Stimulating Your Lymphatic System

December 8, 2014

   A body cleanse inside and out is such a wonderful thing whether it's a fasting program or a weekend spa treatment. Some cost thousands of dollars and others can supposedly be purchased in a bottle of vitamins for $19.99.

   But the body actually has it's own cleansing system that's at work 24/7. Your cardiovascular circulatory system and lymphatic circulatory system are central to the process. And there are some simple but effective ways to cleanse your cleansing system.

The Lymphatic System

   Your lymph system affects every cell and organ in your body, and its importance in preventative health care can't be understated. The lymphatic system is an extensive drainage network that helps keep bodily fluid levels in balance and defends the body against infections. It's made up of a network of lymphatic vessels that carry lymph—a clear, watery fluid containing protein molecules, salts, glucose, urea, and other substances—throughout the body. 

   The largest organ in your lymph system is your spleen. It's  like a big lymph node, except that it filters your blood rather than your lymph fluid. The spleen holds a concentrated amount of immune cells and is designed to bring lymphocytes into contact with the blood, making it a major player in your ability to ward off blood-borne diseases and antigens. The spleen also removes worn out red and white blood cells, platelets, and any other hazardous blood-borne debris.

 How it Flows

  You have about three times more lymphatic fluid than blood. Blood gets pushed around the body with the heart. But here’s the catch for lymphatic fluid: there’s no pump. Muscle contractions in your body encourage the lymphatic fluid to circulate through a series of one-way valves. The more you move your body, the more you move your lymphatic fluid. Movement is what fosters your skin, the largest detoxification organ, to cleanse. When you exercise vigorously enough to raise your body temperature you sweat, expelling toxins out through your skin.

   Every day we are bombarded with toxins in our environment and in our food, which is why expelling those chemicals is so very important to your body. If the detox process is hindered, toxins will build up, eventually causing acidity and toxemia. These are the root causes of nearly all disease.

Keeping A Healthy Lymphatic System

 Drink plenty of water

   Circulation is vital to all of the body's functions, and water makes up a large part of blood volume in the body. By making sure you drink plenty of purified or filtered water every day and not allowing yourself to get dehydrated you can prevent undue stress on your circulatory system. Remember, 8-10 glasses.

 Clean up your diet

   A healthy diet produces less waste for your lymph system to clean up, reducing your chances of congestion. Avoid foods that are difficult to digest, including fatty foods, excessive animal protein, simple sugars and simple carbohydrates. Avoid foods you are allergic to. Sweet foods and the “whites,” which include white rice, white bread, white pasta and any white-flour products, result in rapid blood-sugar fluctuations and require enormous amounts of energy to handle. A cleaner diet saves your body the stress of having to use extra energy to cleanse your lymph system. 

 Exercise regularly, with both cardio and strength training

   High intensity aerobic exercises will get your blood pumping and get you sweating. Try aerobic bouncing, which is anything you can do without a lot of space: jumping jacks, jumping rope, twisting, running in place, bouncing on one leg at a time, dancing, and any other crazy maneuvers you can think of. Rebounding or jumping on a trampoline appears to be especially effective at improving lymph system circulation. 
   "The repetitive rhythmic motion of bouncing on a mini trampoline provides a simple, zero-impact exercise method with long-term mental and physical health benefits,” writes Dr. Tina Wellman. She's a psychoneuroendocrinologist and author of books on blending exercise, nutrition and detoxification to achieve wellness.
   Resistance training builds muscles mass which in turn increases the efficiency of both cardiovascular and lymph circulation. Bands, balls, weights and even your own body can provide enough resistance to adequately build muscle mass.

Get a massage

   Massage stimulates the blood and lymph vessels by applying pressure to the body. It helps to keep the fluids moving. It also enhances well being.  

Practice Deep Breathing

   Breathing deeply from the diaphragm, not shallowly from the chest, and through the nose rather than the mouth, is one of the best ways to move lymph fluid through your body.

   Your organs and body systems work together to function efficiently and effectively. By taking the time to honor and support your lesser known systems you will have long term life enhancing effects. By focusing on purifying and loosening the flows within, you will find you feel better and stay healthier too.