Lymph is the body's fluid tissue contained in the lymph nodes and lymph vessels. In the human body, lymph is formed in the amount of 2-4 liters per day. It is a clear liquid, the density of which reaches 1.026. The reaction of the lymph is alkaline, it is pH 7.35-9.0. This liquid helps maintain water balance and is able to flush out pathological microorganisms from the tissues.
Composition of lymph
This liquid tissue circulates in the vessels of the lymphatic system and is found in almost all organs. Most of all, it is in organs with high permeability of blood vessels: in the liver, spleen, skeletal muscles, and also in the heart.
It is worth noting that its composition is not constant, since it depends on the organs and tissues from which it flows. The main constituents can be called water, decay products of organic compounds, lymphocytes and leukocytes. Unlike tissue fluid, lymph has a higher protein content. Its chemical composition resembles blood plasma, but its viscosity is lower.
The composition of the lymph also includes anions, enzymes and vitamins. ExceptThis, it contains substances that increase blood clotting ability. When small blood vessels (capillaries) are damaged, the number of lymphocytes increases. There is also a small amount of monocytes and granulocytes in the lymph.
It is worth noting that human lymph is devoid of platelets, but it can coagulate because it contains fibrinogen. In this case, a loose yellow clot is formed. In addition, humoral immunity factors (lysozyme, properdin), as well as complement, were identified in this fluid, although the bactericidal ability of lymph is much lower than that of blood.
Meaning of lymph
The following main 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;
• Certain enzymes (such as lipase or histaminase) can only enter the bloodstream through the lymphatic system (metabolic function);
• lymph takes away from tissues red blood cells that accumulate there after injuries, as well as toxins and bacteria (protective function);
• it provides communication between organs and tissues, as well as the lymphoid system and blood;
• maintaining a constant microenvironment of cells, i.e. homeostatic function.
In addition, lymphocytes and antibodies are formed in the lymph nodes, which are involved inbody's immune response. In oncological diseases, it is the lymph that is the main route 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
This process is based on filtration, diffusion, osmosis and the difference in hydrostatic pressure, which is recorded in the capillaries and in the interstitial fluid.
How is lymph formed? In this process, the degree of permeability of the lymphatic vessels is of great importance. Thus, 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 gaps, the size of which reaches 10 nm - 10 microns.
2. Through the endothelium, such transport of substances is associated with their direct movement with the help of micropinocytic vesicles and blisters.
Note that these paths work simultaneously.
If you answer the question "how is lymph formed", it is worth remembering about oncotic pressure. Thus, high hydrostatic blood pressure promotes the formation of lymph, and high oncotic pressure inhibits this process. The fluid is filtered in the capillaries, while it returns to the venous bed, since there is a pressure difference at the venous and arterial ends of the capillaries.
It is worth noting that the permeability of lymphocapillaries varies depending on the functional state of the organs, as well as under the influence of various mechanical, chemical, and alsohumoral or nervous factors. The rate of formation of lymph and its volume depend on the relationship between systemic and lymphatic circulation. So, if the minute volume of blood circulation is 6 liters, 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 initial link is the lymphatic capillaries. They are located in all tissues and organs. They are absent 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 unite, forming lymphocapillary networks and larger lymphatic vessels that have three membranes:
• internal - consists of cells called endotheliocytes;
• medium - contains smooth muscle cells;
• outer - connective tissue sheath.
It should be noted that the lymphatic vessels have valves. Thanks to them, the movement of lymph occurs only in one direction - from the periphery to the center. As a rule, lymphatic vessels from muscles and organs exit with blood vessels and are called deep.
The important components of the lymphatic system are the lymph nodes. They act as a filter andprovide immune defense of the body. Lymph nodes are located near large blood vessels, as a rule, in groups, they can be superficial or located in the internal cavities of the body. They accumulate and remove viruses and bacteria, as well as foreign particles from the body. With excessive load, the lymph nodes increase and become painful, which indicates excessive pollution of the lymph. Lymph nodes in the groin tend to swell with infection in the pelvis or legs. The inflammatory process can also be associated with allergic reactions, the presence of benign cysts, or after muscle overstretching.
