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Lymphatic Health

Why Care For Your Lymphatic System

When the lymphatic system is not formed well or has been damaged by surgery, radiotherapy or tissue damage, a swelling of a part of the body may occur (most commonly the legs or arms). When this

swelling lasts more than about three months it is called lymphoedema.

 

When it's not functioning well the lymphatic system may have a role in obesity, Crohn's disease and other disorders.

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What is the lymphatic system?

The lymphatic system is our body's 'sewerage system'. It maintains fluid levels in our body tissues by removing all fluids that leak out of our blood vessels.  The lymphatic system is important for the optimal functioning of our general and specific immune responses. The lymph nodes monitor the lymph flowing into them and produce cells and antibodies which protect our body from infection and disease.The spleen and thymus are lymphatic organs that monitor the blood and detect and respond to pathogens and malignant cells. The lymphatic system plays an important role in the absorption of fats from the intestine.

 

What is the Role of Lymphatic System?

The lymphatic system is a network of delicate tubes throughout the body. It drains fluid (called lymph) that has leaked from the blood vessels into the tissues and empties it back into the bloodstream via the lymph

nodes.

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The Main Roles of the Lymphatic System:

  • managing the fluid levels in the body

  • reacting to bacteria

  • dealing with cancer cells

  • dealing with cell products that otherwise

  • would result in disease or disorders

  • absorbing some of the fats in our diet from the intestine

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What are Lymph Nodes?

Lymph nodes are filters. They are found at various points around the body, including the throat, armpits, chest, abdomen and groin. Generally they are in chains or groups. All are imbedded in fatty tissue and lie close to veins and arteries.

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Lymph nodes have a wide range of functions but are generally associated with body defense. Bacteria (or their products) picked up from the tissues by cells called macrophages, or those that flow into the lymph, are forced to percolate through the lymph nodes. There, white blood cells called lymphocytes can attack and kill the bacteria.

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Viruses and cancer cells are also trapped and destroyed in the lymph nodes. More lymphocytes are produced when you have an infection. That is why your lymph nodes tend to swell when you have an

infection.

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