Why we need to KEEP MOVING!

What is the LYMPHATIC SYSTEM and why is so important?

Our bodies rely on the lymphatic system to remove waste, like bacteria, viruses, toxins and abnormal cells (cells that have the potential to lead to cancer).

It serves two primary functions,

  • As an integral part of our immune system, creating disease fighting cells to aid immunity.
  • It helps remove fluids from the body and absorb fat.

~Unlike the cardiovascular system which has the advantage of the contractions of the heart pumping blood throughout our bodies, the lymphatic system is dependent on movement and contractions of our muscles to move the lymph fluid.        

~Lymph fluid moves slowly through the body as opposed to blood which moves much faster because of the power of the heart.

~The slow motions of the fluid put the lymphatic system perpetually at risk for becoming blocked (lymphedema) which can be dangerous because the fluid is not able to drain and can cause serious infections. 

~Sadly, obesity can cause damage to our lymphatic system and tremendously increases the risk of lymphedema.

~Imagine if your trash company went on vacation for a few months and all that trash just piled up, stinking, rotting, and eventually harming your health because you had to store all that garbage.
 
~When we do not MOVE enough, we put ourselves at risk for infection because our bodies need movement to get rid of our lymphatic waste.
 

~One can see why daily exercise is vital in keeping our immune systems functioning at their highest potential by helping the lymphatic system run more efficiently preventing many diseases from impacting our lives. 

*The lymphatic system plays a tremendously important role in cancer prevention.*

Any form of exercise can benefit the lymphatic system:

You don’t have to rush out and join a gym! Unless you want to.

Try:

  • Walking, also consider parking farther away from the entrance at the store.
  • Climbing stairs, one, two, three at a time 😊
  • Gardening
  • Yoga
  • Swimming
  • Jogging
  • Dancing
  • Cleaning your house
  • Washing your car
  • Mowing your lawn, not a riding mower, use that push mower; maybe retire your lawn service, save money, and improve your physical and mental health.

 

What ever activities you do, the more enjoyable/fun they are, the more likely you will stick with them, and that’s what keeps us healthy.

“We don’t stop exercising because we grow old, we grow old because we stop exercising.” – Dr Kenneth Cooper

 

Whatever you can do to keep moving, the list is endless.

 

Disclaimer:  This Blog is made available by the publisher for educational purposes only, as well as to give general information.  It is not meant to be used as specific medical advice or to replace consulting with your doctor. You should always consult with your doctor. This Blog should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a licensed professional.

Sources:

https://www.mdanderson.org/publications/focused-on-health/exercise-and-the-lymphatic-system.h20-1592991.html

https://healthfully.com/exercise-lymph-nodes-7318343.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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