Lymphedema is a chronic condition that causes fluid buildup in the lymphatic system. And if you read most anything put out by the Western medical community, it tells you there’s not much you can about. But that’s not my experience, thankfully! Through a significant amount of trial and error, I’ve found natural lymphedema treatment methods that have reversed mine quite a bit and continue to keep it at bay.
While it has recurred a small amount—recently, it seemed to be in response to the COVID vaccine, my continued efforts still keep it very mild.
But since mine is in my left leg primarily (with some swelling in my right leg and left hand occasionally), I have learned that movement is vital. And that makes sense, as the entire lymphatic system is powered by only one thing: You. We have to move our bodies to get the lymph moving. If we stop too much, we are not helping and making things worse.
So obviously, part of lymphedema treatment is a bit of lifestyle redesign.
The Hazards of Sitting Too Much For Lymphedema
My lymphedema is incredibly sensitive to movement. If I, for some reason, don’t get out and walk or do something active at least twice a day, I will feel the fluid start to accumulate more in my leg.
But then again, I now look at it as a “good” problem. With lymphedema, there’s no worrying about motivation to stay active. You HAVE to. So I’m 56 and literally in the best shape of my life. Thank you, strange disease. It’s a weird world, isn’t it?
Anyway….yes, movement is essential. One issue I dealt with early on is I love to read. I just adore sitting down with a book on a weekend and getting engrossed.
Sadly, I had to give that up.
Enter Audiobooks and Podcasts
Thankfully I found audiobooks and podcasts. I now love podcasts as great ways to make a more boring walk or even a treadmill workout on lousy weather days more enjoyable.
Podcasts are everywhere these days, and the price is right….the vast majority are free. Several apps will manage those for you on your phone and automatically keep everything updated. Or, if you use a music app, it may also have access to many great podcasts covering almost any interest level.
Audiobooks are the best replacement I’ve found for real books. I love reading novels, but being out walking and listening to them can transform the most boring walk into something enjoyable. In fact, you’ll often find yourself looking forward to your next workout so you can find out what happens next. J
Even Better, Focus on Learning More About Health
I am a healthy eater today–plant-based–and love to eat that way. And I am active too. But it didn’t always come naturally. What allowed me to change my health was a lot of reading about nutrition and the benefits of prioritizing activity. Really, it was a switch from feeling like I’d like to lose weight and get in shape to finding much bigger reasons to eat healthfully and move more. When I was finally able to a hike, bike ride, or walk was a reward, not something I had to do, it changes your quality of life pretty dramatically…or at least it did for me!
So if you’re inclined, listening (or reading) about health can help you improve things without forcing yourself. Not overnight, no, but real changes are made because you change your thinking, not because you force yourself to diet or follow some dry workout plan.
Or that may work for some people, but ideally, you need to want to do it. You exercise preferably outside to clear your head and get in nature and have fun. You eat healthy because you get to enjoy your food without guilt (and of course, part of that is perfecting the cooking part, so you love your healthy food).
Here are some things to listen to that have helped motivate me….in case it might motivate you too.
Free Podcasts
Nutrition Facts – Evidenced Based Nutrition Podcast
This is a podcast series by Dr. Michael Greger. He is animated and has a good sense of humor, so it is entertaining. Plus, it is fascinating stuff…he has a team that reviews tens of thousands of research reports on nutrition, exercise and other topics to find out what really works.
Of course, there are many (many) podcasts out there on almost every topic you can think of. If nutrition stuff doesn’t appeal, find something else that does.
Podcasts are also great for work-related listening. You can find many free topics where you can learn while you get in your daily steps.
Just google “podcasts on ________________” and unless the topic is incredibly obscure, you’re likely to see many options to try out.
Audio Books
When it comes to audiobooks, there are many out there as well. These, however, are not free. Then again, it’s not much different than buying a book.
On the fitness and health front, here are some that have been highly motivational for me.
I read this when I turned 40 and found it hugely motivating. I got fit and stayed fit after that, instead of sometimes being in shape and sometimes being lazy. Really motivating stuff. (I call it “scared straight” for those of us getting up there in age). J
Fantastic book about research into the longest living groups of people in the world. “The proof is in the pudding,” right? These people live high-quality lives until their old age. This book talks about their eating, fitness and social habits. Really fascinating stuff and a reminder that you can still enjoy life while staying healthy.
This is a fantastic book about nutrition research. I found it very empowering that you can protect yourself from many of the worst diseases just by adjusting what you eat. I also recommended it to several physicians friends, who, pretty much across the board, changed their eating habits after reading it. Heavy in research and statistics if you like that sort of thing.
Get a Free Trial with Audible.com
Audible.com is a slick, easy-to-use way to listen to books—novels or nonfiction, while out and about. You can join for a month at a time, then you can still listen to books you’ve purchased, so you aren’t forced into “another” permanent monthly fee. So it’s great that way.
They offer a free 30-day trial to check it out.
Bottom Line: We all need to move more!
So, that’s a rundown on what has helped me. Now I am relieved that activity is part of my life. I miss it if I don’t get outside (or exercise indoors if the weather is a problem). It’s a natural lymphedema treatment I have found that is simple and helps me keep my lymphedema under control.
Whatever you do, it doesn’t hurt to try, and with audiobooks and podcasts, you just might find yourself eagerly awaiting your next time out exercising!
Do you have a tip to help us all get and stay more active? Please share it in the comments!
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