Diet for lipedema
introduction
Lipedema is a disorder of fat distribution on the upper and lower legs and in the hip area. In rare cases, the arms are also affected. The occurrence of lipedema is usually symmetrical. Very often they appear as "saddlebags" on the buttocks and hips; if they extend further downwards, one speaks of "suave pants". There is an increased number of pathologically altered fat cells in the affected areas. Lipedema almost exclusively affects girls and women, which is why experts suspect hormonal causes.
Pathological fat tissue proliferation can also occur in other parts of the body, this usually has other causes. Also read our article about Lipomatosis.
How should you feed yourself with lipedema, what should you change?
Lipedema is not about "reserve fat" that arises from being overweight, but about a fat distribution disorder that occurs mainly symmetrically on the thighs and hips as well as on the lower legs. Exercise and a healthy diet are particularly helpful in the preliminary stages of lipedema. Wearing compression stockings can prevent further swelling. Since lipedema does not arise from being overweight like other fat deposits, it cannot be combated with weight loss cures. Nevertheless, weight loss in connection with exercise and compression stockings has a positive effect on lipedema. You should try to set your own body weight to a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 19 and 25 and prevent weight gain. The (vegan) low carb or ketogenic diet are ideal diets to slow the progression of this chronic disease.
In the case of lipedema, it is assumed that the fat cells in the affected areas no longer function properly, due to blockages, inflammation or deficiency, and therefore receive too little energy. An optimal diet is therefore rich in enzymes, contains numerous vitamins, minerals and trace elements, is anti-inflammatory, easy to digest, low in carbohydrates and natural. The digestive organs are spared so that the intestinal flora can regenerate. This also increases the absorption capacity and nutrients are better absorbed. With appropriate nutrition, the blood flows well and the acid-base balance is regulated.
Green, edible plants provide effective health support. Edible plants such as algae, wild herbs (purslane, dandelion, nettle, clover), green leaf salads, green cabbage vegetables (kale, Brussels sprouts, savoy cabbage), broccoli, green leafy vegetables (chard, spinach), carrot greens, beetroot greens and culinary herbs ( Basil, rosemary, oregano, coriander) and green grass juices (barley juice, wheatgrass juice, moringa). In addition, a diet with plenty of fruit, berries, mushrooms, legumes, sprouts, nuts, seeds and healthy fats is important. Healthy fats have a good ratio of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids like flaxseed oil or hemp oil. Virgin olive oil and coconut oil are also considered anti-inflammatory.
You can also find an overview of various diets in our article on the subject Diet.
What role does protein play in diet in lipedema?
Basically, edema is the accumulation of water between the cells in the tissue. In healthy people, the fluid is transported away via the lymphatic and venous system. This functionality is impaired in edema. Edema is divided into high-protein and low-protein edema. Lipedema is a protein-rich edema, in which fat flaps that are littered with dents and are painful develop from lateral water and fat deposits between the buttocks and lower legs without treatment.
A ketogenic diet lowers existing inflammation and inhibits the development of new inflammation. The so-called ketone bodies (compounds that arise from fatty acids) help to eliminate inflammation and lack of energy. Energy is obtained from fat, so to speak. The ketogenic diet is low-carbohydrate, especially high-protein. Protein-containing foods keep you full for a long time and have a positive effect on blood sugar levels. Meat, fish, eggs, milk and dairy products as well as legumes and nuts are particularly high in protein.
Read our article about this Ketogenic Diet - What's Really Good For ?.
Can you eat vegan if you have lipedema?
Optimal nutrition for lipedema is rich in enzymes, contains many vitamins, minerals and trace elements, is anti-inflammatory, easy to digest, low in carbohydrates and natural. Such a diet can be implemented very well vegan. You should get a lot of enzymes and nutrients from your diet, preferably from fresh foods such as raw vegetables. The so-called Superfoods contain high enzyme density and numerous nutrients and vitamins. Green, edible plants such as algae, green leafy lettuce, cabbage vegetables, culinary herbs, etc. contain a high level of stored solar energy. They are particularly rich in nutrients and contain a lot of water.
Green vegetables are very low in calories and at the same time a natural source of protein and have a detoxifying effect. The high fiber content keeps you full for a long time and promotes digestion. It is also helpful to eat lots of vegetables, fruits and berries. Legumes, sprouts, nuts, seeds and healthy fats are important components of a vegan low carb diet. Healthy fats can be found in flaxseed oil, hemp oil, coconut or olive oil. Allowed carbohydrates are obtained from whole grain rice, buckwheat, quinoa and amaranth, millet and almonds.
Also read our article about vegan diet and vegan diet during pregnancy
Anti-inflammatory diet for lipedema
Anti-inflammatory nutrition is said to help reduce chronic diseases at the cellular level. A healthy diet begins with pure drinking water that is rich in minerals and fluoride-free. Avoiding extract flour, refined sugar, animal proteins and low-quality fats should help against acidification. At the same time, a basic diet with antioxidant vital substances such as vitamins A, C, E, trace elements such as copper, selenium, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids helps to avoid chronic inflammatory reactions in the body. An anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce the symptoms of lipedema and slow the progression of the disease.
You can also find information about an alkaline diet in our article on Basica!
