Dercum's disease, also known as Adiposis Dolorosa, is a rare disorder characterized by the development of painful subcutaneous adipose tissue (Lipomas). This fatty growth appears under the skin with different size, multiplicity and may appear in various localizations all over the body. The formation of fatty growth generally localized at the upper and lower portion of the body, mostly on neck, face, scalp, upper arms and upper legs. The lumps may cause severe pain and weakness.
Who Is At The Risk?
Doctors found no strong evidence of what causes Decrum's disease. However, some researchers believe that it might be an autoimmune disorder. Possibly, the disease can be gained genetically. Children are less susceptible to this disease. Mid-aged (age 40-60) persons show up this disease in most of the cases. Statistics show that women are affected 20-30 times more by this disease.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms typically varies depending upon the severity of the disease. Symptoms revolves according to the type of the disease. Generally, the disease can be characterized by four types or stages. These include -
• Type 1- also known as generalized diffusion form
• Type 2- also known as generalized nodular form
• Type 3- also known as localized nodular form
• Type 4- also known as Juxta-articular form
As the disease causes extra weight gain, fatigue and weakness are two prominent symptom of the disease. Some more symptoms include:
• Obesity
• Pain
• Mental disturbance
• Fatty masses
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Depression
How To Get Rid The Disease
There is no particular treatment method of this disease. But the doctor may suggest -
1. Surgery: Surgery may help one to lose some extra masses by removing fatty growths. But the fatty growth may develop further after the surgery.
2. Medications: Some medications may help to prevent extra water deposition in the affected area. Painkillers might be induced to reduce pain.
3. Regular Exercise: Regular Exercise helps to maintain a sound body and helps to keep us energetic. It can help the patients to keep away from depression and fatigue.
4. Healthy Diet: Maintaining a healthy diet helps the patients to have more control over the disease. Natural sources of nutrients can be a good option to tackle the disease.
Diet Plan For Dercum's Disease
A good diet may not fully erase the disease, but it can prevent the disease from getting worsen.
Food's To Avoid
- Processed Food: Processed food containing excess carbohydrates, starches, fats.
- Alcohol
- Sugar product and sugary drinks
- Junk food
- Baked goods
- Red meat
- Fries & chips
- Cookies & doughnuts
- Sugary cereals and chocolates
- Savory snacks
- Processed cheese products
- Granola bars
- Salty goods
Food's To Take
- Food's rich with Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 Fatty Acids are found in salmon, mackerel & sardine fish. Plant sources include walnuts, flaxseeds, and soyabeans. Other sources are eggs, yogurt, milk, cod liver oil, kiwi fruit, papaya, avocados, orange etc. Omega-3 Fatty Acids play a role in the reduction of inflammation.
- Fermented Foods: Fermented foods can be taken for anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Green Leafy Vegetables: These are highly nutritious rich in antioxidants that may help maintain overall health and reduce inflammation.
- Green Tea: Can burn fat that may help to limit lipoma growth
- Antioxidant Rich Foods: Some highly antioxidant containing foods are barries, nuts and seeds, whole grains, sea food, liver, broccoli, spinach, carrots etc. These can help promote lymph flow and reduce water retention in the affected site.
- Foods Containing Vitamin B: They can be essential to improve mood and physical activity by keeping body energy level stable.
- Protein Rich Products: Lean meat & eggs are grat source of protein. Proteins are responsible for muscle building and can reduce extra fat.
- Non Starchy Vegetables, Herbs
- Whole Grains
- Caffeine
- Healthy Fats
- Low Glycemic Fruits like Barries, Apple, Pears, Grapefruit, Apricots, Plums etc.
The diet plan mentioned above can play a great role to help manage symptoms associated with Dercum's disease. It can help maintain overall health and reduce the disease to become worse. It can be essential to tackle the disease properly.