You’ve probably never really thought about your lymphatic system, it just works, so why do you need to look after it?
Long story short, your lymphatic systems is critical for your body to work properly. It’s network of nodes, vessels, glands and organs help to get rid of the toxins and waste. Through the lymphatic network, immune cells can travel around fighting bacteria, viruses, toxins and cancer cells. Therefore, keeping it functioning properly is directly related to the overall health of the body: a stronger lymphatic system means a more resilient and reactive immune response.
So, what can you do to look after that critical system?
Exercise:
Sometimes its easy to put off exercise, but our body needs it to be healthy. The lymphatic system relies of the contraction and relaxation of the muscles too move lymphatic fluid around the body. Exercise stimulates the lymph system’s one way valves to open and close, which increases the lymph flow back toward the heart.
You don’t need to run a marathon, endure a spin class or make your way through circuit training (unless of course you want too!). Just 10 minutes of cardio is all you need…. Even running around with the kids count!
Yoga:
As well as that 10 minutes of exercise each day, yoga is recommended, as the yoga poses cause the muscles in the body to contract and relax. This allows your lymphatic system to flow freely which prevents stagnation and accumulation of toxins.
If you don’t have time to go to a yoga class, try lying with your legs up against a wall – this improve the flow back towards your heart.
Water:
Life is so busy, rushing around at work, picking up the kids, making dinner, and walking the dog, sometimes it’s easy to forget to drink water throughout the day. The lymphatic system is primarily composed of water, so its unable to function properly if you don’t drink (sorry wine doesn’t count!).
Deep Breathing and Mindfulness:
Taking 5 minutes in a day to complete mindfulness exercises can help you to breath properly. If you can’t make time for this then just take a minute or so to breath deeply. Diaphragmatic breathing encourages the movement of your lymph’s.
Dry Brushing Your Skin:
All you need to do is brush a coarse brush over the skin, moving towards your heart. This encourages the movement of lymph and blood in your underlying tissue, which can help clear the build up of toxins.
A bonus is that is can improve your skins condition and reduce cellulite.
Lymphatic Massage:
Seek a fully qualified therapist and book a massage. This special form of massage specifically targets to flow of lymph in the body. By applying pressure in specific ways, they will target lymph nodes and vessels which activates lymphatic fluids to circulate.
Lastly, swollen glands (lymphadenopathy) is a common reaction when the body’s fighting an infection, but it can also be cause for concern. If you’ve been unwell with a cold or cough and your glands have popped up, you should expect them to settle within a few weeks. If your glands remain swollen, you should make sure you make an appointment to see your GP.
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