The Lymphatic System

Lymphatic system What is the lymphatic system? The lymphatic system is one of the most important parts of the immune system because it protects the body from diseases and infections. It is a system consisting of vessels, ganglia and organs that are connected to all parts of the body carrying lymph, a transparent liquid containing lymphocytes. It often seems mysterious and elusive because it does not receive the same attention as other body systems, such as the cardiovascular system or the digestive system. Some people are probably aware of their lymph nodes in the neck when they become larger because of a sore throat or infection. The lymphatic system performs vital functions. The lymphatic system is a network consisting mainly of: Lymph nodes: small bean-shaped organs found throughout the body Lymphatic vessels: vessels that allow lymphatic fluid (also called lymph) to circulate throughout the body Lymph nodes act as filters for lymph and lymphocytes: they separate bacteria, viruses and other foreign bodies. Hundreds of knots are found in almost every part of the body, including the elbows, groin, neck and armpits. If a large number of bacteria are filtered through a ganglion or a series of ganglia, as is the case when your throat is infected, they can swell and become sensitive to touch. In the majority of cases where the lymph nodes are swollen, it is simply the reaction of the immune system to an infection and not cancer. Cancer occurs when abnormal cells can not be controlled and continue to grow and multiply. Among the organs (other than lymph nodes) that are considered part of the lymphatic system are: Bone marrow The thymus Tonsils The spleen Liver Lymphocyte accumulations inside the intestinal, respiratory, genital and urinary tract. What are lymphocytes? Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that helps the body fight infections; they constitute a major element of the lymphatic system. They develop in the thymus and bone marrow and are transported into the body through the bloodstream and the lymphatic system. Lymphocytes are found in the blood. However, the vast majority of them circulate normally within the lymphatic system. Lymphocytes are divided into two categories: B and T lymphocytes (also called B and T cells); they are working to fight infections and prevent disease. They are an integral part of a healthy immune system. Normally functioning B-cells turn into ultra-specialized cells called plasma cells in the presence of infection. Plasma cells make antibodies that fight infection and react to toxins, bacteria and certain cancer cells. The body can thus identify and remove these undesirable substances. However, some invaders manage to escape B lymphocytes by growing inside the somatic cells. That's when T cells come in. T cells directly attack foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses, and they kill cancer cells and eliminate them from the body. After the destruction of the invader, the surviving B and T lymphocytes become specialized memory cells that remain on the alert in the lymph nodes, ready to attack in case of a new encounter with a certain antigen. These special memory cells can be compared to guards because they are always on the lookout to prevent some type of deniers from gaining control of the body. How does the lymphatic system work? The lymphatic system has three main functions: 1. Circulate liquids and regulate their level in the body: Any excess fluid that escapes from the bloodstream is collected by the lymphatic system and returned. This prevents the formation of edema (swelling due to excess fluid) and maintains fluid levels in the body and bloodstream at normal limits. 2. Absorb the fats in the digestive system: the special lymphatic vessels, known as chyliferae, are located inside the digestive tract and are responsible for absorbing fats and fat-soluble vitamins from food. The fats are then transported to the bloodstream and used as needed. 3. Defend the body against infections: The vessels in the lymphatic system move lymphatic fluid and lymphocytes throughout the body. The lymphatic fluid, which travels through the lymphatic vessels, passes through the lymph nodes, which are predominantly lymphocytes. The lymphocytes are used to filter the lymphatic fluid of any debris, it spreads bacteria, viruses and other foreign bodies. The body can thus stay safe from invading organisms and infections at the same time. If one often speaks about blood circulation, the lymphatic circulation is much less known. Yet, it plays a key role in the immune system, responsible for defending our body infections. Explanations. The lymph is a colorless to yellowish fluid that circulates in the lymphatic vessels running throughout our body. With a composition close to that of blood plasma, the lymph also contains white blood cells, the key cells of the immune system, hence its important action in the body's defenses. On the other hand, it does not contain red blood cells, unlike blood. The lymph actually comes from a filtration of part of the blood elements, and serves to activate the immune response during an infection. By its action of filter, it acts by draining the excess of liquid of the tissues of our body. The lymph also has a nutritional role since it brings to the blood the fats absorbed in the small intestine. Each individual has an