How much does the average Joe (or Jo) know about the lymph system? Not much, typically, unless he/she happens to have trained in a health profession, or has had cancer or another medical problem that affects the lymphatic system. Fortunately, this is one bodily system that doesn’t require high maintenance — though it is a critical system so it is important to follow some basic strategies to keep your lymph fluid flowing freely.
For details on the workings of the lymphatic system, I called Stanley Rockson, MD, who serves as both the chief of consultative cardiology and the director of the Stanford Center for Lymphatic and Venous Disorders at Stanford University School of Medicine. He described the lymphatic system as being like a crossroads between the circulatory and immune systems in that it is “responsible for communication within the area around the cell, for supporting the fluid environment surrounding cells and between tissues, and also for maintaining the volume of that fluid.”
The lymphatic system is unique because it consists of multiple and varied organs that work together to provide a supportive environment for cells. Specifically, the lymphatic system is composed of organs (the spleen, thymus and tonsils), tissues (nodes) and an intricate network of highly permeable capillaries through which lymph (a blend of proteins and fluids) flows throughout the body. Lymph contains white blood cells called lymphocytes. Like a team of well-trained maintenance workers, lymphocytes use antibodies to mop up interstitial fluid found between tissues and fluid leaked by blood vessels. Highly specialized lymph nodes located throughout the body, including clusters in the neck, armpits and groin, act as filtering stations along the network of lymphatic vessels.
In addition to flushing out waste products and microorganisms, the lymphatic system also helps maintain the body’s internal environment, including controlling immune traffic. “When the body perceives an invader, such as a virus, messages are sent via the lymph system to mobilize a response,” Dr. Rockson explained. “Antibodies produced within the lymph nodes are released to attack the virus. When it’s working well, we stay healthy — and if we’re sick, it helps us get healthy again.”
A number of conditions, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, chronic infections, diabetes and other metabolic issues can impair the lymphatic system, in which case special care is required. Otherwise, it’s not really all that difficult to keep things functioning smoothly — and good health and vitality are the rewards for doing so. Here’s Dr. Rockson’s advice on how best to keep the lymphatic system in optimal working order…
While the cardiovascular system has the heart working on its behalf to pump blood throughout the body, the lymphatic system has no primary organ to circulate lymph, instead relying on the muscular contractions that accompany exercise and regular movement of the human body. Though I’d heard that rebound exercise (for instance, jumping rope or hopping on a trampoline) can be helpful in maintaining lymph health, Dr. Rockson told me that’s not necessary. In fact, he said, “jumping on a trampoline is no more effective than brisk walking. The key is to engage the muscles, joints and ligaments in regular exercise, which keeps lymph flowing through the body so it can carry out its job.”
The lymphatic system is distributed throughout the entire body, which means that all components of a healthy lifestyle help it function well. This, of course, includes a healthful diet. Calling it “a basic anatomical function,” Dr. Rockwell told me that in healthy people the lymph system pretty much takes care of itself. He points out, however, that flavonoids from fruits, vegetables and herbs, seem to have some “augmenting functions” related to the lymph system. Hydration is also important, as is doing all that you can to support proper digestion and enhance absorption of nutrients.
During a recent spa visit, I saw something called manual lymphatic drainage massage (MLD) offered on the menu, so I asked Dr. Rockson whether this is necessary or even helpful. The concept is that manual manipulation of nodes and skin encourages the fluid to circulate, helping the body dispose excess fluid and reduce edema (swelling). This can be helpful for people with lymphedema, but it is a specialized technique that requires medical knowledge, plus at least 200 hours of specific training. In fact, Dr. Rockwell cautioned, it can be harmful if performed incorrectly, especially for a person with a lymphatic disease, including lymphedema, among others. It’s not a good idea to try to perform lymphatic massage on yourself either, he said.
So, it turns out that the lymphatic system contributes much to our health, while requiring little in terms of special attention — consider it an extra benefit of good health habits that your lymph system functions better, too.
