Lymph is the body’s liquid tissue found in the lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels. In the human body, lymph is formed in an amount of 2-4 liters per day. This is a transparent liquid, the density of which reaches 1.026. The reaction of the alkaline lymph is pH 7.35-9.0. This fluid helps maintain water balance and is able to flush pathological microorganisms from tissues.
Lymph composition
This liquid tissue circulates in the vessels of the lymphatic system and is found in almost all organs. Most of it is in organs with high permeability of blood vessels: in the liver, spleen, skeletal muscles, as well as in the heart.
It is worth noting that its composition is unstable, because it depends on the organs and tissues from which it flows. The main components can be called water, the breakdown products of organic compounds, lymphocytes and white blood cells. Unlike tissue fluid, lymph has a higher protein content. Its chemical composition resembles blood plasma, but its viscosity is lower.
The composition of lymph also includes anions, enzymes and vitamins. In addition, it contains substances that increase blood coagulation. With damage to small blood vessels (capillaries), the number of lymphocytes increases. Also in the lymph there is an insignificant amount of monocytes and granulocytes.
It is worth noting that the human lymph is deprived of platelets, but it can coagulate because it contains fibrinogen. In this case, a loose yellow clot forms. In addition, factors of humoral immunity (lysozyme, properdine), as well as complement, were detected in this fluid, although the bactericidal ability of lymph is much lower than that of blood.
The meaning of lymph
The following basic functions of lymph can be noted:
• return of electrolytes, proteins and water from the interstitial space to the bloodstream;
• normal lymphatic circulation ensures the formation of the most concentrated urine;
• lymph carries many substances that are absorbed in the digestive organs, including fats;
• individual enzymes (for example, lipase or histaminase) can enter the blood only through the lymphatic system (metabolic function);
• lymph takes red blood cells from tissues that accumulate there after injuries, as well as toxins and bacteria (protective function);
• it provides a link between organs and tissues, as well as the lymphoid system and blood;
• maintaining a constant microenvironment of cells, ie, homeostatic function.
In addition, lymphocytes and antibodies are formed in the lymph nodes that take part in the body's immune response. In oncological diseases, it is lymph that is the main pathway for the spread of cancer cells.
It is worth noting that lymph, tissue fluid and blood are closely related, therefore they provide homeostasis.
Lymph formation
The basis of this process is filtration, diffusion, osmosis and the difference in hydrostatic pressure, which is recorded in the capillaries and in the intercellular fluid.
How is lymph formed? In this process, the degree of permeability of the lymphatic vessels is of great importance. So, particles of various sizes pass through the walls of the lymphatic capillaries in two main ways:
1. Intercellular, when highly dispersed particles pass through the intercellular clefts, the size of which reaches 10 nm - 10 microns.
2. Through the endothelium, such a transport of substances is associated with their direct movement using micropinocytotic vesicles and blisters.
It is worth noting that these paths work simultaneously.
If you answer the question “how is lymph formed”, it is worth recalling oncotic pressure. So, high hydrostatic blood pressure contributes to the formation of lymph, and high oncotic pressure inhibits this process. Filtration of the fluid takes place in the capillaries, while it returns to the venous bed, since there is a pressure difference at the venous and arterial end of the capillaries.
It should be noted that the permeability of lymphocapillaries varies depending on the functional state of the organs, as well as under the influence of various mechanical, chemical, as well as humoral or nerve factors. The rate of lymph formation and its volume depend on the relationship of systemic and lymphatic circulation. So, if the minute volume of blood circulation is 6 l, then 15 ml of fluid is filtered through the blood capillaries, 12 ml of which is reabsorbed back, but 5 ml remains in the interstitial space, after which it returns to the circulatory system through the lymphatic vessels.
To better understand how and where lymph is formed, you should know the structural features of the lymphatic system.
Features of the organization of the lymphatic system
The starting link is the lymphatic capillaries. They are located in all tissues and organs. They are not found only in the brain and spinal cord, eyeballs and in the inner ear, as well as in the epithelium of the skin, in the spleen, bone marrow, placenta.
Lymphocapillaries are able to combine, forming lymphocapillary networks and larger lymphatic vessels, which have three membranes:
• internal - consists of cells called endotheliocytes;
• medium - contains cells of smooth muscle tissue;
• external - connective tissue sheath.
It should be noted that the lymphatic vessels have valves. Thanks to them, the movement of lymph occurs in only one direction - from the periphery to the center. Typically, the lymphatic vessels from the muscles and organs come out with blood vessels and are called deep.
Important components of the lymphatic system are the lymph nodes. They serve as a filter and provide immune protection for the body. Lymph nodes are located near large blood vessels, usually in groups, can be superficial or located in the internal cavities of the body. They accumulate and remove viruses and bacteria from the body, as well as foreign particles. With excessive load, the lymph nodes enlarge and become painful, which indicates excessive contamination of the lymph. In the groin, the lymph nodes, as a rule, increase with infection in the pelvic or leg area. The inflammatory process can also be associated with allergic reactions, the presence of benign cysts, or after muscle overstrain.
