Back to the next question. Sorry about the picture. I couldn't resist! I am sure how it is how many of us feel at certain moments!:)
Deir's Question:
There are a lot of posts on the forum,there are a lot of posts about variations on diet . How do we know when we should be exploring other diet choices on our own? (no grains, no dairy etc) How do we know we are ok as far as diet if our symptoms are still pretty bad?
Answer:
Typically at the end of a consult, I will review where the diet stands and ask if you have made any headway at all expanding it. Interestingly, as people are so unique to themselves-progress aside, people feel so differently about how to approach moving up their list. Some want to be really aggressive because food does seem to be quite important to them in terms of variety, while otherwise could care less about the food and only want to stick to what they have been eating in order to keep from stressing their bladders.
I like to meet the needs of each individual's emotional needs and couple that with what I feel their physical ability is to handle food and follow the plan accordingly. Both Boaz and I like to be very invloved with this-thinking of food as medicine not as enjoyment. This is kind of what it is at the moment. And it gets frustrating when it goes on too long on one list.
The thing is one needs to weigh the pros of adding in a foods against the potential negatives of what that particular added nutrition might bring. And, increasing the vitmain contect too fast can escalate the inflammation-which really complicates this process. It's like--those vitamins can not discern the difference between feeding you and feed the bugs. And, I am not just speaking of sugar. Healthy vitamins can feed the bugs. This is why I have people stop their normal protocols while they have an acute infection. It is a different example of the same point.
I think it is best to contemplate your diet with yourself and perhpas with any of the people you feel comfortable with but ultimately Boaz and I should be the one's to help guide the process because in the end it is a part of YOUR protocol, unique to YOUR process.
I hope this helps!
Comments
Thanks! I'd settle for a
Thanks! I'd settle for a little piece of the apple in that picture.
I guess I was thinking more about when people decide to go grain free or dairy free or low oxalates or whatever. is that something that you agree with? I know you have posted a lot on this topic but it is still confusing to me- I guess how much do i do on my own versus wait for you to tell me? When does a patient say on their own- "I need to try taking out (fill in the blank)" Not sure if this question makes sense.
Y'up, it makes sense. And,
Y'up, it makes sense. And, anyone can decide to do anything at any time as I know you know well, I am just stating the obvious for others who are reading. I am here to guide and we are all adults and have the power over our own decisions and our own lives. If someone tells me they want to incorporate something different into their diet I will tell them what I feel and we can discuss it like two adults. I will always have an opinion that is mine based on my experience and then that person can decide what to do for themselves.
Some people definitely cannot eat dairy, although I find those sensitivities are due to the fact it is either not organic or not raw. Typically those sensitivites pass as one gets better. But, there are a few cases that just seem sensitive on going. Grain again-this has to do with agitating the insides in my opinion and if someone's gut is very very leaky, it could aggravate things. Typically you know because the pain response is intense after. In those cases, I always take them out. I try hard to find some starch to leave in though because about 90% plus people need some starch for their body to feel stable and OK. I just recommend small amounts. As the gut is getting better, tolerance for grains improves. But, I have never been a fan of high grain high starch diet-always on th elower side is best-but there.
As for oxylates-I think this is a problem for most people with this condition they just havent tested for it. I also beleive that the work that I am doing makes that go away. And if it doesnt it isnt because you didnt take the oxylates out but something in treatment has not been effective yet.
Using a balancing method of any kind in the body is about getting the body to do what it is supposed to on its own. This is my thinking. Of course you need to help it and guide it. So, if you notice super high oxylate foods are a problem-you are eating them and they cause pain-reduce the intake. I think most of these things can be determined by observation if you really pay attention.
Did this help?
You know you are an emotional
You know you are an emotional basket case when this post made me full out bawl! Food has become a hostile thing in my life. I totally understand that food is considered medicine, and completely embrace that concept. When you react so strongly to food all the time it helps keep me me disciplined to not veer off and try new foods, but the sadness associated with food and yes, unfortunately society as a whole food is tied to emotions, every single occasion involves food: weddings, holidays, date nights, funerals, etc. It becomes harder and harder to see the light at the end of the tunnel as the years go by. My food issues are no secret to friends and family, but, yet this always becomes the topic of conversation at every event asking "what are you eating these days? You aren't better yet? What do you mean you can't have black pepper, you are kidding, right?" It always reminds me of the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding when the boyfriend is trying to explain to her family he's vegetarian stating, "I don't eat meat." The aunt responds, "what do you mean, you eat no meat? That's ok, I make lamb!" It's like some family/friends don't believe it's a real issue or when they say they are making something safe for me to eat, it has come to me asking to see packages and ingredients they used. Because it's that moment you think you are safe that your insides feel like they are being ripped to shreds by tiny razor blades. I am elated when others share in their excitement of trying and succeeding with trying new foods, but can't help to be angry with myself! What am I doing so wrong for my body not to respond?
First-I understand the
First-I understand the sobbing. When you are challenged and unwell-your body expresses it-this is normal. I myself with this infection sobbed over two children's show the other day my daughters-seriously!
Second-that line in My Big Fat Greek Wedding is huge laugh in my house all the time. My kids immitate it-even little ones can realize how ridiculous a statement that was (realizing it was intentional in the movie of course).
Third-when you are unwell for so long, you become a prisoner in your own body-it is normal to feel what you feel. People do make you feel ridiculed and make you feel bad about yourself. I am sure they dont mean to but they do. I have been there! In some situations that go far too long, it makes it more embarrassing and more difficult. I remember a time when I felt such rage because I had all of those feeling-not one person understood my feelings or my pain. Somehow, there are answers. I do not know why they come faster for some whire for others it is forever. Maybe that is an swer we will never have or we are not meant to know. But the thing is-you hold you r head up and you fight. Because no one can do it for you. And you don't allow others to make you feel small in those situations. If someone asked me what I was eating these days, I might answer, same as always for me, how about you? Or, everything that makes me feel good, or think of something to turn the negative comment into a positive or at least a non-negative.
Thanks!
Thanks!
This was a great blog!!!
This was a great blog!!! Thank you thank you thank you :)