A Quick Guide to Your Lymphatic System

Think of your lymphatic system like an aquarium. It’s harder for fish to breathe and function in cloudy and stagnant water.

The lymphatic system in your body is like the pump, filter, and algae eating snails in your aquarium as it collects cellular wastes and then filters, recycles, and eliminates appropriately. 

Taking care of your lymphatic system is good for you, even if you are NOT ill, to support your:

• immune system

• gastrointestinal (GI) health

• cardiovascular health

• hormones

• nervous system     

Fun fact:

Your lymphatic system is almost everywhere and it touches every system in your body!

Functions of the Lymphatic System

• absorb proteins, fats, and fat soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K)

• filter proteins, cells, fluid and return to the cardiovascular system 

• support the immune system 

  Other structures that are a part of your lymphatic system:

  • Liver - produces 25-50% of lymph through thoracic duct 

  • Spleen - largest lymph organ

  • Thymus - matures and makes immune T cells

  • Appendix - forms molecules to direct lymph movement

  • Tonsils - trap pathogens from the air you breathe

  • Peyer’s patches - lymph structures in the small intestine

Fun fact:

• You have over 600+ lymph nodes in the body.

  The lymphatic system cleans up the cellular waste between your cells, filters it and attends to any pathogens, then returns the good stuff to your circulatory system, above your heart.

  ASSESSING YOUR LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

  If you struggle with the following, consider paying more attention to your lymphatic system.

• stiffness, especially in the morning that gets better as the day goes on

• heaviness or achiness that improves with movement

• had surgery (swelling)

• digestive issues

• skin issues/changes

• swelling in extremities, frequent and moderate sock marks, or face

• fatigue

• infections/inflammation

• headaches/sinus issues/tonsil & throat issues

• neck stiffness

• brain fog

• asymmetrical limbs

• slow weight gain

• slow healing cuts

• MTHFR gene (harder to detoxify)

• cold hands and/or feet

• cellulite (may be inflammation and drainage related)

  Fun Facts:

  Lymph fluid can increase by 10% before you become aware of an issue or experience a gradual progression of symptoms.

  Joint stiffness and decreased range of motion can be a hidden lymphatic issue.

  This is mostly a passive system, meaning there is not a “pump” like your heart!  Therefore, you have to move your body to pump/move your lymphatic fluid.  

  BASIC CARE FOR YOUR LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

  Caring for your lymphatic system starts with caring for your whole body health by:

• sleeping well

• eating well (no processed foods, etc.)

• hydrating well (mostly water)

• avoiding toxins (perfumes, fragrances, chemicals, household cleaning chemicals, etc.)

• movement (walking, being active)

  If you are looking for lymphatic massage or manual lymphatic drainage massage near McMurray or Canonsburg, PA, I would love to help you. Feel free to schedule a discovery call.