How Healthy Is Your Lymphatic System?
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and includes the opinion of the author. Information is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or disease. Always follow the directives of a licensed health professional. Neither Anita Bastian or the publisher of the information takes any responsibility for actions readers take in regards to how they use or perceive the information. Readers are encouraged to do their own research.
The lymphatic system has been getting more attention in the recent years. Rightfully so. The lymphatic system has a vital role in removal of wastes and supporting our immune system. It also nourishes and protects our tissues and cells.
A healthy lymphatic system, which is made up of over 90% water, flows through passageways nourishing tissue, repairing cells, and cleaning up cellular debris. When lymphatic fluid is congested it will not flow freely through lymph channels or vessels. Congested or stagnant lymph can negatively impact the whole body including your brain. When the lymphatic system is healthy, your brain and body work, feel, and heal better.
So how do you know if you lymphatic system is working well?
SIGNS OF LYMPHATIC SYSTEM STRESS
- Swollen glands
- Tiredness
- Retention of water
- Brain fog
- Weight gain
- Stiffness
- Swelling or pain in joints or muscle
- Headaches
The brain has its own lymphatic system called the glymphatic system. The glymphatic system is a fairly recent discovery, but we know it is critical in promoting brain homeostasis. The glymphatic system consists of a network of channels that work alongside the vascular system to promote movement of cerebrospinal fluid. This system mainly operates while you sleep to clear waste such as unwanted amyloid proteins or metabolites. In addition to clearing wastes, the glymphatic system also distributes fatty acids, glucose, amino acids and other cellular materials that help modulate our neurological system.
STRESSORS THAT IMPAIR THE GLYMPHATIC SYSTEM:
- Dysregulation of blood sugar levels
- Exposure to environmental toxins
- Biological toxins from parasitic and bacterial infections
- Exposure to EMF’s from electronics
- Poor sleep, nasal breathing improves oxygen circulation (Do not breathe through your mouth.)
- Poor diet (sugars, processed food, fast food)
- Injuries that lead to scar tissue or damaged tissue
- Dehydration
WAYS TO SUPPORT THE LYMPHATIC AND GLYMPHATIC SYSTEMS
- Optimal hydration
- Regular movement and rebounding
- Dry brushing
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Therapy)
- Cranial Sacral Therapy and/or chiropractic care
- Deep breathing
- Neuroglide
- Prioritize healthy sleep and get day time sunshine
- Practice gratitude
- Drainage support supplements to assist the body in removing toxins (Connect for more info)
- Bioactive carbon binders to bind and remove toxins (Connect to learn more)
- Consume healthy fats and proteins such as those from 100% grass-fed meat
- Drink adequate clean, pure water (I drink distilled water and add specific minerals.)
As I mentioned, the glymphatic system is mainly at work while we sleep. Poor sleep and prolonged sleep in an upright position impairs the glymphatic system. A healthy glymphatic system helps the cells repair and remove wastes to maintain the body’s homeostasis. If waste builds up, there is increased inflammation in the brain and surrounding tissues. Toxic proteins can accumulate and likely contribute to impaired cognitive function, memory loss and eventually Alzheimer’s. Impaired glymphatic systems can also be linked to strokes, seizures, and mental health issues.
It is clear that the body’s natural ability to detox via the lymphatic system must be optimized if you want to enjoy good health and brain function. If you are dealing with signs of lymphatic or glymphatic stress, don’t let it progress into greater dis-ease. Take action to give your body the support it needs. Request an assessment to learn more about what is impacting your system.
Keep on Keepin’ on. You were made to flow with grace, not be stuck in stagnation.
Make the best of every day,
Anita
