The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste, and other unwanted materials. The lymphatic system’s primary function is to transport lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body.
The lymphatic system carries a liquid called lymph, which stores our white blood cells. Lymph is a clear, watery fluid and has protein molecules, salts, glucose, other substances, and bacteria throughout the body.
In addition to the lymph vessels and nodes, the lymphatic system includes several other organs:
The tonsils (glands located at the back of your throat that filter bacteria before digestion takes place) The adenoids (a gland located at the back of your nose that protects the entrance to the digestive system and lungs) The spleen and the thymus (filtering organs that scan the blood and produce white blood cells)
Here’s how the lymphatic system works to protect us from becoming sick: We come into contact with various types of microbes, bacteria, and toxins every day that enter our bodies and make their way into the lymphatic fluid. Eventually, the fluid containing these organisms can get trapped inside lymph nodes, which is where the immune system “attacks” any perceived threats by attempting to destroy them with white blood cells.
Another important role of the lymphatic system is keeping bodily fluids in balance. When the lymphatic system works properly, we don’t experience any painful swelling or abnormal water retention.
When the lymphatic system becomes overly stressed, symptoms and signs can include: 
Chronic fatigueSwelling in lymph nodes (like throat, armpits or groin)Muscle aches and painsJoint painsSore throats and getting colds more oftenFrequent infections or virusesFibromyalgia symptomsArthritisPossible cancer formation
How to Maintain a Strong Lymphatic SystemReduce Inflammation and Improve CirculationFollow an Anti-Inflammatory DietExercise & MovementMassage Therapy and Foam RollingInfrared Sauna TreatmentDry BrushRebounding