The Atkins Diet

[RaftingRita]

I know that some of the precautions about lymphedema include not eating too much meat. But, I've put on a few pounds since our rafting trip, and I'd like to get it off.

It seems as if ALL of my friends are on the Atklins diet and I'm thinking about doing it too.

Do any of you have experience (good or bad) with being on this diet? Does it seem to impact your lymphedema?

If you are a therapist reading this message, what would you tell your patient who asked this question?

Thanks for your help!

Rita

[cpthomas]

Hi Rita,

I am a lymphedema therapist, and I am also doing the Atkins Diet right now! Here are a few of my thoughts regarding the diet and lymphedema.

Most people who have lymphedema have learned that the fluid that comprises the edema is a combination of water and protein. This naturally leads to the question "If I eat less protein, will I have less edema?" The answer is no. The dietary protein that you ingest is in no way related to the protein content of the edema. It is two entirely different systems at work.

What can effect the amount of edema you have is weight. Being overweight will cause your body to produce more fluid, thus creating more edema. Being at your optimal weight is one of the best ways to manage lymphedema and prevent worsening.

On a personal note, I have lost 17 pounds on the Atkins Diet in about two months. The best advice I can give anyone who is interested is to pick up the Atkins book, read it all the way through, and follow the guidelines. I have seen people get into trouble with malnutrition by simply going "low carb" all of a sudden. The Atkins book gives a clear rationale for why the diet works, as well as great guidelines about choosing foods as you continue along the weight loss path.

As a therapist, I am thrilled when patients are concerned with their weight and want to take positive steps to change. I would encourage them to get clearance from their physician before starting any diet (to make sure that heart, lungs, kidneys are functioning normally). It's also nice to have a before and after cholesterol, blood pressure, and resting heart rate testing to see if your diet is helping you make the changes you want.

Hope this helps! Please reply if you have more specific questions.


Christine

[tumica]

i did the south beach diet, which is similar to atkins while on it my left leg seemed to go down in size but i didnt stay on the diet very long