How does lymphatic fluid leave the body?

Author: Nikita Klocko  |  Last update: Sunday, August 31, 2025

In a healthy body, the lymphatic channels from the liver and mesentery drain toward the thoracic duct, which is the main lymphatic vessel responsible for lymph drainage. In most people, the thoracic duct drains into the subclavian vein on the left side.

How does your body get rid of lymphatic drainage?

These vessels route the fluid through the lymph nodes, which house immune cells that kill off abnormal cells and other harmful substances. The lymph fluid then drains back into the blood stream, which flows through the kidneys where waste is removed and passed out in your urine.

Where does lymph fluid go after it leaves the lymph system?

These are called your right lymphatic duct and thoracic duct, and they're a bit like highway on-ramps. They merge into large veins called your subclavian veins and empty the lymph into them. From there, your lymph reenters your bloodstream and can flow through your body again.

How do you know if your lymphatic system is draining?

With severe swelling, the lymph fluid can drain through small breaks in the skin or cause blistering. Skin changes. In some people with very severe lymphedema, the skin of the affected limb can thicken and harden so it resembles the skin of an elephant.

Do you poop a lot after lymphatic drainage?

Possible side effects of lymphatic drainage massage can include: Increased urination/bowel movements: after the massage, the lymph waste will need to be removed from the body. This leads to an increase in urination and bowel movements, as these are the methods the body uses to eliminate lymph waste from the body.

How Does the Lymphatic System Work?

Where does lymphatic drainage come out?

Some lymph nodes are clustered under the skin, particularly in the neck, armpits, and groin. Other lymph nodes are deep within the body, for example inside the abdomen. The lymphatic vessels drain into collecting ducts, which empty their contents into the 2 subclavian veins, located under the collarbones.

Can you feel lymphatic drainage?

Many have reported that they feel a feeling of tingling or flow of fluid under the skin, much like a small stream. Others report the feeling of being able to breathe deeply for the first time in a while because of the lymphatic flow in the sinuses. Other people feel rejuvenated, and others feel a deep relaxation.

What is the best drink for lymphatic drainage?

Here are our top picks for the best teas to keep your lymphatic system flowing beautifully:
  • Yaupon Tea. Yaupon tea, a unique herbal tea made from Ilex vomitoria, is a fantastic option for lymphatic drainage. ...
  • Ginger Tea. ...
  • Chamomile Tea. ...
  • Peppermint Tea.

How to unclog the lymphatic system?

There are other ways to pamper your lymphatic system, too, including:
  1. Deep breathing. Breathing slowly and deeply can help move fluid through the lymph vessels and nodes. ...
  2. Physical activity. Exercise helps move fluid throughout the body. ...
  3. Dry brushing. ...
  4. Swimming. ...
  5. Tap your skin.

What vitamin helps the lymphatic system?

Vitamins that support the lymphatic system include, vitamin A, C, E, and B-6. Common herbs that also help include goldenseal, echinacea, and poke root.

Where does waste from lymph nodes go?

When lymph nodes are fighting an infection, they can get bigger and feel sore. It removes waste products – the lymphatic system carries destroyed bacteria and other waste products back into the bloodstream. The liver and kidneys remove these from the blood.

How does the lymphatic system remove fat?

The intestinal lymphatic system helps absorb fats from the intestines and deliver them as smaller particles into your body's circulation. The intestinal lymphatic fluid (or lymph) is also called chyle. Most of the lymphatic fluid eventually drains into main vessel of the lymphatic system, called the thoracic duct.

What happens when you flush your lymphatic system?

Lymphatic massage may reduce swelling in your body and make it easier for your lymph nodes to get rid of toxins. Lymphatic drainage massage benefits may include: Immune system support. Reduced fluid retention.

How much weight can you lose with lymphatic drainage?

Myth #2: Lymphatic Drainage Can Lead to Extreme Weight Loss

There's a common belief that lymphatic drainage massage can result in significant weight loss, but that's not its main aim. While the massage can help reduce temporary bloating and water retention, it does not promote fat loss.

Does lemon water drain lymphatic system?

One of the most common causes of lymph. congestion is dehydration. Add lemon to increase cleansing and draining effect. Lemon is a stellar ingredient to stimulate liver and digestive function while aiding the lymphatic system.

What are the symptoms of poor lymphatic drainage?

Symptoms of lymphoedema
  • an aching, heavy feeling.
  • difficulty with movement.
  • repeated skin infections.
  • developing hard, tight or thickened skin.
  • folds developing in the skin.
  • wart-like growths developing on the skin.
  • fluid leaking through the skin.

What is the FDA approved lymphatic drainage device?

Ballancer®Pro is an FDA-approved compression therapy* system designed to provide various therapeutic benefits to the body.

Where do toxins go after lymphatic drainage?

Lymphatic vessel

However, through the function of cell components, toxins can be excreted. Mitochondria from oxygen and lysosomes help remove waste from cells into the bloodstream and they are further excreted from the body by the liver and kidneys.

Does lymphatic drainage have an odor?

Some of our clients have described it as an "oniony" smell while others say it's almost "metallic", but both are normal.

Where will all lymph fluid eventually drain into?

From the lymph glands, the lymph moves into larger lymphatic vessels that join up. These eventually reach a very large lymph vessel at the base of the neck called the thoracic duct. The thoracic duct then empties the lymph back into the blood circulation.

Is coffee bad for your lymphatic system?

Alcohol and caffeine could also function like diuretics. They both could dilate the lymph tissue and cause more swelling, and as a result, exacerbate the lymphedema. Don't adopt a low-protein diet. Consumed protein has no connection with the protein in the lymph fluid.

What is the fastest way to cleanse your lymphatic system?

Dry brushing involves gently rubbing the skin with a body brush. The lymphatic system runs close to the skin, so stimulation from the brush keeps it flowing well. Since it only takes a few minutes to dry brush just before you shower or bathe, this is one of the fastest ways to cleanse your lymphatic system.

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