I must say that in the lymphatic system there are still specific lymphatic trunks and straits along which lymph outflows from various parts of the body and internal organs occur.
Features of the movement of lymph
About 180 ml of lymph enters the lymphatic vessels per hour, up to 4 liters of this fluid can pass through the thoracic lymphatic duct per day. Subsequently, she returns to the common bloodstream. Knowing how lymph is formed, it is worth familiarizing yourself with how it moves through the body.
Since lymph is formed in the lymphatic capillaries, a more intensive filtration of fluid from small blood vessels leads to an acceleration of its formation and to an increase in the speed of its movement. Among the factors that increase lymph formation are the following:
• high hydrostatic pressure in the capillaries;
• high functional activity of organs;
• high permeability of capillaries;
• the introduction of hypertonic solutions.
The main role in the processes of lymph movement is assigned to the creation of primary hydrostatic pressure. It promotes the movement of the bodice from the lymphatic capillaries towards the outlet vessels.
What provides its further movement? Lymph is formed from tissue fluid. In this case, the main force that facilitates its movement from the place of formation to the confluence of the neck veins is the rhythmic contraction of the lymphangions.
Features of the structure of lymphangions. Other mechanisms for moving lymph
Lymphangion is called tubular formation with valves and muscle "cuff". These formations can be called peculiar lymph hearts. So, lymph accumulates in them, which leads to stretching of the “cuff”. In this case, the distal valve of the lymphangion closes, and the proximal, on the contrary, opens. As a result of this, the lymph moves to the next lymphangion (and so on until it flows into the venous system).
If we talk about the structure of the walls of the lymphangions, then they are represented by adrenergic fibers that modulate spontaneous rhythmic contractions. Smooth muscles of lymphangion are also capable of contracting, which leads to an increase in pressure in the lymphatic vessels and to the entry of lymph into the bloodstream. Some hormones, biologically active substances (for example, histamine), as well as changes in the concentration of metabolic compounds and high temperature can affect this process.
The described mechanism of lymph movement is the main, but there are secondary factors. So, when you inhale, the lymph flows out of the chest lymph flow more intensively, and when you exhale, this process slows down. Thanks to the movements of the diaphragm, the tanks of this strait periodically contract and stretch, which contributes to the further movement of the lymph.
The intensity of the lymphatic flow is also affected by the rhythmic contraction of organs (heart and intestines), which leads to a more active transition of tissue fluid into the lumen of the capillaries. The contractions of the skeletal muscles that surround the lymphatic vessels are also able to squeeze the lymph, since they contribute to its mechanical movement, and also increase the contractility of the lymphangions that are located in the muscle fiber. Due to this, the movement of lymph through the vessels is accelerated.
Stagnation in the lymphatic system
Lymphatic insufficiency is a violation of the formation or movement of lymph. Many diseases are accompanied by impaired functioning of the lymphatic system, which is often crucial in the progression of the pathological process.
In case of insufficiency of lymphatic circulation, the lymph does not cope with its main task - the removal of metabolites from body tissues with sufficient speed. At the same time, mechanical lymphatic insufficiency may have a general or regional character.
Stagnation of the lymph is manifested by various symptoms, which depends on a number of factors:
• from the zone in which lymphostasis develops;
• from the features of the lymphatic mesh;
• on the age of the patient;
• the speed with which lymphatic failure develops.
Violation of the flow of lymph leads to the accumulation of toxic products. With damage to the lymphatic vessels, blood clots occur, which, as a rule, consist of white blood cells and fibrin. They are delayed by regional lymph nodes, so they are not dangerous.
It is worth noting that lymphostasis is especially dangerous for infectious pathologies and malignant diseases, since it determines the generalization of the lesion and the appearance of retrograde metastases (spread against lymphatic flow).
Edema is a common clinical manifestation of lymphatic insufficiency. Stagnation of lymph is accompanied by tissue hypoxia, metabolic disturbances and water-electrolyte balance, as well as dystrophic and sclerotic phenomena. With general lymph congestion, varicose changes in the lymphatic vessels, hypertrophy of their muscle fibers, as well as intimal sclerosis, and valve changes develop.
Lymphatic clotting disorder
It is known that in lymph there are almost all components that are responsible for the processes of coagulation, anticoagulation and fibrinolysis, therefore intravascular coagulation is characteristic not only of blood vessels, but also of lymphatic vessels. Moreover, tissue coagulation factors affect not only hemostasis, but also vascular permeability and interstitial transport of tissue fluid. At the same time, the mechanisms that determine blood coagulation can provoke similar phenomena in the lymphatic capillaries, vessels and nodes.
It is worth noting that the relationship between the various components of blood and lymph has been little studied, but it is known that various pathological processes can affect lymph coagulation in different ways. So, when heterogeneous blood is injected, the ability of lymph to coagulate disappears, as the number of natural anticoagulants increases. It is believed that a significant amount of anticoagulants in this case is formed in the liver, and lymph only transports them to the blood.