average of one to two liters of lymph, compared to five to six liters of blood. THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM AND ITS ORGANS The lymphatic system brings together the circulation vessels of the lymph as well as the lymphatic organs. This vast lymphatic network is present throughout our body with the exception of the brain, muscles, cartilage and bone marrow. Unlike the blood system, the lymphatic network works without a heart, and therefore without a pump to diffuse the lymph. This one is distributed according to the movements of our body, the contractions of the muscles and the lymphatic vessels. There are also lymphatic drainage techniques that aim to stimulate the circulation of the lymph and thus to boost the immune system . The spleen, the thymus (organ below the sternum), the tonsils and the ganglia are lymphatic organs. Some will allow the development of immune cells, which will then colonize the lymphatic system. Others, such as ganglia, allow these defense cells to proliferate and differentiate to target the infectious agents to be destroyed. Thus, if our lymph nodes are swollen during an infection, it is because they retain the microbes and concentrate a large quantity of white blood cells in order to eradicate them. If it seems particularly beneficial for our health, the lymph also has a significant negative action: it allows the spread of cancer cells to the entire body, and therefore a risk of generalized cancer. The lymphatic system: functioning and diseases Tuesday, February 12, 2013 AnatomyImmune System 99 The main function of the lymphatic system is to carry the lymph, which is a clear, colorless liquid that contains white blood cells that help the body to get rid of toxins, wastes and other unwanted products. "Lymphatic" comes from the Latin term " lymphaticus " which means "relative to water" because the lymph is clear. The lymphatic network, which is a subset of the circulatory system, has a number of functions, including the removal of the interstitial fluid, the extracellular fluid that bathes most tissues. It also acts as a pathway that transports white blood cells to and from the lymph nodes in the bones, and antigen presenting cells or APCs to the lymph nodes. Description of the lymphatic system The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that consists mainly of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes and lymph. Tonsils, adenoids, spleen and thymus are all part of the lymphatic system. There are 600 to 700 lymph nodes in the human body that filter the lymph before it returns to the circulatory system. The spleen, the most important lymphatic organ, is located in the left side of the human body just above the kidneys. Humans can live without a spleen, although those who do not, because of illness or injury, are more prone to infections. The thymus, which stores immature lymphocytes and prepares them to become active T cells, is located in the chest just above the heart. Tonsils are large clusters of lymphatic cells located in the pharynx. Although tonsillectomies are less common nowadays than in the 1950s, it is still a frequently performed operation that results from repeated infections of the throat. When bacteria are recognized in the lymphatic fluid, the lymph nodes make white blood cells more effective against infection, which can cause swelling. Swollen glands can sometimes be felt in the neck, armpits and groin. Unlike blood, which flows throughout the body in a continuous loop, the lymph flow goes only in one direction, upward and towards the neck, inside its own network. It flows into the venous blood stream via the subclavian veins, which are located on either side of the neck near the clavicle. The plasma leaves the cells once they have delivered their nutrients and removed the waste. Most of this fluid returns to the venous circulation through the venules and continues as venous blood. The rest becomes lymph. The lymph leaves the tissue and enters the lymphatic system through specialized lymphatic capillaries. About three-quarters of these capillaries are superficial vessels that are near the surface of the skin. There are also deeper lymphatic capillaries that surround most of the human organs. There are two drainage regions that make up the lymphatic system. The straight drainage areas are for the right arm and chest. The left drainage area that cleans all other areas of the body, including both legs, the lower trunk, the upper chest and the left arm. Diseases of the lymphatic system The diseases and disorders of the lymphatic system are typically treated by immunologists. Vascular surgeons, dermatologists, oncologists and physiotherapists are also involved in the treatment of various lymphatic diseases. There are also lymphedema therapists who specialize in manual drainage of the lymphatic system. Lymphedema is a chronic swelling of the limbs caused by an accumulation of lymph fluid that occurs if the lymphatic system is damaged or not working properly. While members are normally concerned, the face, neck and abdomen could also be affected. Many people develop this disorder as a result of cancer therapy, including breast cancer where the lymph nodes in the armpits are removed, or following recurrent infections, wounds or vascular surgery. Hodgkin lymphoma is a kind of cancer that occurs when white blood cells in the