How do you get rid of lymphatic fluid build up? A Comprehensive Guide

September 23, 2025 •

4 min read

Lymphedema, a condition where excess lymphatic fluid builds up, affects millions of people and can result from genetic factors, cancer treatment, or infection. Learning how do you get rid of lymphatic fluid build up is crucial for managing this chronic condition, controlling swelling, and improving your quality of life.

Quick Summary

Managing excess lymphatic fluid requires a multi-pronged approach combining specific exercises, compression therapy, dietary adjustments, and manual drainage techniques to stimulate circulation and prevent fluid accumulation. While there is no cure, symptoms can be effectively controlled with a consistent and proactive strategy developed in consultation with a healthcare professional. These methods aim to promote the lymphatic system's natural drainage and filter waste from the body.

Key Points

Combine Therapies: Effective management of lymphatic fluid buildup typically involves a combination of strategies, not just one, for best results.
Compression is Key: Compression garments, bandages, and pneumatic pumps are essential for applying external pressure to encourage lymph fluid drainage.
Stay Active: Gentle, regular exercise like walking, swimming, and deep breathing helps muscles pump lymph fluid through the body.
Consult a Professional: Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) should be performed or taught by a certified therapist to ensure proper technique and safety.
Hydration and Diet Matter: Drinking plenty of water and eating a low-sodium, anti-inflammatory diet can support lymphatic health and reduce swelling.
Prevent Infection: Individuals with lymphedema have a higher risk of skin infections (cellulitis), so diligent skincare and wound care are crucial.
Know When to Seek Medical Help: For severe cases, or if symptoms worsen, surgical options or more intensive therapies may be necessary under a doctor's supervision.

Understanding Lymphatic Fluid Buildup

Your lymphatic system is a vital part of your immune system, responsible for collecting excess fluid, waste, and bacteria from your body's tissues. When this system is impaired, this fluid can accumulate, leading to swelling, or lymphedema, most commonly in the arms or legs. Damage to the lymph nodes and vessels, often a side effect of cancer treatment, is a frequent cause.

The Role of Exercise in Lymphatic Drainage

Movement is a powerful, non-invasive tool for stimulating lymphatic flow, as muscle contractions help to pump the fluid through the vessels. Incorporating gentle, regular exercise into your daily routine can make a significant difference in managing fluid buildup.

Deep Breathing: Deep abdominal breathing changes the pressure in your chest and abdomen, encouraging lymph fluid to flow back into your bloodstream. Practice this simple exercise daily by placing one hand on your stomach and focusing on slow, deep inhales and exhales.
Gentle Aerobics: Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling are excellent for promoting overall circulation without straining your body. Swimming, in particular, offers natural, built-in compression from the water pressure.
Stretching and Yoga: Gentle stretches and yoga poses, such as the cat-cow or child's pose, can help move lymphatic fluid and improve overall flexibility. Elevating your legs against a wall can also help drain fluid from the lower limbs.

Compression Therapy: A Cornerstone of Treatment

Compression is a critical component of managing lymphatic fluid buildup, as it applies external pressure to encourage fluid movement and prevent re-accumulation. A lymphedema therapist can help determine the best form of compression for you.

Compression Garments: These can include custom-fitted sleeves, stockings, or gloves that provide graduated pressure, with the highest pressure furthest from the body's core.
Bandaging: In the initial stages of treatment, a therapist may use multi-layered, short-stretch bandages to help reduce swelling. These are wrapped firmly around the affected limb to help move the fluid out.
Pneumatic Compression Devices: These machines use inflatable sleeves to apply intermittent, timed pressure to the affected area, effectively massaging the fluid out and stimulating proper flow.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a specialized, gentle massage technique performed by a certified therapist to move trapped fluid from swollen areas toward healthy lymph nodes. The technique involves light, rhythmic strokes and is distinct from traditional massage. Therapists can also teach you self-massage techniques to do at home.

