Expert: Coninyah B. Dew L.Ac., M.S.O.M. - 11/10/2009

Question
Hi,
I am Karthik.
My age is 26. My height is 175 cms and my Weight is 154 pounds.

One year back my weight was 135 pounds and I started working out in gym. I started having high-protein diet (3000 calories per day, by 6 to 8 meals) along with normal protein supplements. In around 10 months I gained around 20 pounds and I my current weight is 154 pounds. But in the mean time I started growing lipoma all over my body. It’s getting more and more over my arms , thighs and lower back. I doubt whether its because of my diet or exercise. I am very much interested in body building.
I checked up with local doctors (Chennai, India) and all said that LIPOMAS don’t have any medicine. I am  really worried because of the growth of lipomas. I am afraid whether they will grow more and more. I temporarily stopped all my diet and weight lifting activities. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHETHER MY LIPOMAS CAN BE CURED OR NOT ? IS THIS RELATED TO MY DIET or EXERCISE?

- My Diet was Daily around 3000 calories.  
Daily 5 to 8 Egg Whites
Mostly of Non-veg (Chicken, Fish on regular basis and prawns, mutton etc ON and off)
Rice, Wheat,
Lots of Fruits and Fruit Juices and Vegetables
Pulses,
Bread & Cakes,

Along with this, Daily Three to Four glass of BODY MASS POWDER SHAKES…

- I USED TO EXERCISE AROUND 1 HOUR FOR 6 DAYS A WEEK

I temporarily stopped all my diet and weight lifting activities. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHETHER MY LIPOMAS CAN BE CURED OR NOT ? IS THIS RELATED TO MY DIET or EXERCISE?
PLSSSSSSSSSSSSS HELP ME IN THIS LIPOMA PROBLEM. I M VERY MUCH STRESSED UP BECAUSE OF THIS. THIS IS GROWING ALL OVER MY BODY.


Thanks,
karthik
India


Answer
Hello Karthik,

Thank you for your question and I can empathize with how scary a situation this must be for you. Let me start with there are various differing treatments for lipomas. Additionally there have been equally varying results. Lipomas from the oriental medicine perspective can be caused by both exercise and diet. Both in excess can damage the Spleen which is responsible for the creation of phlegm. If adversely affected, the Spleen can create too much phlegm and that mixed with heat or cold can result in fatty deposits.

Having said this, it is a good idea to start with a body detox. The body detox would be for two weeks with a gentle cleanse. You don't want to go too extreme with the cleanse as it could damage the Spleen further thus complicating your condition. A good cleanse can include rice, nuts (assuming you are not allergic), fruits and vegetables (excluding night shades such as eggplant and potatoes but rather sticking to leafy greens -- kale, broccoli, etc). You also want to avoid wheat based products along with refined sugars. During the cleansing period you want to avoid meets and seafood as well. It would be a good idea to include flax seed oil daily (1-2 tablespoons) and ensure you get plenty of water.

Moderate exercise would be beneficial to support circulation and the detox. Exercise during this period should not be longer than 20-30 minutes, consist primarily of cardiovascular routines and enough to simply elevate the heart rate slightly to begin sweating. Once a light sweat has been achieved the workout is complete. Again keep in mind, this exercise is not designed to be intense as to cause profuse sweating. This too can result in complications to the Spleen.

Additionally, you should visit a local herbalist. There are many good acupuncturists in India based on feedback from some of my colleagues. There are formulas specifically in the oriental medicine tradition designed to support healthy Spleen function. I am hesitant to list those as I would need an in person screening with you to determine the appropriate treatment plan but there are many there whom I am certain can assist.

I hope this information has been useful. I do wish you the best and should you have additional questions, please feel free to ask. Be well.

Regards,
Coninyah B. Dew L.Ac., M.S.O.M.
Acupuncture Stress and Pain Management Practices