Nutrition and Diets for Lymphedema and Lipedema - What are the Best Kinds?

Nutrition is considered a main and foundation component in the management of any lymphatic disease, including lymphedema and lipedema. Lipedema diet and lymphedema diets are always in the conversation, but things can get confusing with what has been proven to work. In this video, I discuss and share the most important components of nutrition and what kinds of foods can help improve lymphatic health to decrease lymphedema and lipedema.

𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞?

00:00 Intro
00:51 What is best?
01:31 Component #1
03:57 Component #2
05:05 Component #3
06:10 Lipedema
07:07 Other Resources

Other Resources and Books to Learn more:

BOOKS:

Disclosure: Links included in this description may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you. Thank you for your support!

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//𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬:

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

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References:
Rockson S. The lymphatics and the inflammatory response: lessons learned from human lymphedema. Lym Res Biol 2013;11:117-20.

Ghanta S, Cuzzone DA, Torrisi JS, et al. Regulation of inflammation and fibrosis by macrophages in lymphedema. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2015;308: H1065-77.

Cuzzone DA, Weitman ES, Albano NJ, et al. IL-6 regulates adipose deposition and homeostasis in lymphedema. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2014;306: H1426-34.

Rockson SG, Tian W, Jiang X, et al. Pilot studies demonstrate the potential benefits of antiinflammatory therapy in human lymphedema. JCI Insight 2018;3:20.

Chakraborty S, Zawieja S, Wang W, et al. Lymphatic system acts as a vital link between metabolic syndrome and inflammation. Ann NY Acad Sci 2010;1207:E94-102.

Mehrara BJ, Greene AK. Lymphedema and obesity: is there a link? Plast Reconstr Surg 2014;134:154e-60e.

Ribeiro Pereira ACP, Koifman RJ. Bergmann Incidence and risk factors of lymphedema after breast cancer treatment: 10 years of follow-up. Breast 2017;36:67-73.

Ridner SH, Dietrich MS, Stewart B, Armer JM. Body mass index and breast cancer treatment-related lymphedema. Supp Care Cancer 2011;19:853-57

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*I am a physical therapist, but not your physical therapist. Although I do monitor comments, I cannot respond to personal medical questions. Please know that these are questions for your own doctor or provider as this is general information only. Thanks!

DISCLAIMER
THE CONTENT OF THIS VIDEO DOES NOT REPLACE THE CARE OF PHYSICAL THERAPISTS OR OTHER HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS. THIS VIDEO CONTENT IS IN NO WAY TO BE CONSTRUED OR SUBSTITUTED AS PHYSICAL THERAPY OR ANY OTHER TYPE MEDICAL ADVICE, BUT IS FOR GENERAL EDUCATION aND DEMONSTRATION ONLY. THESE MOVES MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR SPECIFIC SITUATION, SO GET APPROVAL AND GUIDANCE FROM YOUR OWN HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE BEGINNING. PERFORM AT YOUR OWN RISK. DON'T USE THIS CONTENT TO SELF-DIAGNOSE OR SELF-TREAT ANY HEALTH, MEDICAL, OR PHYSICAL CONDITION. YOU AGREE TO HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY CANCER REHAB PT LLC FOR ANY AND ALL LOSSES INJURIES, OR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS THAT ARISE FROM YOUR USE OR MISUSE OF THIS CONTENT.ALL CONTENT OR RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE COMPANY’S WEBSITE, SOCIAL MEDIA, BLOG, OR EMAIL SERIES AND CANCER REHAB PT LLC's COMMENTS ARE EXPRESSIONS OF OPINION ONLY.

[CancerRehabPT]

𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐋𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐭?

[andreanease]

Calories in/calories out is bunk. Lost 90 pounds increasing my calories. It was all inflammation and which foods I was putting in. And don’t go by a list of “anti inflammatory foods.” Fish, blueberries, and leafy greens are some of my worse inflammatory foods for me. People need to do an elimination diet to pinpoint their inflammation triggers.this is why people struggle to lose weight. They listen to the calories in/calories out and exercise tips and never make progress. I’d say most people watching these videos would probably benefit from removing all grains and processed sugars. And also look into chemical sensitivities in plants such as lectins, oxalates, etc. Took me a year to figure out my diet.

[magcrew]

I was diagnosticated 1 month ago and I was totally lost inside a tunnel, with your videos finally I can see light at the end.

[shannonford]

I am currently undergoing treatment for lymphedema and lipedema (sorry for the spelling) and have started an anti-inflammatory diet. I didn’t know what it felt like to not be inflamed however the noticeable difference in just a few weeks is huge. Anti-inflammatory diet is here to stay. I feel more engerized helping me be able to work out more, I eat less, I’m losing weight, and I can think so much more clearly as well as the lymphedema and lipodema reducing which is always a good thing.

