Why a Clogged Lymphatic System Deserves Your Attention
As pet parents, we’re always looking for ways to keep our four-legged family members healthy and happy, but sometimes, it’s easy to overlook things like a clogged lymphatic system. The lymph system may not get as much attention as the heart or lungs, but it is important in protecting your pet from illness. It supports their immune function and even contributes to healthy fluid balance.
Many think the network of lymph vessels and capillaries is just like circulation within the Cardiovascular System. It’s not the same, but the two work closely together! When a clogged lymphatic system arises, your pets may have:
- An infection
- Scar tissue
- Inflammation
- Heart failure
- Lymphatic diseases
If you suspect any health condition in your pet, it is important to seek licensed professional veterinary care as soon as possible. Bioresonance supports the body but does not treat diseases.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at a clogged lymphatic system and help you understand the lymph system in general. We’ll share tips and remedies to support your pet and move toward more vibrancy and health. We’ll cover:
- Functions of the lymph system.
- What a clogged lymphatic system looks like.
- Tips for a clogged lymphatic system
- Homeopathic and herbal remedies for your pet
Functions Of The Lymph System
This overlooked detoxification and immune portion of our body doesn’t get enough press! It has several important functions, including:
- Filtering out bacteria and other foreign substances from the body.
- Transporting nutrients, fluid, and waste throughout the body.
- Helping to fight infection and disease.
- Producing white blood cells, such as lymphocytes and T-cells, which help to fight infection and disease.
There are two main components: the lymphatic vessels and the lymphoid organs. The lymphatic vessels are thin tubes that carry the clear, watery fluid called lymph fluid, composed of white blood cells, proteins, and other substances. There are also primary and secondary lymph tissues. The bone marrow and thymus are considered primary lymphoid tissue, while the spleen and lymph nodes are considered secondary.
The lymphoid organs are specialized structures that contain immune cells, such as lymphocytes, which help to fight infection and disease.
Several organs and tissues might surprise you as part of this network, including:
- The lymph nodes
- Thymus
- Spleen
- Tonsils (these are a little bit different in pets, but yes, they have tonsils!)
- Bone marrow
The lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures located throughout the body. The immune cells, called lymphocytes, live here. They help to fight infection and disease. When lymph nodes enlarge, your pet may be fighting bacteria. Always have these checked by a vet.
The thymus is an organ located in the chest that produces T-cells, which are a type of white blood cell that helps to fight infection and disease. It’s part of the Thyroid & Thymus Meridian on a Full Scan Report. Located in front of the heart, it changes in size with age. This organ may be a site for the reproduction of viral material in cats with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection.
One of the filter organs, the spleen, is quite large in comparison and is located in the abdomen near the kidney. If the spleen shows up on your pet’s report, the Immune System may also show up. This may be connected to energetic toxins as well.
The tonsils and bone marrow are two areas that surprise people when we tell them they are part of a clogged lymphatic system!
Tonsils are an important part of initiating an immune response because of foods or other things that enter your pet’s mouth and throat. They “talk” to other areas of the body, like lymph nodes and the mucosa (lining of the mouth and other organs), to get this response moving.
Bone marrow issues are more serious and can lead to decreased ability to make new blood cells.
Lymph fluid gets collected from the tissues by small vessels called lymphatic capillaries. These capillaries merge to form larger vessels that transport the lymph to the lymph nodes. The lymph nodes act as filters for the lymph fluid. As the lymph fluid passes through the lymph nodes, the immune cells capture and destroy bacteria and viruses. The filtered lymph is then transported to larger vessels, eventually draining into the veins.
The veins then transport the lymph back to the heart, where it is recirculated throughout the body. A clogged lymphatic system can occur anywhere in the network.
Health Issues of the Lymphatic System
The lymph system can be affected by several disorders, including:
- Lymphadenitis – inflammation of the lymph nodes.
- Lymphoma – a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system.
- Lymphedema – a condition in which the lymphatic vessels become blocked, preventing the lymph from draining properly.
Our custom Bioresonance Testing process looks for stress in your pet’s bioenergetic body systems. We give you a visual representation of stress in the body so you can work with your pet to remove or decrease the stress, allowing the system to balance. The remedies are a key part of this process and help with a clogged lymphatic system.
How to Support a Clogged Lymphatic System
Keep your pet moving. The lymph system does not have its own pump like the circulatory system does (the heart), so exercise will help your pet with lymphatic drainage! Regular physical activity can help to increase the flow of lymph, helping to flush out bacteria and other foreign substances from the body.
Fresh water and hydration. We can’t stress this enough, especially for cats who may have a dry diet. All systems require fluid to function properly, and the lymph and its fluid are no exception.
Good oral health. Pets cannot verbalize when they are in pain, and dental infections due to bacteria can drain right into the bloodstream and overburden the lymph system.
Lymphatic massage. This massage technique moves lymph fluid throughout the body, improving drainage and toxin removal. Please remember to hydrate your pet after this practice and let them rest. There are many online courses where you can learn how to massage your pet with this technique.
Gut health. There is a network of lymph tissue in your pet’s Digestive System that absorbs nutrients, including fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A, D, E, and K. The GALT, or gut-associated lymphoid tissue, maintains balance in your pet and relies on the gut microbiota. Supporting gut health is an important part of lymph health!
Pay attention to diet. Pet-friendly foods can be added to their main diet. For dogs, foods like beets can support the liver and lymph system. Cats are obligate carnivores – they are meat eaters. Natural remedies and probiotic supplements can help your cat and their clogged lymphatic system.
Homeopathic Remedies for Your Pet’s Lymphatic System
Homeopathy can be of great benefit to boost your pet’s lymph system. Here are a few examples:
Lymph HP is a remedy that may temporarily relieve symptoms associated with bacterial and viral conditions. This dilute remedy includes Aconitum Napellus (30X) to support circulation from the homeopathic perspective.
Lymphdrainex is formulated for overall lymphatic congestion. Geranium robertianum is a widely used remedy in traditional herbal medicine that is considered an antimicrobial. This can indirectly support the lymphatic system by relieving the burden of microbes that need to be filtered and addressed.
Scrophulous HP may temporarily relieve symptoms due to lymphatic issues such as glandular swelling and fluid retention and helps those easily susceptible to infections.
Milk thistle – this herb contains compounds that can help to protect the liver, along with fortifying the spleen and supporting kidney congestion.
Dandelion – the gentle diuretic properties of this remedy support the lymphatic system and drainage through its help in removing metabolic wastes. It’s also very supportive of bile production.
Homeopathic remedies are a generally safe option for your pet’s lymph support. We always suggest checking for any interactions with medications or conditions and taking part in a Full Scan bioresonance test to see what remedies balance with your pet’s hair and saliva samples.
Supporting a clogged lymphatic system also helps the Glymphatic System, which includes your pet’s brain and Nervous System.
We’re always here to support you! Got questions? Comment below, or send us a message at info@petmedella.com
