Lipoedema and diet - does a diet help to reduce symptoms?

Lipoedema and diet - is there a diet?

Before considering more invasive treatments to alleviate the symptoms of your lipoedema, you should start with conservative steps. Your diet plays an important role as it can both improve and worsen the symptoms of lipoedema. To best reduce symptoms, we recommend following a so-called RAD (Rare Adipose Disorder) diet. This type of diet is basically just a variation of the well-known standard Mediterranean diet that helps you to maintain a low glycaemic index. To achieve this, you should avoid all refined or processed starches and sugars. These are usually found in:

• Noodles
• Rice
• Bread
• Maize
• Potatoes

Avoiding highly processed foods, especially processed carbohydrates, keeps insulin levels low. In turn, keeping insulin levels low gives you the best chance of breaking down fat and reducing inflammatory reactions in the body.

Experts recommend avoiding gluten

Lipoedema experts have also found that avoiding starch alone may not completely prevent symptoms from flaring up. It is also recommended that patients with lipoedema reduce their gluten intake. Some people who are sensitive to gluten don't realise it until they try a gluten-free diet for a few weeks. Gluten is typically found in wheat, rye and barley. While it can be difficult to avoid these common ingredients, it will help reduce symptoms. Instead of gluten-containing foods, focus on those high in omega-3 fatty acids and fibre. Foods you should favour include nuts, beans, fish and whole grains.

Which dietary supplements help to reduce lipoedema symptoms?

Adjusting your diet is not the only measure that can alleviate the symptoms of lipoedema. Adding exercise to your regular dietary programme will also have a positive effect for you. Combining your new exercise programme with a RAD diet and certain supplements will maximise the effect. Adding nutritional supplements and a specific physical training programme to your daily routine should be reviewed by your doctor. Supplements in particular are not always necessary, but can reduce your lipoedema symptoms if you are deficient. These include the following vitamins and trace elements.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3: Lipoedema patients often have a vitamin D deficiency, which plays a crucial role in their immune system. It also supports the strength of bones, muscles and the nervous system. It is recommended that lipoedema patients who are deficient in vitamin D take up to 4 times the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA).

The trace element selenium

Selenium: Selenium is a trace element that can support the metabolism. Selenium can reduce swelling, which is often painful and persistently restrictive for patients with lipoedema. While supplements can be hard to find, selenium is found in high concentrations in Brazil nuts, for example.

The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and lymph-stimulating diosmin

Diosmin: Perhaps the most effective supplement you can take is diosmin, a bioflavonoid commonly found in citrus fruits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and lymph-stimulating properties, which can alleviate symptoms of lipoedema.

Our conclusion on lipoedema and nutrition

The entire LIPOhelp® team is here to help you learn more about the Symptoms and treatment methods in connection with lipoedema. You don't have to fight this restrictive disease alone!

Further information and details for a Personalised nutritional advice you can also find under LIPOhelp® Coach Mellani.