Lipedema, Lymphedema and High Blood Insulin

Did you know there’s a link? Our lifestyle and diet plays a prominent role. When we consume carbohydrates during mealtime, our body converts it to sugar (glucose). Glucose is our body primary source of fuel, alongside fat and protein. In order to access glucose we need insulin.

What is Insulin?

The pancreas produce this anabolic hormone. It acts like a key that unlock cell membranes of muscles, liver and fat cells to use the glucose in our blood for energy or store it in our liver as glycogen.

What is Insulin Resistance?

It’s when our body cells are irresponsive to insulin. Hence, our pancreas compensates by producing more insulin. It leads to high blood insulin, metabolic syndromes and other health conditions.

The link

(1) High blood insulin

It stimulates aldosterone (hormone) to increase salt and water reabsorption by our kidneys. This in turn increases blood volume, blood pressure and an increased hydrostatic pressure in the blood vessels. Consequently, fluid seeps into the space between cells, blood vessels, lymph vessels and connective tissues (interstitial space).

(2) High lymph load and volume

When it exceeds that which the lymph circulatory system can cope with, Lymphedema occurs. (Other health conditions such as lymph nodes excision, damages to lymph vessels, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, blockages of lymph vessels, are responsible for Lymphedema, including primary and secondary causes as well.

(3) Inflammation

High blood insulin is known to cause inflammation of the subcutaneous adipose tissues (SAT). It aggravates conditions such as Lipedema. Furthermore, inflammation alters tight junctions of the cell membranes in blood vessels. This allows for fluid to seep through (increased permeability).

Reducing High Blood Insulin

To support your condition, your registered massage therapist would explain compelling considerations such as a low carbohydrate diet to reduce high blood insulin. Further, a ketogenic diet would help to reduce inflammation. Moreover, participating in daily exercises is important for the uptake of insulin. In addition, it promotes lymph circulation. Besides, during exercise chemical messengers such Dopamine, Endorphins and Serotonin boost mental health.