When you do not eat enough protein, fluid can seep from your bloodstream into your tissues, making lymphedema worse. For this reason, you should work healthy protein from seeds, nuts, eggs, legumes, fish, poultry and tofu into your regular diet.
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.
Your lymphatic system thrives on potassium-rich foods. Dark leafy greens, broccoli, bananas and seafood, like wild salmon, are some excellent choices to consider.
Inflammation is by far one of the most outwardly visible symptoms of lymphedema, and there is ample evidence that shows vitamin D deficiency contributes to higher levels of inflammation in the body. Therefore, vitamin D in your system, helps control inflammation.
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.
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.
Epsom salts work magic on the lymphatic system due to their high levels of Magnesium, a mineral known for its anti-inflammatory properties. In combination with the natural diuretic quality of mineral salts and the temperature of the water, Epsom salt baths have been shown to stimulate lymph circulation in the body.
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.
Sometimes, an injury or infection can lead to lymphedema or a lymphedema flare-up — especially if you have fewer lymph nodes as a result of breast cancer surgery. When we injure ourselves or get an infection, the body's tissues can get inflamed.
While there's no cure for lymphedema, making small changes in how you go about your day may help reduce swelling and other symptoms. Small changes to consider include protecting against infection, getting exercise and making small changes in your diet.
Diet recommendations for lymphedema are:
– Almond, coconut, and hemp milk are included in the primary list while sweetened dairy milk should be avoided. – Fermented foods such as kefir, yogurt, pickles, and kimchi provide good bacteria for gut health.
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.
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.
Ginger Massage Oil is a great natural solution for lymphatic drainage. Extracted from natural ginger ginger oil benefits you by relieving swelling & pain.
Detox with ACV
Apple cider vinegar's potassium content helps to break up mucus in the body and clearing the lymph nodes. This also aids in the removal of toxins.
Other anti-inflammatory dietary molecules, such as omega-3, and several spices (turmeric, garlic, and curry leaves) may reduce inflammation and edema [32, 48].
There's no cure for lymphedema. Treatment focuses on reducing the swelling and preventing complications.
In conclusion, the traditional Chinese medical prescription Linba Fang could inhibit the pathological changes caused by lymphedema, including swelling, inflammation, lipid deposition, and fibrosis.
Avoid diuretics (“water pills”), alcohol and caffeine.
They both could dilate the lymph tissue and cause more swelling, and as a result, exacerbate the lymphedema.
The use of olive oil enhances the quality of life of lymphedema patients. Moreover, a diagnostic approach by a NGS panel shows an association of lymphedema with obesity.
There is no cure for lymphoedema, but it is usually possible to control the main symptoms using techniques to minimise fluid build-up and stimulate the flow of fluid through the lymphatic system.