[terrikaye]

Thanks, I am having lymphedema issues since dec. the morning I woke and found it I called my surgeon she said I was clear for to many years (8) to have that, went to er they thought there was a fracture in my elbow told me to see a dr to have my arm set in a cast. The first one I said saw nothing it was lymphedema, got 2nd opinion he said the same as did my pcp. Went to my surgeon she knew right away they were correct, sent me to therapy which was a joke, she never mentioned a diet, no real exercise, I told her what I did and she said good. She seemed to passive about it. My arm got worse that is when I went on here and found you. Your doing videos have helped me figure out how to do things I already knew but was never told and afraid to try. I know you are merely giving us your thoughts but you have done more for me than anyone has. I will see the therapist and figure out when I should get a sleeve and if need a pump at some point. One thing I learned was a small trampoline 15 minutes twice a day helps. I know we shouldn’t rely on YouTube but I am finding so much more help. Thanks Terri Dallas tx

[mmbmbmbmb]

Watching my Lymphedema progress in spite of not being overweight, despite eating reasonably healthy,
living a fairly balanced, content life, shows me and confirms, that this nasty, devastating ~ and to some
extent debilitating ailment is here to stay whatever knowledge I gain about it.
Listening to you, Kelly, is nevertheless a comfort, because you are not trying to pretend to have all the
answers. What helps me personally is . . . yes gratitude . . . because I am able to accept, what can not
be cured. Grateful for all the things that give me reason to still count my blessings . . . and also grateful
to have found your precious channel. Thank you . . . and all the best to you in these uncertain times.

[nowakezoneforever]

Kelly this is an excellent integration of potential causes and potential solutions for lymphedema and improved lymphatic health. Great job and thank you!!

Btw, it appears you are speaking extemporaneously versus reading a script. This demonstrates your depth and breadth of knowledge regarding these topics. Well done!! You have helped me a great deal.

[LeighannScott]

Thank you for this discussion! As an RD I’m glad to hear more on this topic, and I agree with you - the less inflammatory our diets, the better our health, period.

[kathleenglass]

I just feel hopeless and helpless. I can't quit crying. I hardly eat anymore and I just can't lose weight. I am so thin in my face and stage 3 or 4 in my lower body. I dont go anywhere as im embarrassed to go out. Now I know that disease is incurable and horrible, why go on. Sorry. I feel all your pain too. Thanks for sharing.

[clavo]

Be interesting to hear what Dr. Stanley Rockson of Stanford University Health has to say about diet. He has been applying the NIH techniques for developing a drug to reverse lymphedema.

[paigehallcrystalmessenger]

As a cellular detoxification specialist, I have many clients who are underweight and all muscle. And they are struggling with a stagnant lymphatic system because of scar tissue. And so that is a significant factor in what works for nutrition or not

[virginianeri]

Thank you so much for doing these videos. I have not been exercising for a few years and my Lipedema definitely got worse. I have been watching your videos for almost a couple of week and starting was definitely hard but it is getting easier and its helping me. Are you going to be doing more exercise videos? I really like all of them and especially like certain exercises you do in each. I have a bad knee and its hard to do some of the bending exercises and squatting exercises but I don't want to stop. Also, as far as diet, why is caffeine inflammatory? I did not know that. I have cut out milk and now use only almond milk and have cut my carbs and sugars down about 90% because I drink my coffee still sweetened. I have tried monk fruit and other sweetness and they taste weird. I know I should probably get rid of all the caffeine and it would help knowing why its bad so I can process it.

[jeanlamantia]

Thanks for sharing a link to my book! Great video!!

[PaperMario]

Thank you for the video. Please make more videos about Lipedema.

[MelanieFromCanada]

My comment isn't to 'prove wrong' or argue etc.
But I would like to note that I was never over 140lbs. I quit smoking, watched what I ate and got plenty of exercise. It changed my hormones and triggered my lipedema. I have also heard that using BMI to determine health is antiquated and no longer considered valid.
I also had to laugh a little 'talk with a doctor or nutritionist'. I can't even get a pap test here in Canada because our system is broken. Lol

[timsimon]

I'm 1 week into a restriction diet to cure my lymphatic autoimmune issues. My legs fill with fluid after standing for a while. Gets very bad at the end of the day. Legs very heavy with pitting edema. Been this way for 10 years after coming off another restriction diet too suddenly.

My current diet is organic vegan paleo... no processed foods, no grains, no gluten, no legumes, no corn, no peanuts, no meat, no eggs, no dairy (I'm vegan anyway), no added sugars. All whole foods, plant based, but without the grains and peanuts.

What I eat... sweet potato, most veggies, most fruits, most nuts, tofu, tempeh, kimchi, kefir, kombucha, water. All organic too.

Fixing whatever I did 10 years ago that messed up my gut microbiome, with natural foods and fermented foods.

In 1 week I'm starting to think I'm cured, but don't want to jinx it so early.

I had every test done, lymph tests and scans, heart tests, vein tests and scans, seen doctors, nature paths and allergy specialists with no answers. I tried going gluten free a few times, but it never helped. I'm thinking maybe it was/is peanuts?

[elaineajones]

Keto worked for me, lost 82 pounds between 2020 and 2021 it just flew off. I have stuck to diets for 40 years just like I stuck to this one and to no avail. Then it stopped working though. Still about 50 to 60 lb stayed off up to this date of 2024. But yeah different things work for different people.

[Godz_Girl]

Hi Kelly thank you for your videos. Your information is so good. 😊😊😊😊❤❤❤❤

[maryd]

I would love to get the update on your lymphatic program.I lost lymph nodes because of cancer 😂😂

[Diana-dvsg]

Thank you for this informative video! I had a mastectomy in October 2021. I am happy to say, that so far, I have not developed lymphedema. My arms have always been thin. I appreciate the encouragement you give me to be mindful of my diet.