Nutrition in case of lipedema

Introduction

Lipoedema is a fat distribution disorder of the thighs, lower legs and hips. In rare cases the arms are also affected. The occurrence of lipedema is usually symmetrical.

Very often they appear as “riding pants” on the buttocks and hips, and if they extend further downwards they are called “suaven pants”. At the affected areas there is an increased number of pathologically altered fat cells. Almost exclusively girls and women are affected by lipedema, which is why experts suspect hormonal causes. Abnormal fat tissue proliferation can also occur in other parts of the body, which usually has other causes.

How should you feed with a lipedema, what should you change?

Lipedema is not a “reserve fat” caused by overweight, but a fat distribution disorder that occurs mainly symmetrically on the thighs, hips and lower legs. Sports and a healthy diet are particularly helpful in the preliminary stages of lipedema. Wearing compression stockings can prevent further swelling.

Since lipedema does not develop from overweight like other fat deposits, it cannot be combated with slimming cures. Nevertheless, weight loss in combination with sport and wearing compression stockings has a positive effect on lipedema. You should try to adjust your body weight to a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 19 and 25 and prevent weight gain.

The (vegan) low carb or ketogenic diet is an ideal way to slow down the progression of this chronic disease. Lipoedema is a condition in which the fat cells in the affected areas no longer function properly, due to blockages, inflammation or deficiency, and therefore do not receive enough energy. Therefore, an optimal diet is rich in enzymes, contains numerous vitamins, minerals and trace elements, is anti-inflammatory, easily digestible, low in carbohydrates and natural.

It is easy on the digestive organs, 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 effectively support health. Especially valuable are 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 green, beetroot green and kitchen herbs (basil, rosemary, oregano, coriander) and green grass juices (barley juice, wheat grass juice, moringa). In addition, a diet rich in 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 such as linseed oil or hemp oil. Virgin olive oil and coconut oil are also considered anti-inflammatory. An overview of different diets can also be found in our article on dieting.