Low carbing and edema in legs...

AllMyPonies · 05-24-2012, 08:40 PM

I know summer is here... my ankles and feet puff up. I start out fine in the morning but by 6 pm, they're all puffy.

I don't use any added salt, in fact the last time I bought a container of salt was 3 years ago! And I don't do much in the way of frankenfoods. I'm trying very hard to stay low carb with lean meats, veggies, and a few berries, but a new job at a huge baking plant... well, I'm surrounded by donuts!

Mid-September, when the Texas heat breaks, my legs go back to normal, and stay that way until days are in the 90's consistantly - like this week.

Anyone else deal with this?

clackley · 05-25-2012, 06:40 AM

I used to but a low carb/high fat woe has put an end to that. I should also mention that it took about a 50lb weight loss and the resultant elimination of b.p. meds as well.

I life a half a block from a donut factory and have learned to enjoy the smell like a nice perfume but would never eat it.

Zenngrl · 05-25-2012, 06:46 AM

I have this issue, just in the summer. Doesn't matter if I'm eating low carb, high carb, I even think I puffed up when I did HCG last summer. I don't have high BP at all, and I don't use salt either.. so it's a mystery.

Hildebeest · 05-25-2012, 07:08 AM

My first thought: New job in donut factory? Do you have to be standing up all the time, and is this new for you? Long hours on your feet could be the culprit if you aren't used to it. I find that low carb eating keeps my edema away - I had the opposite problem; my job keeps me seated for long hours and THAT was causing edema. Eating clean keeps my legs and feet at normal size, and newly adopted swimming regimen has helped as well.

Janknitz · 05-25-2012, 07:16 AM

I have pretty severe lower extremity edema which may be related to a genetic disorder as well as obesity and a sedentary desk job.

It's Much better with low carb, not gone but better. There is some evidence that replacing fats with medium chain triglycerides (coconut oil, cod liver oil) helps, so I try to use CO whenever possible.

It's so nice to have calf definition, and my feet look like feet even on warm days. The only downside is that hair has begun to grow on my legs again.

leeloo · 05-25-2012, 08:39 AM

Low carb definitely helps this for me, and so does weight loss. I feel for you, living in a hot climate. I don't know if I could take it! I like it nice and cool, like it is here in the PNW most of the time.

How much water are you drinking? The more fluids the better when it's hot and you're swelling up.

jem51 · 05-25-2012, 08:48 AM

Weight loss AND LC. As you follow LC and continue to lose weight the edema will lessen.
There are peop who have enough damage to still have the problem at normal weight...even LC'ing but most will see a recovery.

Reassess as you continue to lose.

CurveControl · 05-25-2012, 08:53 AM

I agree with leeloo

More swelling from heat= need more water.

If you had other health issues I would be more concerned, but it sounds like your body is just hanging on to a little water in case it needs it.

guzzle the water and pee it out.

ravenrose · 05-25-2012, 09:48 AM

why do you call this "low carbing and edema in the legs"? do you NOT have edema when you eat carbs? I find they are unrelated.

leeloo · 05-25-2012, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ravenrose

why do you call this "low carbing and edema in the legs"? do you NOT have edema when you eat carbs? I find they are unrelated.

At least for me, edema is much worse when eating carbs.

pocahontas · 05-25-2012, 11:03 AM

I also suffer from it (mostly my cankles) but when I am LC, the swelling totally disappears. I have a desk job and my BP runs on the higher end (though not medically high) and LC is the only thing I have ever found to help with both.

Janknitz · 05-25-2012, 11:34 AM

Quote:

I also suffer from it (mostly my cankles)

CURSE that stupid movie (I can't even remember the name of it) that coined the term "cankles". When my swelling was at its worst, all I could think of was that stupd scene and wonder if all the guys who looked at me thought that. GRRRR.

Sunshine 57 · 05-25-2012, 11:41 AM

I swell a lot too.If I stay on LC the edema lots better.I recently started swelling bad in left leg only.Wearing brace on rt leg for ruptured achilles tendion.Drs think the edema nothing to do with wearing brace.Ultrasound showed no clots.My Mom died from a PE,so Drs do keep good watch on me.Always retain water,but LC helps so much.if I go off,swelling.Swelling hurts,so I feel so much better staying on LC wagon! I drink lots of water too.

