Lipedema is defined as a “chronic and painful disease characterized by hypertrophy of adipose tissue.” The lipedema diet is an approach that allows patients to take care of themselves and minimize the risks associated with this condition in the future.
The condition is caused by cellular inflammation that leads to a disproportionate growth of adipose tissue in the extremities in a symmetrical pattern, along with vascular alterations in the affected tissue.
Fighting chronic inflammation should be the cornerstone of the necessary lifestyle changes to sustainably control the symptoms and progression of lipedema.
Likewise, controlling excess weight and “healthy” adipose tissue should be objectives of conservative treatment. A combination of exercise and a healthy diet is key to the successful management of this condition.
Unfortunately, the modern Western diet seems to be inevitably moving in the opposite direction, due to excessive intake of sugar, salt, red meat, and preservatives or other chemicals, with the consequent formation of endotoxins and inflammation.
Although diet is not a curative treatment for the disease and lipedematous tissue does not respond to calorie restriction, the implementation of anti-inflammatory diets (RDA, “rare adipose disorders diet”), low in carbohydrates (especially refined carbohydrates) or “low-carb,” and/or rich in proteins (“paleo diet”) usually provides benefits such as reduced pain, weight reduction, decreased inflammation, increased energy levels, and improved mobility. On the other hand, shifting the diet toward these types of foods automatically leads to a reduction in the intake of processed products!
Given that the cause of lipedema is still unknown and that we cannot directly address it, we are left with the option of recommending lifestyle changes and habits such as moderate exercise and a healthy diet, aimed at maintaining weight control, preventing the immobility that occurs in advanced stages of the disease, and improving lymphatic circulation in the extremities.
Learning how to eat properly—knowing which foods to choose and which to avoid in a sustainable, long-term way, as well as understanding which nutritional supplements (vitamins, minerals) may be beneficial and which should be used with caution—helps keep under control a disease whose origin is still unknown, but whose symptoms and progression are well understood.
Each patient must find the diet that best suits their individual circumstances. There is no specific diet for lipedema, but we can offer some basic guidelines that each patient can incorporate into their daily life, bearing in mind that these must be lifelong changes and therefore cannot be extreme or drastic plans.
Regardless of the approach chosen, these diets should share a foundation of fresh, healthy foods that are as natural as possible and easy to digest. Some products such as garlic, ginger, bromelain, turmeric, flavonoids, magnesium, or omega-3 fatty acids should be consulted with a physician beforehand, as they may interfere with medication or coexisting conditions.
Here we offer a practical list of foods and supplements that are beneficial against inflammation, as well as those that are better to avoid:
| Foods with no restrictions (free intake) | Consume in moderation | Avoid or limit intake | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proteins | White fish, fatty fish, organic eggs | Free-range eggs | Processed meats, processed red meat, and factory-farmed chicken and eggs |
| Dairy products | and organic sheep or goat products | Semi-skimmed cow’s dairy products (preferably organic) | Evaporated milk, condensed milk, and ice cream. |
| Legumes | Chickpeas, lentils, and beans (fresh or dried). | ||
| Fats | Extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, cocoa butter, sesame oil, and flaxseed oil. | Margarine, hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats, vegetable oils (sunflower, rapeseed, or palm), and fried foods. | |
| Vegetables | Leafy green vegetables and other colored vegetables (chard, spinach, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, pumpkin, carrot, cucumber), onion, garlic, and mushrooms. | Sweet potato | Potatoes, wheat, and canned vegetables. |
| Grains | Gluten-free flours, buckwheat, millet, rice, and oats. | White wheat (bread, pasta, pizza, cookies, cakes, cereals), couscous, bulgur, and kamut. | |
| Fruits | Berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries), citrus fruits, bananas, cherries, avocado, olives (the latter two in limited amounts), unsalted roasted nuts, and seeds. | Melon, kiwi, grapes, pineapple, mango, apple, pear, plums, and peach. | Dried and canned fruit, fried/salted nuts, and peanuts. |
| Drinks | Green tea, fruit or herbal infusions, naturally decaffeinated coffee or tea, and water. | Homemade smoothies, caffeinated coffee and tea, and red wine. | Fruit juices, liqueurs, alcohol, cider, beer, white wine, sweetened drinks, and energy drinks. |
| Sugars | Refined sugar, sweeteners (natural and artificial), maple and agave syrup, honey, coconut sugar, energy bars, and fruit juices. | ||
| Spices | Spices and seasonings (unsweetened), fresh and dried, pickles, fermented products (kefir, yogurt), and ginger. | Dark chocolate (>70% cocoa). | |
| Nutritional supplements (if necessary) | Omega-3, selenium, magnesium, inulin, turmeric, bromelain. |
If you would like to learn more about specific diets in adipose tissue disorders, you can consult the FDRS 2017 website and the interesting lectures by Dr. Karen Herbst and Chuck Ehrlich, MS, MBA from the Fat Disorders Research Society (www.fatdisorders.org)
We can offer you a personalized pre- and post-WAL surgery nutrition plan in our clinic.
Book your appointment to learn more about lipedema in Barcelona at the Dr. Ana Torres Institute. We will be happy to help you.
