Food

[blackcatolja]

Hi people,

I'm diagnosed by Primary Lymphoedema of my right leg. I was wondering do you know what is the best nutrition for this disease? I mean, what food is best for reducing swelling of the affected limb? What is good for my lymphatic system and what is not recommended?

Kind regards

[Juliawoods]

There is a small book called Diet for Lymphoedema by Juliet George which is very good ISBN 978-0-9804547-0-3. However, I found that reducing your intake of carbohydrates to just three 15g portions a day drastically reduced my fluid swelling in my leg, (and the rest of my body which was an bonus!) Coupled together with fast walking/slow jogging worked wonderfully for my Primary Lymphoedema in my lower right leg. Hope this helps.

[BuddhaBabe in reply to Juliawoods]

Hi Julia. I'm Colette. I have an edema of the right ankle, brought on by an insect bite/nettle sting whilst on holiday in Jamaica in 1986. It 'exploded' at the time but went down after a few days. Only flared up in the summer but was fine - until my pregnancy in 1994, where both feet swelled so much I'm now a permanent size bigger. Again, my ankle went down but only flared up (never to go away) in the summer of 2003. I didn't do much exercise until about 4 years but I've always been very lucky with my weight. I do circuit training three times a week, which is very intense, but I find it helps me physically and emotionally. I certainly don't have some of the issues some of the other members have, but I feel it just the same - because it's my issue, I suppose. Sometimes, I feel so unattractive and I find myself wearing jeans/trousers most of the time. Any evening dresses I buy has to have a split (if there is one) on the left side, so I don't show my right ankle. Summer is still not very nice but I still exercise nonetheless.

What I didn't know about was the nutrition side of things, so I suppose, in a very long winded way, I'm saying thank you for the posting. I'm going to look into it. I've always thought that whatever ails us on the outside can be healed, to a lesser or greater extent, from the inside. If this book helps, it's going to be a toughie for me, because I have a penchant for tarte au citron and lemon cheesecake, jelly babies and Roundtrees (specifically) fruit pastilles you would not believe! Sweet tooth, much 😱😄?

Thank you again, Julia.

[naominorthenellis]

I think a clean diet is the best route forward and slightly alkaline to avoid too much inflammation. Drink plenty of water. Most exercise is beneficial as long as you are wearing compression garments. happy to give more advice and let me know if you want an email address. NNE

[blackcatolja in reply to naominorthenellis]

Thank you for answering. I'm very glad that exercise helps because I really like to run and drive a bicycle. If you think of anything else useful let me know. Thank you.

[Zora1959 in reply to naominorthenellis]

Hi Dear

Can I have your email address, please?

[naominorthenellis in reply to Zora1959]

My apologies - I completely overlooked this notification. it is:

[e-mail]

Look forward to hearing from you.

[Jennymary]

Hi, not sure if you are aware if this, but the LSN have produced a fact sheet called Healthy Eating for people with Lymphoedema, just looking at it now it very much general eating advice, but it may be worth you getting a copy through them, hope this helps, good luck, love and hugs to all

[jmns]

garlic...

[Zora1959]

I am suffering from lymphodema in my left arm. My GP said: "Don't worry!"

I am sorry! But, I had to worry because I am the one who suffers and sees changes in my limbs structure and changes eg redness, swell and sores.

I spoke to my nurse who referred me to a therapist. Don't be surprised! I have been waiting since before Christmas.

In terms of food, I made a research online and I don't think there is a specific diet for lymphodema.

You just get on with with some exercise.

However, when I go to swimming for example, the swell gets worse because all the swetting water stays inside and as no access through the skin pores.

I am going to see my GP again this week.

All the best!

[Hidden in reply to Zora1959]

Hi I have lymphoedema in my left arm following lymph node removal for breast cancer. I do swim but be sure to wear a compression sleeve when swimming as this helps. You need to see a Lymphoedema Nurse in order to be fitted with a sleeve. Good Luck!

[aepyornis]

Hi everyone!

Regarding sports: anything with low impact is recommended, as far as I know. I have been recommended by my lymph nurse aquabiking and it is a great help, makes the lymph circulates better and is very gentle about the articulation. Good cardio too.

Regarding nutrition: I am taking selenium and feel it helps (only been 3 weeks though). Not everyone supports it well but I do. I think it is worth a try.

Here is some info (it is about rare adipose disorders but the selenium was tried specifically for lymphoedema): lipomadoc.org/lipedema.html

I also know people who take extra magnesium and find it helpful.