5 min|Dr. Maya Kuczma

Lymphatic System 101

Education

Understanding the Importance of the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system doesn’t get the attention it deserves, even though it stretches throughout the body, interacting with many vital organ systems, such as the digestive system, immune system, and cardiovascular system.

But we are slowly learning how a dysfunctional lymphatic system can play a role in many health concerns, such as edema, cancer, frequent infections, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and autoimmune conditions. Understanding the lymphatic system can help us to recognize the vital role it plays optimizing health and preventing disease.

1. The Lymphatic System is a Complex Network

The lymphatic system connects lymphatic tissue, such as the appendix, spleen, thymus, appendix, tonsils, GALT (gut associated lymphatic tissue), and lymph nodes, via lymphatic vessels. This network extends almost everywhere in the body, carrying fluid from the tissues into the blood and vice versa. It is similar to the cardiovascular system in its vastness and ability to transport fluid, but unlike the cardiovascular system, which has the heart and transports blood, the lymphatic system lacks a central pump, and requires movement, breathing, and nervous system to transport lymph fluid.

2. The Lymphatic System is a Vital Component of Our Immune system

The lymph system transports fluid, known as lymph fluid. This fluid is rich in salt, water, and fats, and carries white blood cells throughout the body. The lymph system, and the fluid within it, also acts as an ‘immune-system highway’, transporting foreign pathogens, such as bacteria, fungus, or viruses, to lymph nodes. Once a foreign pathogen interacts with a lymph node, the node mounts an immune response by producing infection-fighting white blood cells known as lymphocytes. (1) Pathogens may also be carried to other lymph tissue, such as the spleen and thymus, in order to mount a more extensive immune response. Movement throughout the lymph system is an essential component of a healthy immune system.

3. The Lymphatic System Aids in Absorption

Lymphatic vessels within the gastrointestinal tract play a crucial role in nutrient absorption. The small intestine is lined with small fingerlike projections known as villi, and both blood capillaries and lymph capillaries are found within these villi. Blood capillaries are responsible for absorbing most nutrients, except for fats and fat-soluble vitamins, such as a D, A, E, and K, as they are too large to be transported into blood capillaries. These nutrients are instead absorbed by the lymph capillaries known as lacteals, and carried through the thoracic duct to the heart; these vital nutrients can then enter the bloodstream. (2)

4. The Lymphatic System Clears Out the Trash

The lymphatic system aids in the removal of excess fluid and metabolic waste products. These waste products are transported via lymphatic fluid to detoxification organs, such as the skin, kidneys, liver, and colon, enabling removal from the body. Specific lymphoid tissue also filters the lymph fluid, removing dead or abnormal cells. Efficient removal of waste, and dead and abnormal cells, ensures they do not accumulate and cause disease.

5. We’re Only Just Beginning to Understand the Importance of the Lymphatic System

For many years, the lymphatic system was largely ignored. Perhaps due to its ill-defined borders, and microscopic nature of many of its components, investigation into the lymphatic system was minimal, and it was deemed a lesser counterpoint to the cardiovascular system. However, recent developments in our understanding of autoimmunity, cancer, and inflammation, has begun to shine a light on the complexity - and importance - of the lymphatic system. Specifically, the recent discovery of a lymphatic network within the central nervous system - known as the ‘glymphatic system’ - has shifted our understanding of how waste is removed from the brain, (3) and how aberrations in this system may play a role in Parkinson’s disease, (4) and brain damage, such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy. (5)

6. Your Habits Can Influence Your Lymphatic System

Due to the critical functions of our lymphatic system, it is essential to consider and support it in our day-to-day life. What you eat, how hydrated you are, how much you move, and the way you breath can all play a role in the functioning of your lymphatic system.

Keep an eye on Part II where we will focus on easy steps you can take to support the health of your lymphatic system.

Takeaway

Understanding the lymphatic system is essential for recognizing its vital role in maintaining overall health and well-being. This complex network of vessels and nodes plays a crucial role in immune function, waste removal, and fluid balance within the body. By learning about the functions and structure of the lymphatic system, we can appreciate its contribution to detoxification and the body's defense against infections and diseases.

Taking proactive steps to support the lymphatic system, such as through regular exercise, healthy lifestyle choices, and self-care practices, can optimize its function and promote optimal health.