(2). are clickable links to these studies. 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. 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. Leishmaniasis, a type of parasitic disease found in parts of the tropics, subtropics and southern Europe, can lead to an enlarged spleen. Try these on for size: Avoid cold drinks and ice in your beverages. Your spleen is an essential organ in keeping your body clear of harmful infections, caused by bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. In Ancient Chinese Medicine and other schools of Eastern medicine, an unhealthy spleen is one of the key contributors to fatigue and anemia, and it can impact how other digestive organs work, including the colon, uterus, rectum, liver or stomach. Zinc can help with inflammation and alleviate stress. Avoid excess and refined sugar, processed cold foods, and excessive alcohol consumption. Pour juice through a fine-mesh sieve into a 2-quart pitcher. 1. Since poor digestion in the evening is a cause of poor sleep, ensuring good digestion at dinner is very important. Packed with Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties. The spleen ultimately controls the level of circulating red blood cells within the blood, removing old and worn-out red cells that can no longer do their jobs. Try to avoid eating foods that place stress on your circulatory and immune systems. Its a dangerous condition that can be life threatening (5). "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. Splenomegaly can be acute (short term) or chronic (long term). 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. Honor and express your emotions, especially sadness. Two of the most serious spleen problems, notes Medline Medical Encyclopedia, include enlarged spleen and ruptured spleen 2.Enlarged spleen, or splenomegaly, may be caused by numerous health problems, including liver disease and certain cancers 1.Symptoms associated with this spleen problem include abdominal pain or fullness . Aloe Vera. The Spleen is responsible for manufacturing the Blood and the Spleen Qi keeps it in the vessels. Blackstrap Molasses is a well known, ancient remedy to enlarged spleens. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Eat a healthy diet: Eating an antioxidant-rich diet helps you prevent and recover from chronic diseases including lung conditions. Sometimesan ultrasound or computerized tomography (CT) test will be done. Lemons contain some iron, but they primarily prevent anemia by improving your absorption of iron from plant foods (26, 27). An enlarged spleen is a sign that the immune system is fighting to remove threats from the body, but failing to do so. Depending on the cause, symptoms can include abdominal pain, bloating, feeling full quickly, and fever (1). Severalessential oilsare beneficial for improving the bodys ability to drain swelling, fight infections, increase blood flow and reduce pain. However, you need to eat the pulp of the lemon, not just the juice. It is extremely important to understand the reason for enlargement before treating. 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. Otherfoods to avoid with an enlarged spleeninclude red meat, packaged cookies, dairy products, white bread, shellfish, and soy. One common theory is that the soluble pectin fiber in them expands in your stomach, helping you feel full for longer. Traditional healers advise the afflicted to consume it daily, and the enlarged spleen will . These free radicals can cause damage to the bodys tissues, can cause inflammation, and make your immune system become exposed to diseases and infections. Foods that are rich in zinc are excellent for the function of your immune system. An enlarged spleen can sometimes be very noticeable and painful, but surprisingly most people dont have any symptoms at all and arent even aware of the problem theyre experiencing! A 2015 study found that drinking freshly squeezed lemon water changes the pH level of blood and urine, reducing the amount of uric acid. For example, if youre experiencing splenomegaly resulting from NAFLD, youll need to adopt a diet that can improve your liver health. In some cases, people have genetically enlarged spleens, but it doesnt affect their overall health. Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT. Did you know that lemons are great for your spleen? Ahealthy diet can benefit the entire body, including the spleen, which will work more efficiently to carry blood cells and nutrients to tissue, while also removing waste, when you obtain plenty of nutrients. Sometimes the spleen is damaged or enlarged because of side effects or disturbances in other organs, such as the liver or other parts of the immune system. If Spleen-Qi is weak, a person will bruise easily, and/or will have problems with bleeding. An important precaution to take is to always wear a seat belt when driving, since a car accident is likely to cause even more injury to the spleen. Some studies also found that lemonade effectively prevented kidney stones, but the results have been mixed. Im so sorry to hear all that, thank you for sharing. The Spleen hates cold, so one easy way to help your Spleen is to avoid ice in your drinks. Avoid foods that are too cold or raw if you have an enlarged spleen. It plays several important roles in your body. One of the best things you can do for your Spleen is to do one thing at a time and be absolutely mindful when you do it. I'm lost, don't know how to do it, I'm 61 yrs old, diabetic, with diverticulitis, can't have seeds, nuts, corn, or peas, so I'm out as far as eating those for large spleen, I have IBS syndrome in my colon, I have COPD, 20% blockage of my heart, 10% Blockage in my right kidney and cyst on it. Fast foods are generally bad for the immune system because most of them contain a lot of salt. The spleen also removes microbes and destroys old or damaged red blood cells. This can cause internal bleeding. If you have splenomegaly, work with your doctor to find a dietary pattern that works for your specific needs. Soaked and well-cooked whole grains: oat, sweet rice, quinoa. Lemons contain a high amount of vitamin C, soluble fiber, and plant compounds that give them a number of health benefits. 3. Also, apple cider that has been boiled down to syrup, taken by the tablespoon as a tonic, can ease an enlarged spleen. Sit somewhere quiet and meditate away from the TV, the phone and try to avoid interruptions. Studies suggest drinking it may protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals and inflammation. All rights reserved. Other types of parasites that can lead to enlarged spleen include: malaria, toxoplasmosis, viscera larva migrans and schistosomiasis. Splenomegaly can also be caused by congestive heart failure and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Do Eat. As such, your dietary choices can affect every part of your body, including your spleen. 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. when battling with an enlarged spleen, it is advised that you eliminate foods that can further weaken your immune system to reduce your risk of getting a disease or infection. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR: Drink half a cup of water with 4 to 6 tbsp of apple cider vinegar daily before eating your meals. Grow Up: Surprising Foods That Make You Taller, Are Sunflower Seeds Good for You? That explains why occasional cleansing seems to be a good idea. A functional spleen performs the task of regulating the red blood cells, storing white blood cells, and ensuring the storage of platelets for blood clotting. 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? Top 8 Home Remedies is here to give you a look at some of the best home remedies that you can use from home. An unhealthy diet is not a known cause of splenomegaly. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 1. Good luck! It can reduce the pain associated with gout. One of the best things you can do for your Spleen is to do one thing at a time and be absolutely mindful when you do it. Here's what you need to know. Research shows that around 3 percent of healthy first-year college students have enlarged spleens. As blood filters through the spleen, its cleaned, and threatening microbes are engulfed and filtered out. Probably the single most important thing the spleen does isproduce antibodiesthat fight against bacteria and other microbes. Animal studies indicate that D-limonene, a compound found in lemon oil, does have anticancer properties (38, 39). However, there is limited rodent research on the topic. Many people suffer from enlarged spleen which is a warning that your immune system is failing to remove threats. For instance, one study revealed that eating 24 grams of citrus fiber extract daily for a month reduced total blood cholesterol levels (6). Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) These nutrients are responsible for several health benefits. Improves blood sugar regulation. Your spleen is a small organ located on the left side of your abdomen under your rib cage. The fiber and plant compounds in lemons could also significantly lower some risk factors for heart disease (4, 5). Because your spleen is in constant contact with your blood, blood-cleansing herbs directly cleanse and protect your spleen. For each serving of tea, use 1 teaspoon of the blend per 1 cup of hot water. . Combine several drops with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil, and massage them over the spleen two to three times per day. 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). Or the moistening quality of the Spleen may fail to nourish the dry Stomach, and symptoms of thirst, voracious appetite, or other signs of Stomach heat will appear." The Spleen is the main organ in the production of Qi, deriving it from the food and fluids we ingest, known as Food Qi/ Gu Qi. However, to get the benefits of fiber from lemons, you need to eat the pulp. It Has a High Risk of Contamination. An enlarged spleen means that the rest of the immune system has to work harder to keep out infections and diseases. 