What Is The Lipedema Diet?
The Lipedema Diet helps manage the symptoms of lipedema disease. It focuses on pushing the body to use proteins and extra fats for energy to prevent lipedema's inflammation and excessive accumulation of fats [3].
- To follow this diet, you should limit the daily carbohydrate intake to less than 25 grams (It can vary based on health conditions and lipedema level),
- Adjust the balance of proteins and fats, and
- Minimize sugar consumption.
Here are the rules and goals of his diet.
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Rules
- Use anti-inflammatory foods: Prioritize foods with anti-inflammatory properties like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, chia seeds, berries, and leafy greens. Anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce inflammation related to lipedema by easing symptoms [4].
- The fewer carbohydrates the better: Limit the intake of high-carbohydrate foods like processed foods because high-carb foods can cause weight gain and fat accumulation [5].
- Stay hydrated: Hydration supports the lymphatic system to help reduce fluid retention and promote overall health [6].
- Use foods rich in vitamin C: Consume foods that help alleviate specific symptoms related to lipedema like ginger, turmeric, and berries, and foods rich in vitamin C like citrus fruits [7].
- Use less salt: Reducing salt helps manage water retention, which is important for individuals with lipedema who may experience swelling [8].
Goals
- Inflammation Reduction
- Weight Management
- Lymphatic System Support
- Nutrient Provision
- Reducing the Development of Lipedema
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Starting the Lipedema Diet can positively impact many aspects of your health.
Learn More: The Carnivore Diet and Gout: The Best and Worst Meats to Eat
Lipedema Diet Benefits
The Lipedema Diet can help people with lipedema by providing benefits, including:
- Reduced Swelling
- Decreased or Eased Pain
- Weight Loss
- Increased Mental Clarity
Reduced Swelling
The Lipedema Diet focuses on unprocessed foods and limits processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and added sugars. These changes can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is a major contributor to swelling in lipedema [9]. Additionally, staying hydrated helps flush out toxins and reduce swelling.
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Decreased or Eased Pain
Inflammation from lipedema can pressure nerves and cause pain. Reducing inflammation through diet makes it possible to decrease or even eliminate pain for some individuals [10].
Weight Loss
Weight loss is not the primary goal of the Lipedema Diet, but it can lead to weight loss for some people, especially those who are overweight due to high levels of fat. It can have a positive impact on lipedema symptoms by reducing the overall burden on the lymphatic system [11].
Increased Mental Clarity
Sticking to a healthy diet that provides essential nutrients for your body can improve cognitive function and focus. Additionally, reduced pain and improved sleep (which are often achieved through better dietary choices) can cause mental clarity [12].
Along with these benefits, the Lipedema Diet can have some temporary side effects in some individuals, especially at the beginning.
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Learn More: Carnivore Diet and Psoriasis [All You Need to Know]
Downsides of The Lipedema Diet
Some people may experience the following side effects:
- Constipation
- Bad Breath
- Headache
- Muscle Cramps and Weakness
Constipation
Many believe that the Lipedema Diet emphasizes foods with low fiber and it can lead to constipation. But by making the right dietary choices, like eating fruits and veggies after consulting a professional, you will get the needed nutrients you need [13]. Also, staying hydrated will help reduce the probability of constipation.
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Bad Breath
Shifting dietary patterns can change the gut microbiome, which is the community of microorganisms in your intestines. Some of these changes might lead to the overgrowth of bacteria that produce unpleasant-smelling gases, causing bad breath.
Certain fruits and vegetables like apples, celery, and carrots, have natural breath-freshening properties and can be used to prevent this side effect [14].
Headache
Some people reported that they experienced headaches when started the Lipedema Diet. Staying hydrated can control this side effect [15].
Muscle Cramps and Weakness
Following the Lipedema Diet can cause electrolyte imbalances in certain individuals, especially those who have had a different lifestyle for many years. These imbalances can lead to muscle cramps and weakness. To prevent this side effect, you can start the diet under proper guidance from health professionals [16].
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Learn More: The Homeostasis Diet: Everything You Must Know
Although the Lipedema Diet can help manage lipedema disease, it’s not considered a definite treatment but a supplementary approach.