Your Body's Sewage System

Exercise is essential

The body’s lymphatic system is connected to every other organ, yet few people pay much attention to it unless something goes terribly wrong with it – then it becomes a real cause for concern.

What is the lymphatic system and why is it so important? Just as the cardiovascular system carries oxygen and nutrients to every cell in the body through blood pumped from the heart, the lymphatic system, made up of your lymph vessels and nodes, tonsils, adenoids, appendix, spleen, and thymus gland, is a "trash collector" that filters out toxins, waste and other debris at the cellular level. If the flow of lymph fluid is blocked in any way, the fluid becomes thick and toxic.

One of the best ways to keep the lymph fluid moving properly through the body is to exercise. Physical movement helps the lymph system to keep from becoming “sluggish.” A sluggish lymphatic system may cause illness, pain and disease, including heart disease, sinusitis, viral/bacterial infections, fatigue, loss of energy, eczema, and even cancer.

In today’s world, many people have become sedentary. Because there is no lymphatic “pump,” like the heart, the lymphatic system relies on muscle contractions, the result of movement and exercise, to push the lymphatic fluid throughout the body. Any exercise that incorporates major muscle groups and deep breathing assists lymph flow.

Walking, jumping on a small trampoline (rebounder), running, swimming or any type of aerobic exercise helps contract muscles and increase lymph circulation.

Here’s an exercise that you can do almost anywhere to stimulate lymph flow in the chest and underarm area:

Stand in a relaxed position with your feet close together. Hold your arms out to the side, palms down, parallel to the floor. Rotate arms in small circles; forward 10 times, then backwards 10 times. Repeat, rotating in medium size circles and then again in large circles. Do this two to three times several times during the day.

Take care of your lymphatic system, and it will take care of you!

Dr. Leslie  Asks some important questions of interest to San Luis Obispo residents - Chiropractor San Luis Obispo Dr. Leslie Asks...

Can someone who has had back surgery receive chiropractic care?
Yes. Rest assured that we will avoid the surgically modified areas of your spine. However, what we find is that surgical interventions will often produce spinal instability above or below the involved level. This is will be the focus of your chiropractic care.
What controls your pulse, blood pressure and cholesterol?
Conventional health care focuses on the various aspects of your blood. But these are merely effects. Chiropractic focuses on the integrity of your nervous system that controls, regulates and monitors every aspect of your circulatory system, every aspect of your body and every person in San Luis Obispo.