What would happen if the pipes in your car were clogged?
I’m not a car girl, but I think it would go something like this: your car may not be able to run, even if your gas tank if full. Your dishwasher fluid wouldn’t work, leaving your windshield a dirty mess. And you wouldn’t be able to brake, either, if your brake fluid couldn’t get where it needed to go!
In a nutshell, you wouldn’t be able to go.
Now, imagine if the same were true about your body. You’d have mulfunctions every which way– whether it’s swelling, bloating, headaches, brain fog, or shame– and you wouldn’t be able to go– you wouldn’t be able to seize and enjoy your life.
While no one would let the pipes in their car stayed clogged, for some reason many of us are fine with living with a clogged up body.
What am I talking about, you ask?
Lymphatic health!
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels, nodes, and organs. It’s the body’s drainage system, and it removes waste, toxins, and excess fluids from the tissues. The lymph fluid that the system moves is a colorless, watery fluid that moves white blood cells to your organs and carries cellular waste away.
The lymphatic system is crucial to our immune system. It removes toxins and fights infections, making threatening toxins, viruses, bacteria, and more powerless to attack. It’s one of your body’s “silent heroes”– it’s critical for your health, but it’s not often spoken about or acknowledged unless things go wrong.
Your lymph nodes are often noticeable in your neck and groin, especially when they’re doing their job of fighting infections. There are 500 lymph nodes in your body, and many of them reside in your gut.
If you’re lymphatic system is overloaded with toxins and can’t do it’s job, your entire body and all of its functioning systems can get clogged up, leading to all sorts of miserable symmptoms.
Short term complications from a clogged lymphatic system
Fatigue and exhaustion
When the lymphatic system is not working properly, it can’t remove toxins and waste products from the body as efficiently. This can lead to fatigue, as the body has to work harder to remove these harmful substances.
A heavy abdomen
When lymph fluid builds up in the tissues, it can cause swelling, especially in the arms, legs, and abdomen. This swelling can be mild or severe, and it can be painful.
Painful joints
A clogged lymphatic system can also cause pain, especially in the joints. This is because the buildup of lymph fluid can put pressure on the joints and nerves.
Swollen feet, ankles, wrists, and hands
Lymph fluid building up in the tissue can also affect the arms and legs. This swelling can be mild or severe, and it can be painful.
Poor mood
With your body working overtime to try to compensate for your lymphatic system, your systems overrun by toxins and pathogens, and the emotional stress of dealing with mysterious symptoms, your mental health can take a toll.
More frequent infections
A clogged lymphatic system can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infections. This is because the lymphatic system helps to transport white blood cells throughout the body. When the lymphatic system is not working properly, it can’t transport these white blood cells as efficiently, making it more difficult for the body to fight off infection.
Skin Problems
A clogged lymphatic system can also lead to skin problems, such as rashes or eczema. This is because the buildup of lymph fluid can trap toxins and waste products in the skin, which can irritate the skin and lead to inflammation.
Long term complicated from a clogged lymphatic system
Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a chronic swelling of the arms or legs caused by a buildup of lymph fluid. It is the most common long-term complication of a clogged lymphatic system. Lymphedema can be mild or severe, and it can be painful and debilitating.
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissues. It can be caused by a break in the skin, such as a cut or scrape. Cellulitis can be serious, especially if it is not treated promptly.
Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune diseases are diseases in which the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. A clogged lymphatic system can make it more difficult for the body to regulate its immune system, which can increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases.
Cancer
Cancer of the lymph nodes is a rare but serious complication of a clogged lymphatic system. It is more common in people who have had cancer or who have a family history of cancer.
If you think you may have a clogged lymphatic system, it is important to see a doctor. They can help you determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend treatment options.
You can also take the steps to educate yourself about your lymphatic system and the most common ways it impacts your health and chronic conditions.
Educating yourself about your lymphatic health could make the difference in treating and feeling better from your chronic condition or mystery symptoms.
To learn more about lymphatic health and things like:
- Connections between your gut, brain and lymphatic system
- How to get your lymph moving and create healthy immunity
- Ways to address chronic pain through the lymph system
- How to do your own lymphatic drainage for instant relief
- Simple approaches to transform your lymphatic health
- How toxic beauty impacts your lymphatic system
- 6 reasons your lymph gets stagnant
…consider joining our Lymphatic SOS & Rescue Summit. It includes eight masterclasses and three interviews with eleven lymphatic health experts to enlighten you about the role your lymphatic system could be playing in your journey towards health.
