A Glimpse Inside the Lymphatic System How it Keeps Your Body Balanced

The body is a fascinating creation, a live organism that works in concordance to sustain life. Housing almost eighty organs, an estimate of 40 trillion cells, and a curated mix of chemicals, it is the engine that powers creativity, optimization, and builds resilience through all of life’s adversities. Bodily functions are multi-dimensional in ways which the mind cannot fathom, and like any other mechanical system, it requires a few prerequisites to lubricate the cogs for optimal operation. 

Words: Ronali Moonemalle Goonetileke

Life is a game of survival, and most of us are stuck in the monotony of rushed routines, forgetting to give the body a break every now and then. We wait until crisis hits, and thereafter wallow in quick remedies which later dwindles in efficacy, as we have denied ourselves time to heal holistically. Unlock your body’s potential by maintaining good health from the get-go instead of slipping into a cycle of reactive response. While there are many areas to focus on, let’s dive into the basics of the Lymphatic System, its vast contribution to the functioning of the body, the potential risks one might endure if neglected, and what we can do to assist lymphatic drainage.

What is the Lymphatic System? 

It is a vital network in the body responsible in balancing fluids, removing waste, and supporting immunity mechanisms, reducing the strain felt on other systems, and organs in the body. 
Fluid balance is an integral function, making sure the excess fluid that leaks out of your blood vessels into tissues are extracted, and returned back into the blood stream. If not, it accumulates, and potentially damages tissues and organs in the long run, leading to swelling, and inflammation. This system is inherently responsible in transporting white blood cells into areas of inflammation, in order to detect and fight infections. It is the lymph nodes that detect bacteria and viruses, trapping them like filters before they can do any damage. Without these nodes, even the simplest infection can pose a severe threat to life.
Aiding digestion is another feature of the lymphatic system. Certain nutrients like fats and fat-soluble vitamins can be absorbed from the intestines only through lymph channels, a function that cannot be undertaken by blood vessels. Compared to other bodily functions, we don’t talk enough about the necessity of this system to the body, and the magnitude of work it undertakes in dispelling sickness.

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