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Lymph & Longevity: The Untapped Secret to Health

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Learn how you can boost your immune system and help prevent virtually every major medical condition—including cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders, GI issues, and obesity—by keeping your lymph system healthy, as explained by renowned cardiologist Gerald Lemole.

The lymphatic system serves as our body’s maintenance department and has a direct effect on our cardiovascular, neurological, and immune systems. It has also been one of the most misunderstood systems. Until now.

At last, renowned cardiothoracic surgeon and pioneer in the study of lymph Gerald Lemole explains in straightforward language why the lymphatic system is the key factor in longevity and disease prevention, and how improving lymphatic flow can help our bodies eliminate the toxins and waste products that contribute to injury, inflammation, and disease.​

In ten short chapters he demystifies the lymphatic system, describes how powerful it is, and shows how to maintain a healthy lymph system to combat specific diseases and health problems—from heart disease to cognitive function to weight management. Featuring sidebars with charts and graphs that illustrate basic principles, Lymph & Longevity also includes flow-friendly menus, recipes, and information on supplements, as well as basic yoga and meditation guides.

Illuminating, informative, and practical this essential guide is more timely now than ever as we continue to work to protect ourselves and our communities against Covid-19 and other viruses.

199 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 5, 2021

131 people are currently reading
398 people want to read

About the author

Gerald M. Lemole

5 books7 followers

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5 stars
62 (19%)
4 stars
114 (36%)
3 stars
94 (30%)
2 stars
30 (9%)
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11 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
Profile Image for Sharon Orlopp.
Author 1 book1,138 followers
August 1, 2024
Lymph & Longevity: The Untapped Secret to Health is a terrific book by Dr. Gerald Lemole, a cardiologist. He explains the critical role that lymph plays in our physical and brain health.

He provides realistic suggestions, based on research, for exercise, yoga, massage, and recipes. He mentions that cauliflower and broccoli are good for brain health. MSG is very bad for brain health. MSG is still found in many processed foods.

One of the interesting suggestions is to jump on a mini-trampoline, also known as a rebounder. This activity helps increase the flow of lymph up to your brain. An alternative is to do jumping jacks. Lemole recommends building up to 100 jumping jacks within a five-minute period.

Interesting and insightful.
295 reviews11 followers
November 9, 2021
This book contains dangerous medical misinformation and I hope the publisher doesn't publish it. Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC. I am a physician who is certified in lymphedema management and familiar with national and international research. Lemole discovered cardiac lymphatics in the 1960's and has published reviews. He donated 5 million to Temple to study lymphatics. He is also the father of Dr. Oz's wife, who is anti-vaccine. This is NOT an evidence based book. There are no medical references. He promotes Covid misinformation. His recommendations are basic, but also contain injurious misinformation that could trigger lymphedema-an incurable condition. His recommendations for Covid have been refuted by the CDC. The dangerous combination of his absolute certainty, along with his medical credentials has created a book where damaging misinformation is interspersed between generally accurate information. I sincerely hope that the publishers do not publish a book proposing that ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine are used to treat Covid and promotes misinformation with the power to harm the uninformed. Physicians and the medical community are undereducated about the lymphatic system and this lack of education could prevent people from recognizing the harm possibly caused by this book. Scribner, how could you let this book go to press?
Profile Image for Alicia Bayer.
Author 10 books250 followers
June 18, 2021
This is one of my favorite health/science books so far this year. It's easy to read and packed with information. The author is a respected doctor who helped perform the first heart transplant and has pioneered several heart treatments, plus has published over a hundred medical articles and five books over his career (he's also apparently Dr. Oz's father-in-law), but he writes in a very down-to-earth, easy to understand manner. His advice is simple and makes perfect sense. Chapters deal with how the lymph system is important in preventing/healing heart disease, cancer and much more, with easy steps and supplements listed to help with each issue. A few recipes are provided at the end, along with yoga sequences and information on meditation and other simple ways to further support our lymphatic systems. Highly recommended.

