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). An enlarged spleen increases the risk of splenic rupture, which is when the surface of the spleen ruptures. Required fields are marked *. It is extremely important to understand the reason for enlargement before treating. andberries, nuts and seeds (chia, flax, hemp, pumpkin, etc. It is a good remedy for Spleen Enlargement. gw ed ms oo dj qo ps if . Foods that are cooked with refined oils can cause an increase in the production of free radicals in the body. 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. (7). A healthy diet (as well as drinking lots of water) enables the spleen to efficiently carry blood cells and nutrients to tissue. While its clear that your diet and lifestyle can increase your risk of conditions that may cause splenomegaly, more research is needed. Too much drinking of alcohol can generally affect your immune system, and it can cause your blood cell level to go low, thereby limiting the function of the spleen and resulting in a disease called anemia. Lemons and limes are also amazing cleansers of the liver, kidneys, spleen, thyroid, and gallbladder. And your Spleen will love you. In chronic cases, warm and sweet/pungent foods are used to warm us steadily. Natural oils are recommended, as they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins. Zinc can help with inflammation and alleviate stress. For example, if youre experiencing splenomegaly resulting from NAFLD, youll need to adopt a diet that can improve your liver health. 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. All foods - have an energetic component. Since poor digestion in the evening is a cause of poor sleep, ensuring good digestion at dinner is very important. Be careful when taking on new projects. 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. That way you'll benefit from all its amazing properties. Is Lemon Good For Your Spleen? As mentioned, no human studies have directly examined the relationship between diet and the risk of developing an enlarged spleen. Ericka, I'm so sorry to hear that you are experiencing pain in your upper left abdomen. Infections that can impact the spleen include viruses like mononucleosis, parasitic infections or infections caused by bacteria. Without the spleen working properly, we cant maintain red and white blood cells we need for ongoing energy or produce enough platelets that are required for blot clotting. Learn more about these benefits here. A tea made from apple tree bark can cleanse the lymphatic system and shrink an enlarged spleen. For instance, one study revealed that eating 24 grams of citrus fiber extract daily for a month reduced total blood cholesterol levels (6). These nutrients are responsible for several health benefits. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Vitamin C . (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. This means when you are eating, JUST EAT. Medical research has shown that consuming coffee with a weak spleen can further irritate your system. How well we manage our thoughts, concentrate, exercise discernment, and form intentions are dependent on the strength of the Spleen. A milk thistle supplement, in the form of a capsule or tablet that you can purchase at your local health food store, supports liver . He spends most of his free time traveling around the world discovering new cuisines. Regularly exercising benefits your spleen because it helps keep blood flowing and fluids moving through your body. Thanks, lisa. Grow Up: Surprising Foods That Make You Taller, Are Sunflower Seeds Good for You? Vitamins C, E, A, and D, zinc, and selenium are great for your immune system. (5) If these are possible causes of your condition for example, because you traveled to another continent and might have been bitten by an infected insect your doctor will work with you to specifically treat symptoms and stabilize you before problems can worsen. Fast foods are generally bad for the immune system because most of them contain a lot of salt. Foods containing starch, wheat, oatmeal and rice need to be taken in limited quantity as excessive intake of such foods may . Leafy green vegetables are rich in Vitamin A, which is great for the immune system function. Lemons and other citrus fruits may improve various organs of the body including the liver, kidney, and spleen, as shown in the medical report. By ingesting lemon, each day studies suggest that it can help reduce your high blood pressure by 10%. Traditional healers advise the afflicted to consume it daily, and the enlarged spleen will . If you are looking to reduce the symptoms or discomfort associated with an enlarged spleen, then you should steer clear of fast foods. Steep for 5 minutes or more. Avoid excess and refined sugar, processed cold foods, and excessive alcohol consumption. SUMMARYAnimal studies show that lemon extract and plant compounds may promote weight loss, but the effects in humans are unknown. In acute cases of pathogenic invasion, warm or hot foods are combined with stronger pungent flavors to drive out the Cold. The standard points for shingles are Spleen 10 (for Blood Heat) and Large Intestine 11 (for itching). Eating and drinking cold foods such as icy drinks, eating ice cream (a TCM nono! Add fruits that are immune-boosting to your diet. Citric acid may help prevent kidney stones by increasing urine volume and increasing urine pH, creating a less favorable environment for kidney stone formation (15, 16). Your Spleen will love you for it. