The lymphatic system is one of the most overlooked parts of the human body, but good lymphatic health is vital to a strong immune system, weight loss, and vitality. Whether you're concerned about your health or looking for a way to support your body's natural immunity, the following tips for strengthening this system and aiding in lymphatic drainage can help.
What is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is part of the body's circulatory system and plays a key role in immune health. Not only is it the "home" of most of the body's lymphocytes or white blood cells - the cells that destroy invaders like bacteria and viruses - its ducts and glands also play a role in detoxifying the body.
The lymphatic ducts move proteins and other particles that are too large to pass through the bloodstream, transporting wastes away from the organs and maintaining equilibrium in the body.
Unlike the veins, arteries, and other blood vessels, the lymphatic system doesn't have a pump like the heart to keep it moving. Instead, it "borrows" momentum from the pressure of the cardiovascular system, but relies mostly on exercise and movement to keep lymph flowing.
Lymphatic Stress
The lymph system doesn't experience stress the same way most of the body's organs and systems do, but it can become overwhelmed or sluggish under certain conditions:
- Lymph nodes often become swollen when you're fighting off a cold or an infection, as the immune system struggles to destroy foreign invaders.
- The lymphatic system can become sluggish or backlogged if you have poor circulation or if you are immobile for most of the day.
How to Support the Lymphatic System
There are several way to boost the movement of the lymphatic system. The first and best known is exercise. Any activity improves the flow of lymph, but some of the most recommended types of activity for this purpose include:- yoga
- walking
- running
- rebounding on a trampoline or "rebounder"
Last but not least, manual lymphatic drainage is another way to improve the flow of the lymphatic system. Also known as "lymphatic massage," this technique involves manipulation of the hands and feet, stimulating the body just as exercise does to promote the flow of lymph through the capillaries.
Whichever approach you choose, strengthening the lymphatic system is a simple yet effective way to promote health and improve your body's ability to overcome stress, fight off infection, and stay energized throughout the day.