CurveControl · 05-25-2012, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janknitz

CURSE that stupid movie (I can't even remember the name of it) that coined the term "cankles". When my swelling was at its worst, all I could think of was that stupd scene and wonder if all the guys who looked at me thought that. GRRRR.

Shallow Hal!

SrfrGirl · 05-25-2012, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllMyPonies

I know summer is here... my ankles and feet puff up. I start out fine in the morning but by 6 pm, they're all puffy.

I don't use any added salt, in fact the last time I bought a container of salt was 3 years ago! And I don't do much in the way of frankenfoods. I'm trying very hard to stay low carb with lean meats, veggies, and a few berries, but a new job at a huge baking plant... well, I'm surrounded by donuts!

Mid-September, when the Texas heat breaks, my legs go back to normal, and stay that way until days are in the 90's consistantly - like this week.

Anyone else deal with this?

I love yor Bogspot! I to feel your pain and experiece this swelling esp. when eating low carb out. I take a health food store water pill-all natural for times when I swell. Drink a lot of water with it (I know, it's hard, but do it).
By the next day and several visits to the bathroom to pee, I'm all normal again.

Janknitz · 05-25-2012, 05:05 PM

Yes, Shallow Hal. I didn't even see the entire movie, why did that have to be the only scene (I remember) seeing??? I thought about it EVERY time I looked at my poor swollen feet!

On another note, I have new shoes. Not just one pair but THREE. After years of being able to wear only one pair of stretched out clogs that worked on swollen days and non-swollen days (they were UGLY! but I had to wear them all the time) I have pretty black dress sandals and white casual sandals and a new pair of smaller clogs. I had to buy shoes 4 or more sizes too big just to accomodate the swelling. Now I'm buying shoes in my size. And they're pretty!

steady · 05-26-2012, 03:22 AM

My edema was related to an imbalance of electrolytes. Magnesium helped me, but maybe you are low on one too, such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, manganese.

CurveControl · 05-26-2012, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janknitz

Yes, Shallow Hal. I didn't even see the entire movie, why did that have to be the only scene (I remember) seeing??? I thought about it EVERY time I looked at my poor swollen feet!

On another note, I have new shoes. Not just one pair but THREE. After years of being able to wear only one pair of stretched out clogs that worked on swollen days and non-swollen days (they were UGLY! but I had to wear them all the time) I have pretty black dress sandals and white casual sandals and a new pair of smaller clogs. I had to buy shoes 4 or more sizes too big just to accomodate the swelling. Now I'm buying shoes in my size. And they're pretty!

I have only had severe edema with my first pregnancy but It was awful. I couldn't put shoes on, I was miserable and I would cry and cry......But then i was a MONTH overdue and wanted to slap someone most of the time anyway (preferably my OB, But he was on vacation!) I am glad it is so much better!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by steady

My edema was related to an imbalance of electrolytes. Magnesium helped me, but maybe you are low on one too, such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, manganese.

That is a good point, rather than water you could look at some of the electrolyte drinks, some are sugar free.

sya_unit · 05-27-2012, 08:29 PM

I have it every summer (I live in Phoenix), but combat it with electrolyte drinks. The Zero kind. I tend to drink a big one every couple days. I haven't had to deal with it yet this summer after my 50 lb loss, but I do have a separate pair of tennis shoes I wear during the summer. (I have to wear closed toe shoes to work...I bought size 10.5 to accomodate - I hope they are too big!)

smfarmgal · 05-28-2012, 06:20 AM

There's a good article on edema and low carb.
Google: Dana Learns An Important Lesson Again: Why Sodium Is Important On A Low Carb Diet

AllMyPonies · 05-28-2012, 08:02 AM

Thanks for all the responses! I work in the accounting dept., so I'm not on my feet all day. I find it isn't as bad if I'm moving around a bit, as compared to a sit-all-day-doing-data-entry job like the last one. And swimming at night, now that it's hot out, helps also.

We'll see how this summer goes. I'm keeping my carbs to 30 or under, and no added salt. Also taking a magnesium/potassium/calcium supplement along with my multi, because otherwise I'd get wicked leg cramps.

