The Remarkable Lymphatic system

It is a vital part of our immune system, and thanks to an intricate network of lymph vessels & channels, it transports various substances throughout the body. The lymphatic system’s functions include:

•  transporting fluids containing oxygen, hormones, and nutrients into cells, organs and tissues; 

• carrying fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the digestive system into the venous
  circulation.
• removing from our body into the organs (such as the liver, kidneys, and bowel) that will process them out;
• carrying antibodies to the lymph nodes & immune cells as macrophages and lymphocytes to sites of infection to begin the immune process.
• facilitates intercellular communication between the cells
• maintaining the composition of tissue fluid and the volume of blood.

To support the healthy function of this remarkable lymphatic system, we can add the following to our daily & weekly self-care routines:

 Move ten in various directions; jumping, walking, stretching, yoga, Pilates, and other moderate daily exercises will improve the state of your lymph. Sweat it out.
 
 Massage – specialized massage to promote lymphatic drainage is a great way to clear up a congested lymphatic system and get fluid flowing. If you know the basic principles of such massage, you can efficiently manage it yourself or book and treat yourself to one done professionally. Different massage tools, such as a soft brush,
guasha stone, or wooden tools, can also be used. 

 Diaphragmatic breathing- slow & soft belly breathing contracts the diaphragm muscle, which acts as a pump for the lymphatic system, encouraging flow and drainage of lymphatic fluid.
 
 Nutrition- what you eat is integral to our physical and mental health. A well-balanced diet and nutritional food make us feel good, simple! Eating healthy produces less waste for the lymphatic system to clean up, and avoiding processed foods high in salt, sugar, and chemicals/additives will reduce the chances of lymphatic congestion.
Natural foods like dark green vegetables, ginger, citrus fruits, flaxseed, and garlic are ideal for lymphatic cleansing.
 
 Using herbs is a popular way to purify the lymphatic system naturally. Calendula, echinacea, and dandelion are just a few herbs that promote lymphatic drainage, reduce swelling & pain, and boost the immune system. Research this topic more to find things that will be most suitable for you, or contact a naturopath/herbalist who could, after an assessment, advise appropriately on using herbs. 
 
 
 Drink Water- well, you’ve heard it before. Adequate hydration is crucial to every
aspect of health, including the lymph system! The appropriate hydration level depends
on activity levels, the climate, and the season we live in, but drinking between 1.5-
2.5L of filtered water is sufficient to keep lymph flowing and aids the bowels and
kidneys in eliminating toxins.

 Sweat it out by generating heat through a more intensive exercise or sauna (various
types). The heat opens up the pores in our skin, facilitating the process of eliminating
toxins from the body through sweating, taking some of the pressure off the lymphatic
system.
 
 
 
 Contrast temperature therapy – alternating between exposing the body to hot and cold
temperatures makes the lymphatic vessels constrict and dilate, providing a pump-like
action that aids the flow of lymphatic fluid; switching between hot and cold when in
the shower, jumping into an ice-cold water/ ocean after a hot and sweaty workout can
achieve this process.alk a few blocks but it’ll be worth it!