Your Lymph, river of life.
Your Lymph, river of life.
The lymphatic system is one of the least known systems in the body. It isn’t so much over looked but not really known; despite the fact it plays a critical role in our overall health. Keeping your lymphatic system in top shape is of vital importance in maintaining a healthy life. The lymph system actually runs throughout our bodies and plays a vital role in sweeping toxins away (acting as a filter) and ensuring immunity stays strong
When I was a child and complained of a sore throat my mother would always check the lymph glands around my neck to see if they were swollen. Ask someone where their lymph glands are most and people will point to the glands alongside their neck. The healthier your lymph system is the healthier you will be and the faster your body can respond to invading infection.
So what is the lymphatic system?
Our lymphatic system performs the vital function of cleansing the fluid that surrounds the cells in our body by removing impurities and waste products. A little bit like a sewage system. This process not only protects your body by removing toxins, but also allows cells in the body to function at their best. Basically, the lymphatic system is a network of vessels that runs through your entire body.
Lymph nodes are located throughout the system and are responsible for filtering the lymph fluid. These nodes are part of our immune system. Lymphatic fluid moves through the vessels by being squeezed when we consciously use our skeletal muscles and by the movement of the smooth muscles when we breathe or perform other involuntary actions.
What happens when the lymphatic system can't function properly?
An unhealthy lymphatic system can have a serious impact on your health. It’s a bit like when your sewage pipes get clogged up. Things start to back up!!! Yuk.
Poor lymph function is associated with fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, aches and pains, bloating and poor digestion.
Lymph circulation relies on body motion and muscle contraction. This is why it’s common for inactive people to experience edema, pain between the shoulder blades, headaches at the base of the neck, snoring/sleep apnea, notice their hands or arm “falling asleep”, have frequent earache and congestion or a sense of overall fatigue.
So what does that mean?
How can you keep your lymphatic system healthy?
Drink plenty of water. The lymphatic system depends on a constant supply of fluid. So drink plenty of water a day to keep it functioning at its best. Purified or filtered water is the best choice.
Choose healthy foods. Preservatives, artificial sweeteners, refined grains, excess sugar, chemicals and processed foods all put strain on the lymphatic system. Choose foods that are organic, whole and natural as much as possible.
Eat your fruits and veggies. Fruits and vegetables supply the lymphatic system with important vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients. The chlorophyll in green vegetables is especially beneficial to the lymphatic system.
Get your essential fatty acids. Healthy fats are necessary for the proper function of the lymphatic system. Good sources of essential fatty acids include seeds and nuts; pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, walnuts, almonds and avocados.
Stay active. When your muscles move, they essentially massage the lymphatic system and promote the flow of fluid through your lymph vessels. Regular exercise like stretching, yoga, daily walks and strength training are all great ways to keep those lymph juices flowing. If you don’t move neither does the lymph fluid.
Practice deep breathing. Like exercise, deep breathing promotes the movement of fluid through the lymphatic system while providing it with fresh oxygen.
Get a massage or massage yourself. Massage stimulates the lymph nodes and helps promote fluid movement in lymph vessels. Lymph drainage massage is especially supportive of the lymphatic system. You can massage yourself quite easily and do it daily.
I hope that was helpful. If you have any questions at all on what I have talked about, definitely reach out to me in the comments of this post and I will get back to you! I need to go now and do something now, I’ve been sat long enough!!!