05-24-2012, 08:40 PM	#1
AllMyPonies Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Where the West Begins, TX Posts: 12,232 Gallery: AllMyPonies Stats: Start 3/23-235/226.6/160 WOE: DANDR Induction, work out EVERY DAY! Start Date: It's now or never...	Low carbing and edema in legs... I know summer is here... my ankles and feet puff up. I start out fine in the morning but by 6 pm, they're all puffy. I don't use any added salt, in fact the last time I bought a container of salt was 3 years ago! And I don't do much in the way of frankenfoods. I'm trying very hard to stay low carb with lean meats, veggies, and a few berries, but a new job at a huge baking plant... well, I'm surrounded by donuts! Mid-September, when the Texas heat breaks, my legs go back to normal, and stay that way until days are in the 90's consistantly - like this week. Anyone else deal with this?

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05-25-2012, 06:40 AM	#2
clackley Chatty Cathy Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Toronto Posts: 12,991 Gallery: clackley Stats: 228.5/169/125 WOE: N.K.=vlc/hf/moderate protein & organic/pastured Start Date: Restart Oct 18 2009	I used to but a low carb/high fat woe has put an end to that. I should also mention that it took about a 50lb weight loss and the resultant elimination of b.p. meds as well. I life a half a block from a donut factory and have learned to enjoy the smell like a nice perfume but would never eat it.

05-25-2012, 06:46 AM	#3
Zenngrl Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: I'm a Buckeye again! Posts: 6,465 Gallery: Zenngrl Stats: Tight 18/----/Comfy 12 is my goal! - 5'6 WOE: ESE Start Date: 1/11/11	I have this issue, just in the summer. Doesn't matter if I'm eating low carb, high carb, I even think I puffed up when I did HCG last summer. I don't have high BP at all, and I don't use salt either.. so it's a mystery.

05-25-2012, 07:08 AM	#4
Hildebeest Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Tennessee Posts: 922 Gallery: Hildebeest Stats: 428(highest)/384.6/200 WOE: Atkins Start Date: Restart 4/23/2012	My first thought: New job in donut factory? Do you have to be standing up all the time, and is this new for you? Long hours on your feet could be the culprit if you aren't used to it. I find that low carb eating keeps my edema away - I had the opposite problem; my job keeps me seated for long hours and THAT was causing edema. Eating clean keeps my legs and feet at normal size, and newly adopted swimming regimen has helped as well.

05-25-2012, 07:16 AM	#5
Janknitz Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 1,752 Gallery: Janknitz Stats: 254/195/150 WOE: Low Carb High Fat, No Grains Start Date: June 16, 2011	I have pretty severe lower extremity edema which may be related to a genetic disorder as well as obesity and a sedentary desk job. It's Much better with low carb, not gone but better. There is some evidence that replacing fats with medium chain triglycerides (coconut oil, cod liver oil) helps, so I try to use CO whenever possible. It's so nice to have calf definition, and my feet look like feet even on warm days. The only downside is that hair has begun to grow on my legs again.

05-25-2012, 08:39 AM	#6
leeloo Senior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Fhloston Paradise Posts: 898 Gallery: leeloo Stats: 210/210/140 WOE: Atkins/whole foods/KISS Start Date: 1/06/2013 (this time)	Low carb definitely helps this for me, and so does weight loss. I feel for you, living in a hot climate. I don't know if I could take it! I like it nice and cool, like it is here in the PNW most of the time. How much water are you drinking? The more fluids the better when it's hot and you're swelling up.

05-25-2012, 08:48 AM	#7
jem51 Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: south central OR Posts: 3,635 Gallery: jem51 Stats: oh so happy at 120 WOE: Mine, all mine Start Date: controlled carb '97-98	Weight loss AND LC. As you follow LC and continue to lose weight the edema will lessen. There are peop who have enough damage to still have the problem at normal weight...even LC'ing but most will see a recovery. Reassess as you continue to lose.

05-25-2012, 08:53 AM	#8
CurveControl Formerlychubchick Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 77,025 Gallery: CurveControl Stats: 200/176.0/130 WOE: LC JUDD/TOPS	I agree with leeloo More swelling from heat= need more water. If you had other health issues I would be more concerned, but it sounds like your body is just hanging on to a little water in case it needs it. guzzle the water and pee it out.

