The Essential Roles of the Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system has three essential roles in the body:

1. Filtration system
Your lymph fluids patrol the body, collecting waste and delivering it to filtration points around the body. One of the roles of the lymphatic system is to remove bacteria and viruses from the body before they can reach the heart.

2. Immune system
The immune system attacks invading bacteria, viruses, and tumors. It cleans the body of dead cells, and produces antibodies to fight invading cells, thereby protecting the body from future attacks.

3. Excretion
Collecting dead cells and other waste matter from throughout the body is a key function of the lymphatic system. Purging waste through the liver and kidneys, and eventually eliminating it in urine and perspiration, depends on a healthy lymphatic system.

The blood contained in the human body circulates about once each minute through the pumping action of the heart. The lymph system moves more slowly, moving its fluid only about 10 – 15cm in one minute. And there is no pump moving the lymph fluid. The movement of lymph fluid depends on the action of the muscles, without which lymph circulation ceases. In order to promote a healthy lymph system, regular walking and movement are required. An effective stretching routine is also highly beneficial to the health of the lymphatic system.