Virtually nothing is known about impaired lymphatic coagulation during the development of thrombosis. There are experimental data that confirm that quantitative changes in blood and lymph may differ slightly, but their direction is identical. In addition, it is known that thrombosis is accompanied by a slight slowdown in the flow of lymph from the drained thoracic lymphatic duct, and the formation of a venous thrombus is accompanied by pronounced changes in both blood and lymph. This pattern indicates that there is every reason not only to theoretically study the features of coagulation processes in the lymphatic system, but also to use them in clinical practice.
Lymph cleansing: indications
If the normal functioning of the lymphatic system is disturbed, a significant amount of harmful compounds accumulates in the intercellular space. In this case, the lymph is contaminated, which leads to the development of lymphostasis. This condition is accompanied by an increase in the burden on organs, especially on the liver, kidneys and intestines. To prevent the harmful effects of toxins, it is necessary to ensure lymphatic drainage and a constant outflow of intercellular fluid.
Indications for cleaning the lymphatic system are the following conditions:
• insufficient detoxification of the body due to a violation in the functioning of the liver and intestines (hepatitis, colitis, dysbiosis, constipation and stagnation of bile);
• frequent colds;
• chronic infectious damage to the pelvic organs (for example, cystitis, adnexitis or endometritis);
• intestinal infections or other pathologies that are accompanied by significant intoxication;
• skin diseases;
• allergic lesions (eg, atopic dermatitis, eczema or atopic dermatitis);
• conditions accompanied by massive tissue damage and absorption into the bloodstream of decay products (injuries, burns and fractures);
• circulatory disorders due to blood loss, thrombosis, embolism;
• endocrine pathologies, especially obesity, diabetes mellitus and thyroid pathology.
Basic techniques for cleansing lymph
Before you clean the lymph, you should consult a doctor who will determine possible contraindications and help you choose the best option.
Method number 1 . It gives positive results with arthrosis and arthritis, which occur with the formation of edema, the indication is also ischemic heart disease, chronic thrombophlebitis and respiratory damage, osteochondrosis. You can not use this technique for
allergies to citrus fruits, as well as in the presence of diabetes in the patient.
You need to take 900 ml of orange juice, the same amount of juice from grapefruit, as well as 200 ml of fresh lemon juice. All this should be diluted with 2 liters of melt water. In the morning do not have breakfast, make an enema of 2 liters of water, into which you need to add 2 tbsp. l apple cider vinegar. After setting the enema, you should drink 100 ml of water in which the Glauber salt is diluted , immediately take a hot shower, and then drink 200 ml of a previously prepared mixture of citrus juices and melt water. In the future, you should drink all 4 liters of this mixture (in portions, 100 ml every half hour).
Cleansing lymph by this method must be carried out for three days. It should be remembered that after this you can not suddenly switch to the usual diet, the diet needs to be expanded gradually. It is recommended to drink juices, eat fruits, boiled vegetables and cereals.
Method number 2 . Helps cleanse lymph, remove toxins and saturate the body with vitamins. In the morning you should do a cleansing enema. Then you need to eat one grated lemon with steamed zest in combination with honey and fruit sugar. Every day you need to eat one lemon more, bringing the amount to 15. Then their number should be reduced by eating 1 lemon less every day.
Method number 3 . You need to take lemons, beets, carrots, pomegranates (all 2 kg each), squeeze the juice, mix with honey and take 50 ml on an empty stomach for 10 days, then take a five-day break. Repeat such courses until the end of the prepared mixture, which should be stored in the refrigerator with a tightly closed lid.
Method number 4 . Tibetan doctors recommend cleansing the lymph as follows. You need to take 200 ml of fresh juice of carrots and beets in a ratio of 4: 1 daily before meals. At the same time, you should take celandine infusion according to the corresponding scheme: on an empty stomach in the morning - 1 drop, before dinner - 2 drops, in the evening for dinner - 3 drops, etc., bringing the dose to 15 drops, and then reducing the amount of infusion to the initial dosage ( up to 1 drop).
To prepare this infusion, the grass of the celandine should be crushed and squeezed juice, then strain it. After that, for every 450 mg of juice you need to add 70 ml of alcohol. The resulting infusion should be stored in the refrigerator.
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How is lymph formed? As mentioned above, this is a rather complex process that goes through several schemes and depends on many factors. The cleansing of the body due to lymph consists in the fact that it takes away excess fluid, as well as metabolic products from the intercellular space, and transfers them to the lymph nodes, which are “filtration stations”. In addition to cleaning the body, lymph has a protective function, as it helps to get rid of foreign agents and pathogenic microbes.
Lymph is an important regulator of metabolic processes in the body, as well as a factor in the complete nutrition of cells. In cases of impaired lymph formation or a slowdown in its circulation, stagnation of intercellular fluid develops, which leads to the appearance of edema. It should also be noted that the slowed circulation of lymph leads to the appearance of excessive fatigue, as well as to the inertia of vital processes, which in the future can cause various kinds of diseases and premature aging of cells.
Given such functions of the lymph, it is recommended that it be cleaned at least twice a year by appropriate methods. Such cleansing allows the body to get rid of excess and harmful substances and function at the optimal level.