The Importance of a Healthy Lymphatic System for your Skin Health
You can't have radiant glowing skin if it's not healthy. And it's not going to be healthy if your lymphatic system isn't functioning at it's best. Let's guide you through the importance of a well-functioning lymphatic system along with some tips to keep it functioning as optimally as possible.
What is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is a network of nodes, vessels, and organs that help to remove toxins and waste materials from the body. It runs parallel to the circulatory system and has a crucial role in maintaining the immune system by filtering out harmful substances from the body. The lymphatic system transports the lymph fluid, white blood cells, and waste away from the cells for removal.
The Dermal Lymphatic System
The skin's lymphatic vessels are located underneath the epidermis layer. This layer contains a network of lymphatic vessels that drain excess fluid and waste products from the skin. It is important to note that the dermal lymphatic system is not just restricted to the skin on the surface of the body. This system extends throughout the skin, including the hair follicles and sweat glands.
One of the critical functions of the dermal lymphatic system is maintaining fluid balance. This system helps regulate the amount of fluid in the body, contributing to the prevention of edema or swelling. The dermal lymphatic system removes excess fluid and waste products from the skin and transports it to the lymph nodes, which filter and purify the lymphatic fluid. The purified fluid is then returned to the bloodstream to be used again by the body.
Another function of the dermal lymphatic system is immunity. The lymph nodes found in the dermal lymphatic system help filter and purify the fluid transported by lymph vessels, removing foreign substances and cancer cells from the tissues. White blood cells are also produced in the lymph nodes, which help fight infections and diseases. By keeping the skin healthy, the dermal lymphatic system helps protect the body against infections, allergies, and other skin-related issues.
How Lymphatic System Affects Your Skin?
The lymphatic system has a significant impact on your skin health. It helps to remove cellular waste, toxins, and excess fluid from the skin tissue, leading to a healthy and clear complexion. When the lymphatic system functions well, it helps to prevent inflammation in the body and supports tissue repair and regeneration. However, when the lymphatic system is not functioning optimally, the skin is unable to eliminate toxins, causing them to contribute to various skin conditions such as acne and eczema.
5 Tips for a Healthy Lymphatic System.
1. Drink an adequate amount of water: Drinking enough water is essential for maintaining a healthy lymphatic system. It helps to maintain the correct fluid balance necessary for waste removal.
2. Eat a balanced diet: A diet that is high in fibre, fruits and vegetables, and low in saturated and trans fats can help keep the lymphatic system functioning optimally, and support the proper circulation of lymphatic fluid. On the flipside, a diet that has insufficient amounts of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, can impact the lymphatic system negatively, and may lead to cell damage, inflammation, and chronic diseases. Include foods that are high in fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants to support your lymphatic system such as leafy greens, broccoli, berries, and citrus fruits can help maintain a healthy lymphatic system.
Also check your salt load. The skin interstitium is a network of fluid-filled spaces located just beneath the surface of our skin. Recent research has suggested that this space may play a key role in regulating sodium balance and blood pressure. Specifically, studies in animal models have shown that the skin interstitium can act as a reservoir for excess sodium, which is then eliminated through the lymphatic system.
3. Move: Exercise is a great way to stimulate lymphatic flow. It improves circulation in your body, which helps the lymphatic system to function properly. You don't need to do high-intensity workouts to reap the benefits of exercise. Even low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and yoga can help keep your lymphatic system healthy. Rebounding (jumping on a trampoline), is one of the best methods of increasing flow.
4. Get enough Sleep: Waking up tired? Hate to break it to you, but you didn't get enough quality rest. Sleep is essential for the health of your lymphatic system. It is during sleep that your body repairs and rejuvenates itself. Poor sleep habits can lead to lymphatic congestion, which can cause inflammation and other health problems.
5. Stimulate Lymphatic Flow: Gently moving fluid back into your main circulation via physical therapies can boost function. Massaging the skin with a lymphatic drainage massage (MLD), lymphatic acupuncture, compression therapies, and dry brushing the body are all powerful ways to stimulate lymphatic circulation.