The Lymphatic System & Immunity

"Detox your body from the outside in and the inside out" 

​The What
The lymphatic system is a vital part of immune health. It maintains the balance of fluids and nutrients in the tissues of the human body. It eliminates cancer cells, wastes, and other toxins out of the body. It is not directed by the pumping of the heart; therefore, it can be slow to drain or even worse... blocked, resulting in swollen tissues and lymph nodes. The lymphatic system is made up of organs, lymph nodes, ducts, and vessels that transport lymph throughout the body. It is also the body's first defense towards viral/ microbial infections. Many lymph vessels run below the skin. Stimulating the lymph vessels (through lymphatic messages) will increase the flow of lymph throughout the body in such a way that it amplifies the body's ability to filter out and drain toxins. The lymphatic system is like a sewer system of a bunch of tiny toilets all over the body that need to be flushed. Just like a toilet needs to be flushed, your lymphatic system/lymph nodes need to be flushed. Being sedentary is terrible for lymph. 

... but what is lymph? Lymph is a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells

The lymphatic system is usually overlooked in Western medicine when it comes to personal wellness, but in actuality, it should be the main focus. Another way to promote the flow of lymph is by stretching the areas of the body where lymph vessels and lymph node clusters lie. By drinking enough water and eating healthy, we can increase our lymphatic flow and flush toxins out of our bodies efficiently.

The Team

• Lymphatic vessels – These vessels are all over the entire body, typically close to the skin (see the image to the left).
• Lymph nodes – These are where invaders go to be discarded. Literal battle grounds. White blood cells attack and destroy these invaders in the lymph nodes. That’s why they are often swollen when we are ill.
• Lymphocytes – These are a type of white blood cell and the main cells of the lymphatic system. There are two main kinds of lymphocytes: T cells and B cells, both housed in the lymph nodes.
• Tonsils, adenoids, appendix, and Peyer’s patches (found in the intestines) – These are lymphatic tissue with the main job of protecting against bacterial infection.
• Thymus, spleen, and bone marrow – These produce various white blood cells.

Signs of a Clogged Lymphatic System

• Swelling in hands, feet, and ankles 
• Water retention
• Muscle and joint stiffness especially when you first wake up
• Itchy skin
• Sore throat
• Fatigue

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Ways To Cleanse/Drain Your Lymphatic System

1. Deep breathing stimulates lymph – CRITICAL for pulling toxic waste out because the rib cage is the lymphatic pump.
2. Walking stimulates lymph.
3. Stay well hydrated.
4. Increase potassium intake – potassium pulls toxins OUT of the cells.
5. Consume an anti-inflammatory alkaline diet – an alkaline diet including organic fresh produce especially leafy greens and avocados flushes lymph.
6. Eliminate all dairy – causes body to produce mucus which increases lymphatic stagnation
7. Lymph drainage massage
8. Raw apple cider vinegar – detoxifies lymph and supports immune system
9. Sweat – Skin is often referred to as the third kidney. Sweating reduces the toxic load on the lymph system.

References

Physiology of the lymphatic system
Lymphatic system: Integral Role in Immunity

"When "I" is replaced with "we", even illness becomes wellness"
-Malcolm X

Stay safe and healthy !

Till next time,

Chérie Jade