Thanks to Irving and Diane Kipness foundation, research to better understand lymphedema is underway at the University of Alberta under Dr. Spencer Gibson.

I attended a webinar hosted by the AQL (Lymphedema Association of Quebec) where Dr. Gibson presented the research they are doing to find a cure for lymphedema.  He explained that understanding basic science has driven major medical breakthroughs and gave one example:

• From studying Fruit flies – there was a breakthrough in targeted therapy for breast cancer 

In their research to date, they have a theory that stress on the lymphatic system is what blocks the lymphatic system from self-repairing.  In using mice as models, they saw improvement in lymphatic system stress when changing the mice’s diet after surgery.  This along with a study in Italy targeting lymphedema in overweight breast cancer survivors shows promise in a mediterranean diet helping reducing lymphedema (Molina et al 2025 Nutrients). 

This theory will lead to future studies where they will need patients to help move the research from a mice model to human model.

Jean LaMantia, Registered Dietician has written several books on how diet can help lymphedema and LifestyleRX is another program to look into.  One of the things you can do on your own is track your food intake and if you notice increased swelling – check which foods you ate the day before to identify foods that are inflammatory for your system.

Written by: Sandi McConnach