I must say that in the lymphatic system there are also specific lymphatic trunks and straits, through which lymph outflows from various parts of the body and internal organs.
Features of lymph movement
Approximately 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, it returns to the general bloodstream. Knowing how lymph is formed, it is worth familiarizing yourself with how it moves through the body.
Since the lymph is formed in the lymphatic capillaries, the more intense filtration of fluid from the 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, the following should be mentioned:
• high hydrostatic pressure in capillaries;
• high functional activity of organs;
• high capillary permeability;
• administration 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 ensures its further movement? Lymph is formed from tissue fluid. At the same time, the main force that contributes to its movement from the place of formation to the flow into the veins of the neck is the rhythmic contraction of lymphangions.
Features of the structure of lymphangions. Other mechanisms of lymph movement
Lymphangion is a tubular formation with valves and a muscular "cuff". These formations can be called a kind of lymphatic 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 valve, on the contrary, opens. As a result, 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 lymphangions, they are represented by adrenergic fibers that modulate spontaneous rhythmic contractions. The smooth muscles of the lymphangion are also capable of contraction, which leads to an increase in pressure in the lymphatic vessels and to the flow of lymph into the bloodstream. This process can be influenced by certain hormones, biologically active substances (for example, histamine), as well as changes in the concentration of metabolic compounds and high temperature.
The described mechanism of lymph movement is the main one, but there are also secondary factors. Yes, atinhalation, lymph flows from the thoracic lymphatic duct more intensively, and during exhalation, this process slows down. Due to the movements of the diaphragm, the cisterns of this strait are periodically compressed and stretched, which contributes to the further movement of the lymph.
The intensity of lymph 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 capable of squeezing out 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
Insufficiency of lymphatic circulation is a violation of the formation or movement of lymph. Many diseases are accompanied by disorders in the 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 the tissues of the body at a sufficient speed. At the same time, mechanical insufficiency of lymph circulation can be of a general or regional nature.
Stagnation of lymph is manifested by various symptoms, depending on a number of factors:
• from the area in which lymphostasis develops;
• from the characteristics of the lymphatic network;
• on the patient's age;
• fromthe rate at which lymphatic insufficiency develops.
Impaired lymph flow leads to the accumulation of toxic products. When the lymphatic vessels are damaged, blood clots occur, which, as a rule, consist of leukocytes and fibrin. They are retained by regional lymph nodes, so they are not dangerous.
It is worth noting that lymphostasis is especially dangerous in infectious pathologies and malignant diseases, since it causes generalization of the lesion and the appearance of retrograde metastases (spread against the lymph flow).
Edema is a common clinical manifestation of lymph circulation insufficiency. Lymph stagnation is accompanied by tissue hypoxia, disturbances in metabolic processes and water and electrolyte balance, as well as dystrophic and sclerotic phenomena. With general stagnation of lymph, varicose changes in the lymphatic vessels develop, hypertrophy of their muscle fibers, as well as intin sclerosis, changes in valves.
Violation of lymph coagulation
It is known that the lymph contains almost all the components that are responsible for the processes of coagulation, anticoagulation and fibrinolysis, so intravascular coagulation is characteristic not only of blood vessels, but also of lymphatic vessels. At the same time, tissue coagulation factors affect not only hemostasis, but also vascular permeability and interstitial transport of tissue fluid. At the same time, the mechanisms that cause blood clotting 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 is little studied, but it is known that various pathological processes can affect lymph coagulation in different ways. So, with the introduction of heterogeneous blood, the ability of the lymph to coagulate disappears, since the amount of natural anticoagulants increases. It is assumed that a significant amount of anticoagulants in this case is formed in the liver, and the lymph only transports them to the blood.
