What the lymphatic system does and ways to support it.

I’m sure you’ve heard about detoxing. It may conjure up images of certain smoothies or sweating out in saunas. Well, an important part of the detoxification process is the lymphatic system. Not many people really know much about this when asked., so I thought I’d explain what the lymphatic system does and ways to support it.

I liken it to a removal waste route like a dustbin lorry street system, where you have various pickup points and then elimination stations to remove the waste which is essentially the toxins we don’t want to keep in our system.  It’s like a big network throughout our whole body including our neck, arms and legs, and there are 500-600 lymph nodes that work hard to process and eliminate this waste.

The lymphatic system

Lymph itself is a clear fluid full of white blood cells, which if you remember from human biology, are the ones that kill off infection and help your immune system.

The whole system is actually made up of a number of organs and tissue which you may not realise includes: tonsils, adenoids, thymus, spleen, bone marrow and the lymph vessels and lymph nodes.

If you’ve ever had swollen glands in your neck it’s probably been because you’ve had a cold or flu and your body is trying to fight off the infection.

The good news is that we can help support our lymphatic system by doing a few easy activities which stimulate and metabolise this waste removal and immune boosting system.

Hydration: Drinking lots of water will help keep the lymph fluid flowing around your body in order to flush out toxins.

Dry brushing: Using a specific type of brush, start nearest the lymph nodes then work out and gently brush towards the concentration points of nodes, eg neck, back of knees, groins, armpits. Maybe try it a few times a week before a shower.  

Movement: Exercise will help the circulation of the lymphatic system by stimulating the push of fluid through the vessels.  Regular walking, yoga, bouncing (try a trampette or just on the floor) and aerobic exercise all help pump the fluid around the body. 

Sweat: Simply by getting a sweat on either through exercise or through saunas can help to eliminate toxins through our pores.

Lymphatic massage: This is a specific type of massage (not one I do) that helps with the drainage of toxins. Give it a go and see if it helps and feels good. This works well combined with the dry brushing.

Reduce exposure to toxins: Think about your daily lifestyle and what products you use on your body and hair plus chemicals in household products. A lot contain harmful toxins which all have to be dealt with by your lymphatic system, so the less you ingest the less work it has to do. Try making a few swaps to more natural based products.

Anti- inflammatory diet: Eating nutrient dense foods and avoiding ultra processed foods will help take the strain off your lymphatic system. Think whole grains, plenty of plant based foods and reduce sugar and alcohol.

Armpit check: I would also look at your armpits to see if they look like a pit (good) or if they are puffy (not ideal), as that can be a good indicator of whether or not your lymph nodes under your arms are working efficiently. If you have any concerns here obviously go and see a health professional.

A natural bristle brush for dry brushing.

Contact me for further health related advice or for my exercise or massage services info@nicolapeaty.com