What does the Lymphatic System do?
Information to help you understand the lymphatic system and what it does while helping to support it
What is the Lymphatic System:
This is an organ system that is comprised of lymphoid organs and lymphatic vessels and is a part of the immune system which helps to clear toxins and waste from our tissues.
They (being Scientists) have found that the lymphatic system, our nerves, and our circulatory system work more in conjunction with one another than once thought. If you look at a picture of where the lymphatic system lies in our body it runs parallel to the circulatory system with two valves draining right below the collarbone into our circulatory system to then move through the organs and out of the body.
Some of the largest areas of lymph nodes are clustered in the armpit, the groin, and the neck with everything coming back towards the heart. Unlike the heart, the lymphatic system does not pump like the heart, therefore it relies on the squeezing movement of our muscles to move the lymph through our system along with the involuntary movement of our smooth muscles when we breathe. The lymphatic pump becomes very active during exercise and can increase lymph flow 10 to 30 fold, while it becomes sluggish when we are at rest.
This system is our major detoxification system which collects excess toxins, bacteria, and extra fluid and proteins; provides fluid homeostasis (not collecting to much fluid in any one area), it also is one of the main routes for nutrient absorption.
Signs you may have lymphatic congestion:
–rings get tight on fingers or puffy fingers and toes
-stiff sore and achy in the morning
-lethargic, lack of energy
-bloating
-itchy skin, dry skin
-chronic headaches
-breast tenderness
How can we support the Lymphatic System:
1. Move more-stagnant areas of the body from to much sitting around, so we need to get up and move as much as possible.
2. Nutrient dense foods & plenty of water with electrolytes
2. Foam roll-helps to push the fluids through the lymphatic system for you
3. Dry Brushing
4. Gua Sha stones
5. Rebounding on trampoline
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