It is not uncommon for patients with lipedema to spend years trying diets, supplements, natural (or not so natural) products, and devices that promise to reduce the volume of their limbs, improve their excess weight, or the appearance of their skin, with results that are, at best, poor or temporary.
The explanation for these failures is simple: lipedema is a chronic inflammatory disease of adipose tissue; it is not a transient condition nor one dependent on diet or exercise (in fact, to date, the only effective way to limit the condition is through water-assisted liposuction – WAL).
However, a deeper understanding of the disease allows us to influence its course in order to help keep symptoms under control: first and foremost is the use of compression garments. In addition, manual decongestive therapy (MDT), through the stimulation of lymphatic drainage, helps reduce fluid accumulation in the limbs and improve symptoms.
Unfortunately, any help is limited when it comes to controlling this rare adipose tissue disorder, which affects nearly 20% of the female population and negatively impacts quality of life from its onset, usually during adolescence, and tends to progress inevitably over time.
However, there are several things we can do to support the effectiveness of decongestive therapies. As with any chronic disease, there are habits and lifestyle changes that should be introduced in order to prevent imbalances and flare-ups, which can occur during periods of hormonal fluctuation.
Since lipedema is an inflammatory condition, we should focus on combating inflammation in a stable, long-term, and natural way through a balanced diet (for example, an RAD diet – rare adipose disorders diet) and exercises that promote proper lymphatic drainage (such as aquagym, yoga, or Nordic walking). In addition, we can effectively give it an extra “boost” with certain nutritional supplements.
There are anti-inflammatory substances that are not part of our usual Western diet, others that we only use as condiments due to their strong flavor, and some found in fruits and vegetables that we do not consume in sufficient quantities, which may be beneficial in this case.
As we have mentioned in previous articles, some anti-inflammatory supplements may interact with medications, and therefore it is always recommended to consult your primary care physician before taking them, even if they are sold over the counter in specialty stores or even supermarkets.
These are some of the supplements you can add to your regular diet if you suffer from lipedema:
Turmeric: Turmeric powder contains, in addition to multiple B vitamins and a high percentage of minerals such as magnesium, potassium, copper, and zinc, up to 10% curcumin, a powerful molecule that combats oxidative stress and inflammation and gives this root its yellow pigment.
Bromelain: It facilitates the digestion of proteins and helps reduce appetite. In addition, it improves circulation by inhibiting the formation of blood clots in the blood vessels. The enzyme found in pineapple helps combat inflammatory prostaglandins in soft and muscle tissues.
Magnesium: Found in cashews, pistachios, dark chocolate, flax or pumpkin seeds, whole-grain bread, and dried figs, it is one of the four most abundant minerals in the human body. Its deficiency is associated with chronic diseases, insulin resistance, and migraines, as it is involved in numerous biochemical reactions and its lack can therefore impair metabolism. For example, higher amounts of magnesium are needed when exercising, as it helps remove lactic acid from the muscles.
Selenium: This trace element is necessary for the formation of antioxidant proteins that combat oxidative stress and is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. It is mainly found in seafood, eggs, Brazil nuts, whole grains, and pine nuts. Only very small amounts of this mineral are needed, and excessive intake can have serious side effects, so in this case, daily recommended amounts should be observed.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids (found in oily fish, walnuts, flaxseed, and chia seeds) should ideally be in a 5:1 ratio with omega-6 fatty acids (found in soybean, corn, sunflower, or peanut oils) to counterbalance their inflammatory effects. Omega-3s activate receptors present in adipose tissue macrophages, preventing the release of inflammatory substances into the surrounding environment.
Our Western diet generally has an inverted ratio of these fatty acids, which is why chronic inflammation is relatively common. If we also add excess adipose tissue, as in the case of lipedema, the proportion of pro-inflammatory macrophages increases. Only with omega-3 supplementation can we help reverse this harmful imbalance resulting from oxidative stress.
Probiotics: These are beneficial bacteria and yeasts that help maintain a healthy and balanced intestinal flora and stimulate the immune system by strengthening the intestinal barrier. In addition, some strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium help reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines in the intestine.
Flavonoids: Flavonoids protect against oxidative damage (free radicals) such as UV rays, environmental pollution, artificial colorings, and preservatives. They help improve arthritis symptoms, enhance vitamin C activity, and fight inflammation. In particular, hesperidin has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, while tannins have astringent, vasoconstrictive, and anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds are found in a variety of fruits, leafy green vegetables… and also in cocoa!**
Butcher’s broom (Ruscus): Known in English as “butcher’s broom,” it helps relieve symptoms of poor venous and capillary circulation, mainly thanks to rutin. It helps reduce the sensation of heavy legs, heat, and swelling. It should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding, nor by children under 12 years of age; therefore, medical advice should be sought before using this extract.
Fermented papaya: It helps prevent cellular oxidation and free radical damage. In addition, this substance enhances cellular metabolism by promoting mitochondrial activity, thereby increasing energy levels. Fermented papaya also supports the body’s natural defenses by increasing interferon levels and activating lymphocytes.
Although you will find a wide range of products on the market, you should take into account the combinations of these and the dosage of each substance.
Below, we show you some of the products we trust. If you cannot find them on the market, request them at our clinic and we will order them for you on a personalized basis.
Nutritional supplements in lipedema:
- Esthechoc (Cambridge Chocolate Technologies)
- ImmunAge (Salengei)
- Revidox ADN (Actafarma)
- Morepa Platinum (Salengei)
- Cúrcuma ( laboratorios Douglas)
Remember that at the Dr. Ana Torres Institute, our plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery center in Barcelona, we are specialists in lipedema, so we can answer all your questions about this condition: book your appointment to learn more about lipedema in Barcelona, we will be happy to help you.
We hope you found this article helpful. Thank you for reading, and see you in the next post!
