Article 6: Lymphatic System In my final article of this six-part series, I will be writing about the lymphatic system. Chances are that about 75% of the patients in your office have a congested lymphatic system. That is because the body sends toxins and allergens into the lymphatic system in an attempt to destroy them, but if the supply continues, the system eventually becomes overwhelmed. Previously, I wrote about the importance of diet, digestion, elimination, the immune system, the autonomic system, and the endocrine system, and these principles apply to the lymphatic system as well. I wrote about the important role that food enzymes play in supporting the normal function of these different systems and I gave you, the chiropractic assistant, some verbiage and great questions to keep in mind when talking with patients. As the chiropractic assistant, you are an essential asset to the practice in developing a rapport with patients, listening to them, and helping to reinforce all of the different services your doctor offers. Food enzymes can be an important part of any practice by helping your patients heal quicker and get better results, as well as helping to grow the practice. One of the main functions of the lymphatic system is to collect and transport tissue fluid (cellular waste) from the extracellular fluid back into your circulatory system. The lymphatic system is vital for helping the body rid toxins, waste, and unwanted material. The lymphatic system in the body is similar to the sewage system in your house. Imagine walking around the first floor of your house and your feet are always wet because your toilets and plumbing did not drain properly, not to mention the constant smell. How long do you think it would take living in a house with poor plumbing before you started to get sick? Lymphatic congestion can become a very serious problem for your overall health. These toxins keep circulating around in the body while putting unwanted stress on other organ systems. Over time, this eventually can become a major health issue. The lymphatic system can become overloaded with waste material and get congested. How doesthis happen? Chances are, if patients have experienced the following symptoms, they may have lymphatic congestion. First, in your conversations, ask them if they: • Have had any type of surgery • Have chronic digestion or immune problems • Drink enough water • Exercise regularly and/or practice abdominal breathing • Any combination of the above Here are a few common symptoms of a congested lymphatic system: • History of lymphatic congestion • Low resistance and immune function • Enlarged lymph nodes • Localized swelling and edema • Congestion in soft tissue How do food enzymes affect lymphatic congestion? Food enzymes taken with meals can help predigest your food. This will help the body with absorption and assimilation of the nutrition from the food we eat. Food enzymes taken between meals can help nourish the immune system in breaking down unwanted toxins. This, along with other home care instructions, can help improve lymphatic congestion and improve a patient's overall health. Your doctor can do a two-minute exam on a patient to see if his or her body needs specific food enzymes that can help speed up recovery. For more information on food enzyme nutrition, chiropractors may call the Loomis Institute at 1-800-662-2630 to set up an account. See the Loomis Institute's ad to order the "REAL" Test Kit, which teaches chiropractors the screening exam mentioned in this article. Chiropractors have access to the Loomis Institute's director of clinical sciences, who is available to answer questions as they incorporate enzyme nutrition into their practices. Dr. Keith Giaquinto has over II years of clinical experience as a Chiropractor and Internal Health Specialist. He frequently lectures to companies and groups in his community on topics of health and wellness. He has created a new patient lecture system for growing your practice through lecturing. You can contact him at www. YourDigestionDoctor.com
