Your lymphatic system is an integral part of your immune system. From protecting your body against pathogenic invaders to removing cellular waste from your body, the lymphatic system performs many essential functions necessary for you to live a healthy life. Various diseases, infections, and blockages have a negative impact on your lymphatic system. Let us learn more about this system, its components, and why it is integral to your health.
WHAT IS THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM?
The lymphatic system is a part of your immune system responsible for fluid balance and other primary functions of the body. This system is made up of a dense network of delicate tubes, vessels, and organs that interconnect with the arteries and veins to drain lymph fluids, maintaining your body's fluid balance.
About 20 liters of blood plasma flows through the body's blood vessels, such as arteries and capillaries. This plasma fluid delivers vital nutrients to your body's cells and tissues. About 17 liters of the fluid is returned to your bloodstream via veins. The remaining three liters of lymph fluid seep through the blood vessels into your tissues. This fluid also contains cellular waste that accumulates into it. After filtration, the lymphatic system drains the fluid back into your bloodstream through the lymph nodes. Therefore one of the primary functions of the lymph system is to provide an accessory return route to the blood for the surplus three liters.
WHAT COMPRISES THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM?
The lymph fluid passes through the lymph nodes that are present throughout your body. When your body has an infection, the lymph nodes swell in response to the buildup of lymph fluid, infections, bacteria, and immune system cells. For example, if a person has a throat infection, they may feel that the glands present under their jaw are swollen. However, these are not glands but their lymph nodes. The lymphatic system also has various other components, including lymphatic vessels, lymphatic organs, etc. Let us learn more about the major components of this system.
Lymphatic Vessels
Lymphatic vessels are thin-walled tubes structured like blood vessels. These vessels absorb lymph fluid that leaks into the tissues through the blood capillaries. It directs the lymph fluid towards the lymph nodes for filtration and circulation.
The lymph capillaries are the smallest lymphatic vessels. Various lymph capillaries join together to form the larger lymphatic vessels. The large lymphatic vessels present throughout your body merge to form lymphatic trunks. The lymphatic trunks combine to form two lymphatic ducts. All of these ducts are called the lymphatic vessels.
Collecting Ducts
The lymphatic vessels empty the lymph fluid into the right and the left lymphatic ducts (thoracic duct). These ducts drain the lymph fluid into your subclavian vein present in the neck, ultimately returning the lymph to the blood circulation.
Returning the lymph fluid to the bloodstream helps maintain normal blood pressure and volume. This also prevents the buildup of excess fluid (edema) around your tissues.
Lymph Nodes
The lymph nodes are small structures for the filtration of harmful substances. These structures contain immune cells that fight infections and destroy germs that get carried through the lymph fluid.
Thus, lymph nodes are the home of immune cells called the lymphocytes that are essential for the development of cell-mediated immunity and humoral immunity. When the lymphatic vessels transport lymph to lymph nodes, they filter the lymph of invading pathogens like viruses and bacteria. They also filter cellular waste, cancerous cells, and dead cells from the fluid. The lymph fluid enters your lymph node via afferent lymphatic vessels, passes through the various channels called sinuses then leaves the node through your efferent lymphatic vessel.
Thymus
The thymus gland is of utmost importance because it is the primary organ of the lymphatic system. This significant organ performs one of the most important functions necessary to keep us safe from infections and diseases. It promotes the development of specific immune cells called T-lymphocytes necessary for cell-mediated immunity. Cell-mediated immunity is a type of immune response that requires activating a specific number of immune cells that fight an infection or disease. When these T-lymphocytes mature, they leave the thymus as blood vessels carry them to the lymph nodes and the spleen.
Spleen
Spleen, the largest organ of your lymphatic system's primary function is the filtration of blood. It filters out damaged cells, pathogens, and cellular debris. The spleen not only houses the lymphocytes but also promotes their maturation. These lymphocytes attack and destroy the infection-causing pathogens and dead cells. This organ also has efferent lymphatic vessels that help transport lymph away from your spleen towards the lymph nodes.
Tonsils
Located in your upper throat region, the tonsils are a set of lymphoid organs that play a vital role in immunity. Tonsils also house white blood cells such as macrophages and other lymphocytes. These are immune cells that protect your lungs and your digestive tract from disease-causing pathogens that can enter your body through your mouth and nose. This first line of defense against foreign invaders comprises adenoid tonsils, two palatine tonsils, two tubal tonsils, and the lingual ones.
Appendix
The appendix has a particular type of lymphatic tissue that fights bacteria before it breaches into your intestine wall.
