LYMPHEDEMA DIETS WEIGHT OBESITY

The Lymphedema Diet

There is no "special" diet that lymphedema patients must follow, just because they have lymphedema. If you have no other medical conditions involved, your diet will be fairly normal (healthy diet of course).

If you have a diabetes and lymphedema, then you must adhere to the special dietary rules for diabetes. The same is true should you have coronary problems and lymphedema.

The rules on foods to avoid or consume in moderation are much like
the guidelines given for non-lymphedema people.

1. Restrict high fat foods or high cholesteral foods.
2. Limit sodium intake as it causes fluid retention.
3. Limit or avoid caffeine as it is a natural diuretic
4. Limit or avoid alcohol

Having said that however, I have always been a proponent of vitamins, supplements, good nutrition an, exercise and weight control. It just makes sense whether or not you have lymphedema.

It becomes even more important if you do.

It is well established that stress depletes your body of vitamins and nutrients as it tries to cope with whatever threat you are under, physically and mentally. Once these reserves are depleted, it becomes even more difficult for your "system" to take care of and rejuvenate itself.

These supplements will help give it that extra boost.

I am also a proponent of the concept that it is up to the patient
to take the responsibility for taking care of themselves. This is especially true in lymphedema.

You can not expect doctors too, most of them have no clue anyway about this condition. Therapists are our best friends and do more for lymphedema patients that anyone else in the medical world, but
you shouldn't expect this from them either.

At some point, you must care enough about yourself and your life to step forward. You must understand no one else can take care of you, but you.

It is essential to understand as well, that if you other medical conditions that require a special diet, you must follow that dietary regime.

For example If you have a diabetes and lymphedema, then you must ad here to the special dietary rules for diabetes. The same is true should you have coronary problems and lymphedema.

The best way to help lower your blood cholesterol level is to eat less saturated fat and cholesterol, control your weight and walk or do another physical activity for at least 30 minutes each day. Our plan is based on these simple steps:

Use up at least as many calories as you take in. Be physically active. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week, if not all. Eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods. Eat a diet rich in vegetables and fruits. Choose whole-grain, high-fiber foods. Eat fish at least twice a week. Eat less of the nutrient-poor foods. Limit how much saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol you eat. Choose lean meats and poultry without skin and prepare them without added saturated and trans fat. Select fat-free, 1 percent fat, and low-fat dairy products. Cut back on foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils to reduce trans fat in your diet. Cut back on foods high in dietary cholesterol. Cut back on beverages and foods with added sugars. Choose and prepare foods with little or no salt. If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. Follow the American Heart Association recommendations when you eat out. Read the nutrition facts label and ingredients list. Avoid use of and exposure to tobacco products.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, a healthy diet also includes whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean proteins. Foods high in fat and added sugar should be limited because they are high in calories and can contribute to weight gain and obesity.

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The Important of Weight in the Management of Lymphedema

The importance of weight control in the management of lymphedema cannot be stressed enough. Obesity or morbid obesity can actually cause a secondary form of lymphedema. While it may start as a “temporary” lymphedema the lymphatics can be so damaged that if the weight were lost, the lymphedema would remain. The weight actually crushes and overloads the lymphatics. When this occurs you will also begin experiencing further damaged caused by lymphedema complications such as infections, weeping wounds and fibrosis.

Other reasons for weight control when you have lymphedema is simple mobility and the ability to continue to function and do activities you really enjoy. It is difficult enough with just lymphedema and is profoundly affected by morbid obesity.

For information on obesity and lymphedema. Below are articles that will help in understand what a healhy diet is and the basic foods groups that contribute to that diet.

What causes carbohydrate and other food cravings?

We don't really know enough about all the factors that cause specific food cravings. More research is needed to help understand appetite. Many studies suggest that a decrease in blood sugar stimulates hunger. This might help explain a craving for foods high in carbohydrates, which are a quick energy source.

Other studies suggest that the "mind-mood-food connection" may be explained by decreases in the brain chemical serotonin (sair-oh-TO'nin). Serotonin helps you feel less pain, less anxiety and less stress, so it improves mood by increasing relaxation. Some experts think that people who crave carbohydrates have low serotonin levels. Others caution that these cravings may just be a learned response.

These terms are used in a theory about the relationship between carbohydrate, insulin and appetite. (The body uses the hormone insulin to convert sugar, starch and other foods into energy.) We know that eating carbohydrate raises insulin, which then lowers blood sugar. This causes a desire (or craving) for more food and, in some people, carbohydrate.

Some people advocate severely reducing carbohydrate intake to reduce the insulin response and cravings. Others suggest that choosing carbohydrate-containing foods with a lower glycemic (gli-SE'mik) index also can lower insulin response and appetite. There isn’t enough research in this area for us to know what’s right. Also, individual responses may vary considerably.

