What is an inflammatory diet?

Lipedema is considered a chronic disease that involves, among other things, low-grade inflammation in adipose tissue. Although there is no one list that suits everyone, and nutrition does not cure lipedema, many women report that certain foods worsen swelling, heaviness, pain, fatigue, or fluid retention for them.

It is important to know: not every woman with lipedema will react the same way to the same foods. The goal is not extreme avoidance, but to identify which foods make you feel worse and build a diet that suits your body.

What do inflammatory foods have in common?

Foods considered more "inflammatory" tend to be rich in added sugar, white flour, processed oils, industrial additives, or high amounts of salt. Some are also relatively low in dietary fiber, vitamins, and satiety-supporting components.

These foods may, in some people, promote sharp blood sugar swings, increase hunger, worsen swelling, or contribute to fatigue and heaviness.

Ultra-processed foods

Why might ultra-processed food be less ideal with lipedema?

Ultra-processed foods tend to contain a combination of sugar, processed fats, white flour, additives, and high amounts of salt — a combination that may worsen swelling or cause a feeling of heaviness and fatigue in some women.

Industrial salty snacks
Industrial chips
Puffed snacks
Peanut puffs
Industrial cookies
Ready-made cakes
Sweetened cereals
Chocolate bars
Packaged pastries
Industrial croissants
Processed frozen meals
Processed schnitzels
Certain sausages
Processed meats
Powders or sauces high in additives

Sugar and high-sugar foods

Why might sugar be less ideal with lipedema?

High sugar intake may promote sharp swings in blood sugar and insulin levels in some people, which may affect hunger, energy, and sometimes also a feeling of swelling.

Sweetened beverages

Soft drinks
Sweetened juices
Energy drinks
Sweets
Candy
Cakes
Cookies
Industrial ice cream
Sweetened breakfast cereals
High-sugar chocolates
Sauces with high added sugar
Sweet cereals
High-sugar jams

White flour and processed carbohydrates

Why might processed carbohydrates be less ideal with lipedema?

Processed carbohydrates break down faster in the body and may cause sharper rises and falls in blood sugar levels compared to carbohydrates richer in fiber.

White bread
White rolls
White pita
Bourekas
Croissants
Cakes
Cookies
White pasta
Large amounts of white rice
Crackers from white flour
Regular cornflakes
Processed cereals
Donuts

Processed oils and trans fat

Why might certain types of fat be less ideal with lipedema?

Some fried or ultra-processed foods may contain highly processed oils or trans fat, which have been linked in research to various inflammatory processes in the body.

Deep-fried food
Fried chips
Fried chicken
Fast food
Margarine
Certain industrial pastries
Processed crackers
Industrial snacks
Large amounts of processed vegetable oils
Foods with "hydrogenated fat" on the ingredient list

High-salt and high-sodium foods

Why might high amounts of salt be less ideal with lipedema?

In some women with lipedema, excess sodium may be linked to a feeling of swelling or increased fluid retention.

Salty snacks
Sausages
Processed deli meats
Industrial sauces
Powder soups
Instant noodles
Especially salty cheeses
High-salt pickles
Fast food
Industrial pizzas

Alcohol

Why might alcohol be less ideal with lipedema?

In some women, alcohol may worsen a feeling of swelling, affect fluid balance, and harm sleep quality and recovery.

High-sugar cocktails
Sweet liqueurs
Large amounts of beer
Large amounts of wine
Sweet alcoholic beverages

Foods some women report sensitivity to

Why pay attention to personal sensitivities?

There is no one food that "harms" everyone with lipedema. However, some women report that reducing certain foods helped them feel less swollen or painful.

Some women have personal sensitivity to:

Certain dairy products
Gluten in those who are sensitive to it
Especially processed foods
High-salt foods
Alcohol
High-sugar foods