Nutrition and Diet Page

Just a quickie note to pass on a link to another nutritional information page for lymphedema:

Nutrition and Diet

Step Up Speak Out

Nutrition and depression at the forefront of progress.

Dec 2012

Popa T, Ladea M.

Source

3rd Psychiatric Department, "Alexandru Obregia" Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, Bucharest, Romania.

Abstract

Depression is a debilitating disorder estimated to become the second cause of morbidity worldwide by the year 2020. The limited efficacy of antidepressant therapy, as well as the major negative consequences of this disorder, has stimulated additional research in order to determine possible adjunctive treatments. There is mounting evidence linking dietary patterns to major depression development. This article presents some of the most significant findings concerning the role of nutrition in major depressive disorder. Although more focused and clear results are needed, the correlation between nutrition and mental health is gaining attention. Now, there is evidence supporting the importance of nutrition in maintaining good mental health. We emphasize multiple findings that support adherence to healthy dietary patterns, taking into account that the production of neurotransmitters need, among others, right amounts of nutrients, a lot of which can only be supplied through diet. Not only certain nutrients are needed for proper brain functioning, but also others can be harmful, promoting depression. The Mediterranean diet has been linked to a low prevalence of depression while fast-food consumption has been found to increase the risk of developing and aggravating this disorder, hence the need for nutritional interventions. From the perspective of discovering modifiable risk factors, the role of nutrition in psychiatry could be more important than it was initially considered.

PubMed

Nutritional and cultural aspects of the mediterranean diet.

Jun 2012

Serra-Majem L, Bach-Faig A, Raidó-Quintana B.

Source

Mediterranean Diet Foundation, Barcelona, Spain, and University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Department of ClinicalSciences, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain.

Abstract 

The recent recognition by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) of the Mediterranean diet as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity reinforces, together with the scientific evidence, the Mediterranean diet as a cultural and health model. The Mediterranean diet has numerous beneficial effects on among others the immune system, against allergies, on the psyche, or even on quality of life, topics that are currently fields of research. The Mediterranean diet has an international projection; it is regarded as the healthiest and the most sustainable eating pattern on the planet and is a key player in the public health nutrition field globally, but especially in the Mediterranean area. Moreover, this ancient cultural heritage should be preserved and promoted from different areas: public health, agriculture, culture, politics, and economic development.

PubMed

Nutrition for wound healing.

June 2012

Medlin S.

Source

Torbay Hospital, Torquay, Devon.

Abstract

The importance of the role of nutrition in wound healing is an area that has been widely explored over the last decade. It is well recognised that both macronutrients (protein, fat and carbohydrate) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals and trace elements) play important parts in the healing of both chronic wounds and acute injuries. The term 'wound' encompasses many different situations from leg ulcers to laparostomy wounds. This article provides an overview of the role of different nutrients in the healing of wounds and guidance to nurses on first-line assessments, which can be used to ensure the patient is receiving adequate nutrition for successful wound healing. It will focus on commonly seen wounds in primary and secondary care but will not cover specialist wound management, such as laparostomy sites and burns, as these must always be cared for by experienced and specialist multidisciplinary teams.

Internurse

Integrating Nutrition and Immunology: a New Frontier

Integrating Nutrition and Immunology: a New Frontier.

Nov 2012

Ponton F, Wilson K, Holmes AJ, Cotter SC, Raubenheimer D, Simpson SJ.

Source

School of Biological Sciences and the Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia. Electronic address: fleur_ponton@hotmail.com.

Abstract

Nutrition is critical to immune defence and parasite resistance, which not only affects individual organisms, but also has profound ecological and evolutionary consequences. Nutrition and immunity are complex traits that interact via multiple direct and indirect pathways, including the direct effects of nutrition on host immunity but also indirect effects mediated by the host's microbiota and pathogen populations. The challenge remains, however, to capture the complexity of the network of interactions that defines nutritional immunology. The aim of this paper is to discuss the recent findings in nutritional research in the context of immunological studies. By taking examples from the entomological literature, we argue that insects provide a powerful tool for examining the network of interactions between nutrition and immunity due to their tractability, short lifespan and ethical considerations. We describe the relationships between dietary composition, immunity, disease and microbiota in insects, and highlight the importance of adopting an integrative and multi-dimensional approach to nutritional immunology.

