Lymph - a foundation of wellbeing and a light, slender figure. To this day many people are not quite sure what lymph actually is, yet the truth is that alongside the blood circulation it is the second most important system in our body. The lymphatic system is made up of lymphatic capillaries, lymphatic vessels, organs – the thymus, spleen, tonsils, bone marrow and appendix – as well as two main lymphatic trunks, which are connected to the venous system and return lymph back into the blood. Lymph circulates white blood cells – leukocytes, which defend the body against infection, capture bacteria and foreign substances and contribute to the production of antibodies that are essential in supporting the immune system. A well-working lymphatic system matters not only for our health and immunity, but also for our inner balance and beauty.
Lymph and immunity
At certain places along the lymphatic vessels lie the lymph nodes. They are a kind of filter, whose task is to catch microorganisms and other foreign particles from the lymph flowing through. Lymphatic tissue creates antibodies and contains lymphocytes, which play an important role in the body's defence against infection. Besides these, the lymph nodes also contain macrophages, large cells able to take in bacteria and other foreign particles that find their way into the body. The lymphatic organs include the bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen and thymus.
The lymphatic system and wellbeing
Freely flowing lymph is an essential condition of overall wellbeing. This colourless or faintly yellowish fluid carries away everything the body does not need (bacteria, viruses, proteins, toxins and even carcinogenic substances). When the lymphatic system is working well, all is in order. When it is not, various difficulties soon appear, such as swelling, headaches and joint pain, rashes or eczema, cellulite, increased tiredness or seemingly unexplained weight gain. Around 3 – 4 litres of lymph are created in our body every day. Of that, roughly a litre flows through the lymphatic system, of which the lymph nodes are an important part. They work as wonderfully effective filters, holding back everything harmful. If for some reason lymph cannot flow freely, substances the body does not need begin to gather, and from there it is only a small step to various difficulties and illnesses.
Lymph and movement
One of the loveliest ways to wake up a sleepy lymph is bouncing on a trampoline. With every bounce the pressure acting on the valves lowers, the valves open and the lymph then flows freely, carrying away all the waste products and other substances the body no longer needs. This kind of movement is not only fun, it is also wonderfully effective. Just ten minutes a day is enough to improve the circulation of your lymph, and also to strengthen the heart, lungs, muscles and bones. Regular bouncing on a trampoline also helps to keep body weight in balance and to lower cholesterol levels, it normalises blood pressure and contributes to better physical condition as well as inner wellbeing. Compared with other aerobic activities, this one has the added advantage of being very gentle on the joints.
Foods that support the healthy working of the lymphatic system
An overloaded lymphatic system will be soothed by the warmth and steam of a sauna. You perspire away part of what the body does not need, and the lymphatic system feels lighter. To get the lymph flowing beautifully, alternate the sauna with a cool shower. Drinking enough water is essential when the lymphatic system needs support. Replace sweetened drinks with pure, room-temperature water. You can flavour it with lemon, mint or other fruit and herbs. Water supports the smooth flow of both blood and lymph in the vessels. A change of unhelpful eating habits will do the lymphatic system a great deal of good. During digestion, sugars and proteins pass into the blood without difficulty, but fats have to travel through the lymphatic vessels first. That is one of the reasons to go easy on fatty foods. Your menu matters a great deal too. To support the healthy working of the lymphatic system, welcome these foods onto your plate:
- leafy greens - kale, broccoli, salad leaves, cabbage,
- carrots, beetroot and sweetcorn,
- fruit - especially citrus fruit,
- ginger, onion, garlic and horseradish,
- fresh herbs,
- herbal extracts,
- nuts and seeds,
- spices - cinnamon, cardamom, caraway, black pepper,
- Himalayan salt,
- good-quality oils - especially linseed and pumpkin seed, or virgin olive oil,
- spirulina, chlorella and green barley
- Job's tears, buckwheat and pulses,
- fish and sea algae,
- coconut foods - coconut water, oil, milk.
Supporting the lymphatic system (the lymph)
The lymphatic system and its healthy working deserve our support. This unique system is truly irreplaceable for the body. Welcoming a few tips from this article into your days can help you feel better and well. You will help your body cleanse itself, bring back its strength and energy, support your immunity, improve the quality of your skin and care for yourself before more serious concerns appear. Herbs and blends made from them can serve beautifully as gentle support. We have blended drops for you that combine 4 herbs traditionally valued for their wonderful cleansing properties.
- Nettle is counted among the most effective blood-cleansing plants.
It is a strong antioxidant, traditionally used to help the body release what it does not need, protecting the cells from toxins and supporting the body's own care against illness - Couch grass root is traditionally used to help the body release toxins and excess water, and is a lovely companion when you feel swollen. It supports the quality of the skin.
It supports a healthy metabolism and helps with the body's cleansing. - Echinacea purpurea is traditionally used to cleanse the lymph and noticeably support the lymphatic system.
It is said to support immunity very effectively and to act against bacteria and viruses. It is traditionally reached for with swollen nodes. - Cleavers also supports the lymphatic system. It is traditionally valued for its strong diuretic effects and for easing joint discomfort.
Cleavers is known for its cleansing effects. It supports the body in releasing what it no longer needs.
You can buy the Lymfa tincture HERE Let's take care of ourselves – after all, we only have one body.