Digest Number 1091
Of interest?
JUMP STARTING THE IMMUNE SYSTEM!! CELL EXERCISE!!
So there I was, jumping up and down on my mini-trampoline, working up a
sweat, exercising - my cells? It’s called “Rebounding” and it could save my
life! Exercise of the lymphatic system is probably one of the most
important outcomes of a good physical regimen that we scarcely think about.
The lymph is our internal pollution disposal system.
The lymphatic network is a part of the immune system that plays a vital role
in the elimination of toxic waste from tissues. Rebounding aids the
lymphatic circulation by stimulating the millions of one-way valves in the
lymphatic system. Jumping up and down improves the diffusion and
peristalsis of interstitial fluid between the cells. Better circulation
means better cell health. Rebound exercise is one of the best forms of cell
stimulation and therefore cell health.
The lymphatic system is made up of lymph fluid, (the word “lymph” is derived
from the Latin word for clear water), lymphatic vessels, bone marrow (where
immune cells are manufactured), lymph nodes, spleen and tonsils.
Interstitial fluid is pumped through this system via the muscles. A
sluggish lymphatic system is most often due to a lack of muscle exercise.
Without muscle contraction diffusion is inhibited, hence waste protein
accumulates.
Are the annoying signs of cellulite starting to worry you? - Keep jumping!!
In cases where muscles are being overworked with insufficient surface
stimulation or where there is lack of aerobic or oxygen producing exercise,
a build up of toxins in the surface tissues is made noticeable as cellulite.
The lymphatic system has a network of thin tubes that branch, like blood
vessels, into all the tissues of the body. The lymph is a tissue cleansing,
yellowish thin fluid that is primarily water. Lymph flows at about 120 ml
per hour but can change to as high as 1,800 ml per hour during vigorous
exercise. The reason the change occurs during exercise is because when
muscle contraction takes place, fats, glucose and glycogen are used up
leaving carbon dioxide, heat, water, lactic and uric acid behind. It is up
to the lymphatic system to make sure these body pollutants are removed from
the system.
The fluid that flows through this vessel network system contains
infection-fighting cells called lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that
is crucial in regulating and carrying out most of the activities of the
immune system.
Along the vessel network are groups of small, bean-shaped organs called
lymph nodes that filter the lymph fluid as it passes through them.
Clusters of these nodes are found in the underarm, groin, behind the knees,
in the crutch of the elbow, the side of the neck, outside of the breasts,
armpits and abdomen, about 100 nodes in all. The chemical balance is
similar to blood plasma except lower in proteins and variably higher in fat
and mineral content.
If the immune system is weak we are subject to the invasion of allergies,
flues and bacterial organisms. The glands indicate an infection is present
by painful swelling and tenderness to the touch. Conditions such as
arthritis, high blood pressure and depression have all been linked to poor
lymphatic drainage. Cancer begins in the lymphatic system. When cancer
spreads, it does so by way of the body’s protein waste highway (the lymph
system).
The detoxifying abilities of the lymphatic system are reduced by poor diet,
stress, heavy metal and environmental toxicity, which may result in hormonal
dysfunction, immune-suppression and chronic degenerative disease.
Outside of a vigorous physical regimen, diet is the most predictable method
of ensuring an active immune system. If you are a couch potato and have
poor nutritional habits, but want to make a change, start by initiating a
detoxification cleanse.
Kick off the cleansing process by drinking pure water mixed with organic
lemon juice, (where possible emphasize organics in the diet). Hydrating
your body with water should be done throughout the day, not large amounts
all at once. Thirst is the first indication of dehydration! Try not to
reach that point. Use about one-half an ounce of water per pound of weight
to determine the quantity of water required during the day. Do not use
juice, coffee or regular tea in this calculation.
Maintain a basic supplementation program that includes Vitamin C, B-Complex,
Greens and Multi Minerals. Try avoiding wheat, dairy and refined sugar
products (many people have a sensitivity that they are not aware of;
however, their body is telling them because they have digestive upsets and
diarrhea to name a few). Always carry healthy snacks (fruit, veggies, nuts,
seeds and energy bars) with you. Avoid all sugar (always read the
ingredients of what you are eating). Eat from these food groups: grains,
legumes, vegetables, fruits and meats (organic where possible). Look at
food in the way it decays. Foods that are loaded with preservatives have
long expiry dates. Fresh foods decay more quickly, having more nutritional
value.
To save time, clean all your veggies when you buy them. Prepare a large
salad that will last a few days. Use the ingredients from your salad for
sandwiches or veggie plates, as well as eating them while traveling. You
may eat more veggies if you do this. Many foods have healing properties,
for example barley is a calcium supplier, colon aid, as well as a lymph
cleanser. Prepare meals that contain fresh living ingredients.
I would recommend taking a brutally honest look at what you eat. Allow one
day and journal everything you put into your mouth. Monitor your mood
swings as well as your energy level drops. As you read the ingredients of
the products you are ingesting, take note as to the sugar content. You may
be surprised at how much refined sugar does go into your body.
Get adequate rest at night, at least eight hours sleep for most of us, is
essential. Practice relaxation techniques (it does reduce stress).
Appreciate nature. Exert yourself to sweat; the moisture produced is full
of body toxin waste material. Stay clean, brush your body once a day with a
natural bristle dry skin brush, it vitalizes the skin surface by removing
dead skin cells and causes the lymph to move. And remember, lots of
jumping!
Listen to your body - it is always talking to you.
And I would love to talk to you too!
Lynn McIntosh, R.N.C.P., (Nutritionist)
www.thenutritionist.org