About the violation of lymph coagulation in the development of thrombosis, almost nothing is known. There are experimental data that confirm that quantitative changes in the blood and lymph may differ somewhat, but their direction is identical. In addition, it is known that thrombosis is accompanied by a slight slowdown in lymph flow 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
When the lymphatic system malfunctions, a significant amount of harmful compounds accumulate in the intercellular space. In this case, the lymph is polluted, which leads to the development of lymphostasis. This condition is accompanied by an increase in the load on the organs, especially the liver, kidneys and intestines. To prevent the damaging effects of toxins, it is necessary to provide lymphatic drainage andconstant outflow of interstitial fluid.
Indications for cleaning the lymphatic system are the following conditions:
• insufficient detoxification of the body due to disruption of the liver and intestines (hepatitis, colitis, dysbacteriosis, constipation and bile stasis);
• frequent colds;
• chronic pelvic infection (eg, cystitis, adnexitis, or endometritis);
• intestinal infections or other pathologies that are accompanied by significant intoxication;
• skin diseases;
• allergic lesions (eg neurodermatitis, eczema or atopic dermatitis);
• conditions accompanied by massive tissue damage and absorption of decay products into the bloodstream (injuries, burns and fractures);
• circulatory disorders due to blood loss, thrombosis, embolism;
• endocrine pathologies, especially obesity, diabetes and thyroid pathology.
Basic lymph cleansing techniques
Before cleaning 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 in arthrosis and arthritis, which occur with the formation of edema, the indication is also ischemic heart disease, chronic thrombophlebitis and respiratory lesions, osteochondrosis. You can not use this technique for allergies to citrus fruits, as well as if the patient has diabetes.
You need to take 900 ml of orange juice, the same amount of grapefruit juice, and 200 ml of fresh lemon juice. All this should be diluted with 2 liters of melt water. Do not have breakfast in the morning, make an enema of 2 liters of water, in which you must first add 2 tbsp. l. apple cider vinegar. After setting the enema, you should drink 100 ml of water in which Glauber's s alt is diluted, immediately take a hot shower, and then drink 200 ml of a pre-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 an hour).
Lymph cleansing by this method must be carried out for three days. It should be remembered that after this it is impossible to suddenly switch to the usual diet, the diet should be expanded gradually. It is recommended to drink juices, eat fruits, boiled vegetables and cereals.
Method number 2. It helps to cleanse the 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, combined with honey and fruit sugar. Every day you need to consume one more lemon, bringing the amount to 15. Then their number should be reduced by eating 1 less lemon 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. Recommended by Tibetan doctorspurify the lymph in the following way. 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, an infusion of celandine should be taken according to the appropriate scheme: on an empty stomach in the morning - 1 drop, before lunch - 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, celandine grass should be crushed and the juice squeezed out, then strain it. After that, for every 450 mg of juice, add 70 ml of alcohol. The resulting infusion should be stored in the refrigerator.
It should be noted that this method of cleaning the lymphatic system is also beneficial in patients with hypertension, diseases of the digestive system, psoriasis, hemorrhoids, osteochondrosis.
Conclusion
To summarize, we can say that lymph is a liquid that surrounds and washes all the cells of the human body. The primary task of the lymph is to clean tissues and organs from decay products. Lymph circulation is closely related to blood circulation and ensures the optimal physical condition of a person and a high level of his vital energy.
How is lymph formed? As mentioned above, this is a rather complex process that goes through several schemes and depends on many factors. Cleansing the body due to lymph is that it takes excess fluid, as well as metabolic products from the intercellular space, and transfers them to the lymph nodes, which arefiltration stations. In addition to cleansing the body, lymph performs 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 proper nutrition of cells. In cases of violation of the formation of lymph or a slowdown in its circulation, stagnation of the intercellular fluid develops, which leads to the appearance of edema. It should also be noted that slow lymph circulation leads to 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.
Considering such functions of the lymph, it is recommended to clean it at least twice a year according to the appropriate methods. This cleansing allows the body to get rid of excess and harmful substances and function at an optimal level.