What are the potential problems of severely reducing carbohydrate intake?

Diets low in carbohydrate are likely to lack sufficient amounts of essential nutrients found in plant foods that promote good health. People following these diets may not get enough vitamins, minerals and fiber to avoid blood chemistry imbalances, constipation and other health problems.

What's missing if carbohydrate-containing foods are severely restricted?

The American Heart Association recommends choosing a wide variety of foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol. While people need to watch their calorie intake to prevent obesity, they should consume a diet rich in grains (6 or more servings of breads, cereals, rice, pasta and beans) and at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Combined with 2–4 servings of fat-free or low-fat dairy products, most healthy diets will contain at least 50–55 percent of calories from carbohydrates. Diets severely restricted in carbohydrate may be low in components that we need. For instance,

Diets low in grain products are likely to be low in B vitamins and minerals. Whole grains are also rich sources of potassium and fiber.
Low-fat or fat-free milk and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium, protein and riboflavin.
Vegetables and fruits are rich sources of vitamins, minerals and fiber. They may also have other components with health benefits that are still being discovered.

Some experts stress the importance of eating breakfast and at least two other meals a day to help control hunger. People with insulin resistance or diabetes may need to spread their calories out over a whole day by having small meals and 2–3 small snacks. (This can also help reduce hunger.)

Related AHA publications:

An Eating Plan for Healthy Americans
Easy Food Tips for Heart-Healthy Eating (also in Spanish)
Reading Food Labels: A Handbook for People with Diabetes, order from American Diabetes Association (1-800-232-3472)

Detailed Research

AHA Scientific Statement: AHA Dietary Guidelines: Revision 2000, #71-0193 Circulation. 2000;102:2284-2299; Stroke. 2000;31:2751-2766

See also:

When it comes to nutrients, protein hasn't gotten much attention. Like a quiet child in a classroom of rowdies, it's often been overshadowed by fat, carbohydrates, and vitamins. That's changing.

Surprisingly little is known about protein and health. We know that adults need a minimum of 1 gram of protein for every kilogram of body weight per day to keep from slowly breaking down their own tissues. That's about 9 grams of protein for every 20 pounds. Beyond that, there's relatively little solid information on the ideal amount of protein in the diet, a healthy target for calories contributed by protein, or the best kinds of protein.

Around the world, millions of people don't get enough protein. This protein malnutrition leads to the condition known as kwashiorkor. Lack of protein can cause growth failure, loss of muscle mass, decreased immunity, weakening of the heart and respiratory system, and death.

In the United States and other developed countries, it's easy to get the minimum daily requirement of protein. Cereal with milk for breakfast, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch, and a piece of fish with a side of beans for dinner adds up to about 70 grams of protein, plenty for the average adult.

Too little protein is clearly a problem. What about too much? The digestion of protein releases acids that the body usually neutralizes with calcium and other buffering agents in the blood. Eating lots of protein, such as the amounts recommended in the so-called no-carb diets, requires lots of calcium. Some of this may be pulled from bone. Following a high-protein diet for a few weeks probably won't have much effect on bone strength. Doing it for a long time, though, could weaken bone. In the Nurses' Health Study, for example, women who ate more than 95 grams of protein a day were 20 percent more likely to have broken a wrist over a 12-year period when compared to those who ate an average amount of protein (less than 68 grams a day).(2) While more research is clearly needed to define the optimal amount of daily protein, these results suggest that high-protein diets should be used with caution, if at all.

Some of the protein you eat contains all the amino acids needed to construct new proteins. This kind is called complete protein. Animal sources of protein tend to be complete. Other protein lacks one or more amino acids that the body can't make from scratch or create by modifying another amino acid. Called incomplete proteins, these usually come from fruits, vegetables, grains, and nuts.

Vegetarians need to be aware of this difference. To get all the amino acids needed to make new protein--and thus to keep the body's systems in good shape--people who don't eat meat, fish, poultry, eggs, or dairy products should eat a variety of protein-containing foods each day.

Animal protein and vegetable protein probably have the same effects on health. It's the protein package that is likely to make a difference. A 6-ounce broiled Porterhouse steak is a great source of complete protein--38 grams worth. But it also delivers 44 grams of fat, 16 of them saturated. (3) That's almost three-fourths of the recommended daily intake for saturated fat. The same amount of salmon gives you 34 grams of protein and 18 grams of fat, 4 of them saturated. (3) A cup of cooked lentils has 18 grams of protein, but under 1 gram of fat.(3)

The bottom line is that it's important to pay attention to what comes along with the protein in your food choices. If you are partial to beef, stick with the leanest cuts. Fish or poultry are excellent alternatives. Even better options are vegetable sources of protein, such as beans, nuts, and whole grains.

