Tag: collagen powder

The Best Supplements for Lipedema and Lymphedema

What are the best supplements for lipedema? What about lymphedema supplements? There is no shortage of advice from people online cued up to sell us a miracle cure. How do you know which ones are worth the investment, especially when insurance covers practically none of it for lipedema?

This month I am three years out from my diagnosis with lipedema and lymphedema. Below I want to share the handful of things I’ve found helpful to hopefully save you some heartache and money. We are all bioindividual, however, and you might have different needs. For a complete list of supplements for lipedema and dercums disease, check out this list curated by Dr. Karen Herbst. I’ve said it before, but please consult your own care team before making any changes to your routine.

Here are the supplements I’ve made the foundation of my lipedema treatment:

  1. Perfect Keto Collagen Powder Lipedema is a connective tissue disorder and collagen is the basis of strong connective tissue. If you start losing weight you’ll also want to give your skin a little extra TLC and collagen is great for that. I love the chocolate powder from Perfect Keto and use it in my coffee every day. Check out my recipe for mint chocolate keto coffee and treat yourself to keto decadence. It takes about three months for skin cells to turn over, so plan on investing in it for at least that long to start seeing results. Bonus, my skin and nails have never looked better!
  2. Coromega Max Fish Oil Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory and an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. I am not a big fish eater and avoided fish oil for a long time because of the “fish burps” that can happen with pills. Thankfully I found Coromega. Their squeeze packets have no fish taste and taste great. My favorite in the orange – yum!
  3. LMNT Electrolyte Powder Salt is the most misunderstood part of the American diet. If you are keto, carnivore, low-carb, or an intermittent faster then salt is essential for you. You need to be getting at least 2 teaspoons a day. That’s a lot! Measure it out and see for yourself what that looks like. One easy one to get it in is by supplementing with an electrolyte powder. I love LMNT and always carry a few packets in my backpack. Anytime I feel sluggish or down I mix one up and it’s usually all I need to get back on my feet. The chocolate is great to mix into protein shakes! Salted chocolate? Yes, please. Unlike most electrolyte powders, it is designed for a low-carb lifestyle and has none of the usual sugars or sweeteners.
  4. Hesperidin and Diosmin You’ll see this on Dr. Herbst’s list and it was also recommended by my vein doctor when I couldn’t afford the prescription Vasculera they suggested (my insurance wouldn’t cover it and it was nearly $500/month!). Diosmin supports healthy veins, helps with inflammation, and also supports lymph flow.

Have you used other supplements that have been helpful on your journey with lipedema or lymphedema? Leave me a note below in the comments! I created this post based on a request from one of my Sturdy Woman YouTube followers. Curious about something else? Let me know 🙂

If you make a purchase through one of the links in this post I may receive a small commission (but that’s not why I recommended them!).

Mint Chocolate Keto Coffee

Yum! One of my all time favorite flavor combinations is mint chocolate. A year ago I started using keto to manage my lipedema and lymphedema and I thought I would have to say goodbye to it forever. Chocolate collagen powder and peppermint extract to the rescue!

A few weeks ago I found myself in the baking aisle of my grocery store for the first time in months and there, on a pre-holiday display, was peppermint extract. That’s keto! I excitedly dropped several bottles in my basket and left them on my kitchen counter for inspiration. It didn’t take long to strike, sturdy women. In fact, all I had to do was reach for my french press the next morning.

I started taking collagen to give my skin a little extra help responding to my keto weight loss. I’m not sure if my skin would be any saggier without it, but I can say I’ve had massive hair regrowth and my skin and nails look fantastic. That’s enough to make me a collagen fan! My favorite is Perfect Keto chocolate collagen with MCT oil (use my link to get $15 off your order). It easily and completely dissolves in my coffee and the pinch of stevia makes it taste like dessert. It may seem a little pricey but Perfect Keto offers deep discounts around most holidays so I just make sure to stock up. They also do occasional flash sales on Amazon – so watch for those!

The other key ingredient – besides coffee – is heavy cream. If possible, find one without carrageenan in it. Carraageenan is commonly added to milk to keep it creamy, but it can also irritate our sensitive guts and cause more inflammation. Locally I buy it at Whole Foods. If you don’t have one near you, look at any higher end grocer. Yes, it costs more, but I eat less on keto so it balances out in the end.

Have you gathered your ingredients? What are we waiting for?! Pull out your favorite mug and treat yourself to a decadent cup of mint chocolate keto coffee.

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: One

Ingredients:

  • Fresh brewed coffee, chocolate flavor if you have it
  • 1 serving chocolate collagen powder
  • Heavy cream to taste
  • 3-4 drops peppermint extract, or to taste
  • Whipped cream
    • Make your own if you have time, but I usually ‘cheat’ and use a can of Reddi Wip extra creamy

Regular readers know I don’t count macros, calories, or anything but the length of my ponytail, but if you are curious pop the ingredients into your favorite app and I’m sure you’ll be pleased with the low carb results.

How did it turn out? What’s your favorite way to dress up keto coffee? Write me a note below.