Episode 131 - The Lymphatic and Glymphatic System

Cleansing, renewal, flow, rest, and stewardship of the body is how God designed the human body systems to function. 

 

Spiritual cleansing 

Psalm 51:10

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”

Connection:
“Just like David asked God to cleanse his heart, our bodies were also designed with systems that cleanse us daily—physically and spiritually.”

John 7:38

“He who believes in Me… out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”

Connection:
“God designed us for flow—not stagnation. That applies spiritually and physically. When flow is blocked, dysfunction follows.”

“Most people think detox happens in the liver. But your body actually has two major drainage systems that keep you clean from the inside out—the lymphatic system and the glymphatic system. One works in your body… and the other works in your brain.” 

 

“The lymphatic system is like your body’s sewer and filtration system.”

• It’s a network of vessels, nodes, and organs that:
  • Removes waste, toxins, and excess fluid
  • Supports immune function
  • Helps your body fight infections

 “Unlike the heart, the lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump. It relies on movement.”

 “Think of it like a drainage system that only works when you move the body. If you’re stagnant, your lymph becomes stagnant.”

Signs it’s sluggish:

• Puffiness or swelling
• Brain fog
• Frequent illness
• Fatigue

What activates it:

• Walking, rebounding, exercise
• Deep breathing - Breathwork - The Breathing Room (Samantha Skelly) The Breathing Room 
• Vibration Plates/Therapy (The rapid vibrations simulate muscle contractions, which are needed to push lymph fluid through vessels, similar to physical exercise.)
• Hydration
• Dry brushing or lymphatic massage

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Rest & the Glymphatic System (Brain Cleansing During Sleep) 

Psalm 127:2

“He gives His beloved sleep.”

Connection:
“Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a God-given function. It’s during sleep that your brain literally clears waste.”

Psalm 23:2-3

“He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.”

Connection:
“Restoration happens in stillness. Your brain’s ‘cleansing system’ works best when you are truly at rest.”

“The glymphatic system is your brain’s cleaning system—and it only works efficiently when you’re asleep.”

• It clears:
  • Metabolic waste
  • Toxins
  • Proteins linked to neurodegenerative disease

 “Your brain literally washes itself at night.”

 “It’s like a nighttime janitorial crew that comes in while everything is shut down.”

Important science simplified:

• During deep sleep, brain cells shrink slightly
• This allows fluid to flow through and “rinse” the brain

If this system doesn’t work well:

• Brain fog
• Memory issues
• Increased risk of cognitive decline

What supports it:

• Quality sleep (non-negotiable)
• Consistent sleep schedule
• Sleeping in darkness
• Managing stress

Bridge the Two Systems 

“Here’s what most people don’t realize—these two systems are connected.”

• The glymphatic system drains waste from the brain into the lymphatic system
• If your lymphatic system is sluggish, your brain drainage can also be impaired

Simple takeaway line:
“You can’t have a clear mind with a congested body.”

Order, Design, and God’s Wisdom

1 Corinthians 14:40

“Let all things be done decently and in order.”

Connection:
“The body God designed operates in order—flow, rhythm, rest. When we disrupt that order, we experience dysfunction.”

Healing & Wholeness

3 John 1:2

“I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you…”

Connection:
“God cares about your physical health. These systems are part of how He sustains it.”

“If you’re tired, inflamed, foggy, or feel ‘off,’ it may not just be what you’re eating—it could be how well your body is draining.

Move your body so your lymph can flow.
Sleep deeply so your brain can clean.

Because healing isn’t just about what you put in your body…
it’s about what your body is able to clear out.”

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Dr. Glenda’s new Book:  40-Days Closer to Him, A God-Inspired Wellness Plan

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GPPLRBYV

For more information about the hosts, please visit their websites and follow them on social media:

Dr. Glenda Shepard - Doctor of Nursing Practice/Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner/Certified Nutrition Coach/Certified Personal Trainer/Certified Intrinsic Coach

https://www.triumphantwomancoaching.com/

FB - https://www.facebook.com/glenda.shepard1

 

Robin McCoy - Certified McIntyre Seal Team Six Coach and John Maxwell Team Trainer/Speaker/Coach

https://www.thewellnessfactor.coach/

IG - https://www.instagram.com/RobinRMcCoy

FB - https://www.facebook.com/robin.mccoy1

 

Produced by KB Podcasts