Those with lymphedema should be wary of beverages that contain alcohol and caffeine, both of which can contribute to dehydration. For this reason, coffee and lymphedema do not mix well. Although drinking enough water is essential for those with lymphedema, diuretics — also known as water pills — should be avoided.
Avoid diuretics (“water pills”), alcohol and caffeine.
Alcohol and caffeine could also function like diuretics. They both could dilate the lymph tissue and cause more swelling, and as a result, exacerbate the lymphedema.
Coffee and caffeinated drinks can be consumed in moderate amounts but having an excessive number of them can dehydrate your body thus causing your lymphatic system to clog with toxins and your body to swell.
Avoid tight clothing
Wear loose clothing that doesn't leave marks on your body. You can wear a compression sleeve or stocking but talk to your health care team to make sure it fits correctly. The wrong fit can make lymphedema worse.
Avoid Alcohol, Caffeine and Diuretics
Of course, lymphedema patients should be careful not to drink too much water, which can overwhelm the body and make swelling worse. Those with lymphedema should be wary of beverages that contain alcohol and caffeine, both of which can contribute to dehydration.
On the contrary, foods such as salt, caffeine, omega 6 or 9, alcohol, and sweets exert the opposite effect [32, 49]. Thus, they should be avoided by patients with lymphedema.
Natural foods like dark green vegetables, ginger, citrus fruits, flaxseed, and garlic are ideal for lymphatic cleansing.
Magnesium is a really freaking important mineral that is responsible for everything from blood pressure regulation to your heart rhythm. It's also touted as an anti-inflammatory, and can help reduce some of the symptoms associated with an overworked lymphatic system.
To provide your body with Potassium, avoid refined salt (sodium) and consume more Potassium –rich foods such as raw vegetable salads, potatoes (in skin), watermelon and bananas.
The lymphatic system requires water to flow properly. After all, lymph fluid is primarily composed of water and must be hydrated to function and flow. Drinking at least 1 litre of warm lemon water in the morning is a great way to get the lymphatic system moving to help expel toxins.
Your lymphatic system thrives on potassium-rich foods. Dark leafy greens, broccoli, bananas and seafood, like wild salmon, are some excellent choices to consider.
Deep breathing is helpful for all types of lymphoedema, even head and neck swelling. It works by changing the pressure in your tummy (abdomen) and chest. This encourages lymph to flow back into the blood system. Deep breathing can also help you to relax.
avoiding very hot baths and showers – the heat from saunas, steam rooms and sun beds may increase the swelling. using sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) to prevent sunburn. wearing gloves for gardening and household tasks to avoid cuts if your upper limbs are affected.
Vitamins that support the lymphatic system include, vitamin A, C, E, and B-6. Common herbs that also help include goldenseal, echinacea, and poke root.
Start at the top of your leg. Place one hand on the inside of your leg and one hand on the back of your leg, without straining your wrist, hand or arm. Gently stretch and release the skin from the inside of your leg towards the side of your leg and up towards your hip. Shift your hands lower on your leg and repeat.
Another way ACV helps to detox the body is by breaking up mucus and cleansing the lymph nodes, which allows for better lymph circulation. When your lymphatic system is healthy, it can remove toxins from cells and improve the immune system response.
Drinking warm water not only helps break down food faster, it also supports the lymphatic system and removal of lymph, which carries with it toxic waste released from cells and tissues, from the digestive tracts.
Ginger. Ginger is used in Ayurveda as a universal medicine to support circulatory systems such as the lymphatic, digestive, and respiratory systems. You can use ginger in your cooking, but one of the best ways to incorporate ginger into your daily routine is to steep it in a nice warm tea.
Ginger Massage Oil is a great natural solution for lymphatic drainage. Extracted from natural ginger ginger oil benefits you by relieving swelling & pain.
Diet recommendations for lymphedema are:
– Almond, coconut, and hemp milk are included in the primary list while sweetened dairy milk should be avoided.
Blueberries. Raspberries. All the berries. Berries are so good for your lymphatic system because they are full of antioxidants that help break down blockages in & around your nodes.
Avoid crossing your legs if your legs are swollen. Get some exercise on most days of the week. Increase the intensity of exercise slowly. Water aerobics can help reduce swelling by helping fluid move around.