What Foods Can Shrink a Spleen?

The spleen recycles iron and red blood cells and helps fight infection. Sometimes injury or illness causes the spleen to enlarge 1. Changes to diet and lifestyle changes can shrink an enlarged spleen.

Supplements

A tea made from apple tree bark can cleanse the lymphatic system and shrink an enlarged spleen. Also, apple cider that has been boiled down to syrup, taken by the tablespoon as a tonic, can ease an enlarged 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 and spleen function. The two organs work closely together, and an enlarged spleen is often caused by an overworked liver.

Fiber

Foods That Are Good for a Liver Cleanse

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A diet high in fruit, along with plenty of water, will help keep the lymphatic system clean. Increase intake of high-fiber fruits such as apples, bananas and blueberries.

Foods to Eliminate

When suffering from an enlarged spleen, avoid fatty and processed foods. These foods are difficult to digest and put significant strain on the liver and spleen.

Alcohol

Supplements to Help the Spleen

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The spleen and liver are dependent on each other for proper function. An overtaxed liver can lead to an enlarged spleen. Cut out alcohol and increase water intake to shrink a spleen.

Sign of Serious Illness

An enlarged spleen is not only uncomfortable--it can be a symptom of a serious illness such as leukemia, cancer or lymphoma.

See your doctor for a proper course of treatment, and use the above tips to aid the medical treatment of enlarged spleen.