I have been learning a lot more about the lymphatic system of late, and I have decided to share this knowledge with you.
And while I did post to say that I would not have too much time to post while I am back in England - hey, I have got some time to kill before England vs Portugal tomorrow.
The Lymphatic System
Put most simply, the lymphatic system is an intricate system of thin tubes that runs throughout the human body. It is closely related to the cardiovascular system and its primary purpose is to help the body to filter out organisms that cause disease and other toxins.
The lymphatic system has a constant flow of lymph and acts as a second circulatory system. The difference between the lymph and the cardiovascular system is that it works with white blood cells which protect you from becoming infected by bacteria and viruses. The lymph moves through the lymphatic system through pressure exerted by the squeezing of skeletal muscles. Once it reaches the thoracic duct (and the right lymphatic duct for the right upper body’s lymph system) the duct drains into the circulatory system, acting as a constant sewerage system for the body.
Functions of the Lymphatic System
While the main function of other tissue fluid is to deliver nutrients and goodness to the cells - the role of lymph is to clean up the waste that is left behind by this process and to dispose of it. This waste can include dead blood cells, pathogens, and cancer cells.
These functions also include the absorption of excess fluid and its return to the blood stream, absorption of fat (in the villi of the small intestine) and undertaking the immune system function.
The Lymphatic System and the Immune System
Lymph contains a high number of lymphocytes which are essential to a healthy immune system. The lymphatic system is extremely efficient in helping fight infection and it accomplishes this in many ways such as by helping to product white blood cells which then produce antibodies. Also, as lymph nodes contain macrophages they are excellent at enveloping and killing foreign particles including germs.
A Healthy Lymphatic System
Maintaining a healthy lymphatic system can be quite straightforward - yet its benefits to our bodies and energy levels can be incredible. Alongside the breathing techniques I have mentioned before, the following can also help to encourage a healthy lymphatic system:
- Drink plenty of clean, pure water
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fresh vegetables, providing a full range of vitamins, minerals and nutrients
- Supplement your diet with healthy fats
- Take regular aerobic AND anaerobic exercise
- Avoid exposure to the causes of disease and infection
- Avoid pollutants, toxic substances and an unhealthy environment (especially at work)
- Undertake stress management techniques such as yoga, meditation and exercise to promote wellness
The lymphatic system is clearly important and it is surprising how little press it gets. These are just the notes that I have been making whilst researching more into the lymphatic system, but I really do recommend that you read more!
To help you on your way, these are the sites that I have found to be the most useful:
Lymphomation
BreastCancer.org
Wiki Lymph Article
BBC Lymph Article
CancerHelp.org
Cancer.gov
InnerBody
2 responses so far ↓
1 Weight Loss // Jul 9, 2006 at 2:23 pm
I am not usually into reading about indepth body health issues but that was a pretty well put together post on the Lymphatic System. Keep it up as I learned a lot today.
2 Alan // Jul 26, 2006 at 4:05 am
i agree with the commenter above. this has been really usefull!
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