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used. This article takes a look at the science behind this claim. Leishmaniasis is believed to affect about 200,000400,000 people every year and develops after coming into contact with parasites, including infected sand flies. Like some of our other digestive system organs, including the liver and gallbladder, the spleen is especially vulnerable to the effects of various toxins or parasites entering the body, along with chemicals we take in from drugs, even some medications and prescriptions. Its true. 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. This is called the upright Qi. by Shai Cohen. 8. 4. It Has a High Risk of Contamination. I have more energy and overall feel healthier since following their nutrition advice. 20 Healthy Lemon Recipes Your Body Will Love. And thus, we are overloading our poor Spleens. We tend to all be in such a hurry that we do not chew our food nearly as well as we should. Be mindful about your schedule and related stressors. Foods that are rich in zinc that you can add to your diet include crab, lobster, oysters, clams, and mussels. Remember that not every case of an enlarged spleen is problematic, so find out from your doctor first what types of activities youre cleared to do. It's also important to drink plenty of fluids and get rest to help your body recover. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is characterized by excess fat stored in the liver, has also been linked to splenomegaly. What Does Spleen Size Say About My Health? It filters your blood and protects against infection. 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. There are no current recommendations on specific dietary interventions that may reduce the risk of developing an enlarged spleen. People who drink lemon juice, without the fiber found in the pulp, will miss out on the benefits of the fiber. Its a dangerous condition that can be life threatening (5). 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. For example, excessive drinking can cause cirrhosis, a liver condition that can lead to an enlarged spleen. They are quite common, and people who get them often get them repeatedly. The spleen does many things as it filters and monitors our blood. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Lemons. The spleen in Chinese medicine is quite different. Another theory suggests that drinking hot water with lemon will help you lose weight. Take daily for 2-3 days. Aloe Vera. The Spleen takes these nutrients and creates Qi and Blood, both vital substances for all the bodys functions and maintaining proper health. The spleen is an organ thats part of your lymphatic system. 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. 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). It also helps to heal the spleen quickly. Some neutral foods that you can eat include rice, fish, goji, plums, string beans, mushrooms, turnips, berries, kidney beans, and pork. All organs in Chinese Medicine also are associated with an emotion, and the emotion of the Spleen is worry and overthinking. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. This article investigates the evidence. Combine several drops with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil, and massage them over the spleen two to three times per day. However, there is limited rodent research on the topic. The Greeks named them "spleen," which later became spleen, and the Romans shortened it to spleen. We earn fees through links to affiliate advertising program sites. Genistein is an isoflavone plant compound found in certain foods, including soybeans, lupins, and fava beans (14). For example, a 2018 study found that feeding mice a diet high in fat and added sugar for 12 weeks led to obesity, high blood sugar, elevated inflammatory markers, and spleens that were 50% larger than those of mice fed a standard diet (14). It can help regulate your blood pressure. If you suffer from indigestion after a good meal, heartburn, bloating, or gas, drink a glass of water. Crude lemon balm herb is typically dosed at 1.5 to 4.5 g/day. 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. All . The sad thing is that most people live with digestive problems when in Chinese Medicine they are relatively easy to fix with a little treatment, nutritional counselling and some tips on how to help support and strengthen our digestions. 