Daily, the body circulates approximately 27 liters of fluid – for those like me who aren’t into liters, that’s 7.92516 gallons of fluid – that’s almost 8 gallons a day!
Why Should We Care?
The role of the lymphatic system is to manage the fluid levels in our body. It filters bacteria and contains types of white blood cells.
Most of the fluid, approximately 27 liters (7.13265 gallons), goes through the normal circulatory process, is filtered by the kidneys and leaves the body through urination. The remaining 3 liters (0.792516 gallons) goes into the lymphatic system. It is moved around the body through a network of vessels in much the same way that blood travels around the body through the blood vessels. Whereas the blood carries nutrients and other substances into our tissues, the lymph vessels drain fluid from the tissues and transport it to the lymph.
The lymph nodes filter out and destroy bacteria and other harmful substances. The bigger lymph vessels then carry the cleaned fluid back to the vein called the superior vena cava, where it enters the blood stream.
The Lymphatic System is referred to as our second circulatory system. If it were to stop functioning, we would be dead in 2-3 days because of extreme edema and the retention of toxic metabolic waste.
A healthy lymphatic system helps us fight illness and disease.
The lymphatic system is an intricate system and includes:
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Lymph nodes
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Lymph vessels
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Tonsils
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Adenoids
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Spleen
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Thymus
We all have a different number of lymph nodes. The average number is between 600-700. The lymph nodes are the functional part of the lymphatic system where the wastes are filtered. Phagocytosis (cell eating) takes place and the large waste products and pathogens are disarmed and crushed up before being returned to the blood stream for disposal.
The cardiovascular system, with the help of red blood cells, carries and distributes nutrients, oxygen, chemicals and hormones to our body through our arteries. Unlike the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system is a one-way system. It doesn’t have a pumping mechanism like the cardiovascular system has the heart.
Seventy percent of the lymphatics are superficial and moveable through manual lymphatic drainage techniques. Thirty percent of the body’s lymphatics are deep and moveable through kinesthetic movements of the body. Movement and exercise are vital for a healthy lymphatic system. If the lymphatic system is overloaded or sluggish from a lack of movement (as common in bed-bound patients) the body’s ability to fight off these common pathogens is reduced.
What can you do to help your lymphatic system?
Start moving!
As mentioned, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump and relies on muscle contraction to keep it moving. Manual Lymphatic Drainage also helps keep our lymphatic system working efficiently. Considering a Manual Lymphatic (MLD) treatment? Give me a call or get in touch here. Consultations are always free.
Susan Gee, LMT 501-915-4012
Progressive Massage Therapy
Hot Springs Village, AR
Reference: PubMed Health