Bone Marrow
Bone marrow is the soft, spongy, and flexible tissue found in the center of certain bones. The bone marrow produces blood cells such as white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This is why the bone marrow stem cells have a vital role in immunity because they produce lymphocytes. Some of the white blood cells mature in this spongy tissue while the rest of them migrate to other lymphatic organs like the spleen and the thymus, where they become mature lymphocytes.
WHAT DOES THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM DO?
Lymphatic tissues extend to almost all areas of your body, such as the stomach, small intestines, and the skin, except the central nervous system. This system of interconnected vessels is vital for the optimal functioning of your immune responses. In addition, the lymphatic system monitors the flow of lymph and produces antibodies that protect you from disease and infection. Here are the many functions of the lymphatic system:
Fluid Balance
The lymphatic system maintains the fluid levels in your body by collecting excess fluid from the cells and tissues and returning them to the bloodstream. This is known as fluid homeostasis, which is exceptionally vital for your body.
Absorption
The lymphatic system helps absorb fats and fat-soluble nutrients and vitamins from your digestive tract. These lipids and fats are enveloped in special fat carriers within the lymph fluid. These are called chylomicrons. They drain into your veins and mix with your blood. They bypass the liver, and the fat gets delivered to the cells where it can be used prior to subsequent processing carried out by the liver.
Removal of Waste Products
The lymphatic system's drainage plays a vital role in detox as it transports and removes cellular waste products from the lymph. In addition, this system filters the interstitial fluid that contains proteins, toxins, cellular debris, bacteria, and waste products. Once the fluid is drained into the lymph vessels, it is mixed with the lymph fluid. Then it returns to the liver for further processing and elimination.
Body's Defense Against Diseases
The lymphatic system contains lymphocytes and other disease-fighting white blood cells. These are produced by the essential organs associated with the lymphatic system, such as the spleen, tonsils, and thymus. Thus, the lymphatic system forms the body's immune system and defends it against bacteria, viruses, and other pathogenic intruders, protecting your body against various diseases.
IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
This interconnected network of lymph vessels, ducts, and nodes is vital to maintaining your health. It not only acts as a giant drainage system for filtration but also is essential for your immunity. This is why the lymphatic system must stay unclogged for the smooth flow of the fluid. Stagnant and congested lymph flow results in the buildup of toxins that weaken the body's immunity and cause various health issues.
Poor removal of waste and toxins from your body can result in the following:
- Water retention
- Fatigue
- Bloating
- Cellulite
- Itchy skin
- Dry skin
- Brain fog
- Body stiffness
- Weight gain
- Chromic sinusitis
- Sore throat
- Ear issues
- Breast swelling
- Swollen glands
- Common colds
- Headaches
HOW TO STIMULATE THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
A healthy lymphatic system is essential for maintaining your body's balanced microbiome and upholding the integrity of your intestinal lining. The intestinal barrier prevents pathogens and harmful toxins from entering the bloodstream, preventing many infections and diseases. Moreover, it keeps your immunity strong by increasing the body's supply of T-cells and B-cells. Toxins also inhibit the liver and lymph system's cleansing. This is why you need to avoid the buildup of toxins within the tissues and organs.
Thus, stimulating the lymphatic system is highly recommended to optimize your health for the future.
Diet
Dairy, sugar, gluten, and processed food can clog the flow of the lymphatic system and cause congestion. Therefore, if you wish to regulate your lymphatic system, it is crucial for you to limit consuming these foods. Fill your plate with leafy green vegetables, herbs, and fruits. A fiber based diet also eases intestinal flow. A combination of whole food diets with detoxifying supplements can also help cleanse the toxins from the tissues.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can make the flow of lymph stagnant and sluggish. Therefore you should drink more water and increase your fluid intake to promote lymph flow.
Stimulate Your Skin
There are many lymph nodes present just below the surface of your skin. Massaging and stimulating your skin will help with stagnant lymph flow. Gentle dry brushing or rubbing your lymph nodes below your jaw can also help avoid the stationary flow of lymph.
Reduce Stress and Exercise Regularly
Reducing stress can help avoid stagnation of lymph flow. You can frequently exercise to avoid stress and maintain your lymphatic system. Performing jumping exercises can also help with the flow of lymph. Internal and external pressure helps with the lymph flow. As lymph flows in opposition to gravity, jumping jacks can help with the stagnant flow.
FINAL WORDS
A healthy lymphatic system is vital for your immunity and overall well-being because it works in conjunction with your circulatory system to eliminate toxins and waste materials. This is why impaired lymph flow causes many chronic health problems. In addition, any damage to the lymphatic system can result in lymphedema and other health problems, whether it is increased lymph production or poor filtration. Therefore, it's important to make yourself aware of the various issues associated with poor lymphatic flow and improve your lymph function to optimize your well-being.