FATS & LIPIDS

Lipids are fats, phospholipids, and steroids. Steroids are essential in regulating water balance in the body. Lipids aren't soluble in water.

Saturated fatty acids- the ones that can increase health risks- are the fats contained in whole milk, cream, cheese, egg yolk, fatty meat, regular margarine & chocolate.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids are those fats contained in vegetable oils, salmon, tuna & herring.
High carbohydrate diets deposit fat because they stimulate an insulin response in the body.

95% of fat in food is digested and absorbed into adipose (fatty) tissue.
Fats are metabolised primarily in the small intestine where a hormone is released into the blood which triggers the pancreas to release digestive enzymes that can break down lipids. The gall bladder is also stimulated to secrete bile into the small intestine.
The pancreatic enzymes break down lipids to a point where they diffuse into the intestinal cells, where they're converted back to triglycerides and finally to chylomicrons.
Normal digestion and absorption of dietary fats is critically dependant on secretions from both the pancreas (pancreatic enzymes and lipase) and liver.
Fat digestion inhibitors commonly sold as weight loss products effectively shut down pancreatic responses.
These lipid macromolecules travel through the bloodstream into lymphatic capillaries (lacteals) which absorb the fat molecules and transport them from the digestive tract to the circulatory system.
Lipase and other digestive juices breakdown the fat molecules into fatty acids and types of glycerol. Absorption of fat into the body, which takes 10-15 minutes occurs in the villi- the millions of finger like projections which cover the walls of the small intestine.
Inside each is a series of lymph vessels which absorb the fatty acids and glycerol into the lymphatic system, which eventually drains into the blood stream.

UNDERSTANDING THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

The lymphatic system:
-Aids the immune system in destroying pathogens and filtering waste so the lymph can be safely returned to the circulatory system.
- Removes excess fluid, waste, debris, dead blood cells, pathogens, cancer cells, and toxins from cells and tissue.
- Works with the circulatory system to deliver nutrients, oxygen and hormones from blood to cell.

Protein molecules are created by cells in the tissue. Because these molecules are too large to enter the capillaries of the circulatory system they must be transported by the lymph to the bloodstream, and delivered at the terminus. The terminus is the triangular area at the base of the neck just above the collarbone where the lymph returns to the circulatory system by flowing into the subclavian veins.

Lymph originates as blood fluid called plasma.
Plasma, as intercellular fluid delivers nutrients, oxygen, and hormones to the cell; and as it leaves the cell it takes cellular waste and protein cells.
Around 90% of this tissue fluid remains in the circulatory system. The other 10% is now lymph.

Lymph Nodes – There are between 600-700 lymph nodes in the average human body. They filter the lymph before it can be returned to the circulatory system. Any node that has been damaged or destroyed does not regenerate. Lymph nodes kill pathogens and cancer cells, remove debris and excess fluid.

INTESTINAL LYMPH- Lymphocyte Health.
The Thymus gland and bone arrow constitute the primary lymph tissue involved in the production and early selection of lymphocytes.
A condition known as Intestinal Lymphangiectasia refers to dilated lymph vessels in the intestinal tract.
A study of the microbiology of the intestinal lymph follicle has given a clue to elucidate causative microbial agents in Crohns' disease.
"It has been suggested that microbial agents are involved in the onset of Crohns' disease. None of the candidates however, has been unequivocally demonstrated to be a causative agent. The macroscopically earliest lesion takes place in the lymph follicle, irrespective of the initial attack or relapse of Crohns' disease.
Human lencocyte antigen/s are expressed on the epithelium around the lymph follicle even in areas endoscopically uninvolved in Crohns' disease.
These observations make the lymph follicle critical in the onset of Crohns' disease.
The lymph follicle is a port of entry of a variety of microbial agents leading to the speculation that the microbial agents exist in the lymph follicle."

