Did you know that the lymphatic system is part of your immune system that helps to fight disease and infections?
What Exactly is the Lymphatic System?
Unlike our circulatory system that moves blood throughout our body, the lymphatic system is a open one- way network of vessels that moves fluids from between the cells and organs toward our circulatory system and filters the lymph.
This includes the lymph nodes, channels, spleen, thymus, adenoids, and tonsils.
The lymphatic system is a vast system of vessels that run throughout almost all of our body's tissues and circulates lymph through our body.
Lymph fluid is made up of white blood cells and interstitial fluid called chyle which contains fats and proteins.
Lymph fluid travels through your organs and tissues to clean them, collect waste material outside the bloodstream, and then drains through the lymphatic system and disposes this waste through our urine, perspiration, bowel movements, and breath.
Lymph nodes are small, soft, round structures that are located in groups throughout the body, especially in the groin, armpit, neck, chest, and abdomen.
These nodes act as filters to trap viruses, bacteria, cancer cells and other unwanted substance that are then flushed out of your body.
When our immune system detects an infection, the lymph nodes produce white blood cells to fight off these foreign invaders which causes the nodes to swell.
This is our body's sewage system, so keeping it moving will keep us healthier.
Lymph System Functions.
Maintains balance between blood and tissues fluids.
Vital part of the immune and circulatory system.
Help with absorption of fat-soluble nutrients through digestion.
Symptoms of Poor Lymphatic Drainage.
Poor lymph drainage - Lymphedema can lead to some health issues such as:
swollen limbs
skin discoloration
difficulty in breathing, swallowing and talking
greater risk of infections
How Can I Keep my Lymphatic System Healthy?
The best strategy for supporting the lymphatic system is through lifestyle choices:
Exercise - when we move our body, the blood is pumped by the heart and lymph fluid is squeezed through the vessels. So, moving our body every day - moves the fluid throughout our system.
Deep Breathing - when we breathe deeply engaging our diaphram muscle, this helps fluids circulate through our body.
Hydration - drinking enough water every day will allow the fluids to flow easily through your tissues to filter out toxins.
Avoid toxins as much as possible that are found in unflitered water, cleaning and home care supplies, body products, non-organic foods - due to the spraying of Glyphosate [Round-up].
Rebounding - bouncing helps to unblock your lymph.
Yoga & Pilates - these exercises can work your core and improve lymphatic drainage.
Swimming - the compression of water helps move lymph fluid.
Sauna - helps improve circulation by boosting your lymphatic system, strengthens the immune system which all support proper drainage.
Sweating - helps by increasing blood flow and removes toxins.
Maintaining a diet rich in whole, real foods and eliminating packaged and ultra-processed foods.
The Unsung Hero.
Getting to know about the lymphatic system and how we can support it, will go a long way in adding more healthy strategies to ensure we live a long and vibrant life.
Thanks for reading,
Jan
Excellent article, thanks Jan !