Elsevier

**Because we experience a cell mediated immune dysfunction, it is important for anyone with lymphedema to have an understanding of good nutrition and the effect on the immune system.**

Basic Dietary Rules and Infuence of Nutrition on Lymphedema

Basic Dietary Rules and Infuence of Nutrition on Lymphedema

The currently most effective conservative therapy for lymphedema is Combined Decongestive Therapy or CDT. It consists of Manual Lymph Drainage (Dr. Vodder Method), compression bandaging, special skin care and accompanying physical therapy regime.  Nutrition plays an important medium and long term role within this CDT approach. 

Dietary change to assist therapy “The only thing you are going to lose in a diet is your good mood”, said the German actor Gert Fröbe. If you go about a diet the wrong way, this statement hits the nail on the head. Those persons affected by lymphedema are often and for various reasons not able to select nutrition which would support successful edema management. Instead, they choose nutrition which has the opposite effect. 

The first steps

A long term solution can only consist in a change of diet. First and foremost, there is a need to identify the root causes of lymphedema in each patient and explore whether existing "diet mistakes” prevent optimal therapy. In most cases wrong nutritional habits are due to eating being associated with “rewarding oneself” or "providing relaxation”. It is important to find out about a patient’s eating habits and to identify where to start changing them, as the patient should not return to his or her previous pattern of nutrition. 

An end to excess weight Roughly 1.5 million people in Austria are overweight and roughly 700,000 are obese. Around 1 billion people worldwide are overweight, which is why the World Health Organization has classified obesity as a pandemic. Overweight is one of the main reasons for the development of edema. The accumulated excess fatty tissue allows more body water to be stored. Hence a first step in disease management should be to achieve an appropriate degree of targeted weight loss. In concrete terms this means that patients should plan to lose around two kilograms of body fat each month. 2 kg of body fat correspond to roughly 15,000 kcal. Hence they need to reduce their daily caloric intake by 500 kcal. Slightly more than half a pint of beer (0.33 l) and a small roll with slices of meatloaf contain 500 – 600 kcal. 

Complete article:

Wittlinger Clinic

Editor's Note: This article is for information only and posting of it does not constitute either an endorsement or rejection of the principles mentioned.  Please see your physcian before starting any type of diet, be it for weight or for lymphedema management.

Nutrition and Lymphedema

Nutrition and Lymphedema

Patients affected by lymphedema should try their best to achieve and maintain a reasonable weight in order to reduce the risk factors associated with obesity. 

Is there a Lymphedema Diet?

No, there is no special diet for lymphedema. Patients affected by lymphedema, just like everybody else, should trust their own judgment when it comes to the selection of of a proper diet. If there are no other medical conditions present, such as diabetes or heart disease, a healthy and balanced diet should be the goal.

An accepted approach in lymphedema management is to follow a low-salt and low-fat diet, which also positively contributes to weight management. A balanced healthy diet including whole grains, fish, fruits and vegetables and avoiding fatty foods, or those with high cholesterol will greatly reduce risk factors associated with lymphedema.

Many patients are under the impression that lymphedema may be positively affected by limiting the protein intake. This is not the case – although lymphedema is defined as an accumulation of water and protein in the tissues, it is essential to understand that lymphedema cannot be reduced by the limitation of protein ingestion. It is also important not to limit fluid intake in an attempt to reduce the swelling. Good hydration (water) is essential for basic cell function and especially important before and after lymphedema treatment to assist the body in eliminating waste products.