LYMPHATIC HEALTH = Improved immune function.
White blood cells:
T cells (T lymphocytes) destroy cancerous cells, microorganisms, bacteria, viruses and fungi. They mature in the Thymus gland.
B cells (B lymphocytes) are created and mature in bone marrow and produce antibodies.
NK (natural killer) cells are created in bone marrow and destroy body cells that have become infected or cancerous.
All the cells of the immune system come originally from bone marrow nutrients.

NUTRIENTS FOR LYMPHATIC HEALTH.
Acidophilus. Restores important bacteria to the intestinal tract. Use a non dairy formula.
Antioxidants. Protect the body from free radical damage.
Coenzyme Q10. Supports the immune system and is an oxygen enhancer.
Essential fatty acids. Necessary for a healthy immune system.
Garlic. Stimulates immunity.
Kelp. Supplies a balance of minerals
Chlorophyll. A blood cleanser that repairs tissue.
Lecithin granules. Aids in cellular protection and reduces cholesterol.
Manganese. Works with B vitamins to increase immune function.
Grape Seed Extract. Protects cells.Selenium. A free radical destroyer.
Vitamins A,B,C,D,E
Zinc (chelate). Very important to immune system.
AMINO ACIDS
Free Form Amino Acids. Deliver protein that's broken down to an available form.
ARGININE- Increases the size and activity of the thymus gland, which manufactures T cells, a crucial component of the immune system.
It assists in the release of growth hormones, and retards cancer growth.
Arginine boosts production of nitric oxide which dilates the arteries and increases blood flow
CARNITINE- Increases the use of fat as an energy source. This prevents fatty buildup, especially in the heart, liver and skeletal muscles. Carnitine also enhances the effectiveness of vitamins C & E. It works with antioxidants to help slow the aging
process by promoting the synthesis of carnitine acetyl-transferase, an enzyme in the mitochondria of brain cells that is vital for the production of energy there.
Possible symptoms of deficiency include confusion, heart pain and muscle weakness.
BCAA's- BRANCH CHAIN AMINO ACIDS-
Leucine, Valine & Isoleucine- provide energy & boost recovery.
GLUTATHIONINE- Produced in the liver from the amino acids below: –
Cysteine is contained in legumes. Used as a supplement to retard cancer growth.
glutamic acid is contained in milk protein and cereals
glycine is contained in gastric antacid products.
LYSINE. As a supplement aids in production of antibodies and lowers serum triglycerides.
TAURINE. An immune regulator necessary for white blood cell activation.
Taurine is found in meat. Because meat is hard to digest and may add to intestinal tract blockages, your meat intake may be dramatically reduced.
Use a supplement.

FOODS TO SUPPORT THE PANCREAS.

Chromium and vanadium rich foods support the pancreas & improve the production of digestive enzymes.
Chromium Foods: Onions, tomatoes, romaine lettuce, broccoli.
Vanadium Foods: Black pepper, mushroom, parsley, soy, sunflower, corn, olives, green beans, carrot, cabbage.
Also:
Blueberries & Cherries- antioxidants prevent cell damage.
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage & cauliflower – cancer prevention
Broccoli contains chromium which helps in fat loss and muscle growth.
Garlic and onions.
Red grapes – Resveratol antioxidant
Spinach – Iron and B vitamins
Sweet potatoes, carrots & squash
Yoghurt with active cultures.
Calcium and Magnesium (chelated) counteracts glandular disorders.
Apples, bananas, cold water fish (with bones).
Carrot juice helps flush out fat from the bile in the liver.

LIPID DIGESTION.

Lipid foods are foods that contain fats and oils. Don't combine fats and oils with a meat meal- eg, bacon & eggs or a meat meal followed by a fatty dessert.
Lipids are absorbed by villi in the small intestine after partial digestion by pancreatic enzymes and bile, and then transferred into the lymphatic system for toxin filtering & delivery to the blood stream.
This filtering can be a strain on the lymph if the lipid volume hasn't had a compatible or adequate bile volume present for lipid breakdown.
This could be potentially very dangerous and effectively clog or inhibit lymph function.
After filtering the lipids are returned to the blood.

