What exactly is Lymph, and what is its purpose?
During our school years, Human biology is very informative about the blood and the circulatory system. However, the lymphatic system is barely touched on, and people often ask me what is it.
The body's immune system depends heavily on this little-known system. It helps shield us against autoimmune disorders, cancer, minor infections and bug stings.
Lymph is always removing and moving from our circulation any excess fluid, protein, trans fats, poisons, poison, dead cells, chemicals, and waste products from metabolism.
It is the main defence against bacterial infections and is responsible for the production of lymphocytes, the production of antibodies in B-lymphocytes, and the transportation of lymphocytes to the blood.
It is crucial for the rejection of tumour cells, foreign tissue, and infections caused by fungi and viruses and transporting bacteria to the lymph nodes for destruction!
To put it simply, the lymphatic system maintains our inside wellness and clean blood!
The interrelationship between the Digestive and the Lymph System
The lymphatic system is a one-way system waste system.
60 % of the lymphatic system lies within our abdomen. Poor digestion and sluggish movement of the lymphatic system within this area can cause dead or decaying cells to stagnate for years.
Peyer’s Patches are found in the lowest portion of the small intestine and are an important part of the Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT). Lacteals are also hidden within the small intestine, absorbing emulsified fats, protein, waste and any other large molecule that does not want to travel around the body.
Using key organs; the intestines, lungs, kidneys, spleen and liver the lymphatic system ensures nutrients can be passed around the whole body to produce instant energy.
Also, by draining tissues of excess fluid, and returning this fluid to the heart, a good functioning lymphatic system helps to maintain blood volume and blood pressure and prevent oedema.
What are the signs that our lymph system is under performing?
- A blockage further up the system may be the cause of enlarged lumps (commonly referred to as glands), swelling, or an area that swells and does not go down naturally.
- Eczema may indicate that waste products are being expelled from the body through the skin by the lymphatic system.
- Areas like the ankles, knees, and beneath the eyes may be swollen and puffy.
- Coughing can be a reaction to an irritant in the lungs or food sensitivity. It may also mean extra fluid is in the system and coughing is our way of contracting the diaphragm to move clean lymph up the system as it travels towards the heart to be circulated.