body are sick or damaged. Castleman's disease is caused by benign tumors that affect the lymph nodes. While not specifically cancer, it looks like a lymphoma and is often treated with chemotherapy. Localized Castleman's disease affects the lymph nodes of the stomach and chest. Multicentric Castleman's disease affects more than a region of lymph nodes just like lymphoid-like organs such as the spleen. Lymphangiomatosis is a disease that involves multiple cysts or lesions that form from the lymphatic vessels. In the case of elephantiasis, it is an infection of the lymphatic vessels that causes thickening of the skin and enlargement of the underlying tissues, especially the legs and genitals. Lymphangiosarcoma is a malignant soft tissue tumor, while lymphangioma is a benign tumor that often occurs in association with Turner's syndrome. Lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a benign tumor of the smooth muscles of the lymphatics in the lungs. Lymphoid leukemia and lymphomas are called "leukemia" when they are in the blood or marrow and "lymphoma" when they are in the lymphatic tissues. Lymphatic filariasis is a disease in which a parasitic worm infiltrates the lymphatic network via a mosquito bite. About 120 million people are affected by this disease. A 3-day lymph cleanse to keep you healthy all year long January 28, 2015 Understanding how your lymphatic system supports all other systems in the body - including the immune system, digestive system, detoxification and the nervous system - can be an extremely beneficial and often overlooked element for true health. In fact, many experts believe that poor lymph health underlies a host of health problems, from cellulite to cancer. Much of the lymphatic tissue is associated with the intestine (lymphoid tissue associated with the digestive tract). The lymphatic tissue is where most of your immunity begins and because the digestive tract is a main pathway for harmful substances (bacteria, allergens, heavy metals, molds, fungi, chemicals, trans fats), your main lines of defense are in the intestine. The natural detoxification of the body was practiced from the Amerindians. And the use of sweat lodges and the Indian practice of Ayurveda goes back even further. Supporting your body's natural ability to effectively detoxify each day not only helps to maintain well-being, but it also helps prevent illness later in life. The cleansing of the lymphatic system is recognized by doctors in Europe and the Far East for its importance in preventive health care. As Tessa Thomas points out in "Natural Lifting" (Flammarion), "as sophisticated as the liver and the lymphatic system are, they are now confronted with an overabundance of toxins that they are often unable to cope with". The solution ? Enjoy the spring to follow a "detoxification cure". Specifically, it is to rid the blood and lymph of all accumulated toxic sediment. You have the choice between grouping the care that will follow over ten days for an express cure or spread them gently over a month. The treatment is recommended if you have already practiced a detoxification treatment the year before (a cure per year is largely sufficient) or if you have an excellent lifestyle in everyday life. Anyway, do not forget that the first days will not necessarily be a part of pleasure, and do not worry: fatigue, mood swings, headaches and small skin problems will sometimes be at the rendezvous. you. They are a sign that toxins are being eliminated. Attention, however, this type of program is for people in good general health. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor if you have the slightest doubt about your ability to undertake it. Lemon to stimulate the liver The liver is a priority organ in the detoxification process. Because if its functions are multiple, it is mainly responsible for eliminating waste and neutralizing circulating toxins in the body. To stimulate it, Jane Scrivner, author of "Detox, instructions for use" (Marabout), advises to start your day by drinking a fresh lemon juice mixed with hot water . If we know the stimulating and antiseptic virtues of lemon, it is less known that it is remarkably effective for energizing congested livers. Dandelion to relieve kidneys The kidneys filter the blood at seven liters per hour, eliminating unnecessary or harmful substances via the urine. The dandelion, nicknamed the "great cleaner", facilitates their elimination function. You can, of course, eat it in salad. Maurice Messegué, herbalist, advises to prepare herbal tea, associated with fumitory, rosemary and nettle (four pinches each in half a liter of water), to drink during the day. Dandelion also exists in the form of capsules of "cryobreated" powder (in pharmacies). Rice to expel toxins If it is necessary to "unclog" the liver and kidneys, it is also important to give them a break by avoiding the absorption of new toxins . Will you have the will to remove, during the cure, the meat, the cheese (except that of sheep, more digestible), the eggs, the coffee, the chocolate, the alcohol, without forgetting the bread and the milk? These foods indeed require the body more effort to be digested. To compensate, put the dishes in large and have fun preparing fruits and vegetables, raw or cooked, associated with fish, cereals, nuts ... Another favorite food is rice . Thanks to its high potassium level, it