I have lipedema, a common chronic condition that makes my legs puffy. These 3 habits help me reduce inflammation.
A woman who was diagnosed with lipedema, a chronic condition, shared how she manages symptoms through diet and exercise.
Elery Johnson, 36, lives on Florida's Treasure Coast with her family and has been managing her lipedema for the past decade. Diagnosed at 30, this chronic condition affects roughly 11% of women in the United States, causing fat buildup in the lower body. Johnson discovered that her legs started to swell during puberty, leading to self-consciousness and embarrassment. After giving birth to her last child, her condition worsened, and she was diagnosed with lipedema during a consultation with a vascular surgeon in Utah.
To manage her symptoms, Johnson follows an anti-inflammatory diet and opts for low-impact workouts. She avoids sugar and white bread, focusing on whole foods like seafood, fish, and fruits and vegetables. She also stays well-hydrated and refrains from alcohol. Instead of high-intensity workouts, she engages in lower-impact exercises, including walking, yoga, and strength training using leg machines.
Johnson finds that these habits help reduce inflammation, alleviate swelling, and improve the overall health of her legs. While she acknowledges that lipedema is a progressive disease with no definitive cure, she remains committed to her lifestyle changes and continues to explore new ways to manage her symptoms.
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