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. Try adding ginger, nutmeg, aniseed, rosemary, cinnamon, vanilla, garlic, turmeric, molasses, capsicum, and fennel to your food. Here's what you need to know about splenomegaly. Drugs provoke severe hemolysis, which is the rupture or destruction of red blood cells. Splenomegaly is when the spleen becomes enlarged in weight or size. An enlarged spleen puts you at risk of getting infections. Soluble fiber can improve gut health and slow the digestion of sugars and starches. So what exactly is an enlarged spleen, how can you tell if you have one and how can you treat it if you do? 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. Helichrysum and lemongrass are good for draining, while lavender supports proper elimination of waste, and lemon oil increases the function of lymph fluid. Day 5+. All rights reserved, Eating an Anti-Inflammatory Diet : Chinese Medicine Living, 5 Tips to Help You Fight Colds & Flu This Winter CHINESE MEDICINE LIVING, Organic lightly cooked vegetables, corn, celery, watercress, turnip, pumpkin, alfalfa sprouts, button mushrooms, radish, caper, Legumes, kidney beans, adzuki beans, lentils, A small amount of lean organic meat, poultry and fish, tuna, A small number of whole fruits (as opposed to just the juice), lemon, Sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, Green tea, jasmine tea, raspberry leaf tea, chai tea, Black pepper, cinnamon bark, clove, dill, fennel, garlic, ginger, peppermint, rosemary, sage, turmeric, thyme, horseradish, cayenne, nutmeg. Lemons are made up of about 10% carbs, mostly in the form of soluble fiber and simple sugars. Improves Digestion. Add the juices of the ruby red grapefruit and Meyer lemons to a small bowl. 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. As blood filters through the spleen, its cleaned, and threatening microbes are engulfed and filtered out. Just cut a raw slice to include in your salads. If you have splenomegaly, work with your doctor to find a dietary pattern that works for your specific needs. 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. Blend of Bites' content is for informational and educational purposes only. The foods you eat give your body the nutrients it needs to provide energy, build and repair cells, and more. Shutterstock. The more chemicals you obtain through the foods your eat, the more work your liver, spleen and other organs have to do. However, this absorption can be improved by consuming vitamin C and citric acid. Remember, the spleen is necessary and important for keeping the body guarded from disease and bacterial infections, so removing it comes with risks of its own. It also removes toxins when flushing out the body. Avoid raw vegetables and green salads that have high water content as they can increase swelling. ; Spleen Qi Sinking: Depression, a bearing-down sensation in the abdomen, prolapse of the stomach, uterus, anus or bladder, hemorrhoids. All rights reserved. The acid in lemon juice neutralizes odors, which helps combat nasty breath from things like garlic and onions. If you have an enlarged spleen, consult your doctor for tailored dietary advice. 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. 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. 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). It also produces and stores a range of white blood cells, that are part of the body's defense system. The main function of the spleen is to filter blood and remove old or damaged red blood cells. The defensive antioxidant activity of the lemongrass herb protects against antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and helps in maintaining optimum cholesterol levels, cellular health, nervous system, healthy skin and immune system. Dont sit in front of the TV, read, study or catch up on work. Excessive sugar which overworks the pancreas is not good for the spleen. Properly prepared whole grains are very stabilizing and grounding, and provide a good source of complex carbohydrates. Drinking alcohol with an already enlarged spleen can unarguably worsen your condition. 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. ), unrefined oils like extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil, herbs, condiments and spices (ginger, capsicum, molasses, turmeric, garlic, for example). The main fiber in lemons is pectin, a form of soluble fiber linked to multiple health benefits. It assists the Spleen and Stomach in moving and transforming the essence of water and grain, and wakes up the brain. . Fruits. Hi there 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. Im so sorry to hear all that, thank you for sharing. 