Hidden benefits?
 

I've been on low carbs for over a week. I have had lympheda in my leg after lymph nodes were removed during surgery several years ago. I've had to wear Jobes stockings to keep edema under control and even then have had some edema. Since eating low carb, there is very little edema even at the end of the day. I am wondering if this is a fluke or could it affect edema from lymphedema?

I suffer with edema from CHF and so I really have to watch my sodium intake..I feel that by changing your WOE,you more than likely have seriously lowered your sodium levels..Also wheat,legumes and Omega-6 from soy and processed foods,cause inflammation in the body..I used to suffer terribly with arthritis and took a 1000mg of Aleve a day..Now I don't take any and my arthritis is in remission..:)

It makes sense to me that your edema would be decreased, since you now have much less glucose/insulin in your system to attract water. Less fluid = less possible edema. I have had several unexpected benefits since I started LC, such as less skin dryness and itching, no more athletes foot, improved acne, and less unwanted facial hair! Who knew!

Actually, now you mention it I have less facial hair - not that I had masses lol! But I have always had "fluff" on my face, which does seem to have diminished??!!. I can honestly say that without doubt, this way of eating has totally stopped my eczema, arthritis, IBS and the type 2 diabetes that the doctor was always telling me I was on the way to getting! I'm also alot more alert, awake, supple and generally fit!!!

I sometimes get annoyed that during my 20s and 30s I felt like an old lady, now I'm cruising towards 50 and I feel like a kid again - WHY DONT THE MEDICAL PROFESSION DO SOMETHING??? I cant be the only one!!!

Jo xxx

I am "crusing towards" 60 and I feel the same way. I didn't have too many serious health issues but I just didn't feel good and the exercise I did (running) left me with knee problems. If only I'd known about LC in my thirties my life would have been so much different.

Actually on balance, there are so many benefits to doing low carb. It's actually hard to think of a disadvantage, well apart from hot cross bun at Easter of course and trumpets in the winter and.... Oh I better not say anymore had I really. Hope I've not led you into temptation. :)

Cheers,

Mark