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The lymph system's main functions are providing
nutrients to cells, removing waste from cells, and providing transportation
and reservoirs for white blood cells, which wage war against infection.
Lymph nodes
Small clusters of lymphatic tissue, most numerous in the armpits,
neck and groin. White cells congregate in these nodes, devouring
intruders that come along. During an infection, the white cells
rapidly multiply within the nodes causing them to swell, and then
travel through the lymphatic system to the blood and the rest of
the body to wage war on the infection. Swollen nodes can be noticed
along the sides of the neck or in the breasts. If you see swellings
from the side of your neck, it could indicate mono or some other
infection. Swellings in the breast could indicate and infection
or breast cancer, so check your breasts monthly.
Because lymph fluid reaches all regions of your
body and disposes waste, it is an unfortunate distributor of cancer.
Cancer cells travel through your lymph system from lymph node to
lymph node, spreading many types of cancers. So, early detection
before the cancer enters the lymph system is always key. Men, check
your testes once a month. Women, check your breasts once a month.
Also regularly check your skin for skin cancer.(See
Tanning, Sunburn, Moles & Skin Cancer)
Breathe deeply and produce muscular movement.
In other words, exercise! You have 4 times more lymph fluid than
blood, but your lymph system has no pump of its own. The circulation
of your lymph system is improved and powered by muscular movement
and more importantly by breathing. Deep breathing improves the circulation
of your lymph fluid, which increases the evacuation of toxins, which
allows your cells to last longer and thus allows you to live longer.
So start a cardiovascular exercise program that cleanses your body
every day by increasing lymph circulation.
You can also do breathing exercises to further
your lymph circulation. Here's how...
- 10 deep breaths 3 times a day. For each deep
breath, inhale, hold your breath and exhale at a time ratio of
1:4:2. For example, you can inhale for 7 seconds, hold it for
28 seconds, and exhale for 14 seconds. Or if this is too hard,
try inhaling 4 seconds, holding 16 and exhaling 8. As long as
you keep the 1:4:2 ratio your breaths should cleanse your body
and give you more energy.
- Your spleen is the largest single mass of
lymphoid tissue in the body.
- You have 4 times more lymph fluid than blood.
Spleen
Your cardiovascular
system, the other part of circulation
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