Perhaps the most under-valued and least understood system in the body is the lymphatic system which plays a vital role in your body’s immunity. It is a complex network of fluid-filled tubes that continuously bathes our cells and then carries away the body’s “sewage” - toxins, waste products of metabolism, and globules of fat, and excess liquid - to filters called lymph nodes, where harmful substances are trapped and neutralized by macrophages. It works in conjunction with the circulatory system helping rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials by transporting lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells. When your lymphatic system is not functioning properly due to congestion, the cells quickly become malnourished creating the ideal environment for disease to take over.
Just to note macrophages are like our immune “warriors”, they are a type of white blood cell that surrounds and kills microorganisms, removes dead cells, and stimulates the action of other immune system cells.
The lymphatic system, also includes spleen, thymus, tonsils, and bone marrow, has innumerable responsibilities but none more important than:
- Carrying the immune system
- Circulating toxic material out of the body
- Delivering fatty acids as baseline energy for every cell
HOW DOES LYMPH GET CONGESTED?
Factors - such as illness, medications, stress, heavy metals, pollution, chemicals and pesticides in food - can overload and stall the lymph system. Periods of sitting can compromise lymphatic circulation, allowing toxic material to pool. Poor lymphatic circulation also inhibits adequate nutrient delivery. According to Ayurveda, the study of lymph (rasa) is called rasayana, which is also the study of longevity.
What helps the lymphatic fluid to circulate, and what prevents it?
There is about twice as much lymphatic fluid in the body as there is blood. Unlike blood, lymphatic fluid does not have a pump. This is one of the reasons why you feel so much better after exercise, fresh air, and rehydration: you have helped your lymphatic system to refresh and circulate, eliminating all of those substances your body needs to get rid of. These substances include heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and excess acidity, the latter as a result of infection, fatigue, stress, and emotional shock.
If this elimination does not happen, however, accumulated toxicity present in your body can cause the lymph vessels to become clogged and the lymphatic fluid prevented from circulating properly - the result is lymphedema. The first sign of toxic overload happens in feet most often as ‘gravity’ pulls heavy metals down the feet will accumulate these toxins and swell.
How to keep your Lymph flowing and strengthen your Immunity?
- High fiber foods with plenty of water *most do NOT get enough of both especially simultaneously
- Movement, a short walk, dancing in your living room, rebounding (mini trampoline) or going to the gym is extremely important for lymph flow
- Natural Dry Brushing, the body loves it, skin, and lymph tissue.
- Regular detoxification of which we all need to do these days, a weekly sauna session, intermittent fasting, detox foot baths, PEMF mats, and even a high fiber high fat and high protein type diet with plenty of water is a great way to detox the major organs
Health Tip!
As you start incorporating detoxification habits into your weekly health habits, an absolute must is replenishing all those minerals lost in the process. And the easiest way to do this is with Fulvic and Humic complexes compound that’s loaded with all minerals needed daily. As your detoxification pathways are becoming clear so are your receptors taking in all those wonderful minerals. Fulvic complexes boost the metabolism and provide exceptional immune system support. Humic complexes are the champion of antioxidants! Combined they collect free radicals and bio-waste, bind with heavy metals and provide important detoxification support by carrying these unwanted elements out of the body.
Do you have questions? If you want to learn more or maybe questions about Lymphatic health, feel free to book in for a complimentary call with Aimie Wallace, Functional Nutritionist & Health Coach, specializing in guided Detoxification programs Schedule call with Aimie