L-W-O Community

"There is no specific diet for lymphoedema"

We are told that there is no specific diet for lymphoedema and taking vitamins and minerals will not help.  However, I passionately believe in personal choices and encourage you to make your own healthy choices.  Our members at one time or another have probably discussed just about every diet going but we have not specifically concentrated on a Plant-Based diets.  Personally, I hate the word diet and would prefer to concentrate on healthy living, and I find that it is the small changes to life that make a difference.  In the poster we look at the different types of diets that lean towards vegetarianism.  I am more of a Pescatarian because I love fish.

A plant-based diet includes fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, plants including vegetables and wholegrains.  When talking to different people there are different answers as to why people chose this.  There are those who are concerned about animal welfare, others are concerned with the environment impacts of providing food and some may feel social pressure to change their easting habits.  If you are new to plant-based diets what would be in your shopping list?

• Fruits: Berries, citrus fruits, pears, peaches, pineapple, bananas, etc.
• Vegetables: Kale, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, asparagus, peppers, etc.
• Starchy vegetables: Potatoes, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, etc.
• Whole grains: Brown rice, rolled oats, quinoa, brown rice pasta, barley, etc.
• Healthy fats: Avocados, olive oil, coconut oil, unsweetened coconut, etc.
• Legumes: Peas, chickpeas, lentils, peanuts, black beans, etc.
• Seeds, nuts and nut butters: Almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, natural peanut butter, tahini, etc.
• Unsweetened plant-based milks: Coconut milk, almond milk, cashew milk, etc.
• Spices, herbs, and seasonings: Basil, rosemary, turmeric, curry, black pepper, salt, etc.
• Condiments: Salsa, mustard, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, vinegar, lemon juice, etc.
• Plant-based protein: Tofu, temp sources or powders with no added sugar or artificial ingredients.
• Beverages: Coffee, tea, sparkling water, etc.

In this day and age where incomes are limited and organic food is often more expensive, my tip would be to have a small scrubbing brush in the kitchen so that you can buy whatever fruit and vegetables you can afford.  Keep a small nail brush in the kitchen so that when you buy non-organic fruit and vegetables you can wash and scrub them to remove any lurking pesticides or bacteria. There has been a rise in the cases of E Coli.  It has been suggested that this might have come from unwashed fruit and vegetables.

You have enough to deal with so please wash all fruit and vegetables before you use them.

Vitamin D is important for protecting our bone health, supporting our immune system, and helping our bodies build and maintain cells.

The most natural source of vitamin D is sunlight.  However, in the UK and other colder climates the sun may not be able to provide the amounts of vitamin D we need.  Vitamin D is limited in food especially for those on a plant-based diet but sources of vitamin D can be found in fortified cereals, grains, bread, soy, or rice milk.

Dairy Foods - exclude eggs, meat, poultry & seafood

Dairy Foods & eggs but not meat, poultry & seafood

Include eggs but avoid all other animal foods, including dairy

Do not eat any animal products at all, including honey, dairy & eggs.  

WARNING: You need to read labels of all manufactured products as they may contain animal ingredients.

Eat fish and/or shellfish

Sometimes know as Flexitarians

Occasionally eat meat or poultry

"Think of it, as being a lifestyle change rather than a diet".

Page first published November 2020

Updated 29/03/2021