The Role of Diet and Hydration

What you consume plays a significant role in your body's fluid balance and inflammation levels. Adjusting your diet can support your lymphatic system's health.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your lymph fluid thin and flowing efficiently. Dehydration can cause the fluid to become stagnant.
Reduce Sodium Intake: High sodium consumption can lead to water retention and increased swelling. Opt for fresh, whole foods and limit processed snacks and canned goods.
Prioritize Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, such as leafy greens, berries, nuts, and salmon.

Comparison of Lymphedema Management Techniques


Method	Description	Primary Benefit	Who is it for?
Exercise	Gentle, low-impact movements and deep breathing.	Stimulates circulation and muscle contractions to pump lymph fluid.	Mild to moderate cases; beneficial for all stages.
Compression Therapy	Wearing specialized garments, bandages, or using pumps.	Applies external pressure to prevent fluid buildup.	All stages, but especially critical for moderate to severe cases.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)	Specialized, light-touch massage by a trained therapist.	Manually moves fluid from congested areas to healthy lymph nodes.	Most stages; requires a certified therapist.
Dietary Changes	Low-sodium, anti-inflammatory diet with proper hydration.	Supports overall fluid balance and reduces inflammation.	All stages; a supportive, ongoing strategy.

Other Lifestyle and Medical Considerations

Beyond the core techniques, several other factors contribute to managing lymphatic fluid buildup effectively. These can range from preventative measures to more advanced medical interventions.

Skin Care: Keep the skin on the affected limb clean and moisturized to prevent cuts, infections (like cellulitis), and skin breakdown, which can worsen swelling.
Elevation: Whenever possible, elevate the affected limb above your heart to allow gravity to assist with drainage.
Infection Prevention: If you have lymphedema, even a small cut can lead to a serious infection. Wear gloves for gardening, use insect repellent, and take precautions to avoid injury. If an infection occurs, antibiotics may be necessary.
Surgical Options: For severe, advanced cases, surgical interventions like lymph node transplants or creating new drainage paths may be considered. Liposuction can also be used to remove excess fibrous tissue in later stages. Consult a specialist for these options. An authoritative source on this topic is the Mayo Clinic.

Conclusion

While a damaged lymphatic system cannot be fully repaired, managing lymphatic fluid buildup is entirely possible through consistent and concerted effort. A combination of specialized techniques, such as compression therapy, manual drainage, and gentle exercises, alongside supportive lifestyle changes, including diet and hydration, can significantly reduce swelling and improve comfort. By staying proactive and working closely with healthcare professionals, individuals can effectively control their symptoms and lead a fulfilling life.

Frequently Asked Questions

The fastest and most effective way to reduce lymphatic fluid buildup is through Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), which involves a combination of manual lymphatic drainage massage, compression bandaging, and therapeutic exercise. It is performed under the guidance of a certified lymphedema therapist.

Yes, proper hydration is crucial. Drinking plenty of water helps keep the lymph fluid thin and moving smoothly through the lymphatic system. Being dehydrated can cause the fluid to become thicker and more stagnant, worsening the condition.

No, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a very gentle, rhythmic massage technique that should not be painful. It is performed with very light pressure, as the lymphatic vessels are located just beneath the skin's surface.

Low-impact, repetitive exercises are best. Examples include walking, swimming, gentle yoga, and deep abdominal breathing. These movements cause muscle contractions that help to pump the lymphatic fluid, improving circulation.

A diet high in sodium and processed foods can worsen fluid retention, which puts added stress on the lymphatic system. Eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods, lean proteins, and anti-inflammatory fruits and vegetables can support lymphatic health.

For most individuals, lymphedema is not curable but is a chronic condition that can be effectively managed. The goal of treatment is to control swelling and symptoms, not to cure the underlying lymphatic damage.

Your specific needs for compression garments will be determined by a healthcare provider or lymphedema specialist. Many people wear them daily to maintain proper fluid drainage, especially during exercise or extended periods of activity. Always follow your doctor's recommendations for wear time.