The most solid connection between proteins and health has to do with a common disorder of the immune system. Proteins in food and the environment are responsible for a variety of allergies. These are basically overreactions of the immune system to what should be harmless proteins. Beyond that, relatively little evidence has been gathered regarding the effect of protein on the development of chronic diseases.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration now allows food makers to claim on the labels of low-fat foods containing at least 6.25 grams of soy protein that soy can help reduce the risk of heart disease. (1)

One protein source that has been getting a lot of attention is soybeans. Some research suggests that regularly soy-based foods lower cholesterol, chill hot flashes, prevent breast and prostate cancer, aid weight loss, and ward off osteoporosis.(6) These effects may be due to a unique characteristic of soybeans--their high concentrations of isoflavones, a type of plant-made estrogen.

This research has prompted scads of media reports touting the joys of soy. It also has food makers churning out new soy products that are beginning to move into the mainstream. In Boston, for example, soymilk is now advertised on the radio during Boston Red Sox games, alongside donuts, oil additives, and beer.

As is so often the case, though, many of the claims made for soy go far beyond the available evidence.

Article: National Lymphedema Network

From Oct-Dec 1996 NLN Newsletter, by Saskia R.J. Thiadens, R.N.

Is there any relationship between obesity and lymphedema?

National Lymphedema Network

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Nutrition

During wound healing, as during all illnesses, it is important to provide the body with adequate nutrients and calories. It is suggested that a person needs 30-35 calories/kg/day, 1.25-2 grams protein/kg/day and vitamins. (12) These include a multi-vitamin, vitamin C for collagen (a component of skin) formation, vitamin A for increased cell development, and zinc for wound healing. (12) Zinc will also correct yellow nail syndrome associated with chronic lymphedema.

It should be noted that patients with lymphedema are encouraged to eat enough food and supplemental protein. While the thought may be that decreasing protein intake will decrease the high protein levels in lymph fluid, and thus decrease lymphedema, this is not true. Rather, too little protein may weaken connective tissue and worsen the lymphedema condition. Easily digestible protein, such as chicken, fish and tofu, is advised. (11)

A balanced healthy diet that includes whole grains, fruits and vegetables and fish not only promotes optimal weight, but makes you feel good. Furthermore, a healthy diet can maintain the body's immune system, which will help prevent and treat infections. It is advised to restrict fatty foods or those with high cholesterol, to increase low sodium/high fiber foods, to avoid excessive alcohol and to avoid smoking.

Living with Lymphedema

Weight Loss and Dieting

Dedicated to be an advocacy group for lymphedema patients. Working towards education, legal reform, changing insurance practices, promoting research, reaching for a cure.

Children with Lymphedema

The time has come for families, parents, caregivers to have a support group of their own. Support group for parents, families and caregivers of chilren with lymphedema. Sharing information on coping, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Sponsored by Lymphedema People.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/childrenwithlymphedema/

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Lymphatic Disorders Support Group @ Yahoo Groups

While we have a number of support groups for lymphedema... there is nothing out there for other lymphatic disorders. Because we have one of the most comprehensive information sites on all lymphatic disorders, I thought perhaps, it is time that one be offered.

DISCRIPTION

Information and support for rare and unusual disorders affecting the lymph system. Includes lymphangiomas, lymphatic malformations, telangiectasia, hennekam's syndrome, distichiasis, Figueroa
syndrome, ptosis syndrome, plus many more. Extensive database of information available through sister site Lymphedema People.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/lymphaticdisorders/

Subscribe: lymphaticdisorders-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Food	Serving	Weight in grams	Protein grams	% Daily Value
Hamburger, extra lean	6 ounces	170	48.6	97
Chicken, roasted	6 ounces	170	42.5	85
Fish	6 ounces	170	41.2	82
Tuna, water packed	6 ounces	170	40.1	80
Beefsteak, broiled	6 ounces	170	38.6	77
Cottage cheese	1 cup	225	28.1	56
Cheese pizza	2 slices	128	15.4	31
Yogurt, low fat	8 ounces	227	11.9	24
Tofu	1/2 cup	126	10.1	20
Lentils, cooked	1/2 cup	99	9	18
Skim milk	1 cup	245	8.4	17
Split peas, cooked	1/2 cup	98	8.1	16
Whole milk	1 cup	244	8	16
Lentil soup	1 cup	242	7.8	16
Kidney beans, cooked	1/2 cup	87	7.6	15
Cheddar cheese	1 ounce	28	7.1	14
Macaroni, cooked	1 cup	140	6.8	14
Soymilk	1 cup	245	6.7	13
Egg	1 large	50	6.3	13
Whole wheat bread	2 slices	56	5.4	11
White bread	2 slices	60	4.9	10
Rice, cooked	1 cup	158	4.3	9
Broccoli, cooked	5 inch piece	140	4.2	8
Baked potato	2x5 inches	156	3	6
Corn, cooked	1 ear	77	2.6	5