If you are dealing with excess swelling, Edema and Lymphedema there are certain dietary lifestyles that you may want to look into to promote a healthier body. As a Naturopathic physician I highly encourage all my patients to focus on natural health and wellness. With my Naturopathic training I focus on addressing the root cause of various diseases and illnesses. A big reason why so many people struggle with excess fluid retention is due to their diet.

What is Edema and Lymphedema?

Edema is swelling caused by fluid trapped in your body’s tissues. (1) This swelling occurs due to the body’s natural responses to bumping into something, a sprain, or any other tissue damage that may occur. Lymphedema is a condition that occurs when the lymphatic system is impaired. When there is too much fluid in one area and the lymphatic system is unable to remove it in a timely fashion, swelling arises. (1) These conditions can generally lead to excessive swelling in your arms and legs. It is important to make sure that this swelling doesn’t occur in your body as it can lead to a lot of different health conditions or complications. A great way to start reducing the swelling or trying to prevent it all together is by looking at your diet. Not every lifestyle choice will work for everyone, but here are some that are advised to maintain if you are looking to reduce swelling.

5 Best Lifestyle Diets to Reduce Swelling, Edema, and Lymphedema

#1. Eat a Plant Based Diet to Reduce Swelling

A plant based lifestyle is one of the most powerful ways to reduce swelling and possibly prevent Edema and Lymphedema. This lifestyle can generally help those with excess swelling due to the fact that it avoids products such as meat, dairy, eggs, and any other animal derived products. Those who eat a plant based diet can possibly eliminate some of the potential risks that has been associated with harmful animal fats. (2) Providing your body with the right nutrients and minerals can help manage the fluid in your body, therefore, reducing your risk for Edema or Lymphedema.

#2. Eat a Keto Diet to Reduce Swelling

Keto is a low carb, high fat diet that can offer various health benefits. (3) This is a good lifestyle choice for those who, unlike plant based diets, want to still consume some animal products. However, it is still important to eat organic foods while on Keto to minimize toxic elements that could affect the lymphatic system and its ability to manage your fluid retention.

What is the Lymphatic System?

The lymphatic system performs many functions throughout your body. It is a system of tissues, vessels and organs that work together to move a colorless, watery fluid called lymph back into your bloodstream. (4) It is important to maintain proper function of the lymphatic system due to the fact that it helps move all our fluid around. If it does not work properly, your body could develop Edema, Lymphedema, and other health issues.

#3. Eat a Paleo Diet to Reduce Swelling

A Paleo diet is designed to resemble what human hunter-gatherers ate thousands of years ago.(5) Although no one can really know for sure what humans ate back then it is believed that their diet consisted of whole foods. Similarly to Keto, it is advised to stay closer to the plant based side even if you are consuming animal products to really get all the nutrients and minerals that are vital for our bodies.

Tips on What to Eat on Paleo:

Meat
Fish
Fruits
Vegetables
Seeds and Nuts
Herbs and Spices

It is important to still make sure everything is organic so that you can avoid all of the harmful hormones and pesticides that could be injected into these foods.

#4. Eat Right for Your Blood Type to Reduce Swelling, Edema, and Lymphedema

It is believed that if you follow a lifestyle that is designed for your blood type, you can digest food more efficiently. (6) This lifestyle choice severely depends on your family history and your personal blood type. If you don’t know what yours is, you can run a simple blood test with your doctor. In addition, you can purchase the “Eat Right 4 Your Type” book here for more detailed information on what you should or shouldn’t be eating depending on your test results.

#5. Eat an Anti-Inflammatory Diet to Reduce Edema, Lymphedema, and Swelling

An anti-inflammatory diet focuses a lot on spices, herbs, fresh fruits, vegetables, and any other food source that contains antioxidants. (7) Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or slow down the damage of cells through free radicals or unstable molecules that the body can produce. (8) When you eat a lot of natural, organic foods, it can help improve your body’s functionality, stimulate the lymphatic system, and therefore potentially prevent Edema, Lymphedema or swelling.

Foods To Avoid Eating if You Have Swelling, Edema, or Lymphedema

Not each lifestyle diet will fit everyone’s needs. It is important to know your body and help and help tailor to its needs. Nonetheless, there are certain foods that should be avoided to potentially prevent swelling, Edema and Lymphedema for anyone who is wanting to optimize their health.

Foods to Avoid:

Gluten
Sugar
Salt
Refined-Processed Foods
Alcohol
Foods with hormones, pesticides, herbicides and insecticides

These are all the common denominators that could trigger the swelling in your body or make it worse. If you are interested in learning more about Lymphedema and the foods that you should or shouldn’t eat, download this FREE protocol here for more information.

When it comes to reducing swelling, Edema, and Lymphedema it is important to realize just how big of a role food tends to play. Not every single diet will work for everyone, therefore you need to know more about your own body and what it requires. However, by avoiding the foods listed above along with turning to a professional you can reach your health goals.

If you would like to learn more about swelling, Edema, Lymphedema, and which lifestyle choice you should make, you can make a virtual appointment with me here. You can also sign up for my free newsletter here and receive monthly updates on all health and wellness.