Lymphedema is a chronic condition that affects your lymphatic system and causes tissue swelling across your body. It can also make way for additional symptoms that include but are not limited to heaviness, mobility problems, and recurrent infections.
While lymphedema is a treatable condition, it is not curable. This means that if you have developed lymphedema, you need to manage it on an ongoing basis. This helps you handle the symptoms, prevent complications, and live a fulfilling life with your loved ones.
Here are five tips for managing lymphedema to help you through this challenging path.
1. Consider a Healthy Diet
Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the best ways to improve your quality of life. This also holds true for those with lymphedema and who want to prevent larger complications from the condition.
By adopting a diet that is rich in nutrients such as vitamin B6, vitamin C, protein, and zinc, you can manage the health of your immune system and lymphatic system.
You can find these nutrients in everyday ingredients such as chicken, fish, citrus fruits, berries, bananas, and tofu. By adopting a well-rounded diet, you can fulfill a big requirement of managing your lymphedema.
2. Look Into Pneumatic Compression
Pneumatic compression for lymphedema is also an accessible and convenient option. It especially stands out due to having significantly positive effects on lymphedema management on an ongoing basis.
These solutions are available as wearable garments or instruments for different parts of your body. After wearing them on the affected area, you can feel improvements in your swelling, tightness, and mobility issues.
Similar to using an at-home blood pressure monitor, these solutions can be utilized in the comfort of your own residence. This provides you with effective management for lymphedema without stretching yourself thin.
3. Keep Hydrated Throughout the Day
Drinking approximately two liters of water a day can boost your health in a remarkable way. This also applies to lymphedema patients who face issues with essential fluid management in the body.
Having sufficient water intake supports your lymphatic system and helps it steer clear from developing complications. In turn, you can prevent problems such as hardened skin and lack of mobility.
If you face difficulties in keeping track of your water intake, you can invest in a smart water bottle. With app connectivity, these types of bottles can help you adopt this tip with ease.
4. Make Exercise a Part of Your Routine
Similar to diet and hydration, exercise is an effective way to stay healthy. If you have lymphedema, it can also support your lymphatic system and reduce the effects of swollen tissues.
To manage lymphedema, swimming stands out as one of the best exercises. Since swimming puts your whole body to work, it helps you lose weight and increase stamina.
But if you cannot participate in swimming, you can hire an online personal trainer. By discussing your requirements with a qualified trainer, you can find a regime that works for you.
5. Connect With a Specialist
You should also consider seeing a lymphologist to get holistic care and management for your lymphedema. In addition to alternative therapies and lifestyle changes, this step provides you with informed guidance to live with your condition.
You can find qualified lymphologists in your area through hospitals and physicians’ offices. If you see a general physician, they may also recommend you to a specialist.
This step lets you receive timely and skilled advice regarding your lymphedema management. In turn, you can take effective steps while knowing that they come from a place of experience and knowledge.
Living with lymphedema can be a challenge. But with the right support and practices, you can easily overcome its many difficulties. As long as you seek out clinically proven practices and popular alternative therapies, you can live a happy life that isn’t marred by a damaged lymphatic system.
Featured Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels
