According to traditional naturopathy, sleeping on the left side is better for digestion, for the back and even for our heart.
1. Let your lymphatic system swallow waste
In addition to the blood circulation, our lymphatic system is the most important transport system in the body. Lymphs carry nutrients such as glucose or proteins into our bloodstream. Similar to a garbage chute, the lymphatic system also disposes of waste materials and unpleasant pathogens such as bacteria and even foreign bodies.
To support the transport in the lymphatic system, we should therefore lie on the dominant, left side of the lymph. Sleep on the right side, on the other hand, inhibits transport. Studies also suggest that if you turn to your left side in bed, waste can be removed from the brain.
2. Don’t pinch your stomach
With our stomach and pancreas in the left half of the body, we hinder our gastrointestinal activity when we prefer the right side when sleeping. Digestive juices, on the other hand, can be channeled much better and enzymes are better secreted if the stomach does not press on the pancreas.
3. Relieve your heart
Good health advisors especially recommend pregnant women to sleep on their left side so that the “pumping function” of the heart is supported.
Even if you are not pregnant, you can do some work for your heart. Our main artery, also known as the aorta, curves to the left from the heart (aortic arch) and leads into the abdomen. If you are lying on the right side, the heart has to pump your blood “up”. And at night we should give the body maximum rest.
4. Relieve your liver
Not only does the heart enjoy the left sleeping position, but also the liver. Sleeping on your left prevents the uterus from putting pressure on the liver and increases the blood supply to the unborn child and kidneys.
5. Against the burning sensation in the stomach
A study published in The Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that sleeping on the left side complaints like Reflux and heartburn can inhibit.
Again, it’s because our stomach is on the left. On the other hand, if we lie on our right side, we make work in the stomach more difficult. If you are struggling with heartburn yourself, try lying on your left side for ten to 15 minutes after eating.
6. Let the spleen do its job
The spleen cleanses our blood and is responsible for lymphatic function. The spleen is also on the left side of our body. If we lean to the left, waste from the lymphatic system can reach the spleen more easily.
So if you can’t decide which position to sleep in when going to bed, it is best to choose the left side. Your organs will thank you.
