The Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system is a powerhouse.
It is a vital part of our body and our health. The system is responsible for several functions – keeping you feeling your best. There’s no doubt that we don’t give it enough credit.
We’ll dive into what the lymphatic system is, the parts involved, it’s vital functions and how to support it.
What is the Lymphatic System?
Essentially, the lymphatic system is a group of elements that work together to fight off pathogens (organisms that can make us sick) and maintain proper fluid levels.
Components include organs, vessels, tissues and circulating lymph. Each element plays a crucial role. All parts must work together optimally to carry out it’s three main functions.
There are two types of organs: primary (bone marrow and the thymus) and secondary (lymph nodes, tonsils, spleen and tissues).
Each organ has it’s own function. Majority of them contain cells that support the immune system and fight off infection. Circulating lymph is the fluid that runs through the vessels.
Lymph contains proteins, excess fluids and pathogens. The vessels work similarly to blood vessels in that they transport lymph upward in the body to be utilized. Now that we covered what the system is made of… what does it actually do?
Fun Fact: The body contains somewhere between 500-600 lymph nodes.
Lymphatic System Functions
There are three main functions of the lymphatic system: returning fluid to blood and regulating fluid levels; supporting the immune system; and absorbing fats and fat-soluble nutrients.
Fluid
Our blood vessels leak allowing nutrients to move to other cells. However, not all fluid is absorbed. This is where lymphatic vessels come in.
Lymphatic vessels absorb the fluid which then becomes lymph. It’s carried into major ducts in the chest where it re-enters the bloodstream. This helps avoid excess fluid in the body.
Immune System
The lymphatic system does two things for the immune system – aids in cell growth and maturation + monitors lymph for pathogens.
Lymphatic organs are where a lot of the cells that fight sickness grow. For example, tonsils act as the first line of defense to respiratory pathogens. Other organs contain distinct cells that fight differently.
If pathogens are found anywhere in the body, an immune response is called. Lymph will carry pathogens throughout the lymphatic system. As it makes “stops” at the organs, each organ will perform its job and uses its fighting cells.
The immune cells become activated alerting other cells. As they locate the pathogens, antibodies begin to be produced. Simply put – the lymphatic system is vital for your immune system.
It’s needed to protect the body from infection, and destroying old and abnormal cells.
Fats + Fat-soluble Nutrients
The body needs help digesting fats. This macronutrient isn’t as easy as protein and carbs. Bile breaks fat down so it can be absorbed and therefore, turned into proteins.
Fat is absorbed into the lymphatic system where it can enter blood. This is important because it allows lipids to be available to the body before reaching the liver. Once in the liver, fat is broken down.
How to Support your Lymphatic System
As always, there are things you can do to help support your body. Incorporating best practices means your being proactive in your overall wellness. Pick one or two to include each week to start.
Ways to help your lymphatic system:
Drink plenty of water
Eating whole, nutrient-dense foods
Regular movement – exercise, stretching, yoga
Deep breathing exercises
Gua sha, dry brushing, massages, face rollers
Limiting your exposure to toxins and chemicals
Skipping rope or jumping
Take baths with epsom salt
Fun Fact: There is nothing moving lymph through the lymphatic system. Stimulation and muscle movement is needed to keep it flowing. Placing importance on the activities above.
Takeaways
Keeping your lymphatic system happy means your body is receiving nutrients, fluids are balanced, waste is being removed and your immune health is thriving.
There are so many details that can be discussed when talking about the lymphatic system. I hope this article provided a brief look into the complexity of this network. Try incorporating some of the activities above into your lifestyle.
Know better. Do better.
I enjoyed listening to this episode of the MCAT Basics podcast when learning more about the lymphatic system.