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. If your spleen weighs more than 2.2 pounds (1 kg), its referred to as massive splenomegaly (1). 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. 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. It is also said to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. The Spleen is directly related to our capacity for thinking. indigestion or feeling uncomfortable when eating, especially after a large meal, spleen pain and tenderness, usually on the upper left side of the abdomen, pain that has spread from the abdomen to the left shoulder, spleen pain when taking deep breaths or moving around, symptoms of jaundice (including yellowing of the skin), frequent infections (such as ear, urinary tract, respiratory or sinus infections), Inflammation related to a diet high in chemicals, preservatives, pesticides and other toxins, Blood diseases characterized by abnormal blood cells, Autoimmune reactions and disorders, such as arthritis, Physical trauma to the spleen or an injury (such as a sports injury), brightly colored fruits and veggies of all kinds, including cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, etc.) Ultimately, if you have an enlarged spleen, its important to work with your doctor, who can determine which dietary pattern may best treat the underlying cause of your splenomegaly and prevent any complications. SUMMARYSome plant chemicals found in lemons have been shown to prevent cancer in animal studies. Lemons deliver more than half of your daily vitamin C. Here are 20 ways to get more of them into your diet! With that in mind, here are some foods that are energetically super beneficial for stabilizing the spleen. autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Crude lemon balm herb is typically dosed at 1.5 to 4.5 g/day. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) Iron deficiency anemia is quite common. Pour a quart of drinking water in a stainless steel pot and put to boil. Oils that help support the lymphatic system include cypress, sage, and sandalwood. . The human spleen shows a decrease in volume of around 40% early during vigorous exercise and in response to other stressful stimuli such as maximal apnoea and the breathing of hypoxic gas mixtures. These vegetables are not only healthy, but they can also help to nurture your digestive system. Lemons are often promoted as a weight loss food, and there are a few theories as to why this is. 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. While some plant compounds from lemons and other citrus fruits may have anticancer potential, no quality evidence suggests that lemons can fight cancer in humans. Just prior to serving, add 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice to each cup. By ingesting lemon, each day studies suggest that it can help reduce your high blood pressure by 10%. Avocadoes, coconut oil, olive oil, and salmon, and healthy fat sources. Drinking lemonade stimulates the production of saliva, gastric juices in the stomach, and pepsin. 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. Small, green citrus fruits that are known for their tart flavor profile, limes are beneficial to the liver's health. Only as a last resort would a doctor decide to perform surgery to remove an enlarged spleen. This is associated with decreased immune function and splenomegaly. When malfunctioning, the Qi is weak (lassitude and lethargy), the appetite is poor, digestion is sluggish and the stools are loose and watery. Two of the most noteworthy health benefits of rooibos tea are its ability to act as a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. For dampness, "eating kimchi, sauerkraut, whole grain, goat's milk instead of cow's milk, lots of water to keep the digestive system moving, and soups and stews where the food is already partially . The Environmental Working Group released its Dirty Dozen list, a Shoppers Guide How to Diagnose and Treat an Enlarged Spleen, Daniel Fast: Benefits for Your Spiritual, Emotional and Physical Health, Frankincense Essential Oil Uses and Benefits for Healing, Oregano Oil Benefits for Infections, Fungus & Even the Common Cold, Secret Detox Drink Recipe (A Natural Detox Drink Recipe), Chia Seeds Benefits: The Omega-3, Protein-Packed Superfood, Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits for Weight Loss, Skin Health, Cholesterol & More, Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth & How to Get Rid of It, Pancreatitis Diet + 5 Tips for Prevention & Management, How to Lose Weight Fast: 5 Steps, 6 Potential Diets + 35 Tips, Cluster Headaches Causes and Possible Treatments. 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