Body Detox and the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is very important in cleansing our body. Similar to the blood vessel system, the lymphatic system features an arrangement of vessels through which lymphatic fluids move around the whole body. Comprising lymph glands, nodes, vessels and organs such as tonsils, spleen, appendix. thymus and adnoids, the lymphatic system functions like a garbage collector – these lymph nodes and organs separate toxic organisms and waste products from lymph fluid. However, the lymphatic system does not have a pump (the blood circulatory system has the heart as the pump) so the movement of such fluids needs to be improved through exercise, hydrotherapy and even skin brushing. Thus, we have to exercise and breathe properly so as to ensure our lymphatic system is in excellent running order.

Our body has lymphatic fluid at least three times the amount of blood. There are 600 collection points or “nodes” throughout the body that can collect and remove waste products from the body cells. The vessels and nodes contain white blood cells that can kill off life-threatening bacteria, viruses, fungi and toxic substances.

When the lymphatic system becomes overburdened with toxins, we can suffer from fatigue, slower immune response and localized swelling. The glands nearest the affected site can swell during an infection; this is a sign of the lymph system working very hard to get rid of the infection.

Other body conditions that indicate a weak lymphatic system are swollen lymph nodes, cellulite, recurring infections, cancer and appendicitis.

Major contributors of lymphatic system stress are sugars, alcohol, too much cooked protein, caffeine and refined/processed foods as well as emotional distress.

We can ensure an optimum lymphatic system by having nutritious diets with lots of lemon water and greens, regular massage and exercise, drinking enough water, skin brushing, and staying positive and happy.