The Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system, which is often considered the other half of the circulatory system, is a complex network of tissues, vessels, organs, and nodes whose primary functions are to transport fluid, aid in immune function, create white blood cells, kill off foreign material and cells, and detoxify the body. 

​The importance of the lymphatic system cannot be understated – although it is sometimes only in times of disease we begin to become aware of this.
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Functions:

  • The body’s main detoxification and filtration system
  • Helps maintain fluid balance in the body
  • Creates lymphocytes (white blood cells), which are the body’s first line of defense against harmful substances and cancerous cells
  • Improves immunity
  • Regenerates tissue

System includes:

  • Lymph Capillaries – absorb and transport molecules (proteins, salt, toxins) from the interstitial fluid
  • Lymph Collectors – transport lymph between nodes
  • Lymph Nodes – Filter noxious matter (bacteria, toxins, dead cells, cancerous cells), produce lymphocytes (white bloods cells), regulate protein concentrations in the lymph (excess water is then reabsorbed into the blood capillaries
  • Tonsils
  • Spleen
  • Thymus
  • Bone Marrow
What factors inhibit the lymphatic system?
  • Stress
  • Shallow breathing
  • Toxins (Environmental and Ingested)
  • Poor diet
  • Inactivity
  • Dehydration
  • Poor Digestion​
​*As you can see, most of these factors are a commonality in our fast paced, modern age. We are under more stress, less active, and exposed to so many more harmful chemicals than previous generations – and most of our lymphatic systems are overburdened because of this! Because our lymphatic system is so integral in proper immune functioning, a sluggish lymphatic system is likely a factor in many of the chronic diseases of our modern age!*