Our bodies have several crucial systems that maintain its optimal health. Many of us have heard of digestive system, cardiovascular system and nervous system, but do you know about lymphatic system? It is an intricate body system made of networks of systems, fluids, and vessels it has a major role in getting rid of toxic and waste products from body tissues. This helps in fighting diseases and infections was well as balancing fluid in the body. It is a vital part of the immune system as it defends against potential destructive pathogens. Knowing how important lymphatic system is, you must learn how to take care is it. In this article, we will look at relationship between stress and lymphatic health as well as the ways you can keep your body in balance.
What is Stress
Stress is the feeling of being in too much emotional pressure such that you are unable to control.At some point of life you will have stress but knowing how to control it determines whether it will affect your body or not. When stressed, you emotionally feel irritable, overwhelmed, and anxious. You also have mental issues like constant worrying and racing thoughts.
In the current society, many of us find themselves in hectic and never-ending stressful duties. It is hard to find a person claiming to be stress free considering the recent events. From pandemic to economic issues, many people’s mental health is wanting. If left unchecked, consistent stress can have adverse impacts on your brain, adrenals and most critically the lymphatic system. Stress has increasingly become a sad reality in modern life. From job deadlines to juggling between parenting and busy schedules, today’s fast paced life leaves many of us struggling.
How Stress Affects the Lymphatic System
When you are stressed, cortisol (stress fighting hormone) is usually released and this leads to metabolic acidosis. The acidic nature of cortisol can result to breaking down of lymphoid tissue obstructing lymphatic flow. When your body is under stress for long time, the condition is referred as chronic stress. This can suppress immune function and reduce circulation of protective antibodies thus increasing your susceptibility to diseases and infections. Lymphatic system needs to remain healthy because the body is in desperate need of antibody circulation in order to fight foreign invaders.
When lymphatic flow becomes slow or is obstructed, it affects the digestive system leading to bloating, constipation and even weight gain. Lymphatic system plays a critical role in absorption and movement of fats around the body. A healthy, free-flowing lymphatic system is vital in keeping lymphatic vessels lining free from congested toxins and fats thus reducing the risk of weight gain and increasing immune response.This raises concern since stress often involves some form of overeating, especially when you consume foods high in salt, sugar and fat.
With over 700 lymph nodes spread across the body, lymphatic system is one of the most influential systems in our overall health. Knowing that lymphatic system helps to maintain the body fluid balance, being put under pressure and stress can increase fluid retention and swelling. Healthy lymph capillaries reduce excess fluid and restore body balance. On the other hand, stress makes the lymph system unhealthy preventing it from performing its functions properly.
Lymphatic system is responsible in delivering energy cells after every meal. Some fats including triglyceride fats are transported from lymphatic-collecting ducts in intestines to all cells to create baseline energy. When the system is congested, the energy levels automatically dropand these fats are stored in the belly thus increasing the risk of weight gain.
Lifestyle Changes and Treatment to Keep Your Body in Balance
To maintain a healthy lymphatic system, you need to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Stress is sometimes inevitable but developing ways to reduce it prevents it from becoming chronic. When you feel stressed, find the root cause of the problem and find ways to control. You should also review your lifestyle and make necessary adjustments. Here are some ways you can keep your body in balance and prevent stress that can affect your lymphatic system;
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy
Regularly visit a lymphatic drainage therapist as it helps in making the system strong. This therapy involves slow and rhythmic movement pressure applied in your skin on areas where lymph nodes are located to stimulate and increase healthy lymph circulation. Lymphatic drainage can be performed by professional in approved places like Golden Silhouette Wellness SPA. You can also learn basic drainage technique to practice at home to keep your body healthy.
Check Your Nutrition
Evidence shows that the type of food we eat can determine our moods. Eating healthy improves a person’s mood. Safeguard your moods by following god nutrition. Ensure your meals have adequate amounts of nutrients including vitamins, fresh foods and minerals. Avoid eating too much of fast processed foods. If possible, normalize eating home more.
Exercise
Physical activity is one of the proven non-medication techniques of dealing with stress. Integrating exercise in your daily activities helps you relieve stress. You don’t have to go to the gym in order to exercise, but you can take a 30 minute walk or jog in a day and this can increase your health.
Get Enough Sleep
Giving your body enough time to rest and sleep can reduce your stress level. If you are struggling to get sleep because of stress, try some simple tips like taking a bath before bed or drinking hot tea. Additionally, getting enough sleep prevents you from eating excess which can lead to weight gain and stress.
Body Balancer Massages
If lymph problem persists, you can visit a doctor for further treatment. Experts use clinically designed body balancer massages to improve a patient’s health and get rid of buildup cortisol resulting from anxiety and stress. It is a gentle and works in rhythmic action to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
In conclusion, stress has many negative effects on your body. While life can slap you with events that are hard to manage and because you stress, try to control your stress to avoid developing other health conditions. Stress can affect your lymphatic system, one of most important body systems and result to health issues like reduced immune, increased body weight, and reduced body energy. Adopt a healthy lifestyle by incorporating exercise in your routine, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep.