Read the full text of this excellent article:

Lymphedema Today

Nutrition and Wound Healing

Nutrition and Wound Healing

A very important aspect of helping our bodies heal wounds is our nutritional state of being. Improper nutrition, vitamin deficiencies, mineral or protein deficiencies can all make it more difficult for our bodies to heal itself.

Like so many Lymphedema  people, I personally struggle with this issue.

Why?

Let’s face it, there are several reasons why we may not have proper nutrition.

Factors that effect me are

• Exhaustion

Trying to make myself fix something nutritious to eat when I am totally exhausted is hard. So often, I can barely make it through the day with such limited energy and I am just too exhausted to have the strength to fix a proper meal.

• Pain

I love to cook and have quite a reputation for my culinary abilities, but so much of the time, the pain is so intense that the last thing I want to do is to add to it by standing over a stove.

• Emotions

Discouragement takes a toll too. This is a frustrating condition. One day you are doing great, the next you are slammed with either an infection, unexpected fluid gain and more swelling, a new leaking wound, it seems that we struggle each day against being discouraged because of the lack of knowledge of lymphedema, the fact that there is no cure, the physical limitation we are confronted with. It is a challenge each day to keep our spirits up.

The end result of all this can be an improper diet and poor nutrition.

Read the entire important page:

Lymphedema People Nutrition and Wound Healing

Nutrition in Wound Healing

Nutrition in Wound Healing

During wound healing, as during all illnesses, it is important to provide the body with adequate nutrients and calories. It is suggested that a person needs 30-35 calories/kg/day, 1.25-2 grams protein/kg/day and vitamins. (12) These include a multi-vitamin, vitamin C for collagen (a component of skin) formation, vitamin A for increased cell development, and zinc for wound healing. (12) Zinc will also correct yellow nail syndrome associated with chronic lymphedema.

It should be noted that patients with lymphedema are encouraged to eat enough food and supplemental protein. While the thought may be that decreasing protein intake will decrease the high protein levels in lymph fluid, and thus decrease lymphedema, this is not true. Rather, too little protein may weaken connective tissue and worsen the lymphedema condition. Easily digestible protein, such as chicken, fish and tofu, is advised. (11)

A balanced healthy diet that includes whole grains, fruits and vegetables and fish not only promotes optimal weight, but makes you feel good. Furthermore, a healthy diet can maintain the body's immune system, which will help prevent and treat infections. It is advised to restrict fatty foods or those with high cholesterol, to increase low sodium/high fiber foods, to avoid excessive alcohol and to avoid smoking.

In her article, Living with Lymphedema, Dr. Sabrina S. Selim presents a paragraph on nutrition.

“During wound healing, as during all illnesses, it is important to provide the body with adequate nutrients and calories. It is suggested that a person needs 30-35 calories/kg/day, 1.25-2 grams protein/kg/day and vitamins. (12) These include a multi-vitamin, vitamin C for collagen (a component of skin) formation, vitamin A for increased cell development, and zinc for wound healing. (12) Zinc will also correct yellow nail syndrome associated with chronic lymphedema.

It should be noted that patients with lymphedema are encouraged to eat enough food and supplemental protein. While the thought may be that decreasing protein intake will decrease the high protein levels in lymph fluid, and thus decrease lymphedema, this is not true. Rather, too little protein may weaken connective tissue and worsen the lymphedema condition. Easily digestible protein, such as chicken, fish and tofu, is advised. (11)

A balanced healthy diet that includes whole grains, fruits and vegetables and fish not only promotes optimal weight, but makes you feel good. Furthermore, a healthy diet can maintain the body's immune system, which will help prevent and treat infections. It is advised to restrict fatty foods or those with high cholesterol, to increase low sodium/high fiber foods, to avoid excessive alcohol and to avoid smoking.” See: Living with Lymphedema

See also:

Understanding the role of nutrition and wound healing.

Feb. 2010

Stechmiller JK.