stimulates the expulsion of toxins. To delight you, take inspiration from the recipes in Angelika Ilies' book "Detox without pain" (DNA). Magnesium salt baths to sweat Rediscover the virtues of Epsom salt, formerly known as "doctor salt" . This magnesium salt (in pharmacies and dietary stores) is known to activate the process of perspiration and detoxification of the body. Dilute a pound of salt in a hot bath; relax for about fifteen minutes in the water, then massage yourself with a washcloth. At the end of the bath, wrap yourself in a terry bathrobe. Abundant sweating and a great feeling of tiredness can follow: it is better to take this bath at the end of the day, twice a week (except during the period of the rules). Scrubs to illuminate the skin When the liver and kidneys are overloaded, the skin eventually serves as a discharge to the overflow of waste accumulated in the blood. Not only do these toxins produce free radicals that accelerate its aging, but they hinder the blood circulation, ensuring a soft, firm and luminous skin. The right gesture: on dry skin, before washing, rub a few minutes with a firm bristle brush or a loofah glove (vegetable sponge). Always start with your feet and then move upwards. Each gesture is accomplished towards the heart, without movement of back and forth. For the face, use a dry washcloth. Finally, every three days, make a scrub with a suitable cream. A cream to protect against pollution Exposed to pollution, our skin ends up short of breath. Come in cascade warm up, tugging, redness, drawn features ... Two solutions: offer your skin the means to defend itself with antioxidant substances that will help fight against free radicals (green tea or vitamin E creams); or focus on the assets capable of capturing and neutralizing polluting molecules on the surface of the skin. A promise difficult to hold, pollutants being multiple. While waiting for a pollution protection index on your products, turn to laboratories that justify concrete studies such as Biotherm (Hydra-Detox cream), Helena Rubinstein (Urban active) or Clarins (Multi-Active Day). ). Lymphatic drainage to eliminate The lymph nodes secrete what the Greeks called "white blood" . The lymph contains indeed white blood cells, which are responsible for absorbing dead cells and toxins to eliminate them. Lymphatic drainage is a form of massage designed to whip up a lazy lymphatic system by stimulating the ganglia of the neck, armpits, groin, hollow of the knees and arms. It is in principle practiced by a physiotherapist (about 43 euros). Count a dozen for a "visible" result. An irrigation of the colon to regenerate It is a kind of enema of the intestine, made with filtered water injected through a tube via the rectum and intended to eliminate all the waste present in the colon. This irrigation of the colon (or hydrotherapy) provides a pleasant feeling of well-being, while eliminating the problems of constipation and aerophagia. "This is not a miracle solution and it must be accompanied by a cleansing of the lifestyle, warns Alain Rousseau, naturopath. Its practice is not justified when the patient is very tired, has colitis, or the abdominal musculature is too weak to cope with the internal pressure of the water. " The colon hydrotherapy is practiced by a physician, physical therapist or naturopath. An herbal tea to purify If your body craves purity, drink water first (not less than a liter and a half a day). Also try herbal tea (one cup a day) birch or orthosiphon, two queen plants of elimination. The first, diuretic and "disinfiltrante", is recommended against water retention. The second, a formidable drainer of the body, helps to lower cholesterol levels. Purify yourself, why? Can one access a better life by a purification of the body and the soul? Or thwart the violence of the world by a form of inner purity? Questions that arise about the multitude of books and products advocating the virtues of detoxification. Americans and English go further, praising the "mind detox" and the "home detox" (detoxification of the spirit and the house) in many books and websites devoted to the subject ... "There is currently an awareness of the risks related to our environment and our food, says Claude Degrese, ethnopsychologist. Each one tries to compensate and reassure himself by his weak means, the action being a valve to anxiety. That's why we see the emergence of detoxification programs, spa treatments, the importance of the theme of water, the explosion of the market for essential oil dispensers or air ionisers. So many gestures to resist. " Movement to activate the circulation No wellness program without physical activity. Because movement is the best way to activate the blood circulation , it helps to eliminate toxins via the lungs (breathing) and perspiration, and this exercise benefits the lymphatic system. Unlike blood, the lymph does not have a pump that propels it into the body, so its circulation is based only on body movements. You have no choice: move ... thirty minutes a day. In the end, bright complexion, cellulite gently sloping, energy increased, sleep regained will reward you for your efforts not to mention boost your immunity considering how weak and sickly is the person with poorly functioning immune system, therefore cleansing and regular detoxification of the lymphatic system is so essential for optimum wellness.