How Your Gut and Lymphatic System Work Together for Better Health

We all know our body is a complex and beautifully-designed system, working non-stop to keep us alive. But did you know that two key players in this process are your colon and your lymphatic system? These two systems work closely together, like a tag team, to rid your body of waste and toxins.

Written by Ann Mifsud

Last Updated: November 6, 2024  |  9 min Read

When one isn’t functioning properly, the other can struggle too, leading to sluggishness, digestive problems, and even more serious health concerns. Though each merits an article or more by itself, in this article, we’ll explore the vital link between colon and lymphatic health and why keeping both in check is essential for feeling your best.

1. What Does the Gut Do?

A healthy gut is one of the foundations of a healthy body. When it’s not functioning properly, it can lead to a buildup of toxins, contributing to everything from constipation and bloating to fatigue and skin problems, leading to various health issues.

In simple terms, the gut is responsible for:

• Digestion: The gut houses trillions of bacteria, known as your gut microbiome, some of which are responsible for breaking down the food you eat. 
• Nutrient Absorption: Once food is broken down, essential vitamins and minerals are absorbed through the intestinal walls into the bloodstream.
• Immune Defence: The gut houses an approximate 70% to 80% of your body’s immune cells, protecting against harmful bacteria. (source)

Fun fact: Your gut is approximately 9 metres long!

2. Meet the Lymphatic System: Your Body’s Detox Network

The lymphatic system, on the other hand, is a much less talked-about, but equally important, detox powerhouse. It’s part of your immune system, made up of lymph nodes, vessels, and lymph fluid.

Clusters of lymph nodes, which are small and bean-like in structure, are found in the neck, underarm, chest, abdomen and groin.

3. What Does the Lymphatic System Do?

A well-functioning lymphatic system is crucial for detoxification and immune defence. When this system becomes sluggish due to factors like inactivity or poor diet, it can lead to swelling, fatigue, and increased susceptibility to infections. Put simply, the lymphatic system is responsible for:

• Fluid Balance: It removes excess fluid, toxins and waste from tissues and returns about 90% of it to the bloodstream after having filtered it from harmful substances.
• Fat Absorption: The lymphatic system absorbs fats and fat-soluble vitamins from the intestines and transports them to the bloodstream.
• Immune Support: Lymph nodes filter harmful substances and produce lymphocytes that help fight infections.

This constant process of flushing out waste helps keep you healthy and energised. (source)

But just like the gut, the lymphatic system can become overwhelmed. Lack of movement, poor diet, and dehydration can slow down lymphatic flow, leading to fluid retention, swollen lymph nodes, and a sluggish immune system.

4. Gut Health and Lymphatic Health: The Detox Team

Now that we have covered the basics of these two systems, let us explore how they work together and compliment each other. Your gut and lymphatic system are part of your body’s larger detoxification network. When working well, they are able to efficiently remove waste and toxins, keeping your immune system strong, your digestion smooth, and your energy levels high. When either system is compromised, however, it can lead to a cascade of health issues affecting both digestion and immunity.

For example, if your colon is struggling to properly eliminate waste, toxins can start to build up, which forces the lymphatic system to work harder. This can overload the lymphatic system, slowing down its ability to clear waste from the rest of your body. On the other hand, when your lymphatic system is not functioning optimally, it can cause fluid retention and inflammation, which puts additional strain on your gut.

This is why it’s so important to take care of both systems. A healthy colon and a healthy lymphatic system together help your body with:

• Nutrient Transport: After digestion, fats are absorbed in the intestines and transported through the lymphatic system. This process ensures that essential nutrients reach your bloodstream efficiently.
• Immune Regulation: A balanced gut microbiome supports healthy immune function by preventing inflammation and promoting a diverse array of beneficial bacteria. This balance is essential for optimal lymphatic function.
• Detoxification: A healthy lymphatic system aids in removing toxins from the body, which can help reduce inflammation in the gut. Conversely, an efficient gut can help prevent toxins from entering the lymphatic system. Read our articles Reboot Your Gut: How quickly can detox improve digestion? And Post-Summer Detox: The Secret to a Healthier, Happier Autumn and Winter, to learn more on the importance of seasonal detoxing.

5. How to Keep Your Colon and Lymphatic System in Top Shape

So, how can you keep your colon and lymphatic system working in harmony? Fortunately, there are plenty of simple lifestyle changes that can make a big difference. The below are 7 simple tips worth incorporating in your lifestyle:

1. Stay Hydrated

Both your colon and lymphatic system rely on water to function properly. Aim for 8 glasses of water throughout the day to help move things smoothly.

2. Eat a Fibre-Rich Diet

Fibre is essential for colon health. Stock up on a range of colourful fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes to make sure you are getting enough fibre. They also help nourish the good bacteria in your gut, which benefits both systems. (source)

3. Move Your Body

The lymphatic system does not have a pump like the heart, so it relies on movement to circulate lymph fluid. Regular physical activity, whether it’s walking, stretching, or something more intense, helps keep your lymphatic system in good shape.

4. Practise Deep Breathing

Believe it or not, deep breathing is one of the simplest ways to support your lymphatic system. It stimulates lymphatic flow and helps remove toxins from your body. (source)

5. Consider Natural Supplements

Supplements that support detoxification can benefit both the colon and the lymphatic system. Organixx Cleanse: Colon and Lymphatic is made of powerful organic herbs known for their cleansing properties, with added probiotics that eat up the harmful bacteria as they pass through your digestive tract.

6. Stress Management

Identify stressors in your life and take actionable steps to minimise their impact. Set aside time for activities you enjoy. Whether gardening or playing an instrument, finding joy in simple pleasures can significantly reduce stress levels.

7. Adequate Sleep

Quality sleep is essential for your overall well-being. (source) Read our article Why it’s time to stop skimping on Snooze! to better understand the importance of adequate sleep.

6. Why Supporting Both Systems Leads to Better Health

By understanding the relationship between your colon and lymphatic system, you can take proactive steps to support both. A well-functioning colon and lymphatic system work synergistically to help your body remove waste and toxins, which in turn boosts your energy, immune system, and overall wellness. 

By making simple changes to your lifestyle, like the 7 recommendations above, you can keep both systems running smoothly, allowing you to feel your best. If you are a newbie, do not try to implement all steps at once. Start with one or two points and work on them. Then, as those become daily habits, introduce the other tips one at a time. You will see that in no time, you would have incorporated most, if not all of them.