I read a digital ARC of this book via NetGalley.
Profile Image for Sean Carroll.
163 reviews2 followers
February 25, 2023
Fluff. Vibes. Medical words. Did I notice the Dr Oz quote on the front? Nope, I missed that. Did I notice when the author recommended hydrocloriquine on page 34? Yes, I most certainly did. And it made me take every other statement in the book as questionable. In the end this had very little substance and what hard advice the author had was discolored by the recommendations I knew were false.
Profile Image for Rachel.
110 reviews
November 16, 2021
Reinforced practices I already know about. I didn’t learn much because much of lymph works is still unknown since they can’t measure it like they can blood pressure. It also bugged me how many contradictions there were. Don’t eat gluten followed by eat whole grains (most of which contain gluten).

Regardless — move and eat Whole Foods!
Profile Image for Brendasbooksandhobbies.
284 reviews6 followers
December 11, 2025
This was a great book if you’re looking to know more about your lymphatic system and clearing it out so you feel better. There were great tips about diet exercise, and other knowledge about the lymphatic system
Profile Image for Healthypedia.
218 reviews10 followers
October 20, 2023
Learn how to increase your lymphatic flow and bring your health to the next level with the book ‘Lymph & Longevity.’

Within the intricate landscape of our body’s mechanisms lies the lymphatic system, an intricate network made up of delicate tubes that spread throughout our tissues. This system has various crucial functions, such as controlling fluids, fighting harmful bacteria, and dealing with potential cancer threats. Some scientists even call it the ‘Cinderella of medicine’ as it works in disguise for the sake of other parts of our body to function properly.

Recognising the crucial role of the lymphatic system, ‘Lymph & Longevity’ steps forward as a valuable guide. Written by a heart surgeon, this book explores the intricate pathways of the lymphatic system, uncovering its roles in the heart, brain, and immune functions.


Author’s background

Gerald M. Lemole, MD, is an accredited cardiothoracic surgeon, integrative practitioner, and a trailblazer in lymphatic research.

He holds the position of a professor of surgery at both Temple University and Thomas Jefferson Medical College. Notably, Lemole was a crucial team member for the pioneering 1968 US heart transplant. He is an esteemed lecturer at global medical institutions and universities and resides in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania.


What is the book about?

‘Lymph & Longevity’ by Dr. Gerald M. Lemole introduces readers to the lymphatic system’s multifaceted functions, elucidating its direct impact on the cardiovascular, neurological, and immune systems. Dr. Lemole reveals how optimising lymphatic flow can facilitate the body’s efficient removal of toxins and waste materials that contribute to inflammation, injury, and chronic diseases such as cancer, heart and brain conditions.

Structured across ten insightful chapters, ‘Lymph & Longevity’ teaches readers about:

• The pivotal role of the lymphatic system in supporting the circulatory, digestive and immune systems.
• The role of the lymphatic system in managing many conditions associated with ageing, such as brain, heart, and immune diseases.
• Lifestyle techniques ‘to improve your flow’ to minimise chronic inflammation, which is at the root of many conditions related to ageing, low energy, and overall dysfunction.

The underlying message of the book is clear: cultivating a robust lymphatic flow is pivotal for maintaining optimal health. Dr. Lemole compellingly conveys that a thriving lymphatic system contributes to increased resilience against diseases and dysfunctions, while a stagnant or sluggish flow elevates the risk of health complications. Besides providing knowledge, the author provides actionable practices and healthy recipes to improve one’s well-being and vitality by harnessing the lymphatic system.


Five key takeaways from the book

1. Lymph plays a crucial role in the functioning of cardiovascular, neurological and gastrointestinal systems

The lymphatic system plays a pivotal role in our body’s daily health battles, with emerging research highlighting its significance in preventing and mitigating a range of conditions including cancer, heart disease, brain disorders, and gastrointestinal problems. Often referred to as the ‘Cinderella of medicine,’ this underappreciated system encompasses tissues, organs, fluids, and vessels, intricately connected with every major bodily system.

