Some foods can exacerbate lymphedema symptoms because of the way they are processed and the additives or high salt content they contain. These foods include added sugars — specifically fructose — refined grains, chemically modified fats and most animal and dairy products.
Dairy products can clog your lymphatic system. If you suffer with fluid retention, sinusitis, post nasal drip, hayfever, asthma or excessive mucus, you may benefit from removing dairy products from your diet; these include cow's milk and all products containing them.
Avoid trauma or injury to the affected area. Avoid heavy lifting with the affected arm. No new tattoos in the affected area. Do not wear tight clothing, bands, shoes, or jewelry on the affected area.
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.
Avoid skin infections, burns, and injuries
Your body responds to infection, burn, or injury to the skin by sending extra fluid and white blood cells to the area. If lymph nodes and vessels are missing or damaged, it's harder for your body to move this extra fluid, which can trigger or worsen lymphedema.
Citrus. Citrus fruits aid hydration, carry powerful antioxidants and enzymes, and help cleanse and protect the lymphatic system.
Raw beets are powerful lymphatic cleansers since they thin the bile for more effective fat digestion and scrub the intestinal villi where the lymphatic vessels originate to keep the lymph flowing. Try fresh raw beet juice or grated raw beets in your salad to enjoy these lymph-cleansing benefits.
Not only does it say that selenium supplements (in the form of sodium selenite) reduce lymphedema volume and increase the efficacy of physical therapy, it even offers a snazzy rationale for it: patients with lymphedema have reduced selenium levels, and these levels further decrease with lymphedema progression.
Diet recommendations for lymphedema are:
– Gluten free grains such as brown rice, oats, quinoa, and wild rice are among the foods one should consume primarily. – Almond, coconut, and hemp milk are included in the primary list while sweetened dairy milk 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.
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.
Dry Brush
Dry brushing involves gently rubbing the skin with a body brush. The lymphatic system runs close to the skin, so stimulation from the brush keeps it flowing well. Since it only takes a few minutes to dry brush just before you shower or bathe, this is one of the fastest ways to cleanse your lymphatic system.
Essential oils can play a part in helping the lymphatic system in a number of ways to support it in its detoxing and microbe-fighting mission. Depending on the oils used, they can detoxify, boost blood circulation and improve lymphatic flow.
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.
This fruit helps cleanse and purify the organs including the liver, improve circulation in your lymphatic system, repair damaged skin, and regulate blood sugar. Apples are the ultimate colon cleanser.
Choose grilled or baked lean proteins, like fish or poultry, and use higher fat meat, like beef and pork, sparingly. Also consider low-sugar Greek yogurt and cottage cheese for versatile lean proteins. Choose carbs like sweet potatoes, beans, brown rice and oatmeal, which have fiber.
Primary lymphoedema is caused by alterations (mutations) in genes responsible for the development of the lymphatic system. The faulty genes cause the parts of the lymphatic system responsible for draining fluid to not develop properly or not work as they should.
Starve lymphedema and lipedema by avoiding added sugars (especially fructose), refined grains (especially grains containing gluten), and chemically modified fats. Limit animal products and high-salt foods. Avoiding dairy (other than kefir and yogurt) appears to help with lipedema.