CHOICES.
1. Because alcohol affects the pancreas, & the pancreas is vital;
don't drink when you have a fatty meal.
2. Eat small meals and have protein & fat/oil intake at separate meals.
3. Eat alkaline & pancreas supporting foods with all meals.
4. Don't drink water with meals.
5. Suppliment with Branch Chain Amino Acids just in case your protein digestion
isn't complete.

EDEMA = Fluid retention.
Fluid regularly leaks into body tissue from the blood. This is caused by many factors.
The lymph drains this fluid from tissues and empties it back into the blood stream.
Fluid retention occurs when the fluid isn't removed from the tissues.
Long term fluid retention is an indicator that the lymphatic system is struggling to perform its function.
Fluid retention can be detected as a puffiness under the skin in body fat sites.
When a skin fold test is performed the body fat site is elevated slightly from the surrounding area. Fluid retention can be seen as the skinfold gauge gives reduced readings as fluid in the elevated skin fold drains back into surrounding tissue.
A less complex way of noticing fluid retention is when body fat tissue "feels" spongy.

EXERCISE

Exercise to enhance lymph health.
The lymphatic system is a series of one way chambers in a circulatory system. It doesn't have a pump, as the heart in the blood circulation system, to propel lymph through its circulation.
The lymph system relies on muscle pressures to maintain it in even circulation.
When a part of the lymph system is distressed through blockage, infection or overload, there is no way of stopping the circulation process. Lymph that should be in circulation (with all its associated functions of delivering disease fighting cells to diseased areas, removing waste and toxins from tissue, and supplying protein and lipids to the blood stream) stalls and the system "backs up".

Imagine that you have a glass jar with sediment mixed in with water in suspension.
The sediment is microscopically mixed with the water, so as you pour water out of the jar some sediment is removed also.
Now imagine that you put a lid on the jar and leave it until the sediment settles on the bottom of the jar.

The only way you can get the sediment back in suspension again is to shake the jar- lightly.
Not vigorously because the sediment will break up in lumps, and you might break the jar.
Exercise for lymphatic health is like lightly shaking the jar. Because you have a one way system that is blocked, those toxins and lipids need to be gently integrated back into lymph fluid so they can pass through the one way valves with as little stress to the system as possible.

If you have a compromised lymphatic system that manifests in conditions such as Crohns' disease symptoms, swollen and inflamed glands, gastro intestinal tract inflammation and blockages, and long term fluid retention; there are 2 passive exercise formats that may be helpful.
1. Using a Zen Chi Electric Massage unit.
The Zen Chi massage was developed by a Japanese doctor who duplicated the swimming motion of the Koi Carp. He found that this movement passively increased circulation to the total body. The massage unit uses slight horizontal "rocking" movement to stimulate circulation.
You lie on your back and put your heels in the cradles of the massage unit which operates on a 15 minute timer. This movement stimulates muscle enervation and blood circulation to provide a lymphatic pump.

2. Rebounding and Thymus tapping.
Stepping (not jogging) on a mini trampoline rebounder while at the same time tapping your breast bone will stimulate lymphatic circulation. 7 minutes with alternate hands tapping to stimulate Thymus function will be beneficial to overall muscle tone and circulation without stressing your body.
The Thymus is where T cells mature. It is located above the heart, so gentle repetitive tapping is the best, and will soon keep pace with your stepping as your motor function synchronises.

The primary function of exercise is to create better lymphatic health. Weight loss, body shape and muscle tone can be considered later.

Your lymphatic health is a primary contributor to your health and longevity. When it functions correctly your other body management systems can be improved safely.

The East Creek Neighbourhood Centre's support was great and the response from the women was very encouraging. A small group of women from a range of ages, everyone seemed to be able to take home something worthwhile from the information.

It was great to see that the educational information, provided by John, being well received.

It looks likely that he will be holding another session in Toowoomba soon, subscribe to the mailing list to receive instant updates.

Photos courtesy of Jiaren Lau, Friday Online Magazine]]> Tue, 31 Aug 2010 06:29:46 +0000