WHAT IS LYMPHEDEMA?
Lymphedema is a common & serious condition of chronic swelling that can either be primary or secondary. While it can occur anywhere in the body, it is most often in the arms or legs.
Primary lymphedema is caused by congenital malformations of the lymphatic system* and usually affects the lower extremities. It may be present at birth, but more often develops later in life, often in puberty or during pregnancy.
Secondary lymphedema is more common and is the result of surgery, infections, cancer treatment (chemo or radiotherapy) or other sources of damage to the lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes.
Both types of lymphedema have a well-established treatment protocol of physical therapies called Complete Decongestive Therapy.
WHAT IS COMPLETE DECONGESTIVE THERAPY?
Complete Decongestive Therapy is the cornerstone of treatment for lymphedema and it includes:
1.Skin care
2.*Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
3.Compression
4.Exercise
For more information on the above treatments you can visit Yiapanis Physiotherapy and Lympotherapy Center website https://yiapanischristos.com/
IS THERE A “SPECIAL DIET” FOR LYMPHEDEMA?
Though there is no special diet for lymphedema, an accepted nutritional approach in the management of lymphedema is to follow a balanced diet, which in addition to physical activity and exercises promotes weight loss.
Excessive weight contributes to greater demands on the lymphatic systems ability to drain fluid from the tissues; weight control therefore positively affects lymphedema.
A balanced healthy diet including whole grains, fish, fruits and vegetables and avoiding fatty foods will greatly assist in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight without restricting the intake of important nutrients and vitamins.
Although lymphedema is defined as an accumulation of water and protein in the tissues, it is essential to understand that lymphedema cannot be reduced by the limitation of protein ingestion, which can even be potentially dangerous. It is also important not to limit fluid intake in an attempt to reduce the swelling. Good hydration (water) is essential for basic cell function and especially important before and after lymphedema treatment to assist the body in eliminating waste products.
In addition, achieving a good gut health can also benefit lymphedema.
A great and simplified diagram below shows the key nutritional recommendations for lymphedema (by Jean LaMantia, RD)
*The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of toxins, waste and other unwanted materials. The primary function of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph, a fluid containing infection-fighting white blood cells, throughout the body.
*Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a gentle, rhythmical massage treatment performed by a specially trained lymphatic massage therapist to stimulate the circulation of lymph fluid around the body. This helps to rapidly speed up the removal of wastes and toxins from a sluggish lymphatic system. MLD can also help post-surgery or post-traumatic swelling, stress, chronic fatigue, fluid retention, cellulite, can improve wellness and boost immunity