Healthy Habits: The Complete Lymphedema Management and Nutrition Guide

Lymphedema significantly impacts the daily lives of approximately 1 million Canadians and 10 million Americans. That’s more than the number that have multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, ALS, Parkinson's disease and AIDS combined. Lymphedema is a condition in which any body part, but most commonly the arms and legs swell with lymphatic fluid. It can be painful, restricting, and life-altering.

Jean LaMantia RD and Ann DiMenna PT, CDT are a registered dietitian and physiotherapist duo that co-wrote the Complete Lymphedema Management and Nutrition Guide. In the guide, they share their expert knowledge of the condition, explaining its link with diet and exercise. With this guide, patients can take control of their symptoms and feel supported and empowered when managing lymphedema.

Together they offer lifestyle adjustments and self-management strategies that may help those living with lymphedema gain control of their conditions, lessen their symptoms and improve the overall quality of their lives.

In this guide, you will find:

• Expert information on underlying causes, symptoms, effective treatments and therapeutic exercises supported by both clinical and scientific research
• Friendly, easy-to-understand approach with 150 step-by-step photographs and illustrations
• More than 50 delicious recipes to support an anti-inflammatory diet

I had a chance to interview the authors to learn more.

How does Lymphedema develop? 

Lymphedema is a disorder characterized by swelling caused by the accumulation of protein rich fluid.  Lymphedema can develop from birth or at any time in a person’s life.   

It occurs due to genetic abnormalities that result in too few lymph nodes or a poorly developed lymphatic vessel system. This is known as primary lymphedema, and while it may be visible at birth in some, in others, the lymphedema swelling unexpectedly appears in a person’s life.

There are many people who develop lymphedema after an injury or infection and this is known as secondary lymphedema. Surgeries, motor vehicle accidents and cancer treatments are some of the more common causes of secondary lymphedema. Whether you have primary or secondary lymphedema, the diagnosis and treatment are very similar. 

Who does is affect?

Lymphedema is more common condition than people realize. It affects an estimated 1 million Canadians and 10 million Americans. This is more than MS, Muscular Dystrophy, ALS, Parkinson's and AIDS combined. Lymphedema can affect people at any stage in the lifespan from babies to seniors. 

How does nutrition make a difference for lymphedema?

The lymphatic system is not just involved in fluid balance and a healthy immune system, it is also an important part of our digestive system. Every time you eat, your lymph fluid increases. What you eat can also influence your lymph flow, especially eating high salt and high fat foods, both of which increase the amount of lymphatic fluid. 

In addition, lymphedema creates low level chronic inflammation in our bodies, which makes and anti-inflammatory diet very important. The time you eat can also play a part as eating before bed, means less time for your lymphatic system to move all the products of digestion. 

How does exercise make a difference for lymphedema?

The lymphatic vessels run throughout the tissues of the body including the skin, tendons, muscles and organs.  Exercise contracts the muscles and moves the joints helping to squeeze the lymphatic vessels and move the lymphatic fluid. This is beneficial in reducing the swelling.

What are some key treatments for lymphedema?

The hallmark treatment for lymphedema is a 4-component treatment plan called Complete Decongestive Therapy which includes; skin care, exercise, manual lymphatic drainage and compression. It's critical that you work with a certified lymphedema therapist to manage your lymphedema as only qualified professionals have the training and expertise to treat lymphedema. 

In addition, working with a registered dietitian and implementing a lymphedema diet plan can help you to enhance your results. While there is no cure for lymphedema, it can improve with consistent care by you and your lymphedema treatment team.