A well-functioning lymphatic system is crucial, as it supports three major systems, including cardiovascular, neurological and gastrointestinal. Lymph sustains the cardiovascular system by aiding the clearance of cholesterol buildup in arterial walls. In terms of neurology, the brain’s glymphatic system, involving lymphatics, facilitates the clearance of toxins and fluids, particularly during sleep. In the gastrointestinal sphere, lymphatics not only clear toxins but also transport nutrients, and disruptions can lead to issues like abdominal obesity, hindering overall health. Recognising the immense impact of lymphatic health, the book underscores that optimal lymphatic flow corresponds to better overall bodily function.

2. Increased lymph flow strengthens the heart

In the chapter ‘Heart,’ Dr. Lemole elucidates the significant role of the lymphatic system in influencing various aspects of heart disease and overall cardiovascular health. The author explains that the root causes of heart disease, such as genetics, ageing, obesity, smoking, and stress, all share a common thread: the influence of the lymphatic system on the blood-cholesterol relationship and the subsequent processes of cholesterol buildup and inflammation that lead to heart attacks, strokes, and chronic heart conditions.

3. A healthy lymphatic system aids the immune system in fighting cancer

One of the most important chapters, ‘Cancer,’ explores the close link between the immune and lymphatic systems, revealing how they team up to fight against the growth of cancer.

Dr. Lemole explains how cancer cells and the immune system interact, showing how cancer cells change their surroundings and immune response, often causing serious problems. The lymphatic flow plays an important role in this process. When lymph does not flow well, immune cells struggle to reach places where there’s cancer. However, a healthy lymphatic system makes the immune response work better.

4. Improved lymphatic flow contributes to better brain health

The lymphatic system also plays a critical role in maintaining cognitive function, especially in cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, which are associated with inflammation due to poor clearance of metabolic toxins.

To maintain brain health, enhancing lymphatic flow is crucial. Exercise, a diet rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, magnesium, and specific supplements like magnesium theorate, phosphatidylcholine, polyphenols, phosphatidylserine, and methylated B complex can aid lymphatic drainage and support cognitive function. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as protecting the microbiome, increasing BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), and incorporating herbal remedies like ginseng and ashwagandha can contribute to better brain health through improved lymphatic flow and toxin clearance.

5. Dysfunctional lymphatic system can lead to obesity

Lymph vessels, working with lipid absorption, are closely linked to fat tissue, regulating immune cells reliant on fat for fighting infection. Dysfunctional lymphatics have been tied to obesity onset. Adipose tissue, once seen mainly as energy storage, now connects to arteries, veins, nerves, and lymphatics. Fat cells release adipokines that affect body fat regulation, carried by the lymphatic system, including adiponectin. In obesity, escaping fats and triglycerides slow gut-to-liver lymph flow, hindering vital molecule transport. This cycle intertwines fat and lymph issues, exacerbating obesity-related health problems.

To address this issue, the author recommends strategies that can combat weight gain and boost lymphatic health. These include whole food consumption and intermittent fasting.


Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews

Strengths:
• The author’s medical background and impressive career lend credibility to the information presented in the book.
• The inclusion of recipes, yoga sequences, meditation suggestions, and fitness tips adds value and practicality to the book.
• A down-to-earth and accessible writing style enhances the reader’s understanding of the subject matter.

Weaknesses:
• The book tends to reiterate practices already familiar to some readers, which could lead to a lack of new insights.
• The presence of contradictory recommendations, such as advocating against gluten consumption while endorsing whole grains that often contain gluten, could be confusing for readers seeking clear guidance.


Best quotes from ‘Lymph & Longevity’

“The lymphatics are where our daily biological battles are won and lost. Research is beginning to show that a healthy lymphatic system has a role in preventing and decreasing not only cancer, but also heart disease, brain problems, gastrointestinal issues, and much more.”

“The gentle stretching of yoga and tai chi systematically move your blood and lymph through their circulation pathways. This has been shown to directly lower blood pressure and stress hormones, so that your lymph vessels will dilate and perform their functions more effciently.”

