One of the lesser-known systems of the body is also one of the most important: the lymphatic system. The body’s lymphatic system is a group of organs, vessels and tissues that protect you from infection and keep a healthy balance of fluids throughout your body. These organs, vessels, and tissues which make up this system work together to move a colorless, watery fluid (lymph) back into your circulatory system.

LYMPHATIC SYSTEM FUNCTIONS

The lymphatic system is a network of delicate tubes throughout the body. As a vital part of your immune system, your lymphatic system both protects you from infection and destroys old or abnormal cells in your body. The key functions of the lymphatic system include:

• Collecting excess fluid from your body’s tissues and returning it to your bloodstream

The lymphatic vessels are found everywhere in our body. Generally, more active areas have more of them. The smaller lymphatic vessels, which take up the fluids, are called lymph capillaries. The larger lymphatic vessels have muscles in their walls which helps them gently and slowly pulsate. These larger lymphatic vessels also have valves that stop the lymph flowing back the wrong way. Lymph vessels take the lymph back to the lymph nodes (there are about 600 of these in total), which are found in our arm pit and groin as well as many other areas of the body such as the mouth, throat and intestines. This process helps support healthy fluid levels in the body. The fluid that arrives in the lymph nodes is checked. Waste products and abnormal cells from this fluid are also filtered out.

• Helping your body absorb fats

Most nutrients can travel through tiny openings in the walls of your capillaries, and your body can then absorb and use them. But certain fats and other molecules are too large to travel in this way. Therefore, the lymphatic system collects fluid from the intestines that contains these molecules and transports it back to the bloodstream.

• Protecting your body against invaders

Your lymphatic system is an important part of your immune system. An organ involved in the lymphatic system, called the thymus, filters and monitors our blood content. The thymus produces cells called ‘T-lymphocytes,’ which circulate around the body. These lymphocytes (a kind of white blood cell) and other immune cells look for and destroy invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi.

HOW THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM WORKS

Every day, about 20 liters of plasma delivers oxygen and nutrients to your body tissue. Then, 17 liters of plasma returns to your bloodstream, which means that 3 liters are still roaming around in your body tissue. This is where the lymphatic system comes in. Tiny lymphatic capillaries pick up this remaining fluid from your tissues and carry the fluid (now called lymph instead of plasma) to two major ducts in your upper chest. They merge into large veins and empty the lymph into them. From there, your lymph reenters your bloodstream and can flow through your body again.

The organs of the lymphatic system are:

• Bone marrow – Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center of certain bones, such as a hip bone and backbones. Bone marrow makes white and red blood cells, as well as platelets.

• Thymus – The thymus is located beneath the breastbone in your ribcage. It produces T-cells, which help fight off invaders.

• Lymph nodes – Lymph nodes are bean-shaped glands that monitor and cleanse fluid (lymph) as it filters through them. They clear out damaged and abnormal cells. The average individual has about 600 lymph nodes scattered throughout their body.

• Spleen – The spleen is the largest lymphatic system organ. It is located on your left side, under the ribs and above the stomach. The spleen filters your blood and removes old or non-working cells. It also keeps red blood cells and platelets available for your body.

• Tonsils and Adenoids – These structures help trap pathogens from the food you eat and the air you breathe. They are part of your body’s first line of defense against invaders. Tonsils are located at the back of the throat. Adenoids are just behind the nasal cavity but are only active during childhood.

KEEPING THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM HEALTHY

To keep your lymphatic system strong and healthy, it’s important to do the following:

• Drink plenty of water so lymph can move easily throughout your body.
• Avoid exposure to toxic chemicals, such as those contained in pesticides and some cleaning products.
• Keep a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a nutritious diet.

ACT

Providing the best building blocks for a responsive, balanced immune system is vital for your ongoing health. Contrary to popular belief, the nutrients we typically lack for optimizing our lymphatic and immune system functions are not proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Most people have plenty of access to these today. Instead, a wide variety of phytochemicals and polysaccharides found in wholesome plant foods are what can help promote healthy lymphatic and immune systems. The synergistic botanical Immunol Blend of Luffa cylindrica fruit, reishi mushroom, lucerne leaf, and tangerine peel in ACT™ is formulated to assist the lymphatic and immune systems. *

NOCO

NOCO® combines two of the most highly esteemed Chinese herbs: Panax ginseng and reishi mushroom along with Chinese red date, licorice, peppermint, and chrysanthemum into a Respiratory Wellness blend. This unique combination is specifically designed to help support your respiratory system, immune system, and overall health and wellness. *

Learn more about ACT™

Learn more about NOCO®

Resources:

• • https://eexcelna.com/act-pvs/
  • https://eexcelna.com/noco-pvs/
  • https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21199-lymphatic-system
  • https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/lymphatic-system