Published on: January 21, 2020

5 Tips for Living Healthy with Lymphedema in 2020

The start of a new decade brings with it new resolutions to improve one’s life, including a healthier lifestyle. Here are 5 tips to help you live a healthy life while living with lymphedema:

1.  Exercise

Nothing will improve your health faster than beginning to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. Practices that promote joint motion, stretching and strength training will help with circulation and improve lymph vessel activity. Decongestive exercises are essential to do to help manage lymphedema, especially in the early phase of treatment. Here are a few examples of exercises.

2. Healthy Eating

A balanced healthy diet includes whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and fish not only promotes optimal weight but makes you feel good. A healthy diet can maintain the body’s immune system, which will help prevent and treat infections. Eat easily digestible protein such as chicken, fish, and tofu. Restrict eating fatty foods or those with high cholesterol. Also, increase low sodium/high fiber foods. You should avoid excessive alcohol and smoking. Having a well-balanced diet will help you live a healthy life while living with lymphedema.

3. Treat Yourself

Not every task, obligation, or responsibility of the day is enjoyable, so take a moment to do something you love. This might include reading, meditating, taking a nature walk or a spa day, etc. No matter what it is, you should enjoy doing it!

4. Schedule Routine Doctor Appointments

Health professionals can help find and diagnose health issues early, which is very important when you have lymphedema.

5. Invest in New Compression Garments

As a general rule, if your garment becomes easy to put on, it probably needs to be replaced. A loose garment indicates that you are no longer getting the proper amount of compression needed for your condition. Wearing the appropriate compression garment for the prescribed periods of time each day is one of the most important things you can do to take charge of your life. Fresh, new compression garments can help you start the new year with renewed determination and confidence.