“For example, not every approach works the same in every single body. Plus, while there is a lot that we do know about how food interacts with the body, there’s also plenty that’s still as murky as a muddy pond. While that makes things difficult to manage, it also means that you have to learn as much as you can – to sift through the argumentative culture of dieting to figure out what is going to work best for you and why.”



Final takeaway

‘Lymph & Longevity’ by Dr. Lemole offers a comprehensive and accessible exploration of the pivotal role of the lymphatic system in overall health. With an authoritative background as a cardiothoracic surgeon and integrative practitioner, Lemole introduces readers to the often-overlooked significance of the lymphatic system in maintaining cardiovascular, neurological, and immune well-being. The insightful chapters provide actionable steps to optimise lymphatic flow, prevent chronic inflammation, and mitigate age-related health complications.

‘Lymph & Longevity’ is recommended for health-conscious individuals seeking a foundational understanding of the importance of lymph and actionable strategies for holistic well-being.
Profile Image for Sarah Buron.
448 reviews3 followers
October 7, 2021
This was an easy read but it didn’t wow me. However, it was fascinating to read more about what our bodies do on a daily basis from the inside that we don’t even think about and our lymphatic system is something to be aware of in regards to preventing/healing disease. Thanks so much to NetGalley and Scribner Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for Alisa.
215 reviews12 followers
June 13, 2021
Lymph and Longevity was an easy read for a science-ish type of book. It is a discussion of our lymph system and how it affects our bodies. It also gives great advice on how to tune it up and give yourself better health and happiness using diet and exercises aimed at moving lymph through our bodies. Our lymph system is a system that we really don't hear about much, and I found it very interesting how important it really is to general health. It is a system that does not have a propeller, so to speak, such as our hearts are to our cardiac system. Our diet, and more importantly, motion are what propel lymph through our bodies.

There is an appendix with recipes that look yummy, I could eat that way, as well as suggestions for how to do mild, beginner yoga. Lots of good advice for people of all sizes and levels of fitness.
37 reviews
January 30, 2024
The book describes a healthy lifestyle more than any information about lymfe.

Rather that they are similar to a ‘river’ that needs to flow.
Profile Image for Samantha Brockway.
3 reviews
February 25, 2025
I enjoy the science of learning about the lymphatic system. I like that this book calls out modern medicine on how we don’t have much conversation around this with health at the doctors and no way of looking at the flow of our lymph. I will say the end kind of takes away the 5 star value for me. Kind of fluff at the end of two chapters but still helpful coaching for some novice I’m sure! Just think this book is already at an intermediate level (maybe higher) and the end doesn’t fit the overall read. But overall great book! I’ve recommended numerous times and read this one 2-4x so far myself to refresh.
Profile Image for Megan Relue.
15 reviews
February 7, 2024
Not my favorite book I’ve read but definitely insightful! Bottom line - move everyday, breathe, and eat whole foods! I don’t believe 1 diet suits all body types but finding what foods fuel and feel good for you is vital to being your most healthy self. I.e. my husband can eat white rice for days while white rice makes me sluggish and bloated. I prefer brown. Find what works for you in every regard. Don’t settle for “I don’t like to workout”. Your body was made to move so go move! Even if it’s just a walk outside.
Profile Image for Surbhi Kumar.
Author 8 books2 followers
March 1, 2025
A comprehensive guide to lymph node and related conditions and common sense treatments to keep the lymphatic drainage flowing. I give it lesser stars as a lot of the information is really related to a good and healthy living that will lead to a clear drainage system thus leading to a long life but nothing in the book made me sit up and take notice and say that I didn’t know that or think of that. It is definitely a good book for anyone just starting to learn about healthy living and lifestyle changes for a better living.
Profile Image for Hal.
668 reviews7 followers
November 12, 2022
A good introductory book on a vital system of our bodies that is still not fully understood by medicine and for most individuals unknown. This book will acquaint you with this part of your body, describe how it works, and how to maintain an optimum performance through it.

