The Lymphatic System (Pt. 2)

This vast & complicated system contains over 600 lymph nodes. It's made up of glands, lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland & the tonsils. It is vital for both tissue repair & to help control inflammation in most organs of the body. The lymphatic system contains white blood cells called lymphocytes which fight infections by producing proteins that capture & fight invaders such as viruses or microbes. Improper drainage can cause impaired immune system or even tumors in the nodes. Even fluid in the eyes is lymphatic fluid. The cleaner you are on the inside, the brighter & clearer your eyes are!!

Lymph nodes are small bean-shaped structures located along the lymphatic vessels. The vessels connect to each other in lymphatic chains throughout the body much like blood vessels. Lymph is responsible for draining fluid from the tissues & transporting it to the lymph nodes which then destroy the bacteria & other harmful substances. After the fluid is cleaned, it flows back to the main vein, called the superior vena cava where it enters the blood stream. The normal size of a lymph node is less than 1 cm in diameter. A healthy lymphatic system can fight off 80% of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease & arthritis. It doesn't have a pump like the circulatory system, it requires movement to function properly!

Lymphadenitis is termed when you feel swollen, tender or painful lymph nodes & is usually a sign of bacterial infection somewhere in the body. As long as the infection hasn't spread to more lymph nodes, the 1st line of defense is antibiotics or analgesics. In some cases surgery might have to be done to drain the node. Caught right away, most invasive treatments can be avoided. They are located in the neck area, around the tonsils. Under the armpits, elbow. Around the outer parts of the breasts and in the chest area. There are also ones located above the genitals. Among other areas of the body.

There are many ways to detoxify this system: 1) avoid soda 2) 6-8 glasses of water daily 3) herbal teas such as astragalus, echinacea, goldenseal, poke root or wild indigo 4) opt for natural fibers in your clothing avoid nylon & polyester 5) castor oil packs overnight to the lower abdomen 6) laughter & deep breathing 7) raw, unsalted nuts & seeds power up the lymph system with good fatty acids such as walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, macadamia, brazil, flax, sunflower & pumpkin seeds 8) avoid processed foods.

Natural treatments for lymphadenitis include raw garlic, manuka honey, colloidal silver, apple cider vinegar with the mother in it, vit. c--non gmo, astragalus root (at www.Herbs-4-Health.com), oregano essential oil (at www.Herbs-4-Health.com), tea tree essential oil & cool compresses.

Ways to help activate the lymphatic system: 1) rebounding or jumping on a mini trampoline 2) working up a sweat through exercise or a sauna 3) inversion unit or a slant board 4) reflexology points located at the bottom of breast bone/sternum helps to stimulate lymphatic drainage 5) Epsom salt baths 6) dry brushing 7) lymphatic massage.