What is lymph?
What is lymph?
You may have heard about “lymph drainage” and using Gua Sha or massage to move lymph, but what the heck is lymph in the first place?
The formation of lymph
The lymph system runs parallel to the circulatory system. The circulatory system carries blood cells, water and a variety of proteins in the blood around the body to deliver fresh oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. The circulatory system has cells that line the blood vessels called endothelial cells. Some of the fluid from the circulatory system gets squeezed out between these endothelial cells into the extracellular space. Water and small proteins get squeezed out, but red blood cells (RBCs) are too big and never leave the blood vessels. The fluid that is found in this space is termed extracellular fluid.
Extracellular fluid gathers and enters lymphatic vessels. The lymphatic vessels house "lymph”, the fluid inside the lymph vessels. Lymph is composed of lots of water and a modest concentration of small proteins. The composition of lymph is different in different areas of the body. For example, lymph that is created near the intestines contains a high concentration of chylomicrons, whereas the lymph near the liver contains a high concentration of proteins.
The immune function of lymph
Similar to the venous system, lymphatic vessels drain lymph back towards the heart. On its way back towards the heart lymph fluid passes through lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are nodules in the body that house immune cells like T cells and B cells. In the lymph nodes the immune system has a chance to sample the lymph fluid for viruses, bacteria, pathogens, and foreign invaders. Once a pathogen or toxin is detected, the immune system reacts appropriately to neutralize the invader and prevent further harm to your body.
The flow of lymph
In order for the lymph to flow against gravity back up towards the heart, lymphatic vessels contain valves to prevent back-flow of lymph. If back flow does occur because of a faulty valve or dysfunction in the lymph system, stagnation and swelling can occur. Lymph travels towards the heart, and drains into the subclavian veins, just below the collar bone. The veins then carry the fluid from the lymph system, mixed with deoxygenated blood, through the right side of the heart where it is pumped off to the lungs for re-oxygenation. In summary, lymph is both derived from blood, and returns to blood. The circulatory and lymph systems work in complimentary fashions to move nutrients and essential chemicals around the body. Additionally, the lymph system plays a key role in the function of the immune system.
How to maintain healthy lymph
Hydration - Drinking plenty of water is the most important way you can support your lymph. Lymph is composed of a high concentration of water, and water is essential for the flow of lymph throughout the body.
Movement - Exercise and moving your body helps contract smooth and skeletal muscles and aid in the propulsion of lymph against gravity back up towards the heart. When you sit for too long, or don’t move enough, this can lead to lymph stagnation, swelling, and puffiness.
Detoxification - The main organs of detoxification include the liver, intestines, kidneys, and skin. Toxins leave the body in the form of stool, urine, and sweat. Ensuring you have the ability to get toxins out of the body is as important as having the lymph system pick up the waste products in the first place. Inadequate detox through the lymph can result in brain fog, fatigue, bloating, pain, acne, and more.
Take care,
Dr. Laura Nicholas, ND
This content is not intended to be substituted or interpreted as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health concern. Please book a consultation with me or a qualified healthcare professional before acting on any information presented here.