A well-functioning lymphatic system is essential to good health
Thanks to the skyrocketing stats on flu viruses, environmental toxins, the state of our food supply, and other wellness issues, there’s a lot of emphasis on immune system health. What that discussion often neglects to include is a reference to the wellbeing of the lymphatic system, which works around the clock to keep blood healthy, immune cells moving efficiently, and the body functioning at optimum levels.
Ready to show your lymph system how much you care? Here’s what you need to know.
Fundamental Function
“The lymphatic system is a key component in our defense against disease-causing infections and toxins,” says Lise Alschuler, ND, FABNO, co-author, with Karolyn Gazella, of Definitive Guide to Cancer: An Integrated Approach to Prevention, Treatment and Healing (Ten Speed Press/Celestial Arts, 2007). Formerly the clinic medical director and associate professor at Bastyr University Center for Natural Health in Seattle, Alschuler currently serves as the President of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
In addition to organs, bone marrow and tissue, Alschuler explains that the lymphatic system includes an elaborate network of porous capillaries, or lymphatic channels, that carry a mixture of proteins and fluids called lymph all through the body. Located like way stations along these channels, and at various points throughout the body, are lymphatic nodes.
“Lymph nodes are honeycombed filtering stations, as well as storage depots of immune cells,” she says. “The lymphatic system is an important transportation system for immune cells, such as B cells and T cells, as well as nutrients and waste. Lymph fluid bathes the body, transferring nutrients to cells, removing waste products, and transporting vital white blood cells to areas of infection or damage. The spleen, located in the upper left part of the abdomen, filters the blood and lymphatic system of cell debris, microorganisms, and old or damaged cells. The wastes in lymphatic fluid are ultimately dumped into the blood in order to be eliminated through the kidneys, skin, lungs or intestines.”
Barriers to Wellbeing
Various health conditions can adversely affect the performance of the lymphatic system, and interfere with the normal flow of lymph fluid. When a cold or flu strikes, for instance, the first sign we often notice may be a swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, which can become full and firm when an infection or imbalance is present. And, while impaired lymphatic function can contribute to ill health, it’s most often the result of another disease or illness.
“If a lymphatic node becomes abnormally enlarged or damaged, or if a lymphatic channel becomes obstructed,” says Alschuler, “the flow of lymph will be compromised. The fluid will then leak out of the lymphatic system into the surrounding tissues, a condition called lymph edema.”
This, she explains, can cause painful swelling of the affected part of the body. It is critical to determine the cause of this lymphatic obstruction, because this can occur as the result of serious illnesses such as cancer, autoimmune disease, cardiovascular disease, or certain infections or can be the result of surgical removal of lymph nodes, or scarring of lymph nodes that has occurred as the result of radiation therapy. Localized infection, trauma, or injury all involve increased tissue destruction, and therefore create tissue debris. The lymphatic system draining the affected region needs to be in optimal condition in order to most effectively remove this debris.
When this happens, says Alschuler, localized lymphatic support such as manual lymphatic drainage, dry skin brushing, or lymphatic stimulatory herbs can be helpful. However, she cautions that if the lymphatic system is already compromised due to illness, none of these interventions should be performed unless recommended and administered by a qualified healthcare provider.
“When the lymph system is out of balance, many different symptoms can occur, anything from pain, swelling, fatigue, frequent colds or illness, and the inability to lose weight,” adds Holly Lucille, ND, RN, and author of Creating and Maintaining Balance: A Woman’s Guide to Safe, Natural Hormone Health (IMPAKT Health, 2004). “We absolutely need to pay attention to these things. Normal, healthy living is a step, but the environmental toxins [we’re exposed to] are sometimes unavoidable, and can certainly contribute to a stagnant lymph system.”
Smart Moves
Had your tonsils removed? Not to worry: If parts of the lymph system are removed and the tonsils are a common target the remaining parts adjust to compensate for their absence. When it comes to keeping the lymph system as healthy as possible, there are a number of positive steps that can be taken to strengthen and nurture its overall functioning.
“Exercise,” says Lucille, “is one of the best ways to stimulate the lymphatic system.” She recommends cycling, running, or walking as great ways to keep lymph moving, adding that anything that improves circulation is wonderful for the lymph. And, to further enhance the lymphatic system’s overall health, she suggests a semi-annual cleanse, and paying close attention to diet and nutrition.
“Since our toxic environment and poor food choices which often contain chemicals, colorings, and fillers often lead to an overall body burden and accumulation of endotoxins, a whole body cleanse with lymph support, such as red clover, is essential at least twice a year. Nurturing your body with a diet high in whole foods, grains, fruits, and vegetables is also essential.”
With regard to exercise and nutrition, Alschuler is in full agreement, explaining that any sort of exercise which causes the large muscles of the legs, abdomen and arms to contract repeatedly will act as a sort of pump for the lymphatic system, and encourage the healthy flow of lymphatic fluid. This, she says helps to circulate lymph fluid effectively throughout the body’s natural filtering process and destroy toxic compounds.
“Perhaps the most important way to support the health of our lymphatic system is with regular exercise,” agrees Alschuler. “Many clinical studies have shown that a consistent, balanced program of diverse types of exercise enhances immune activity.”
Like Lucille, Alschuler also stresses the importance of good nutrition, with a diet high in fruits and vegetables capable of providing natural sources of nutrients, and antioxidants, which are needed to help prevent and reduce inflammation and oxidative damage in the lymphatic system.
“Certain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant foods and spices,” says Alschuler, “such as turmeric, garlic, berries and green tea are also excellent ways to support overall health and the health of the lymphatic system. Also, maintaining adequate hydration is vital to a healthy lymphatic system by preventing the lymph fluid from becoming too thick or sluggish.”
An effective at-home treatment to support lymph system health is to briskly dry brush the skin with a stiff brush or rough sponge. Both Lucille and Alschuler advise using long brush strokes, starting with the feet and hands and always brushing upwards and inwards in the direction of the heart. This will encourage lymph fluid to flow effectively and efficiently throughout the body.
Increasingly, lymphatic drainage massage is available on spa menus. This specialized, very gentle massage technique stimulates the flow of lymph fluid through the lymphatic system for healthy system functioning, but it’s important that a massage therapist has completed additional training in order to perform it effectively and safely. Check to confirm that your therapist has received the necessary additional training before scheduling a session. Then, relax and enjoy your lymph system will love you, too.
By Debra Bokur
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