Lymphoedema and Diet
Lymphoedema is swelling caused by a build-up of lymph fluid. It can occur after cancer treatment, especially if lymph nodes were removed or damaged during surgery or radiotherapy.
Carrying extra body weight puts more pressure on your lymphatic system and increases the risk or severity of lymphoedema. Even modest amount of weight loss may help reduce swelling and improve L-Dex scores.
There’s no specific “lymphoedema diet,” but a healthy, mostly plant-based diet can help support overall health, reduce inflammation and assist with weight management. Aim to include more of:
Plenty of vegetables and some fruit (fresh, frozen, or tinned)
Whole grains such as brown rice, oats, wholegrain bread or pasta
Healthy proteins like legumes, lentils, tofu, tempeh, nuts and seeds
Calcium-rich foods – such as low fat dairy food, fortified plant milks or yoghurt
Drink at least 2 litres of water a day. Staying hydrated helps support healthy lymph flow.
Exercise counts too. Movement helps lymph flow and supports a healthy weight. An Exercise Physiologist can also help guide on best types of exercise to help with lymphoedema.
What to limit
Processed foods high in salt or added sugars
Highly processed foods, fried foods, high fat and processed meats
Common myths
Low carb diets: not recommended – may strain your lymph system with too much fat and miss key nutrients
Low carbohydrate or low protein diets: not effective – may lead to muscle loss
Alkaline diets: no evidence they help – the body naturally regulates its pH
Need Support?
If you’re living with or at risk of lymphoedema and want expert, personalised nutrition advice, consider booking a consultation with Jane Freeman – ELIA Lifestyle Medicine Centre’s cancer specialist dietitian. Jane can help you tailor your diet to reduce inflammation, support your lymphatic health, and meet your nutrition needs during and after treatment for breast cancer.
At ELIA Lifestyle Medicine Centre, we provide personalised support. Contact us to discover how our team can help you use lifestyle medicine every day to transform your health. To book, or for more information, call ELIA Lifestyle Medicine Centre on (02) 9480 6140, email elialmc@sah.org.au
