Lymphatic System: Five Fun Facts That Might Change How You Think About Fitness

If you’re on any sort of health journey—whether you’re a dedicated “muscle mouse” (more on that in a sec), a weekend warrior, or just someone who wants to feel good as the years go by—the lymphatic system should be on your radar. In the latest episode of the Impact Your Fitness podcast, Jennifer Schwartz dives into the “why” and “how” of this underrated, essential organ system. Forget dry biology lessons; this podcast is all about practical, surprising stuff you can actually use to feel better, recover faster, and maybe even rethink what wellness means.

Let’s break down the five fun—and sometimes wild—facts Jennifer shared about the lymphatic system.

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1. The Lymphatic System Is Absolutely Essential (Like, Life-or-Death Essential)

Here’s a not-so-fun fact to kick things off: if your lymphatic system stopped working, you’d be in serious trouble within about 24 hours. That’s because this system is responsible for moving fluid throughout your body, picking up toxins, and flushing out all the stuff you don’t want hanging around. It’s slow-moving, but don’t mistake slow for unimportant. The system works with your immune, digestive, and even your nervous system and brain to keep you alive and feeling good.

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2. There Are Lymph Nodes Everywhere—And Some of the Most Important Ones Aren’t Where You’d Expect

Most people know about the lymph nodes in their neck or armpits—those “bean” lumps that get swollen when you’re fighting off an infection. But Jennifer points out that there are also critical nodes in the center of your body, like the para-aortic and celiac nodes. The para-aortic nodes help drain organs like the kidneys and reproductive organs, while the celiac nodes connect to your stomach. These deeper nodes are easy to overlook, but they matter just as much (if not more) than the ones you can feel. And certain treatments—like the Flowpresso used in Jennifer’s studio—can specifically target these under-appreciated areas.

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3. Lymph Flows Everywhere—Even Bone Deep

Lymphatic fluid isn’t just hanging out near your skin. It’s in your organs, and yes, even in your bone marrow. That’s important, because bone marrow is where a lot of your immune cells are made. The stronger and smoother your lymph flow, the better your immune system can produce the cells that keep you healthy. Bottom line: supporting your lymphatic system is supporting your immunity at the deepest level.

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4. Most Lymph Nodes Are Right Under Your Skin (So Be Mindful of What You Put On It)

Get this: 75% of your lymph nodes are just below your skin. That means your skincare routine, your deodorant, even your hand sanitizer—all of that matters. Jennifer’s a fan of “granola” essential oil cleaners and non-toxic deodorants, and she’s got a point. If you’re slathering on stuff full of harmful chemicals, you’re potentially letting those chemicals seep straight into a system designed to detox your body. For all the gym rats out there—Jennifer’s rebranding as “muscle mice”—this is especially relevant. Sweat, skincare, and lymphatic health are more connected than you might think.

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5. The Lymphatic System Can Regenerate—But Scar Tissue Can Slow It Down

Injuries and surgeries can create scar tissue, which can block or restrict lymph flow. The good news? The lymphatic system is surprisingly resilient. Studies have shown people can actually regrow lymph tissue, even after surgical removal. So if you’ve had injuries or operations, all hope is not lost—supporting your lymphatic system can help it bounce back. But it’s not just physical scars that matter. Emotional stress and mental triggers can slow down lymph flow, too. This system doesn’t have a pump (unlike your heart); it relies on gravity, movement, and muscle contraction. So staying active and managing stress are both huge for keeping things flowing.

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Why Should You Care?

Here’s the kicker: lymphatic sluggishness can show up as bloating, fatigue, digestive issues, skin problems, allergies, brain fog, slow healing, hormone imbalances, and more. Basically, if you want to feel good, recover well, and enjoy your body at any age, you can’t afford to ignore this system.

Jennifer wraps up the episode by promising practical tips for home lymphatic care in the next episode. In the meantime, she encourages everyone to show their lymph a little love and to think progressively about their own bodies—because this system needs our help.

For more, check out the Impact Your Fitness podcast and follow Jennifer (and her dog) on Instagram at @Jennifer_Simone_Schwarz. And if you want more videos and tips, hit up Impact Your Fitness Studio online.

Stay tuned for more on “Lymph and Flow”—because your body’s natural detox system deserves a serious shoutout.