As you’re probably already aware, Lipedema is a progressive condition that affects mainly women, characterised by the accumulation of fat in the legs, hips, and bum, often leading to pain and mobility issues. If you’ve asked yourself ‘Why are my legs fat and my stomach isn’t?’ or ‘Why are my legs so out of proportion with the rest of my body?’ then you could be suffering with Lipedema.
While there is no known cure for Lipedema, various treatments can help manage the symptoms, including lifestyle changes like switching to an anti-inflammatory diet. In this blog post, I’ll explore what I think is the best diet for Lipedema based on research and my own experience.
Below is a breakdown of different diet tips that I find help to keep my Lipedema symptoms at bay and some expert advice from healthcare professionals who specialise in treating Lipedema. Please be aware that every woman’s body is different, and what works for me may not work for you. The best course of action would be to test each of the below for a few weeks and keep track of how you feel and the affect it has on your symptoms.
Anti-inflammatory diet:
Lipedema is associated with chronic inflammation, so eating an anti-inflammatory diet may help reduce your symptoms. Opt for whole, nutrient-dense foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts and seeds. Limit or avoid processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats like trans fats. Many women with Lipedema also cut out gluten because of its inflammatory properties.
Low-carbohydrate diet:
Some lippy ladies find that a low-carbohydrate diet helps reduce swelling and inflammation. This type of diet typically has a higher intake of healthy fats and proteins and less carbohydrates from sources like potatoes, bread, pasta, and rice. With this being said, it’s important to include enough fiber in your diet to maintain good digestive health.
Intermittent fasting:
Some women with Lipedema find that intermittent fasting helps reduce their symptoms. Intermittent fasting involves restricting food intake to a specific period, such as 8-12 hours per day. This can help reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity, which may help lessen Lipedema symptoms. I personally never eat breakfast, so my first meal of the day is at lunchtime, this means all my food is consumed between the hours of 12pm to 6pm.
Sodium restriction:
High sodium intake can lead to water retention and swelling, which can exacerbate Lipedema symptoms. Limiting your sodium intake can help reduce swelling and inflammation according to various sources.
Stay hydrated:
Drinking enough water can help flush out excess fluids and reduce swelling. Aim for at least 2 litres of water per day, you can also drink hydrating beverages like herbal teas or coconut water. If drinking more water seems like a daunting task, start by building it up gradually and it will soon become part of your routine.
So, what is the best diet for Lipedema?
You might not realise that your diet can affect your Lipedema symptoms, but it really can. Changing your diet to be rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods, low in carbohydrates, and limited in salt may help you live your life to the fullest.
Pairing this with preventative measures such as compression garments and MLD massages, could not only alleviate some your symptoms but also stop the progression of the condition. Unfortunately, there is no real cure for Lipedema but certain measures can help stop the progression to other body parts.
Do you follow a specific diet that helps you manage your Lipedema symptoms? What food do you find works for you? Please comment below or send me an email to sophie@lipedemaandme.com, I’d love to hear all about it.
Disclaimer: My blogs talk about Lipedema, diet, surgery and much more. I’m talking from my point of view to help women, and remind them they are not alone. I am not a medical professional, so the content above is from my own perspective with research I have done into the topic. It’s not meant as medical advice, you should always consult your doctor or a specialist for both your diagnosis, and a treatment plan.