05-25-2012, 09:48 AM	#9
ravenrose . Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: California Posts: 9,064 Gallery: ravenrose Stats: lost 130 lb so far, and miles to go before I sleep WOE: low carb controlled calorie Start Date: June, 2009	why do you call this "low carbing and edema in the legs"? do you NOT have edema when you eat carbs? I find they are unrelated.

05-25-2012, 11:03 AM	#11
pocahontas Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: San Francisco Bay Area Posts: 14,866 Gallery: pocahontas Stats: Pregnant! WOE: LC Primal	I also suffer from it (mostly my cankles) but when I am LC, the swelling totally disappears. I have a desk job and my BP runs on the higher end (though not medically high) and LC is the only thing I have ever found to help with both.

05-25-2012, 11:41 AM	#13
Sunshine 57 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Mo. Ozarks,original KC,MO Posts: 271 Gallery: Sunshine 57 Stats: under construction WOE: Atkins Start Date: ongoing	I swell a lot too.If I stay on LC the edema lots better.I recently started swelling bad in left leg only.Wearing brace on rt leg for ruptured achilles tendion.Drs think the edema nothing to do with wearing brace.Ultrasound showed no clots.My Mom died from a PE,so Drs do keep good watch on me.Always retain water,but LC helps so much.if I go off,swelling.Swelling hurts,so I feel so much better staying on LC wagon! I drink lots of water too.

05-25-2012, 05:05 PM	#16
Janknitz Major LCF Poster! Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 1,752 Gallery: Janknitz Stats: 254/195/150 WOE: Low Carb High Fat, No Grains Start Date: June 16, 2011	Yes, Shallow Hal. I didn't even see the entire movie, why did that have to be the only scene (I remember) seeing??? I thought about it EVERY time I looked at my poor swollen feet! On another note, I have new shoes. Not just one pair but THREE. After years of being able to wear only one pair of stretched out clogs that worked on swollen days and non-swollen days (they were UGLY! but I had to wear them all the time) I have pretty black dress sandals and white casual sandals and a new pair of smaller clogs. I had to buy shoes 4 or more sizes too big just to accomodate the swelling. Now I'm buying shoes in my size. And they're pretty!

05-26-2012, 03:22 AM	#17
steady Very Gabby LCF Member!!! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 3,424 Gallery: steady Stats: 110/95 5'2 WOE: ATKINS Start Date: Feb 2007	My edema was related to an imbalance of electrolytes. Magnesium helped me, but maybe you are low on one too, such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, manganese.

05-27-2012, 08:29 PM	#19
sya_unit Senior LCF Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Valley of the Sun Posts: 754 Gallery: sya_unit Stats: 254/184/140 WOE: Atkinsish Start Date: Jan 3, 2012	I have it every summer (I live in Phoenix), but combat it with electrolyte drinks. The Zero kind. I tend to drink a big one every couple days. I haven't had to deal with it yet this summer after my 50 lb loss, but I do have a separate pair of tennis shoes I wear during the summer. (I have to wear closed toe shoes to work...I bought size 10.5 to accomodate - I hope they are too big!)

05-28-2012, 06:20 AM	#20
smfarmgal Junior LCF Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 39 Gallery: smfarmgal Stats: 220/209 WOE: JUDDD Start Date: 4/20/2012	There's a good article on edema and low carb. Google: Dana Learns An Important Lesson Again: Why Sodium Is Important On A Low Carb Diet

05-28-2012, 08:02 AM	#21
AllMyPonies Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Where the West Begins, TX Posts: 12,232 Gallery: AllMyPonies Stats: Start 3/23-235/226.6/160 WOE: DANDR Induction, work out EVERY DAY! Start Date: It's now or never...	Thanks for all the responses! I work in the accounting dept., so I'm not on my feet all day. I find it isn't as bad if I'm moving around a bit, as compared to a sit-all-day-doing-data-entry job like the last one. And swimming at night, now that it's hot out, helps also. We'll see how this summer goes. I'm keeping my carbs to 30 or under, and no added salt. Also taking a magnesium/potassium/calcium supplement along with my multi, because otherwise I'd get wicked leg cramps.