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How the Ketogenic Diet can Assist Women Suffering from Lipoedema.

Lipoedema is a painful hereditary disorder, typically it leads to a pattern of adipose tissue (fat) accumulation from the hips to the ankles, arms, and often other parts of the body. Lipoedema may be found in women of all shapes and sizes, unfortunately this is no respecter of women, but it is more commonly found in women who are suffering from overweight or obesity. Often not realised but 11% of Australian women are affected with this often-debilitating condition.

 

From the medical standpoint there are two main groups of treatment for Lipoedema. The first is nonsurgical. Compression garments don’t affect the fatty tissue much, but they can reduce swelling and discomfort. Low impact exercise like swimming and massage can also help.

The other method is to get rid of the fat cells that cause Lipoedema is with surgical intervention with Liposuction.

The purpose of this article is to introduce and share insights into the benefits of how modifying a diet that has proven benefits can greatly assist those suffering from this condition.

One of the most effective ways to manage lipoedema is through dietary modification, and the ketogenic diet has shown some promising results in managing this condition. In this blog we will discuss the ketogenic diet and how it works and its benefits for women with lipoedema.

Ketogenic Diet

What is the ketogenic diet?

For those unaware of the ketogenic diet, it is it is a high fat moderate protein low carbohydrate diet that puts your body into a state of kurtosis Ketosis. Ketosis is a metabolic state where the body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. When you consume a higher fat and lower carbohydrate diet, your body produces ketones, which are then used as an alternative fuel source for your body and your brain.

 

How does the ketogenic diet help those suffering from Lipoedema.

The ketogenic diet is effective for assisting those suffering from Lipoedema because it addresses several underlying factors that contribute to this condition. These factors include inflammation, insulin resistance, and lymphatic dysfunction.

Firstly, the ketogenic diet is a low carb diet that reduces inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is a key factor in the development and progression of Lipoedema, and reducing inflammation can help manage the symptoms of the condition. When following a ketogenic diet, the body produces fewer inflammatory modules, which can reduce the amount of inflammation in the body.

 

Secondly, the ketogenic diet can improve insulin resistance, which is often present in woman with Lipoedema. Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, which can lead to higher insulin levels in the bloodstream. High insulin levels can cause the body to store more fat, exacerbating the symptoms of Lipoedema. The ketogenic diet helps to low insulin levels by reducing the intake of carbohydrates and promoting the use of fat for energy.

Lastly, the ketogenic diet can improve lymphatic function, which is often appeared in women with Lipoedema. The lymphatic system is responsible ball for removing excess fluid and waste products from the body, and when it is not functioning properly, it can lead to swelling and other symptoms of associated with Lipoedema. The ketogenic diet can improve lymphatic function by reducing inflammation and promoting weight loss both of which can improve lymphatic flow.

 

In Summary the Ketogenic Diet Helps with Lipoedema several ways

 

  1. Reduces Inflammation: Lipoedema is a condition that is associated with chronic inflammation. The ketogenic diet has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, which can help manage Lipoedema symptoms.
  2. Promotes Weight Loss: the ketogenic diet is a low carbohydrate diet promotes weight loss by producing insulin levels and increasing fat burning. Woman with Lipoedema often struggle with weight loss, and the ketogenic diet can help them act achieve their weight loss goals.
  3. Reduces Swelling: life had me is characterised by swelling in the legs, arms and other areas of the body. The ketogenic diet has been shown to reduce swelling in the body by reducing the amount of water retention.
  4. Improves Insulin Resistance: insulin resistance is a condition that is commonly associated with Lipoedema. The ketogenic diet has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, which can help manage insulin resistance.
  5. Improves Lymphatic Flow: the lymphatic system is responsible for removing waste and toxins from the body. The ketogenic diet has been shown to improve lymphatic flow, which can reduce swelling and improve overall health.
  6. Reduced Pain: lymphoedema can be painful condition and the ketogenic diet has been shown to reduce pain in women with this condition.
  7. Improved Quality of Life: lymphoedema can affect a woman’s quality of life, but the ketogenic diet can help manage symptoms improve overall health and well-being.
  8. Improved Body Composition: the ketogenic diet can help women with Lipoedema achieve a healthy body composition by reducing fat mass and increasing lean body mass.

Conclusion

 

Lymphoedema is a painful condition that affects millions of women worldwide. While there is no cure for lymphoedema, the ketogenic diet is shown promising results in the managing this condition. The ketogenic diet can help reduce inflammation promote weight loss reduce swelling, improve insulin resistance, and improve lymphatic flow which can also help manage Lipoedema.

 

References:

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  4. Smit, C. T., & Weitzman, S. A. (2010). Lymphocyte subsets and immunoglobulin levels in lipedema. Archives of Dermatology, 146(3), 308-309. https://doi.org/10.1001/archdermatol.2010.7
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