The Complete Lymphedema Management and Nutrition Guide by Jean Lamantia, RD and Ann DiMenna, PT, CDT

Lymphedema is abnormal swelling that is caused by a build-up of lymph fluid.  It occurs most frequently in the arms and in the legs and is commonly caused by the removal of or damage to lymph nodes as a part of cancer treatment.  In this scenario, the onset of lymphedema can occur during treatments, days, months or even years after the treatment protocol is completed.

According to the World Health Organization there are over 170 million people world-wide who suffer from secondary lymphedema.  It affects approximately 15% of all cancer survivors and an estimated 30% of those treated for breast cancer after surgery to remove lymph nodes.

Lymphedema is a chronic condition that, if not cared for, can lead to infection, thickening of the skin, pain and loss of proper function.  But with the help of professionals in the field and by learning techniques for self-care it can be managed.

Unfortunately lymphedema is poorly understood and researched.  For this reason the new book entitled:

The Complete Lymphedema Management and Nutrition Guide

Empowering Strategies, Supporting Recipes & Therapeutic Exercises

by Jean Lamantia, RD and Ann DiMenna, PT, CDT

is a great resource for both those suffering from lymphedema and for practitioners.

A Great Resource for those Suffering from Lymphedema and for Practitioners

Scientifically researched and thoughtfully put together, the book is divided in to four sections.

Parts 1 & 2 are authored by Ann DiMenna, PT, CDT.  Parts 3 & 4 by Jean Lamantia, RD.

Part 1: Understanding Lymphedema

This section beautifully lays out the physiology and biology of the lymphatic system as well as addressing Lymphedema Risk Reduction by using an easy to understand narrative coupled with informative visuals.

Part 2: Self-Care for Lymphedema

Self-care management is vital for those with lymphedema.  This section covers the key areas of skincare, self-taping, self-massage and exercise.  It also covers the topic of compression garments very well.

The next 2 sections cover the importance of nutrition for lymphedema management.

Part 3: Nutrition for Lymphedema

This is a very informative section of the book that covers these important topics for lymphedema management:

  • Bodyweight
  • The role of the lymphatics in digestion
  • Reducing Chronic Inflammation
  • Fluids, protein and sodium
  • Supplements
  • Meal Planning

Of note here as well, most of you know that I am a proponent of intermittent fasting.  Included within this section is an interesting notation from Jean about her thoughts on intermittent fasting and possible benefits for managing lymphedema.  She is very clear that her thoughts are speculative, not researched based, but I find the notion thought provoking at the very least.

 Part 4: Recipes for Lymphedema

And to wrap it up, the book contains some wonderful recipes to help the reader implement the nutritional advise that Jean Lamantia  has provided.

As a practitioner who works with patients suffering from lymphedema, I find this book to be a valuable reference.  As a sufferer of lymphedema myself, I know that this book will be of great benefit for those trying to manage this condition.

 

 

 

 

 

How You Can Manage Lymphedema

Lymphedema is the abnormal swelling that is caused by a build up of lymph fluid and most commonly occurs in the arms and in the legs.

According to the World Health Organization there are over 170 million people world wide who suffer from secondary lymphedema.  It affects approximately 15% of all cancer survivors and an estimated 30% of those treated for breast cancer after surgery to remove lymph nodes.

The onset of lymphedema can occur during treatments, days, months or years after the treatment protocol is completed.

Unfortunately lymphedema cannot be cured but it can be managed by employing some or all of the following strategies to encourage movement of the lymph fluid:

Dry Brushing

Contrast Showers

Rebounding

Regular Exercise

Lymphatic Massage

Compression Bandaging

Dry Brushing

The benefits of dry brushing are many and include:

  1. Dead layers of skin being removed and pores unclogged
  2. Blood circulation increased to the internal organs and the skin, which promotes oxygenation and healing
  3. The detoxification qualities of the skin maintained
  4. Hormone and oil-producing glands being stimulated
  5. Nerve endings stimulated in the skin helping to maintain the health of the entire nervous system
  6. Muscle tone assisted and fat deposits more evenly spread

How to Perform a Dry Brush Massage
Use a natural bristle brush with a brush pad about the size of your own hand

Start with the soles of your feet. Brush in a circular motion as you move up your body brushing feet to legs, hands to arms, back to abdomen, and chest to neck. You don’t need to apply a lot of pressure.  Just enough to make your skin feel warm, about 5-10 minutes. The massage is best performed when you wake in the morning and before you go to bed at night.

Contrast Showers

 

Alternating hot and cold showers improves blood circulation, increases cellular oxidation, enhances immunity, strengthens the nervous system and flushes cellular toxins into the blood.

When we shower in hot water for less than five minutes, it has a stimulating effect on our circulation. When we have a cold shower for less than one minute, we stimulate blood flow and metabolism. Cold showers first constrict and then dilate blood vessels. When we finish with a cold shower the following physiological effects happen:

  • Increased oxygen absorption
  • Increased tissue tone
  • Increased white blood cell count improving immunity
  • Increased red blood cell count
  • Decreased blood glucose
  • Heightened metabolism

Rebounding

A rebounder a small trampoline. Jumping on a rebounder 5-10 minutes a day improves the circulation of lymphatic fluid. Muscular contractions push the fluid through the lymphatic vessels. When the muscular contraction is used in combination with deep breathing, lymphatic circulation is enhanced even more. This improves the body’s cancer-fighting ability.

Additional benefits of rebounding include:

  • Gentle massage of the internal organs, including the liver and colon
  • Improved muscle tone
  • Improved digestion, elimination and body detoxification
  • Burning calories
  • Increased energy
  • Improvement in cardiovascular health
  • Stress reduction

Regular Exercise

Exercising, of all kinds, causes muscle contractions encouraging the flow of lymph fluid.  Exercising also:

  • Improves insulin sensitivity
  • Helps manage weight
  • Improves mitochondrial health
  • Reduces stress
  • Improves muscle tone

Lymphatic Massage

Lymphatic drainage massage stimulates the circulation of blood and lymph, moving tissue fluid into the lymph vessels from the tissues.

As a result, lymph drainage massage can help remove toxins and wastes from the tissues. Increased lymph flow will also help with immunity, reduce the risk of infection, and speed the healing of inflammation.

Lymphedema Compression Bandages

Compression bandages help to limit the amount of fluid building up in the limb. When functioning without limitation, there is a constant flow of fluid from the tiny blood vessels into the tissues. This fluid will then be drained by the lymph system. For those with lymphedema, wearing a compression garment reduces excessive or unnecessary flow of fluid from the bloodstream into the tissues.

Lymphedema compression sleeves encourage the fluid within the affected limb to move towards the body where it can drain away more easily. Compression sleeves have a graduated compression, with more at the hand or foot than at the top of the garment.  This directs the fluid to the root of the limb which is either the groin or armpit.

Finally compression garments provide the muscles with a firm resistance to work against improving the function of the lymphatic system and encourage the movement of fluid along the lymph routes.

Summary

Your routine for lymphedema management:

 1)    Make a daily practice out of dry brush massage

2)    Have a contrast shower daily

3)    Use a rebounder four hours weekly; 5 – 30 minutes once or twice daily

4)    Exercise approximately 4 hours per week

5)    Routinely go for lymphatic massages

6)    Wear a compression bandage daily

References

Why You Should Start Dry Brushing Today

Health Benefits of Rebounding

The Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Massage

The Benefits Of Wearing A Lymphedema Compression Sleeve