KETOGENIC & LYMPHATIC DISORDERS

KETOGENIC SOLUTION

I read an interesting book recently, “The Ketogenic Solution for Lymphatic Disorders”. Written by Leslyn Keith, who has a Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy with an emphasis on lymphedema and obesity. She was certified as a Lymphedema Therapist in 2000 and became LANA-certified in 2001. In addition to treating lymphedema and other lymphatic disorders, she currently researches, consults, and lectures on lymphedema, lipedema, and obesity.

LYMPHEDEMA AND OBESITY

Leslyn wrote this book to help lymphedema therapists as well as doctors understand that lymphatic disorders cannot be treated effectively if underlying weight issues are not addressed. She also highlights how a ketogenic diet can help with lymphatic disorders. Leslyn shares that “Presently, it is more likely than not for a client with lymphedema to also have a severe weight problem. Many therapists have reported a trend towards obesity among their clientele. A large portion of these patients are obese.”

However, Leslyn discovered that many of her patients were trying to follow their doctors’ recommendations of dieting, but with little success. Following the USDA’s food pyramid was not working for them.

A NEW STRATEGY FOR LYMPHEDEMA/LIPEDEMA

Leslyn came to the conclusion that her strategy had to be different. Coming across a book “Why We Get Fat, and What to Do About It”’ by Gary Taubes gave her a new way of looking at nutrition relating to weight loss. After coming across this book she increased her research, reading extensively on the subject of nutrition and a ketogenic diet. Leslyn discovered this way of eating was a powerfully effective means of improving health and enhancing the management of lymphedema. She began including a well-formulated ketogenic diet into her treatment protocol. As a result, patients who suffered weight management issues benefited remarkably.

INCORPORATING WEIGHT MANAGEMENT INTO TREATMENT

Through her extensive research and work with patients, Leslyn found that ketogenic nutrition for weight loss was the most effective and healthiest approach to nutrition for her patients. Therefore, Leslyn expanded her lymphedema therapy to include weight management techniques which has resulted in a number of successful outcomes among her obese clients. Some patients have had such great success with the ketogenic diet that they have never had to return for further treatment. However there is a lot of bias towards this way of eating due to the high consumption of fat. In her book, Leslyn helps to dismantle these assumptions and increase the understanding of the relationship between lymphatic disorders and obesity.

GOOD PLACE TO START

Leslyn believes that medical personnel dealing with clients with lymphedema should pay as much attention to their clients’ obesity as to their lymphedema. Her book is a good place to start to find out more about understanding and introducing a ketogenic diet. Furthermore she explains how a ketogenic diet can benefit those who have lymphatic disorders. Through her many years of practice and her work with both obesity and lymphedema, she has a vast amount of knowledge of the subject – beginning with how the ketogenic diet works, as well as how to incorporate it into your practice.

IN CONCLUSION

Leslyn believes that being armed with the knowledge of a ketogenic diet allows therapists to be better able to assist in lessening their clients’ suffering. In conclusion, Leslyn says that her wish is that more therapists will experience clients returning to their lymphedema clinics, not for more treatment, but to give thanks for introducing them to this healthy lifestyle and the better management of their lymphedema.

To learn more about the ketogenic diet, Leslyn Keith and her book, visit her website.

Disclaimer – This blog is for general information purposes only. Furthermore, information contained in this blog is not intended as a substitute for medical advice – always consult a licensed healthcare professional for advice on your specific condition.  Any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.