Your Lymphatic System

The Silent Assistant

Your lymphatic system is actually part of your cardiovascular system. You see, your cardiovascular system casts a very big shadow when it comes to accomplishing important goals. It easily overshadows your lymphatic system, making it fade into the background most of the time. Your lymphatic system consists of a network of small vessels (called lymphatic vessels) that carry lymph (similar to water in appearance and consistency) back towards your heart. Refer to the infographic below and see where your lymphatic system and its parts are located.

Your lymphatic system has three main roles to fulfil. They are as follows:

1. It brings excess fluid from the tissues back into the circulation. Your circulatory system filters approximately 20 litres of blood. Seventeen of these litres filter through the capillaries and straight back into the main circulation. The remaining three litres are recollected from excess fluid in the tissues by your lymphatic system. They flow through the network of lymphatic vessels and eventually are returned to the general circulation where all lymph fluid drains into.
2. Your lymphatic system enhances the function of your immune system. Besides vessels, your lymphatic system also consists of your spleen, thymus, tonsils, lymph nodes and lymph tissue. There are hundreds of lymph nodes throughout the whole body. These structures concentrate lymphocytes (white blood cells) ready to fight any intruder. The lymphocytes combat viruses and harmful bacteria, and they increase in numbers when you have a viral infection like the flu.
3. Your lymphatic system also acts as a rubbish collection truck. Got any garbage? In this case, the rubbish is represented by diseased and dead cells, toxins, viruses, bacteria, cancer cells and other wastes. It collects them from the tissues and cells throughout the whole body and delivers them to the nearest dumpsite (lymph nodes) within the area. At the lymph nodes, all of this garbage is filtered out of the lymph fluid and harmful intruders are destroyed by waiting immune cells. In addition to collecting wastes, lymph fluid also brings nutrients and oxygen to the cells throughout the body.

Warning signs that signal you might have problems within your lymphatic system

Unlike your cardiovascular system which has the heart to pump blood around, your lymphatic system relies solely on nearby muscles contracting to move it around the body. The squeezing action of surrounding muscles and gravity both help the lymph fluid to circulate. Because of our predominantly sedentary lifestyles, obstruction of the flow and sluggish flow are common problems.

Below are some signs and symptoms telling you that you might have problems within your lymphatic system:

Flu-like symptoms, recurring colds and flu’s
Sinusitis
Worsened allergies and food sensitivities
Joint pain, stiffness, muscle cramping
Headaches and migraines
Chronic fatigue
Dry skin, acne, cellulite
Bad breath, body odour
Hormonal imbalances, menstrual cramps
Fibrocystic breasts
Swollen limbs and tissues
Digestive problems, loss of appetite
Mental fogginess, mood irregularities
Parasite infections

Remember if you’re experiencing any or several of the signs above, consult your healthcare practitioner.

What you can do to help your lymphatic system

Here are some practical tips to help your lymphatic system in the performance of its duties:

1. Drink plenty of water. Preferably purified water.
2. Exercise regularly, daily if possible. Exercise that gets the whole body moving is ideal.
3. Practice deep breathing. Breath deeply into your abdomen through your nose. This also helps to aid the flow of lymph throughout the body.
4. Get a lymphatic massage from a qualified practitioner. Its a great way to give your lymphatic system a helping hand. You can also do gentle lymphatic massage on yourself. Each gentle massage stroke should move towards the heart.Start from the areas closest to the heart and work your way out. This helps to get the lymph to flowing and can be completed during your shower. Dry skin brushing can also aids your lymph and is good for your skin too. It should be performed in the same way as the gentle lymph massage.
Note: Lymph massage is contraindicated in cases of tumours, heart problems and thrombosis.
5. Stay away from processed and refined foods including simple sugars, refined carbohydrates and damaged vegetables oils. They introduce more toxins into your system giving your body more to clean up. They also contribute to excess weight which makes lymph more sluggish and can lead to significant oedema (swelling of your lower limbs). Eat organic where possible to avoid toxins like pesticides.
6. Identify food sensitivities and avoid the offending foods whenever possible.
7. Avoid wearing clothing that may restrict the flow of lymph and put pressure on the lymph nodes such as tight jeans and tight underwire bras.
8. Complete an annual cleanse or detox that includes the bowels, liver, kidneys, blood and lymphatic system. Your elimination channels need to be working properly otherwise your lymphatic system gets overrun with waste. The following herbs support the well-being of your lymphatic system by encouraging healthy lymph flow. They’re often included in full body detox programs.

Take good care of your lymphatic system. Even though it’s often in the background, its one of the most important because it supports all the other systems in your body. Like your other body systems, it can get sick too. Why not help it out by eating healthfully and getting at least a little exercise everyday. Check out some fun types of exercise to have a go at.