As the largest circulatory system in the body, the lymphatic system plays an integral role in digestion, detoxification and the delivery of nutrients, like fats, for stable, lasting energy. The lymph starts as small finger-like projections, called lacteals, which run along the inside of the digestive tract. The lacteals absorb and transport both nutritional and toxic fats, lipids and proteins off the intestinal tract and into the lymph surrounding the intestines.

Undigested proteins, like gluten and casein, along with toxic fats, can take a major toll on the lymph. When these are not completely broken down by the digestive system, they are too large to be absorbed into the bloodstream. The lymphatic system takes up these undigested fats and proteins that can overwhelm and congest the lymphatic circulation. Environmental toxins, pollutants, pesticides, preservatives, and heavy metals – which are all fat-soluble – can also slowly congest the lymphatic system.

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If the intestinal skin becomes irritated by undigested foods, toxins and stress, the lymph around the gut, called the Gut-Associated Lymphatic Tissue (GALT), can become congested. Many experts agree that this is where 80 percent of the body’s immunity lies. If this major hub of lymph becomes congested, due to poor digestion or stress impacting beneficial intestinal microbes, the entire lymphatic system can become congested compromising immunity, energy, and detox.

Skin and Respiratory Health

Congested lymph can back up into the Skin-Associated Lymphatic Tissue (SALT), causing many skin and complexion issues. The Mucus-Associated Lymphatic Tissue (MALT), which drains all of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract is linked to sinus and respiratory congestion and sensitivities to environmental irritants.

Circulation

As a circulatory system, the lymph vessels are the drains of the body, supporting the better understood venous system. If these get congested, the body will have difficulty draining the waste out of the body, putting unhealthy pressure on the circulation system. This can lead to lymph congestion and the dumping of toxins into the skin, joints, and muscles, as well as fluid retention. 

Brain and Central Nervous System Health

Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine discovered that both the brain and the central nervous system are drained by meningeal lymphatic vessels called glymphatics, indicating that there is a strong link between the immune system, which travels via the lymph, and the function of the brain and central nervous system. Glymphatic malfunction has been linked to autoimmune concerns, infection, inflammation, cognitive, memory and mood-related issues.

Cognitive Function

A new study has discovered that when people sleep, special lymph channels in the brain, referred to as the glymphatic system, actually open up and drain dangerous neurotoxins from the brain into the cerebral spinal fluid. 

The study suggested it takes about 6-8 hours of sleep to complete the brain drain plumbing process, which is compelling evidence that getting the correct amount of sleep matters.

The study found that the glymphatics are like hidden caves that open during sleep, and, much like the body’s lymphatic system, they drain toxic waste and proteins out of the brain. The study found that copious amounts of neurotoxins are drained during the natural sleep cycles.

The most well-known neurotoxin, beta-amyloid plaque, is drained through these glymphatics of the brain. The problem is that studies show that the less you sleep, the less these glymphatics can work and the more beta-amyloid accumulates in the brain.

The more beta-amyloid that accumulates in the brain, the worse you sleep and the worse your memory can become. Beta-amyloid plaque has been indicated in numerous cognitive and memory concerns that are only now starting to be more fully understood.

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