Lymphatic Health, Blood Purification & Immune Support

Lymphatic Health, Blood Purification & Immune Support 

Author: Krista Morton-Kill

   The lymphatic system, which is a part of the body’s immune system, plays a crucial role in activating immunity, mobilizing and excreting toxins, and maintaining overall health in the body. The lymphatic system is made up of the following organs, tissues, and glands: the spleen, the thymus, the appendix, the lymphatic vessels, the lymph nodes, the tonsils, and the bone marrow (Null et al., 2023). This system is the only fluid system in the body without a pump, which means that its ability to pump and excrete toxins relies on the natural human movements of the body, such as the expansion and contraction of organ tissues, the compression of the skeletal structure, and the expansion and contraction of the vascular system (Ozdowski & Gupta, 2023). The lymphatic vessels transport toxic waste to be excreted in one of three ways; through the skin via perspiration, through the kidneys via urination, or through the bowels via defecation. The lymphatic system activates the immune system, via the communication pathway of summoning antigens and leukocytes to the lymph nodes, where harmful microbes are collected by the body, in order to be set up for destruction and elimination (Null et al., 2023). 

     The main action, which provokes the activity of the lymphatic system, involves the dendritic cells. These cells act as sensors and transporters of antigens, in order to activate the destruction of foreign particles and infections, within the lymphatic system. The dendritic cells sit primarily in the skin, and look out for antigens. The lymphatic vessels, sitting just beneath the surface of the skin, act as a transportation highway. When dendritic cells sense a threat (i.e. an antigen or foreign particle), it takes up the antigen and transports it to the lymph nodes, via the lymphatic vessels. Once the antigen reaches the lymph nodes, T cells can perform destruction of the antigen (Russo et al., 2013). Lymphatic vessels reside all throughout the body, and lymph nodes collect in various parts of the body. The primary regions of the lymph nodes sit in the cervical (neck), axial (armpit), and inguinal (groin) areas (Bujoreanu & Gupta, 2023). If the lymphatic system becomes congested, it is common for the lymph nodes in these regions to swell, or even become tender to palpate. Because lymphatic fluid moves only in one direction, with a lack of a pump, oftentimes nutritional or manual movement support can benefit those who present with congestion of the lymph, otherwise known as lymphedema. 

     Nutritionally, there are many herbs that are supportive to the lymphatic system. They can be taken as an herbal supplement or tea, or some can be consumed in medicinal amounts through foods that contain their properties. Being that the interstitial fluid, which flows through the lymphatic vessels, comes from the leftover debris from the bloodstream, blood purification herbs are a good “upstream” way to prevent an over abundance of toxins from dumping into the lymphatic vessels. A few effective blood purification herbs, which help support the lymphatic system, are japanese knotweed, astragalus, and serrapeptase. Others, which promote lymphatic movement, include echinacea and manjistha (Kaufman, 2024). 

     Hydration can also be a key factor in supporting the health of the lymphatic system. For some cases, hydration may go beyond taking adequate ounces of water per day. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a common condition, associated with high levels of mycotoxins in the body (Tuuminen, 2020). Oftentimes, these individuals experience congestion in the lymphatic system, as a result of their bodies working to flush out the high levels of mycotoxin.  Low sodium is quite common in this condition, as well as stress on the kidneys, due to lack of ability to properly hydrate, along with a mineral balance. Adding himalayan sea salt, cream of tartar powder, or a high quality mineral and/or electrolyte to a patient's regimen (who has POTS), may be quite helpful in promoting balance for their fluid system, and support lymphatic health (Garland et al., 2021). This would need to be recommended on a case by case basis.

     Individuals can practice lifestyle shifts to support their lymphatic system. One of the most important aspects of lymphatic health is to practice regular human movement, and provoke sweating, in order to release toxins through the sweat glands (Hussain et al., 2017). Two simple ways this may be accomplished can be through exercise or infrared sauna therapy. More gentle lymphatic therapies to consider are regular dry brushing, or the use of a rebounder or vibration plate for lymphatic vessel stimulation (Cugusi et al., 2018). Nutritionally, focusing on the intake of omega-3 fatty acids and high antioxidant rich foods, is helpful in reducing inflammation, and supporting the lymphatic system. Berries, olive oil, avocados, and sardines are great foods for accomplishing these nutritional goals (Bonetti et al., 2022).

     Acupuncture is also shown to provide significant support to conditions of lymphedema. Lymphedema is a condition in which lymphatic fluid retention presents in a localized area, and prevents proper drainage of the lymphatic system. The condition is quite common after procedures, especially those that are local to major lymph drainage points, such as a mastectomy. Being close in proximity to the axillary lymph nodes (the lymph nodes underneath of the armpits), it is common for lymphedema to present in the nodes of this area. This may result in symptoms of swelling, skin irritations (i.e rashes or changes in skin color or texture), as well as pain or sensitivity to the region in and around the lymph drainage area. Other common causes of lymphedema are chronic infections, environmental toxicities (such as mold or chemical exposures), or emotional stressors (Jeong et al. 2015). 

     Saam acupuncture is a method of acupuncture, originated in Korea. A study, conducted by Jeong et al., researched the effectiveness of this method of acupuncture, on cases of lymphedema, post breast cancer treatment, and found that the therapy proved to be effective, in relieving symptoms of lymphedema. The therapy was performed on participants twice per week, for the duration of six consecutive weeks (Jeong et al., 2015).

     With many resources to support lymphatic and immune health, is it important to focus on bio individuality with each case, always considering treatment options that render maximum benefit with minimal risk. Especially in lymphatic interventions, it can be optimal to begin quite gently with modalities, as to not push too many antigens and toxins into lymphatic nodes or drainage pathways. This can happen often in cases of chronic or recurrent infections, and gentle detoxification support should be especially considered in these cases (Mehrara et al., 2023). Nutritional therapies, such as herbal medicine and proper hydration, along with manual therapies and modalities, like infrared sauna and acupuncture, can offer support for those who wish to optimize the health of their lymphatic system, need support during times of acute infections, or suffer with chronic lymphedema. 

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