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"There is no specific diet for lymphoedema"

Plant-Based Lifestyle

It is claimed that there is no particular diet for lymphoedema and that supplementing with vitamins and minerals is ineffective. However, I passionately believe in personal choices and encourage you to do the same.

 

Every diet under the sun has been discussed by our members at some point, but we haven't explicitly focused on plant-based diets.

 

Personally, I detest the phrase "diet" and would rather focus on healthy living; to me, it's the minor changes in lifestyle that have the biggest impact. I don't consider myself a vegetarian, but I am more of a pescatarian because I enjoy eating fish. I also enjoy eating from a colourful plate of vegetables.

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Vegetables for Roasting

Not a diet,

A lifestyle change

Lacto Vegetarian Diet Image

Lacto Vegetarians

Dairy Foods - exclude eggs, meat, poultry & seafood

What is a Plant-Based Diet?

 

A plant-based diet includes fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, plants including vegetables and wholegrains.  When talking to different people there are various answers as to why people chose a plant-based diet.  There are those who are concerned about animal welfare, others are concerned with the environmental impact of producing food and some may feel social pressure to change their eating habits.  If you are new to plant-based diets what would be in your shopping list?

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  • Fruits: Berries, citrus fruits, pears, peaches, pineapple, bananas, etc.

  • Vegetables: Kale, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, asparagus, peppers, etc.

  • Starchy vegetables: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, etc.

  • Whole grains: Brown rice, rolled oats, quinoa, brown rice pasta, barley, etc.

  • Healthy fats: Avocados, olive oil, coconut oil, unsweetened coconut, etc.

  • Legumes: Peas, chickpeas, lentils, peanuts, black beans, etc.

  • Seeds, nuts, and nut butters: Almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, natural peanut butter, tahini, etc.

  • Unsweetened plant-based milks: Coconut milk, almond milk, cashew milk, etc.

  • Spices, herbs, and seasonings: Basil, rosemary, turmeric, curry, black pepper, salt, etc.

  • Condiments: Salsa, mustard, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, etc.

  • Plant-based protein: Tofu, nutritional/protein sources or powders with no added sugar or artificial ingredients.

  • Beverages: Coffee, tea, sparkling water, etc.

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You will find lots more information on the Vegan Society website

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Supporting your Immune System

Do foods increase swelling?

Image describing food that cause inflammation and anti-inflammatory food

 

Our support group members often ask; “Do the foods we eat make our lymphoedema swelling worse?"

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Every person who lives with lymphoedema suffers from a compromised lymphatic system. Our bodies must work harder to ensure lymph drainage, to maintain health and reduce inflammation.

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There is no simple answer to this. We are aware that eating a plant-based diet supports your immune system, keeps your cells healthy, keeps your body in balance, and aids in infection resistance.

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​How to best manage your lymphedema will depend on your personal preferences. Always, the decision is your own.

 

Nevertheless, L-W-O Community advises keeping a food diary. Doing so will enable you to determine whether there is a trend of increased swelling following one or more foods.

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Guide to nutrition and immunity for all ages

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