Maintaining a healthy weight

Maintaining a healthy body weight reduces the risk of lymphedema. Talk with your dietitian to determine your range of healthy weight. Here are some suggestions for weight loss:

1. Fill up on fruits and vegetables

2. Choose grilled or baked lean proteins

3. Choose carbs that have fiber like sweet potatoes, beans, brown rice and oatmeal

4. Drinking fewer sugar-sweetened beverages

Ingredients to focus on

Inadequate protein intake may worsen lymphedema, so it is important to consume lean proteins.

Sodium plays a role in fluid balance. There is not enough evidence to support avoiding salt for lymphedema. However, limiting the amount of salt you add to food is often recommended.

The information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care should be made with a healthcare provider.