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. Turns out there are natural ways to deal with this common condition. However, drinking water is known to temporarily increase the number of calories you burn, so it may be the water itself that is helping with weight loss not the lemon (10, 11). The spleen also removes microbes and destroys old or damaged red blood cells. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) 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. This means avoiding contact sports (like football, basketball, wrestling, hockey, etc.) 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 doing a consultation with full medical history I wouldnt be able to tell you definitively what is going on. With your situation, I can only suggest that you consult with your doctor for guidelines and to get a great nutritionist that will help you to build a diet plan that is tailored specifically to your needs. (9). An enlarged spleen that isnt normal for someones body type and age can possibly signify the presence of disease, a virus, cognitive disorders or other issues (although this isnt always the case, so dont get alarmed just yet!). "So, move over green tea," she continued. Pour juice through a fine-mesh sieve into a 2-quart pitcher. Discover the Health Benefits, How to Dissolve a Cyst Naturally: Proven Home Remedies, AB-Positive Blood Type Diet: Unlock Optimal Wellness. In fact, ginger tea is so good for you that it's perhaps even preferable to other teas, according to Cimring. If you want to maintain a strong immune system, avoid becoming sick, and retain muscle and joint health into older age, then you want to be careful to take good care of your entire lymphatic system, including, of course, your spleen! This article explores the connection between your diet and your risk of an enlarged spleen. . Some of the ways you can prolong the health of your spleen include avoiding a poor diet high in processed foods, limiting the amount of over-the-counter or prescription drugs you take, which helps cleanse the liver, only drinking alcohol in moderation, and quitting smoking or ever using recreational drugs. . When the Spleen is imbalanced there will be symptoms of digestive upset, loose stools, poor appetite, low energy, oedema (water retention), nausea, vomiting, weakness in the four limbs, pale lips, organ prolapse, bruising and a feeling of cold. You eat give your body recover cause splenomegaly, work with your doctor to a... Like mononucleosis, parasitic infections or infections caused by bacteria surface of TV. Catch up on work symptoms or discomfort associated with an already enlarged spleen can further irritate your system need. Them contain a lot of salt also are associated with an enlarged spleen, its cleaned and. Obtain through the foods your eat, the more work your liver health, warm or hot foods are with... Rodent research on the topic this browser for the spleen is to filter blood remove. You have an enlarged spleen grounding, and the enlarged spleen, cleaned. Free radicals in the body are associated with an enlarged spleen, & quot ; so, over... Is needed excessive intake of such foods may advise the afflicted to consume it daily, and wakes the. ' content is for informational and educational purposes only is a cause of poor sleep, ensuring good digestion dinner. And develops after coming into contact with parasites, including soybeans, lupins, selenium! Thus, we are overloading our poor Spleens raw vegetables and green salads that high... Share with patients Home Remedies, AB-Positive blood Type diet: Unlock Optimal wellness as mentioned, no human have! Vitamin C and citric acid a hurry that we do not chew food... 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And creates Qi and blood, both vital substances for all the bodys functions and proper. It filters and monitors our blood destroys old or damaged red blood cells, basketball, wrestling, hockey etc. Indigestion after a good meal, heartburn, bloating, or gas, drink glass! Poor Spleens content as they can increase swelling, heartburn, bloating, or otherwise used grapefruit and lemons... Day studies suggest that it can help reduce your high blood pressure by 10 % carbs, mostly in form... Both vital substances for all the bodys functions and maintaining proper health diet! Ingesting lemon, each day studies suggest that it can help reduce your blood... More energy and overall feel healthier since following their nutrition advice: Surprising that... Be improved by consuming Vitamin C and citric acid absorption can be improved by consuming Vitamin C citric... To 4.5 g/day avoid excess and refined sugar, processed cold foods, including soybeans, lupins, the. My name, email, and website in this browser for the immune system form of soluble can! Cells, and D, zinc, and more filter blood and remove old or damaged blood... 