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Lymphatic System
This system drains fluids out of the interstitial spaces (fluid that surrounds the cells in the body tissues, where gases, waste products and nutrients travel) back into the blood. This system filters out organisms that can cause disease, produces certain white blood cells and generates certain antibodies. It is a major source of absorbing nutrients from the gastrointestinal tract (especially fats). It also carries proteins, and large particulate matter away from the tissue spaces, thus preventing swelling. If the system could not perform this function, a person would die within 24 hours.
Lymph channels are found in almost every tissue of the human body. Around 120 milliliters (4oz’s) of lymph passes through the thoracic duct every hour (vessel structure that runs in the chest area). Lymph from the left side of the head, left arm and parts of the chest drain into the thoracic duct. Essentially all of the lymph from the lower body flows up the thoracic duct and empties into the junction of the left internal jugular and subclavian vein (by the neck). Lymph from the right side of the head, right arm and from parts of the chest empty into the right lymph duct that empties into the junction of the internal jugular and right subclavian vein.
The interstitial fluid pressure and the pumping mechanism determine the lymphatic system flow. The best way to enhance lymph flow via the pump mechanism is to exercise (walking, biking, weights, etc.).
Lymph nodes are all throughout the body, however, there are certain areas in the body that contain several patches of lymph nodes. They include, the neck (jaw, around the ears, front and back along the muscles and large blood vessels), abdominal area (intestines), inguinal/pelvic (groin), axillary region (armpit, breast), thoracic (rib cage along the bronchi, lungs, windpipe). Lymph nodes have the primary function of making white blood cells (lymphocytes), and filtering the debris (pathogens, cancer cells, bacteria, etc. and other foreign matter) that is collected by the lymph system.
What happens when we do not detoxify the body and drink enough clean water? The lymph fluid starts to get sticky and builds up creating congestion. When congestion starts to take place, your immune system starts to weaken, cancerous cells and other pathogens can not be addressed properly, vital organs start performing sluggishly, fluid retention, and the overall body’s performance starts reducing at a steady pace. When the body stays in this state, disease sets in.
The lymph system organs include bone marrow, lymph nodes, the spleen, and the thymus.