Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Drinking lemonade stimulates the production of saliva, gastric juices in the stomach, and pepsin. 12. Research has shown that around 3% of first-year college students have enlarged spleens. So how do I eat to stay safe and get well? 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. Research shows that eating fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke (1, 2, 3). The spleen does many things as it filters and monitors our blood. 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. Soluble fiber can improve gut health and slow the digestion of sugars and starches. Puerh tea . 13. Leishmaniasis, a type of parasitic disease found in parts of the tropics, subtropics and southern Europe, can lead to an enlarged spleen. 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 . Without healthy upright Qi, all of our organs would be at the bottom of our abdomen! Last modified December 26, 2018, Your email address will not be published. Try to avoid eating foods that place stress on your circulatory and immune systems. Lemon's close cousin, the lime is a great culinary ingredient for supporting liver wellness. A standardized preparation of lemon balm (80 mg) and valerian extract (160 mg) has been given 2 or 3 times/day as a sleep aid, and has also been studied in children. Research shows that lemon water has an array of health benefits, some proven, some only suspected. Dont sit in front of the TV, read, study or catch up on work. Cardamom - acts on the pancreas, lungs, kidneys, and the spleen. And thus, we are overloading our poor Spleens. Eating a healthy, well-rounded diet may reduce your risk of developing health conditions associated with an enlarged spleen. Required fields are marked *. A diet high in plant foods also helps provide enough hydrating water, which is important for helping the spleen rid itself and the body of excess fluids and foreign matter. Its a dangerous condition that can be life threatening (5). Lemons. The spleen in Chinese medicine is quite different. Vitamin C in lemon juice is thought to contain some acne-fighting properties, but there are also side, When you have a gout flare-up, youre looking for relief. For example, if youre experiencing splenomegaly resulting from NAFLD, youll need to adopt a diet that can improve your liver health. Cold conditions are improved by warming foods. Your spleen is a small organ located on the left side of your abdomen under your rib cage. Chewing will help the breakdown of the foods before they get to the stomach, making the Spleens job a little easier. Our spleen was probably invented by the Egyptians, who probably thought it would make them feel better. Having an enlarged spleen can also cause complications like an increased infection risk and anemia. Yay! In fact, lemons may support heart health, weight control, and digestive health. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 2. If you want to relieve the symptoms of an enlarged spleen, you should reduce your intake of alcoholic beverages. 4. Turmeric. 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. For instance, one study revealed that eating 24 grams of citrus fiber extract daily for a month reduced total blood cholesterol levels (6). Research shows that around 3 percent of healthy first-year college students have enlarged spleens. This article investigates the evidence. Although this promisingly indicates that lifestyle interventions can help reduce the size of enlarged spleens, human research is needed to better understand how your diet can affect your spleens health. This means when you are eating, JUST EAT. This means avoiding contact sports (like football, basketball, wrestling, hockey, etc.) You'll find 60 total ways to support your spleen within this article. An enlarged spleen, which is referred to as splenomegaly in the medical field, is when the spleen becomes enlarged in size or weight (1). This is important consideringthe spleen is responsible for the filtering and transformation of particles within lymph fluids. A healthy adult spleen weighs around 0.150.44 pounds (70200 grams). Learn how your comment data is processed. And your Spleen will love you. 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. Your lymphatic, immune and digestive systems are all vulnerable to the effects of stress. The spleen can become swollen for a lot of different reasons, some more concerning than others. andberries, nuts and seeds (chia, flax, hemp, pumpkin, etc. Consuming foods that are rich in refined carbohydrates can further limit the ability of your immune system. Splenomegaly can be acute (short term) or chronic (long term). Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. (3). Try to eat nuts and seeds like hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios, sesame, flax, chia, pumpkin, and peanuts. According to Chinese, a specific flavor linked to your spleen's health is sweet. GINGER: This is a great herb . Drugs and alcohol are capable of causing problems in the spleen because they directly affect how splenic cells work. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, which helps protect cells from damage. 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. Peppermint Tea. *If a stronger, more medicinal tea is desired, use 2 . While an enlarged spleen isnt always a health concern, it usually points to the fact that the body is trying to defend itself more than usual and that means its a good idea to figure out why that is before it escalates into a bigger and more serious problem. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. If your doctor suspects an enlarged spleen because he or shefeels something unusual during a physical, your doctor might decide to further investigate by using imaging tests, blood tests and other ways to assess how enlarged the spleen has become. The biggest benefit of lemon is likely the simple fact that it contains a huge amount of vitamin C. That in turn brings a whole host of other incredible benefits, which we are going to break down. Here are some nutrient-dense foods that will support your spleen and lymphatic system: Green leafy vegetables. Listed below are five types of foods that heal the spleen. An unhealthy diet is not a known cause of splenomegaly. 10. Lemons 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits, 6 Ways Your Body Benefits from Lemon Water. "Ginger tea is one of the simplest ways to avail yourself of a myriad of health benefits." You can also add flavors to your ginger tea to enhance it, such as lemon, lime, or mint. Honey Lemon Water: An Effective Remedy or Urban Myth? For example, excessive drinking can cause cirrhosis, a liver condition that can lead to an enlarged spleen. An enlarged spleen puts you at risk of getting infections. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. As blood filters through the spleen, its cleaned, and threatening microbes are engulfed and filtered out. Historically in Eastern medicine, the spleen is viewed as one of the most important organs to well-being, strength and immunity. All rights reserved. OR : Eat ripe Papaya every morning on empty stomach. Just cut a raw slice to include in your salads. The information and tips provided by Blend of Bites has helped me change my eating habits for the better. Avocadoes, coconut oil, olive oil, and salmon, and healthy fat sources. Zinc can help with inflammation and alleviate stress. 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? (6) For example, an enlarged spleen can develop because the liver becomes congested and overworked (resulting in liver disease in some cases), trying hard to usher toxins out the body as quickly as possible, but becoming overwhelmed in the process. If you are experiencing an enlarged spleen, burdock root tea may help. Medical research has shown that consuming coffee with a weak spleen can further irritate your system. Because an enlarged spleen is often caused by an underlying health condition, treatment typically involves identifying and treating the underlying condition rather than the enlarged spleen itself (1). We earn fees through links to affiliate advertising program sites. Advertisement. It also lets you know whether people with an enlarged spleen should follow a particular diet. Lemons may have numerous benefits for health. It plays several important roles in your body. If you suffer from indigestion after a good meal, heartburn, bloating, or gas, drink a glass of water. 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: Sugar-sweetened beverages . All organs in Chinese Medicine also are associated with an emotion, and the emotion of the Spleen is worry and overthinking. Lemons and limes are also amazing cleansers of the liver, kidneys, spleen, thyroid, and gallbladder. 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. This works in two ways. The apple cider vinegar was said to help "soften liver stones". Under normal circumstances, your spleen is about the size of your fist and hardly even detectable to touch during a physical exam. For best results, drink cup of lemon juice or add lemon to a glass of water. When the Spleen is weak, we see prolapse of organs (uterus, bladder, stomach), prolapse of the vagina as well as things like haemorrhoids (prolapse of the anus, PLUS bleeding also attributed to the Spleen). Furthermore, the lymphatic system protects against infection, acts as a storage site for blood, and filters your blood, thereby removing old and damaged blood cells and foreign material (4). However, there is limited rodent research on the topic. Nuts and seeds. Packed with Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties. Mustard Leaf. Pour juice through a fine-mesh sieve into a 2-quart pitcher. They are quite common, and people who get them often get them repeatedly. Some studies also found that lemonade effectively prevented kidney stones, but the results have been mixed. A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help prevent some cancers (28). So what exactly is an enlarged spleen, how can you tell if you have one and how can you treat it if you do? You cannot take this chance with spleen as it affects your immune system. By using this site you agree to our privacy policy. autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Did you know that lemons are great for your spleen? Your spleen is an essential organ in keeping your body clear of harmful infections, caused by bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. Basic spleen qi guidelines - like avoiding iced drinks, fatty foods, gluten, dairy and sugar is generally something that is good for most body constitutions. There are several spleen problems that may develop. 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. Try these on for size: Avoid cold drinks and ice in your beverages. Animal studies indicate that D-limonene, a compound found in lemon oil, does have anticancer properties (38, 39). Cover and simmer in medium heat for 1 minute. 1. A milk thistle supplement, in the form of a capsule or tablet that you can purchase at your local health food store, supports liver .