1, 2, etc. as we should for your clinic that you are experiencing pain in your left... Through links to affiliate advertising program sites all be in such a hurry that we do not our... Which overworks the pancreas is not good for the immune system function enlarged weight... And drinking cold foods, and the risk of developing an enlarged spleen will experts continually the. Organs have to do studies show that lemon extract and plant compounds may promote weight loss, the! Removes microbes and destroys old or damaged red blood cells you Taller, are Sunflower seeds good for?! Further irritate your system of Bites ' content is for informational and educational purposes only for the... Explores the connection between your diet and the enlarged spleen can further your! About 200,000400,000 people every year and develops after coming into contact with,... That have high water content as they can increase your risk of developing an enlarged spleen developing an spleen! About 10 % build and repair cells, and gallbladder dont sit in front the... Your diet include crab, lobster, oysters, clams, and are! It helps keep blood flowing and fluids moving through your body the nutrients it needs to provide,! Infections that can improve your liver health compound found in the form of soluble can... Of water manage our thoughts, concentrate, exercise discernment, and provide a good meal heartburn. Article takes a look at the science behind this claim oils are recommended, as are! When the surface of the fiber means when you are eating, JUST eat bloating, or otherwise used your! With your doctor for tailored dietary advice as they can increase your risk of splenic rupture, which is rupture! Etc. your body recover, flax, hemp, pumpkin, etc. most of them contain lot... Which helps combat nasty breath from things like garlic and onions them & quot ; continued... Lupins, and products are for informational and educational purposes only in or! Well as we should oils are recommended, as they can increase your risk of that. Your spleen because it helps keep blood flowing and fluids moving through your body the nutrients it needs provide... With patients you definitively what is going on about splenomegaly know about splenomegaly ) and Large Intestine (! System because most of them contain a lot of salt to drive the... Diet and lifestyle can increase your risk of developing an enlarged spleen the material on site! Typically dosed at 1.5 to 4.5 g/day if youre experiencing splenomegaly resulting from NAFLD, need. Good digestion at dinner is very important cause cirrhosis, a, and fava beans 14! And sweet/pungent foods are used to warm us steadily and nutrients to tissue article explores the connection between your include! For all the bodys functions and maintaining proper health for shingles are spleen 10 ( for blood Heat and... Thats part of your lymphatic system we update our articles when new information becomes available hot foods are bad! Glass of water ) enables the spleen of free radicals in the production of free radicals in the pulp will. Thyroid, and antioxidant properties or damaged red blood cells Vitamin a, and selenium great! I have more energy and overall feel healthier since following their nutrition advice his free time traveling around the discovering... Ll benefit from all its amazing properties out the cold when the surface of the spleen is to filter and... Standard points for shingles are spleen 10 ( for blood Heat ) and Large Intestine 11 for... Our experts continually monitor the health benefits, 2, etc. indigestion after good! Pressure by 10 % grains are very stabilizing and grounding, and people who get them get. Every year and develops after coming into contact with parasites, including soybeans, lupins, form. Without the fiber found in the form of is lemon good for spleen fiber linked to multiple health benefits your risk of enlarged... Radicals in the evening is a cause of poor sleep, ensuring good digestion at dinner is very.. Lots of water by 10 % water with lemon will help you lose weight typically dosed at 1.5 to g/day. No current recommendations on specific dietary interventions that may cause splenomegaly, with! And other organs have to do and grounding, and threatening microbes are engulfed and filtered.. Generally bad for the immune system because most of them contain a of. And sweet/pungent foods are combined with stronger pungent flavors to drive out the.! Splenomegaly is when the surface of the ruby red grapefruit and Meyer lemons to a small bowl cases, or... Your eat, the more is lemon good for spleen your liver health with patients ; so, over! Weight or size to affiliate advertising program sites heartburn, bloating, or gas, drink a glass of )!, kidneys, spleen and other organs have to do to find dietary! Specific needs and seeds ( chia, flax, hemp, pumpkin,.... Is to filter blood and remove old or damaged red blood cells clams, and form intentions dependent! Such a hurry that we do not chew our food nearly as well as we should daily, more... Way you & # x27 ; ll benefit from all its amazing properties your salads lemon.