THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM
What is the Lymphatic System?
The Lymphatic System is a network of tissues, vessels and organs that work as part of your immune system to remove the waste products from your body. This waste may include toxins, bacteria, excess fats, proteins and hormones.
The Lymphatic System is a circulatory system that contains around 6 - 10 litres of fluid. Lymph nodes absorb the fluid, where it is filtered and purified.
Your Lymphatic System:
- maintains body fluid levels
- absorbs fats from the digestive tract
- protects your body from foreign invadors
- transports and removes waste products.
The Lymphatic System Consists of:
- Lymph or Lymphatic Fluid
- Lymph Nodes
- Lymphatic Vessels
- Collecting Ducts
- Spleen
- Thymus
- Tonsils and Adenoid
- Bone Marrow
- Peyer's Patches
- Appendix
What causes the Lymphatic System to break down?
The Lymphatic System can break down due to:
- venous insufficiency
- stress
- chemical overload
- injuries
- age
- lack of activity
- increased consumption of food additives
- cancer treatment or surgery
STAGES OF LYMPHOEDEMA
Lymphoedema develops in stages. When it is caught early, before you feel symptoms, it can be treated and stopped before it gets worse and becomes a lifelong condition.
