A healthful diet is an excellent way to help fight inflammation in the body. And given that inflammation is counter-productive for people combatting the effects of chronic lymphedema, it can be helpful for patients to adhere to an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle.
Lymphedema 101
Lymphedema is a chronic condition characterized by swelling and/or discomfort in affected areas of the body. Under ordinary circumstances, the clear fluid that bathes the spaces between the body’s cells (interstitial, or extracellular fluid) drains into local lymphatic vessels, where it is recirculated toward the heart and into the general circulation. This fluid is called lymph when it circulates through the lymphatic vessels.
Top Foods that Fight Inflammation
So, what, exactly does an anti-inflammatory diet look like? For that, we need only look to the Mediterranean diet. Studied for decades, this dietary pattern features plenty of whole foods, including vegetables, herbs, fruit, nuts, legumes, and whole grains. It also features fish. And very little red meat. The primary oil in the Mediterranean diet is olive oil, and some experts believe this may be one of the crucial keys to the healthful effects of the diet.
Tips & Strategies for Managing Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a condition that has no real cure. The goal, then, is to manage and minimize symptoms, and to discourage the progression of the disease. Most people with lymphedema will have received at least some instruction in how to properly deal with their condition.
Factors that Can Make Lymphedema Worse
People living with a diagnosis of lymphedema know they must remain vigilant and take steps to control the symptoms-and progression-of their condition. Most patients will have received instructions about how to don and doff appropriate medical-grade compression wear. They may also have received instructions regarding the role of healthful diet, adequate exercise, and other lifestyle factors in managing this disease.
Integrate Compression Garments with Your Unique Style
So you’ve received a diagnosis of lymphedema. Your healthcare provider will have informed you that lymphedema is your new normal; that it is a chronic condition with no cure. You will have been made aware that you need to accept this condition and learn new ways to manage it. You will probably have been through Complex Decongestive Therapy in the initial intensive treatment phase.
How Do Lymphedema Wraps Work?
Lymphedema is a chronic condition that occurs as a result of a localized lymphatic drainage problem. Such problems may arise in various parts of the body, due to damage from any number of possible causes. Surgery or radiation for cancer treatment is a frequent cause of this damage. A significant percentage of women who undergo surgery and/or radiation therapy for the treatment of breast cancer will experience lymphedema
Can You Benefit from Compression Therapy?
While compression therapy is well-known as a useful treatment practice for Lymphedema and a number of other medical conditions, there are benefits to its use for many people without medical diagnoses. This is especially true if you participate in activities that can cause stress to your joints and connective tissue, or that cause circulation and blood flow problems. Some of these activities might surprise you
Tips for Traveling with Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a chronic condition that patients must work to manage in order to continue living a normal life. Among the various challenges facing lymphedema patients is the issue of how best to prepare for travel. The idea is to make any journey as safe and comfortable as possible, while avoiding anything that might make your symptoms worse.
Lymphedema Education 101
Lymphedema is a condition that develops when lymphatic fluid fails to drain properly through the body’s network of lymphatic vessels, accumulating instead in various tissues, such as the arms or legs. Common sites of lymph fluid buildup include the lower legs, ankles and feet. But lymphedema can occur in any part of the body where fluid circulation has been compromised due to radiation, surgery, trauma, or some other cause.