Lymphatic Nutrition Tips

Do you have Lymphedema or Lipedema? Our Certified Lymphedema Therapists Sara Salinas and Sara Randolph put together these nutrition tips to help manage your symptoms.

Increase Water Intake

• Staying Well hydrated is one way you can cleanse your lymphatic system naturally.
• Dehydration (results from not enough water) can lead to impaired lymph drainage.
• Feeling thirsty and darker/concentrated urine are signs of dehydration.
• Drink 64 oz per day (unless otherwise directed by your physician. Amount may vary with hot weather or exercise.
• Find a refillable bottle for your water to track your daily intake.

Decrease Caffeine and Artificial Sweeteners

• Limit yourself to 1-2 cups of caffeinated coffee or tea per day.
• Avoid soft drinks (both diet and regular) due to the artificial ingredients.
• Watch for artificial sweeteners in sugar free items, sweetened water, gum, and coffee sweeteners.

Avoid Face Food, Processed Foods, and Sugar

• If you need to eat away from home, plan to pack your lunch or snacks.
• Refined carbohydrates raise blood glucose levels quickly and can contribute to inflammation.
• Foods to Avoid or Limit:
  • Refined sugar and high fructose corn syrup or corn sugar, including fruit juices.
  • Starchy vegetables like potatoes and corn.
  • Flours like breads, pastas, and cookies.
  • Processed food and fatty meats like hot dogs, cold cuts, and bacon.

Eat Mostly Whole Foods

• Increase Intake:
  • Fruits and vegetables. Eat a variety of colors, in particular dark greens like blueberries, spinach, and broccoli.
  • Lean protein (as long as you don’t have significant kidney problems) like chicken, salmon, and tuna.
  • Beans, seeds, oats, low sodium nuts and nut butter.
• Eat a small amount of Brazil nuts per day (up to 3). They are high in Selenium which has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Supplements that help with inflammation, like turmeric, fish oil, ginger, and garlic.

Increase Fiber

• Increase fiber intake slowly to avoid an upset stomach.
• Inulin is a type of fiber that supports gut bacteria and prevents chronic inflammation.
• Bananas, asparagus, onions, garlic, and barley contain inulin fiber.

Treating Lymphedema and Lipedema

Our Certified Lymphedema Therapists (CLT) can help manage your symptoms. Sara Salinas, PT, CLT-LANA and Sara Randolph, DPT, CLT are available for evaluation and treatment. Give our office a call 317-348-3020 to learn more.