Anyone health conscious will benefit from the information imparted here by the good doctor, as he is easy to understand and his advice is on the mark to keep our complete body humming through this hidden engine.
Profile Image for Marie Horning.
484 reviews23 followers
October 12, 2023
Informative about a body system that was rarely taught in my anatomy and physiology courses, and certainly not in great detail. It's our body's transport system for toxins, waste products, and immune cells, so it's important for this "secret river of health" to be flowing efficiently. Lemole describes several ways to optimize our lymphatic system including relaxation techniques, meditation, the Mediterranean diet, supplements, yoga, spirituality and mind-body connection.

However, he could use some improvement on the opening chapters and his physiological explanations of lymph. Even as someone who has a decent understanding of the body, I had a difficult time staying focused on his descriptions. I wonder...were there pictures in the hardcopy of the book? That would have helped.

Lemole also loves corny jokes. He must be a dad. "Thus, when we connect with Source, we can all become “Source-erors.” Why should Harry Potter have all the fun?"
Profile Image for Carolyn.
53 reviews
May 21, 2024
What a terrific book! The author is able to make the Lymph System easy to understand. Since I am 82 and do Yoga most days, I am encouraged to add some fast start ideas to my routine. Diet is the “toughy” for me but good to remember from nature is the best. Who would think you could enjoy the humor in a book called “Lymph & Longevity”
Profile Image for Stacy.
799 reviews
September 5, 2024
Written for a layman audience, I found it a little TOO casual. So much so, I had a hard time even finding the narrative thread of what would make this book unique. Mostly it's filled with recipes, advice and suggestions for exercise, and attempts at humor. I'm not sure why I wanted to read this book to begin with, but I really didn't get anything from it.
Profile Image for Christa Buthelezi.
Author 2 books1 follower
December 5, 2021
All about lymph

A really good overall look at the lymphatic system as it relates to personal health. The author explains in clear language the way the lymphatic system works and then provides clear guidelines as to how to optimize your health.







Profile Image for Chandler Richie.
261 reviews8 followers
November 30, 2022
Very informative, quick read. I got a lot out of this book. I appreciate all of the research and the simple way a lot of the research is explained. Definitely recommend if you like to learn about the lymph system.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
103 reviews6 followers
February 22, 2023
Solid introduction to the role of the lymphatic system. I have a few disagreements with nuances in the nutrition chapter, but overall happy to recommend this book to anyone looking to further understand the lymphatics.
Profile Image for Annette.
197 reviews
August 29, 2023
Excellent explanation for non-medical people on a little known aspect of health with practical advice on how to improve it.
Warning: The COVID medical information is incorrect and the lymphatic system is only one part of the body that's affected by COVID - this section should be deleted.
2 reviews
January 30, 2024
Easy and quick read. It provides great information on what the lymph is and does. There is so little known and this is a great introduction for many trying to understand their immune system better. As with anything, what works for some may not work for other, but worth a read.
Profile Image for Maeve.
172 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2025
I guess the lymphatic system is hard to study? I think it makes sense that good lymphatic flow keeps us healthier and I’ll try some recipes from the back of the book! Didn’t feel like I learned anything revolutionary
1 review
November 1, 2021
This book was clearly written. It answers why we become the people who are aware of how much the sports we do and the food we eat determine our life.
Profile Image for Nancy.
13 reviews
December 3, 2021
Easy and practical read. Wish I had learned this before I learned I had lymphoma/leukemia. Will put the ideas found in the book into practice!
Profile Image for Candice.
176 reviews3 followers
Read
January 12, 2022
Convinced me that taking care of your lymph system is important for health, not quite as convinced on some of the tips to do that.
4 reviews
July 10, 2022
Fácil de ler e dá outro ponto de vista sobre a nossa saúde. Mas o autor repete se por diversas vezes no mesmo capítulo em quase todos os capítulos
Profile Image for Kahlee.
364 reviews
May 12, 2023
I was hoping for a bit more of a science deep dive but still enjoyed this for being a quick, easy read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews

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