HEALTH & WELLNESS
LYMPH FOR LIFE
EASY WAYS TO CLEANSE YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM By Melanie Carden
he immune system—the headline-grabbing superstar of wellness stories—has its own bouncer, of sorts—the lymphatic system. This often-overlooked system is the true hero, and most of us have been ignoring it. So, what does it do? Cynthia Schechter
The lymphatic system—a complex network of vessels throughout the body—removes toxins from our bodies and expels them through sweat, urine, and bodily waste. It’s not sexy, I know, which is why it’s not in the headlines very much. But here’s the thing, our immunity is directly tied to how well (or not) our lymphatic system is functioning. To grasp the far-reaching importance of healthy lymphatic flow, New Jersey lymphedema specialist Cynthia J. Shechter shared some essential facts. “A sluggish lymphatic system can result in a lowered immune system, fluid retention, cellulite, and fatty deposits. Those with lymphatic sluggishness have experienced symptoms that include respiratory issues, sinus infections, swollen glands, eczema, ear infections, dry skin, fatigue, unexplained weight gain, food sensitivities, and muscle and joint stiffness or soreness; especially when they wake.”
A BODY IN BALANCE Shechter’s statement lands with a wallop because most of us experience some of these issues at different times. The symptoms themselves are challenging—but remember that these are also indications that your overall immune system may not be functioning at its best. Schechter describes the lymphatic system as the tool which helps keep the body in balance. But when things go wrong and not functioning well, it cannot help defending our bodies against illness-causing germs, bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The system builds immunity by making white blood cells responsible for immune responses that protect the body against disease. 52 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MAY 2021
Jaime Cross