Source

University of Florida College of Nursing, Health Professions, Nursing and Pharmacy Complex, Office 3222, PO Box 100187, Gainesville, FL 32610-0187, USA. stechjk@ufl.edu

Abstract

Optimal wound healing requires adequate nutrition. Nutrition deficiencies impede the normal processes that allow progression through stages of wound healing. Malnutrition has also been related to decreased wound tensile strength and increased infection rates. Malnourished patients can develop pressure ulcers, infections, and delayed wound healing that result in chronic nonhealing wounds. Chronic wounds are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality for many patients and therefore constitute a serious clinical concern.

Because most patients with chronic skin ulcers suffer micronutrientstatus alterations and malnutrition to some degree, current nutrition therapies are aimed at correcting nutrition deficiencies responsible for delayed wound healing. This review provides current information on nutrition management for simple acute wounds and complex nonhealing wounds and offers some insights into innovative future treatments. SAGE Journal

and

Nutritional supplements in critical illness.

Dec 2911

Hayes GL, McKinzie BP, Bullington WM, Cooper TB, Pilch NA.

Source

Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. luehrs@musc.edu

Abstract

Poor nutritional intake during critical illness can contribute to increased morbidity and mortality. Although nutrition strategies for critically ill patients attempt to provide essential macronutrients, recent evidence suggests that certain micronutrients and supplements may improve wound healing and decrease infectious and inflammatory complications. This review will focus on mechanism of action, adverse effects and drug interactions reported in the literature, and appropriate dosing and outcomes data for specific nutritional supplements in various critically ill adult populations. Advanced Critical Care

A Diet for Lymphedema

There is no “special” diet that lymphedema patients must follow, just because they have lymphedema. If you have no other medical conditions involved, your diet will be fairly normal (healthy diet of course).

The rules on foods to avoid or consume in moderation are much like the guidelines given for non-lymphedema people.

1. Restrict high fat foods or high cholesterol foods.

2. Limit sodium intake as it causes fluid retention.

3. Limit or avoid caffeine as it is a natural diuretic

4. Limit or avoid alcohol

Having said that however, I have always been a proponent of vitamins, supplements, good nutrition an, exercise and weight control. It just makes sense whether or not you have lymphedema.

It becomes even more important if you do.

It is well established that stress depletes your body of vitamins and nutrients as it tries to cope with whatever threat you are under, physically and mentally. Once these reserves are depleted, it becomes even more difficult for your “system” to take care of and rejuvenate itself.

These supplements will help give it that extra boost.

I am also a proponent of the concept that it is up to the patient to take the responsibility for taking care of themselves. This is especially true in lymphedema.

You can not expect doctors too, most of them have no clue anyway about this condition. Therapists are our best friends and do more for lymphedema patients that anyone else in the medical world, but you shouldn't expect this from them either.

At some point, you must care enough about yourself and your life to step forward. You must understand no one else can take care of you, but you.

Special Dietary Considerations

It is essential to understand as well, that if you other medical conditions that require a special diet, you must follow that dietary regime.

For example If you have a diabetes and lymphedema, then you must ad here to the special dietary rules for diabetes. The same is true should you have coronary problems and lymphedema.

The Importance of Weight in the Management of Lymphedema

The importance of weight control in the management of lymphedema cannot be stressed enough. Obesity or morbid obesity can actually cause a secondary form of lymphedema. While it may start as a “temporary” lymphedema the lymphatics can be so damaged that if the weight were lost, the lymphedema would remain. The weight actually crushes and overloads the lymphatics. When this occurs you will also begin experiencing further damaged caused by lymphedema complications, such as infections, weeping wounds and fibrosis.

Also, some of the complications involved in obesity lead to edema.

These edema causing complications are congestive heart failure, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, stroke and liver disease.

Other reasons for weight control when you have lymphedema is simple mobility and the ability to continue to function and do activities you really enjoy. It is difficult enough with just lymphedema and is profoundly affected by morbid obesity.

For information on obesity and lymphedema. Our following articles that will help in understanding what a healhy diet is and the basic foods groups that contribute to that diet and help in managing lymhpedema.