The lymphatic system is a complex network of vessels, tissues, and organs. It’s a vital and often overlooked part of the circulatory, immune and metabolic systems. Its unique role in maintaining the body’s fluid balance and supporting the immune system is critical to our overall health.
How Does the Lymphatic System Work?
The lymphatic system includes glands, lymph nodes, the spleen, thymus gland and tonsils and performs a range of functions. These include removing excess (or interstitial) fluid from tissues, absorbing and transporting fatty acids and fats from the digestive system, and transporting white blood cells to and from the lymph nodes into the bones.
Lymph fluid is a key component of the lymphatic system. It consists of white blood cells, fat, water, protein and cellular debris. It helps fight infections and can lead to swelling in conditions like lymphedema.
Lymph vessels spread throughout the body, carrying lymph fluid from the tissues to lymph nodes for filtering.
The lymph nodes remove bacteria, waste and damaged cells.
Lymphatic ducts allow lymph into the veins, maintaining fluid levels and preventing infections.
The spleen filters blood and creates white blood cells, while the thymus gland produces T-cells.
Tonsils play a role in catching viruses and bacteria entering through the nose or mouth.
The Lymphatic System Has 3 Main Functions
Returns fluid to blood: Your lymphatic system collects any excess fluid that may come from tissue in your body and returns that fluid to your bloodstream. After this excess fluid is collected and processed through lymph nodes and vessels, the fluid is sent to one of the two main lymphatic ducts. These ducts then allow the lymph fluid to drain back into your bloodstream where it can circulate throughout your body. A problem with your lymph nodes or ducts may affect your body’s ability to return lymph fluid to the blood.
Absorbs vitamins and fats from the digestive system: Some of the fluids that make up the lymph fluid in your body come from the intestines, and those fluids contain fats, vitamins and proteins essential to your health. When this lymph fluid reaches the bloodstream and circulates throughout the body, it helps deliver nutrients.
Defends the immune system: The lymphatic system is responsible for a large part of your body’s immune response. White blood cells in lymph fluid work to fight off viruses and bacteria, helping prevent infections in the body. Various parts of the lymphatic system create white blood cells in response to viruses, bacteria and fungi. If you have a problem with lymphatic drainage, it can affect your body’s ability to attack bacteria and viruses.
Health Risks Caused by Poor Lymphatic Flow
The lymphatic system doesn’t have an active pumping system. It relies on the body’s movement, breathing, intestinal and muscle activity to create flow and flush toxins from the body. When lymphatic flow becomes stagnant, a buildup of toxins accumulates in the body, causing inflammation that can lead to a range of symptoms:
- Arthritis
- Skin issues
- Digestive disorders
- Frequent headaches
- Sinus infections
- Unexplained injuries
- Excess weight
- Chronic fatigue
Over time, these conditions can worsen or develop into an autoimmune disorder.
Ways to Improve Lymphatic Flow
Exercise
Because lymph fluid moves slowly, inactivity or lack of movement can severely restrict its flow. Regular exercise helps keep your lymphatic system in shape.
Hydrate
Try to drink at least 64 ounces of purified or filtered water daily. Hydration helps keep bodily fluids running properly and has many other health benefits.
Deep Breathing
Our bodies have three times more lymph fluid than blood, but no organ pumps it. Deep breathing helps the lymphatic system transport toxins into the blood, where the liver detoxifies them.
Massage
One of the best ways to help keep your lymphatic system flowing is through massage. Luxury massage chairs combine massage techniques such as kneading, rolling and compression to stimulate lymphatic circulation. By promoting lymphatic circulation, massage chairs help the body eliminate waste, toxins and excess fluid from the tissues.
Embrace the convenience and effectiveness of massage chairs to support your lymphatic system, promote detoxification and enjoy a healthier and more vibrant life.