7 Supplements I Take to Improve my Lipedema Symptoms
Plus "What I'm eating (or drinking)" for a yummy drink recipe
When I was first diagnosed with Lipedema, I was told that lifestyle—diet and exercise—could help tremendously. This goes against the repeated “You can’t diet and exercise off Lipedema,” which is true. However, you can develop a conservative care regimen that helps with symptom management.
So, I did a lot of research and got a lot of information from Lipedema specialists about additional supplements best for Lipedema symptoms.
It was overwhelming! There were so many options, but I didn’t want to pay several hundred dollars per month and take a large handful of pills twice per day. I don’t like taking pills in general, so I made a concerted effort to find the most effective supplements to take daily.
My list of supplements is through 2+ years of trial and error (and a lot of $$) to narrow down the best for me. I’ve eliminated the ones that are way beyond my budget and those I didn’t see as helpful.
These supplements are still helpful after my lipo surgeries because I continue to battle edema and fatigue.
Still, I do take a lot of supplements. Seven, to be exact! These supplements stay within my budget and are most effective for my Lipedema and Lipolymphedema.
If you are considering any of these, make sure to talk to a dietician, nutritionist, or even your PCP. Everyone’s body is different, so what works for me may or may not work for you.
Here’s what I take every morning:
1. Guaifenesin
This popular medicine is known under the brand name Mucinex. Usually taken for cold/flu symptoms, it will help bring up phlegm from the lungs. Guaifenesin also helps break up the coagulated protein in adipose tissue, the hard fibrotic areas that cause us pain and swelling. It has been shown to reduce pain and swelling. Guaifenesin has demonstrated significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. It may even have some muscle-relaxing effects.
Guaifenesin can be very expensive. However, I’ve found a generic one that is reasonably priced, which you can find here.
2. PEA—Palmitoylethanolamide
PEA battles inflammation and pain and helps muscle recovery. In fact, for the past 50 years, PEA has been studied extensively and shown to have tremendous benefits, and no documented side effects have been found in over 400 studies. PEA has been proven more effective than some of the most common painkillers.
PEA is often paired with Luteolin, which strengthens the immune system, reduces inflammation, and helps fight cancer.
Dr. Herbst recommended this supplement to help me before and after liposuction surgery. I started before my surgeries and have continued with this supplement because of the varied benefits.
If you’re interested, this brand of PEA+Luteolin, the brands X Gold Health or Rosmolo, are what I’d recommend for quality and lower costs.
3. Vitamin D3
In the area where we live, the months of long gray days deplete our bodies of needed sunshine—Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is well-known as a mood booster. However, it also regulates calcium. It helps your bone, muscle, and nervous system health. It also plays a critical role in your immune system.
In studies, low Vitamin D levels correlate with higher inflammation in the body. It’s a huge immune booster, and research shows how vitamin D decreases inflammation in the body.
I take a general Vitamin D supplement; here’s a link!
4. Magnesium
Magnesium is a vital nutrient that supports various essential functions in the body. It assists in over 300 biochemical reactions, including energy production, muscle function, and DNA synthesis.
Additionally, magnesium exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce inflammation in the body and potentially mitigate the risk of chronic diseases. It also acts as a natural laxative, promoting bowel movement and relieving constipation, improving bone health and optimal nerve function, making it crucial for overall well-being.
You can find Magnesium supplements in any remedy section of pharmacies and grocery stores.
5. Bromelain
After my surgeries, I still had (and still have) lower leg swelling. On one of my post-op check-ins, my surgeon encouraged me to take Bromelain to help with my swelling. I’m still taking this supplement.
This supplement is a type of enzyme called a proteolytic enzyme. It is found in pineapple! Bromelain causes the body to make substances that fight pain and swelling. If you’re searching for a digestion miracle worker, look no further! Bromelain does wonders for your gut, skin, and bones.
6. Selenium
Selenium is a trace element utilized by the human body in selenoproteins. Their primary function is to reduce oxidative stress, essential in lymphedema and lipedema. In addition, selenium deficiency is associated with an impaired immune function. It’s also well-known for its anti-aging benefits.
Dr. Herbst highly recommended this supplement for me, and with the low cost, I easily fit it into my supplement routine. You can find where I get my Selenium here.
You can also get your daily amount of Selenium by eating three Brazilian nuts daily. Be careful when taking this because Extremely high intakes of Selenium can cause severe problems, including difficulty breathing, tremors, kidney failure, heart attacks, and heart failure.
7. Turmeric with Black Pepper
Curcumin is a compound found in the spice turmeric, known for its bright yellow hue. It provides several impressive health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. People with metabolic syndrome who took curcumin had significantly reduced levels of the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP)—a measure of inflammation.
Turmeric comes in pill and powder forms and even works as a food spice. Using powdered turmeric can expand your cooking.
If you’ve never tried turmeric, try a little bit! See if you like it.
What I’m Eating (or drinking)!
Along with the supplement vibe in this newsletter, here is an antioxidant drink recipe called Golden Milk Latte, using powdered turmeric., and mixed with other spices such as cinnamon and ginger. You can drink this hot or cold (it’s summertime, so pour it over ice?). It’s loaded with antioxidants, and it is FILLING!
Here's the recipe to make Golden Milk:
2 Servings of Turmeric Golden Milk Recipe made with Turmeric Powder:
2 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
1 ½ teaspoons ground turmeric powder
½ teaspoon each ground ginger and cinnamon
½ teaspoon of coconut oil (or ghee)
A pinch of black pepper
Maple syrup or date paste to taste (optional)
Mix everything in a small saucepan and cook until it starts simmering. And you’re done! You can drink it hot, let it cool, and pour it over ice.
Take care,
Michelle
do you take all of these supplements daily?? if so do you spread them out over the day or take all at once. It is a lot for me to just swallow tons of "supplements" in a batch or over a whole day, mentally. but I take some. Just curious.