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.
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.
Lymphedema happens when the lymphatic system becomes damaged or overwhelmed and can't clear lymph fast enough, so the fluid builds up and causes swelling. Sometimes, an injury or an infection can trigger lymphedema, especially if you have fewer lymph nodes as a result of breast cancer surgery.
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.
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.
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.
Water. Maybe it isn't a food, but it is vital to life. Drink plenty of clean, purified water. Water keeps the lymph fluid hydrated and flowing smoothly.
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.
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.
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.
Primary lymphoedema is caused by alterations (known as mutations) in genes responsible for the development of the lymphatic system (a network of channels and glands distributed throughout the body that help fight infection and remove excess fluid from the body).
If you have lymphedema you can reduce your swelling by incorporating these two strategies; drink enough of water to avoid feeling thirsty and reduce your sodium intake.
Stay well-hydrated by sipping warm purified water throughout the day to help keep your lymph flowing well. Avoid sugar-laden soft drinks, processed juices, sports drinks, and alcohol, which add an additional metabolic burden on the body as well as too much caffeine, which dehydrates the body.
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.
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.
Looking After Your Lymphatic System
Drink plenty of water – Dehydration is one of the most common causes of lymphatic congestion which can further exacerbate existing lymph problems. Drinking sufficient water throughout the day encourages healthy lymphatic function and reduces water retention.
What you can do: Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily, increasing your fluid intake in hot weather or very dry conditions. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which are mild diuretics and reduce the levels of body fluids.
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.
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.
Keep Protein in Your Diet
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.
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.