List the three functions of the lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system plays a key role in the immune system, fluid balance, and absorption of fats and fat-soluble nutrients. As lymph vessels drain fluid from body tissues, this enables foreign material to be delivered to the lymph nodes for assessment by immune system cells.

The lymphatic system: transports interstitial fluid back to the bloodstream, provides immunological defenses, and transports absorbed fats from the intestine to the blood.

• Carry fluid leaked out from bloodstream back to the blood.
• Filter out and phagocytize foreign agents.
• Produce and “activate” lymphocytes (B cells and T cells)

The primary organs of the lymphatic system are the bone marrow and thymus gland, and the secondary lymphatic organs include the lymph nodes and spleen.

The lymphatic system is composed of:

• Primary lymphoid organs: These organs include the bone marrow and the thymus.
• Secondary lymphoid organs: These organs include the lymph nodes, the spleen, the tonsils and certain tissue in various mucous membrane layers in the body (for instance in the bowel).

The lymphatic system consists of all lymphatic vessels and lymphoid organs. For example, the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus as well as the lymphatic tissue found in the small intestine (Peyer’s patches) and throat (adenoid tonsils, palatine and tubal tonsils), to name a few, all represent lymphatic organs.

Although it’s made of lymphatic tissue, the appendix doesn’t appear to have much lymphatic function in humans, but it does release some mucus into the large intestine.

Below are 10 ways to help create flow in your lymphatic system and remove toxins from your body.

1. Exercise. Regular exercise is key for a healthy lymphatic system.
2. Alternative Treatments.
3. Hot and Cold Showers.
4. Use Dry Brushing.
5. Drink Clean Water.
6. Avoid Wearing Tight Clothes.
7. Breathe Deeply.
8. Eat Foods That Promote Lymph Flow.

The lymphatic vessels drain into collecting ducts, which empty their contents into the two subclavian veins, located under the collarbones. These veins join to form the superior vena cava, the large vein that drains blood from the upper body into the heart.

Herbs. Using herbs is a popular way to naturally purify your lymphatic system. Calendula, echinacea, and dandelion are just a few of the many herbs that promote lymphatic drainage, reduce any swelling and pain, and boost your immune system.

7 Ways You Can Naturally Care For Your Lymph

1. Lymphatic drainage massage.
2. Exercise.
3. Deep breathing.
4. Dry brushing.
5. Clean up your diet.
6. Wear loose clothing.
7. Stay hydrated.

Essential oils can play a part in helping the lymphatic system in a number of ways to support it in its detoxing and microbe-fighting mission. Depending on the oils used, they can detoxify, boost blood circulation and improve lymphatic flow.

Adaptogenic Herbs This is another area for your chosen health professional to guide you for further info but three herbs that help alleviate inflammation and congestion of the lymph nodes and vessels are Goldenseal, Echinacea, and Astragalus. These herbs also help support immunity, particularly the Echinacea.

Magnesium is a really freaking important mineral that is responsible for everything from blood pressure regulation to your heart rhythm. It’s also touted as an anti-inflammatory, and can help reduce some of the symptoms associated with an overworked lymphatic system.

How does stress affect the Lymphatic System? When we experience stress, cortisol (a stress fighting hormone) is released, resulting in metabolic acidosis. Cortisol’s acidic nature can cause a breakdown of lymphoid tissue and impede lymphatic flow.

Deep breathing, exercise and massage, therefore, are great ways to encourage lymph flow and to maintain the health of this essential system. The movement created by combining deep breathing with stretching, such as yoga, has proved to enhance lymph circulation.

Vigorous exercise such as rebounding [jumping on a therapeutic mini-trampoline] is reported to increase lymph flow by 15 to 30 times. The main lymph vessels run up the legs, up the arms and up the torso. This is why the vertical up-and-down movement of rebounding is so effective to pump the lymph.”

Lymphatic disease

• Lymphatic disease is a class of disorders which directly affect the components of the lymphatic system.
• Diseases and disorder.
• Hodgkin’s Disease/Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Hodgkin lymphoma This is a type of cancer of the lymphatic system.
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
• Lymphadenitis.
• Lymphangitis.
• Lymphedema.
• Lymphocytosis.

Better blood circulation: The more your muscles contract and the more force they exert, the better the circulation. This is not only true while you’re biking, but continues even after you’ve stopped. Muscle contractions and joint movement are the best ways to improve the circulation of lymphatic fluids.

As you get older, your exercise capacity and ability to recover from intense activity decline. However, cycling can actually slow down the progression of aging. The Guardian reported on a study that compared cyclists between the ages of 55 and 79 with a group of healthy adults that did not exercise on a regular basis.

Plus, the movement helps lubricate the joints, which reduces pain and stiffness. Other benefits of bicycling include: Weight control: Excess pounds can exacerbate inflammatory arthritis, as well as put increased pressure on your joints, particularly your knees.

It might not grant eternal youth, but cycling, scientists have found, can slow the aging process and keep your muscles and immune system healthy well into your golden years. Aging, it turns out, can do a number on your muscles. Humans typically lose muscle mass as they get older.

People aged 50 years and above have a lot to benefit from cycling. Low impact aerobic workouts like cycling are perfect for over-50s who can no longer undertake high intensity exercises; perhaps because their knees aren’t as good as they used to be.

Why Cycling Is a Great Sport for Seniors Bike riding is a great option for seniors for so many reasons. While we were busy raising families and building careers, many of us left our old bikes in garages or attics rusting away. The good news is that, in most cases, it’s not too late to get started again.

Best Bicycles for Seniors Comparison Chart