What is the Lymphatic System? And why you should care!
You’ve probably heard a lot about the immune system and how it helps you fight infections and diseases. Did you know that the lymphatic system plays an important role in helping your immune system function?
The lymphatic system cleanses every system in your body like a garbage collector. It gets rid of toxins, removes cellular waste, maintains body fluid levels, keeps inflammation at bay, and produces white blood cells to fight off infection and disease. As the first defense against illness, the lymphatic system is essential to the proper function of all your organs.
Let’s dive deeper into what the lymphatic system does, why you should care about it, and what you can do to improve its function.
What is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is a group of tissues and organs that help the body get rid of toxins and waste products. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph, which is a fluid that contains white blood cells. Its system of lymphatic vessels connects to lymph nodes, which filter the lymph.
There are also four organs that are part of the lymphatic system: tonsils, adenoids, spleen, and thymus. All of these organs play a role in helping the body’s immune system function properly.
The tonsils and adenoids are located in the back of your throat. They help protect the body from disease by filtering bacteria and viruses from the air.
The spleen detects bacteria, viruses, and other dangerous microorganisms in the blood and creates a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes. While you can live without a spleen, those who don’t have a spleen are more prone to infections.
The thymus and bone marrow produce the cells in the lymph. The thymus stores immature lymphocytes and helps prepare them to become active T cells (or T lymphocytes - the cells that attack infected or cancerous cells).
Why is the Lymphatic System so Important?
Your lymphatic system is part of the immune system. When it’s not functioning well, your whole immune system is compromised. This can impact your immune responses. When your immune system isn’t functioning properly, your body is not as well equipped to fight off disease and infection, and you can become ill.
Symptoms of Lymphatic System Issues
The main sign of lymphatic dysfunction is lymphedema, which happens when the system is clogged or isn’t working well. Lymphedema causes the lymphatic system’s tissues to become swollen with lymph fluid. While it typically impacts the arms and legs, other parts of your body can also experience swelling.
Lymphedema is a long-term, chronic lymphatic disease. However, it’s not the only issue that impacts the lymphoid organs and system.
Here are some other symptoms you may experience when your lymphatic system is blocked or not working well:
—Bloating
—Food sensitivities/allergies
—Weakened immune system
—Brain fog
—Dry and itchy skin
—Chronic fatigue
—Weight gain
—Swollen lymph nodes
—Cold hands and feet (poor blood circulation)
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you may have blockages or infections in that part of the body.
There are many different things that can cause your lymphatic system to become congested or clogged:
—Too many toxins built up in the human body
—Infections of the lymph nodes
—Lack of movement or exercise
—Dehydration
—Stress and anxiety
—Lack of adequate sleep
—Poor or unbalanced diet
It’s important to be aware of the symptoms and causes of lymphatic issues because chronic lymphatic congestion can lead to autoimmune conditions and cancers like lymphoma.
10 Ways to Improve Your Lymphatic System Function
Are you having issues with your lymphatic system? Here are 10 simple ways that you can improve:
1) Start your day with a large glass of WARM purified water.
Every morning, drink a large glass of WARM water. You can even add a little fresh lemon to your taste. Keep drinking warm purified water throughout the day.
2) Practice deep breathing.
Deep breathing into your diaphragm helps with the flow of lymph fluid throughout the body. It can help with all types of swelling that may occur due to lymphatic system congestion and blockages.
3) Move or exercise every day.
Lymphatic circulation is stimulated by exercise, so getting more movement or exercise into your day is a good way to unblock and keep your lymphatic system from getting congested.
Here are some examples of simple ways to add movement or exercise into your day:
—Trampoline
—Vibration plate
—Dancing
—Swimming
—Yoga
—Pilates
—Biking
—Walking
—Weight training
4) Dry brushing
Dry brushing can be done daily to help with lymph flow and drainage. It also promotes blood circulation.
But there’s more! Dry brushing also helps unclog pores in the exfoliation process, which makes it easier for the body to sweat and eliminate toxins. It can even improve the look of cellulite!
5) Try hydrotherapy.
Hydrotherapy is alternating hot and cold water on the skin. This helps stimulate lymph fluid flow to promote drainage. To try this at home, immerse your limbs in alternating hot and cold water. This will also help improve blood circulation and blood vessel health.
6) Use an infrared sauna.
Infrared heat penetrates deep into your body’s tissues to stimulate detoxification. It helps move stagnant fluid and toxins through the skin, which improves lymphatic drainage.
7) Get a lymphatic drainage massage
Just as the name suggests, a lymphatic drainage massage can help promote lymphatic system drainage in the body. The massage therapist will target specific areas of the body that help move lymph fluid to areas of the body with working lymph vessels.
8) Take an Epsom salt bath.
Take an Epsom salt bath 2-3x per week for about 15-20 minutes. Taking an Epsom salt bath is not only a great way to relax, but it can also help improve lymphatic system function. The sulfites and magnesium in the Epsom salt help flush out the toxins and metals in the body.
*Don’t use Epsom salt if you’re diabetic! It can dry out the skin and complicate existing foot problems.
9) Wear compression stockings
Wearing compression stockings or socks can help with lymphatic drainage, which results in reduced swelling and inflammation. These stockings work by stimulating the lymph fluid to flow toward the torso and away from the legs. They’re also a great option for those who are experiencing swelling in the legs.
10) Eat an organic anti-Inflammatory diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids
Diet also plays a role in lymphatic system function. Eating an organic, anti-inflammatory diet high in Omega-3 fatty acids can help improve how the lymphatic system functions.
Eat more foods like:
—Citrus fruits
—Berries
—Leafy greens
—Chia, hemp, and pumpkin seeds
—Turmeric
—Ginger
—Chlorophyll (Add drops to your water.)
Your Lymphatic system is what gives your body its innate ability to heal itself. When your lymphatic system is compromised, so is your body’s immune and detoxification system! This is why it’s so important to be aware of how your lymphatic system works, and how to keep it unblocked and functioning at its best!
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