Lymphedema is a lifelong condition, but small daily habits make a big difference in how you feel. Along with compression and therapy, what you eat, how you move and how you care for yourself can help keep swelling under control.
Diet and nutrition
There's no special lymphedema diet, but healthy eating supports your lymph system and your overall health.
Aim for a healthy weight. Extra body weight puts more strain on the lymph system and is linked to worse swelling. Even modest weight loss can help if your doctor recommends it.
Eat whole foods. Fill your plate with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and lean proteins.
Don't cut out protein. Your body needs protein to stay healthy. Cutting it out won't reduce swelling.
Watch the salt. Salty and highly processed foods can make your body hold on to fluid.
Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated doesn't make lymphedema worse. It helps your body work properly.
Limit alcohol. Alcohol can dehydrate you and increase swelling for some people.
Talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian before making big changes to your diet.
Daily self-care habits
Wear your compression as prescribed, every day, and replace garments about every six months.
Care for your skin. Wash gently, moisturize daily and check for cuts, redness or rashes.
Raise the limb when resting. Prop your arm or leg on pillows above heart level when you can.
Do your self-massage. If your therapist taught you self-manual lymphatic drainage, a few minutes daily helps keep fluid moving.
Use your pump if one is prescribed, on the schedule your provider recommends.
Stay active with walking, swimming or the exercises your therapist suggests.
Track changes. Notice if the limb feels heavier or tighter, or if rings, watches or shoes fit differently. Some people measure the limb regularly.
Everyday lifestyle tips
Avoid tight clothing and jewelry on the affected limb, such as tight sleeves, socks with tight bands, rings or watches.
Avoid extreme heat. Hot tubs, saunas and long hot showers can increase swelling.
Plan for travel. Wear compression on long flights or car rides, move often and drink water.
Carry bags on the other side if your arm is affected, or spread the weight evenly.
Sleep well. Rest helps your body recover. Ask about nighttime garments if swelling is worse in the morning.
Avoid smoking, which harms circulation and skin healing.
Caring for your emotional health
Living with a chronic condition can be tiring and frustrating. It's normal to feel self-conscious about swelling or overwhelmed by daily care. Support groups, online communities and counseling can help. Ask your care team for local resources.
How Midwest Compression can help
We're here to make daily care easier, with compression garments, nighttime garments, wraps, donning aids and home compression pumps. Email us at customersupport@midwestcompression.com or call 800-883-1549.
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor or lymphedema therapist about the care plan that's right for you.
