe Vera helps to regulate the immune system so that you can fight off infections and bacteria. After surgery to remove the spleen, further down the line someone can become more prone to infections and becoming sick since removing the spleen means the body is left with one less line of defense. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. are clickable links to these studies. Fast foods are generally bad for the immune system because most of them contain a lot of salt. The Spleen is responsible for the bodys holding function. The spleen in Chinese Medicine is paired with the Stomach, and both are the main organs of digestion for the body. 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. Leave your phone at home. 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