I have lymphedema in both arms, and some days are better than others. Is it aggravated by something I'm eating? Introduction
There is no special diet that will prevent or control lymphedema; however, good nutrition promotes good health and this helps the body manage with the stresses related to lymphedema. When other conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, are present the diet must be adjusted to accommodate the specialized needs of these conditions.
Dietary Protein
Since the fluid associated with lymphedema is protein-rich a question that often arises is, 鈥淪hould I stop eating protein so there won鈥檛 be protein in this fluid?鈥?The answer to this question is, 鈥淣o! Do not stop eating protein. It won鈥檛 solve your problem because proteins are essential nutrients.鈥?br>
Dietary proteins are present in the foods we eat and are important to good health because:
# Proteins are the building blocks of the body.
# Proteins are the only nutrients that can repair worn-out tissue and build new ones.
# Proteins are used by the body in manufacturing hormones.
# Proteins have a role in building antibodies to fight infections.
# Proteins aid the blood in transporting oxygen and nutrients.
# Proteins are essential to the clotting of blood.
When There is a Shortage of Dietary Proteins
The goal for each individual should be to eat the appropriate amount of dietary protein to meet nutritional needs. This protein should come from a variety of sources, not only meat, and include only a minimum of fat.
When there are not enough dietary proteins available to meet the daily needs of the body, proteins are taken from the tissues and muscles to maintain the proper protein level of the blood. A severe shortage of dietary proteins will weaken connective tissues and causes them to swell. This is known as hunger edema and it can be seen in the swollen bellies of starving children.
Seriously restricting the intake of dietary protein in an effort to control the swelling of lymphedema does not help. It has just the opposite effect: It increases the amount of swelling that is present. It also weakens the muscles and other tissues.
Staying Hydrated
The term hydrated describes the state of having adequate fluids in the body. Maintaining this state helps the body remove impurities from the blood and this is important to good health.
Drinking plenty of fluids, particularly water, is essential to maintaining this balance within the body. Cutting back on fluid intake in an effort to reduce the swelling of lymphedema doesn鈥檛 work! Instead of the desired effect, the protein-rich lymph of lymphedema attracts more fluid from the other parts of the body. This can cause increased swelling in the affected area.
Drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day is recommended to maintain good health; however this need increases in hot weather, or in very dry conditions, when the body looses fluids more rapidly.
Being well hydrated, by drinking plenty of water, is particularly important after an MLD or pump treatment because it is necessary to flush out the impurities that were moved during treatment.
Caffeine, which is a mild diuretic, reduces the level of body fluids by encouraging the kidneys to excrete more urine. For this reason caffeine containing substances (coffee, tea, chocolate and many soft drinks) should be consumed only in moderation.
Alcohol also has a diuretic effect that stimulates the kidneys to excrete more water and thereby increasing dehydration.
Eating a Balanced Diet
Eating a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables is recommended for maintaining good general health. It also aids the body in coping with the added stress caused by lymphedema.
High salt foods, which encourage the body to retain fluids, are not part of a recommended healthy diet.
Maintaining Normal Weight
Maintaining the normal weight for your height and age is also an important part of managing lymphedema. The mechanism of how excess fat interacts with the development of lymphedema is not yet clearly understood; however, the relationship between these two factors has been demonstrated. Therefore, reducing excess weight is desirable in preventing or controlling lymphedema.
Vitamins and Supplements
Lymphedema stresses the body systems and research has been established that coping with stress depletes the body of vitamins and nutrients. Therefore having an ongoing adequate supply of essential nutrients is important.
Many experts maintain that an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals can be obtained through a well-balanced diet. Others recommend specific supplements. The decision to take, or not to take, a specific supplement should be made on the basis of as much reliable information as possible.
Studies have been conducted in an effort to prove the effectiveness of herbal supplements, such as horse chestnut; however, to date there is no well documented research that has proven the effectiveness of these substances.
Special Needs
Open sores and infections place even more stress on the body. At such times additional calories and nutrients may be required to help the body fight these conditions.
References
[1] Living with Lymphedema by S. S. Selim, F. Manuel, et al. Published on the Cancer Supportive Care web site.
[2] Silent Waves: Theory and Practice of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy by B. Chickly MD. I.H.H. Publishing, 2001, page 284.
[3] A Primer on Lymphedema by D.G. Kelly. Prentice Hall, 2002 pages 112 and 148.
[4] Living Well with Lymphedema by A. Ehrlich, A, Vinj茅-Harrewijn PT, CLT, and E. McMahon PhD. Lymph Notes. 2005, Chapter 14 鈥淣utrition Tips.鈥?br>
漏 LymphNotes 2006. This information does not replace the advice of a qualified health care professional.
Got a question or comment? Post it in the Self-Care for Lymphedema forum.
Category: Self-Care for Lymphedema Updated: 2006-01-14 Judy
There is no proven diet that helps or does not help lymphedema except to avoid salt and eat healthy, drink alot of water to push out fluids.
I have lymphedema too, I'm a support group owner, 10 year patient and advocate. I have alot of different diet info on my site, and on my yahoo support group. If you'd like to join, please feel free to. We have chats bimonthly, next one is June 5th. |
