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My journey with functional medicine -- wheat-free,dairy-free,sugar-free

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    #31
    Mamabug it looks like you are doing well on your new diet.

    Originally posted by Mamabug View Post
    The flexitarian label suggests an active and purposeful movement away from a meat-heavy diet. It’s a healthier way of eating that includes significantly more whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables than the Standard American Diet.

    It's flexible. It focuses on eating fruits, veggies, nuts, and plant-based proteins and on reducing reliance on meats and fish and dairy, but can include them in their diet occasionally. I'm pretty committed to giving the "wheat-free, dairy-free, sugar-free" approach a try. And, I've definitely cut back a lot on meats. But, it is not currently a goal to be a vegetarian or a vegan, although I've often used a raw vegan approach to eating in recent weeks.

    Although my last post included a lot of instructions related to meat and fish, I've really consumed either pretty infrequently since then.
    The flexitarian diet looks similar to the Mediterranean Diet, which I do well on.
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-l...t/art-20047801

    Some low-fat dairy and whole grains are allowed. I don't drink milk (never liked milk), but I do eat plain, non-fat yogurt daily.

    I have read that it is the most scientifically studied diet, and has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, Parkinsons and Alzheimer's, as well as overall mortality.

    I have no food sensitivites that I know of, and I don't suffer from gas, bloating, constipation, headaches, or any other signs of food intolerances. So I am surely very fortunate!

    In any case, looking forward to your progress with the new diet, and interested to see if it helps with your MS symptoms.

    Take Care
    PPMS for 26 years (dx 1998)
    ~ Worrying will not take away tomorrow's troubles ~ But it will take away today's peace. ~

    Comment


      #32
      Originally posted by Mamabug View Post
      He talked more about his "food as medicine" approach. He uses a Food Pyramid with Leafy Greens and Fruits and Vegetables at the bottom.

      He also talked about harmful foods:
      - corn-fed and feed-lot beef; fish that is farm-raised, corn-fed or lake fish; chicken or turkey that is "cage-free"
      - cooking oils (butter, lard, vegetable oils, regular canola oils);
      - dairy ("Dairy is the Devil" is his quote);
      - beverages -- sports drinks, sodas, diet drinks, energy drinks, coffee, black tea (never drink decaffeinated); limit fruit juices;
      - most grains that are labelled "gluten-free",also those labelled "instant"; also avoid white rice
      - gum that is colored, flavored, or sweetened with petroleum (he says most gum is);
      - Never microwave or store food in plastics, or use Teflon or aluminum;
      - he says all cleaning products are toxic;
      - baby oil, petroleum, mineral oil and most lotions are toxic;
      - most make-up is toxic

      And he talked about healthful alternatives:
      - "100% grass-fed" beef, bison, lamb, etc. Fish that is "wild-caught" only. Chicken that is "free-range".
      The size of a deck of cards, 5x per month, is enough for beef, chicken, etc. You don't have to eat it all at once. Rather, he recommends using a small amount of meat as flavoring instead of a whole serving at once. Unlimited amount of fish is OK.
      - Recommends olive oil for cooking below 350F. Recommends California Olive Ranch brand, purchased it a glass jar, and not too much at one time so it will last better. Can be stored in the refrigerator. Avacado oil can be used for foods up to 500F.
      - Recommends green smoothies, with no sugar added.
      - oats, quinoa, wild rice, brown rice, black rice, red rice, etc. But, grains are not necessary for a healthy diet.
      - Spry gum with xylitol or Glee gum
      - Use stainless steel, cast iron, ceramic, glass containers. Can use toaster oven.
      - use natural cleaning products (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water in a spray bottle; can add lemon for scent and thymol oil for antiseptic properties)
      - use natural lotions; or make your own (he gave a recipe); or just use straight olive oil or coconut oil
      - natural make-up from the health food store that doesn't contain harmful chemicals

      He also recommended some supplements to start with. He says that, after awhile, we can begin to obtain most necessary nutrients from our food and can start to do away with most supplements.
      I have been reading the posts and enjoying them

      You'll get used to the no microwave rule!! I gave mine up about 18 years ago???? and don't miss it. My one exception: whenever I visit my dad we will usually have a bag of microwave popcorn

      We hardly ever use plastic, and if we do l do not put hot or warm things in it. Glass is heavy and it breaks and it takes up more space, but oh well!! I use mason jars for leftovers a lot if times. I try to can as much as possible, so I am not lacking in jars!

      I love parchment paper for baking - the unbleached kind. I still use foil occasionally, but don't let it touch my food (I put parchment in between). I think I've had the same box of foil for over 3 years.

      No teflon ... except in my rice cooker. I really should just go back to using a stainless steel pot on the stove! That's the thing about not feeling well - it would be nice if all the short cuts like microwaves and foil and non-stick pans and junky tv dinners were good for you because they are so easy! But, they are a trap.

      I love his advice about the kind of meat. I've been inside "cage free" chicken houses - organic or conventional, they're the same except the food - not healthy. Very disgusting.
      I eat more meat than what he recommends ... usually ...

      I gave up make-up years ago (12?), deodorant before then, and I make my own simple lotion. I only use vinegar to clean - but I'll add a few drops of grapefruit essential oil to my toilet water, along with a few "glugs" of vinegar, before swishing with the brush. I wipe my shower down with the washcloth I showered with, and then wipe my sink with the same washcloth.

      I probably already mentioned some of this stuff, so I'm sorry if I'm redundant!

      Any way, I really appreciate you sharing his advice - it was encouraging.

      Not officially diagnosed due to non-MS-specific spots on MRIs, but the neurologists all agree it's MS.
      Frustrated. January 2019: finally saw an MS specialist worth seeing. Maybe we'll get to the bottom of this.
      EDSS of 5.5, sometimes 6.0

      Comment


        #33
        Been

        I have been following the Elimination diet for a while, now.

        I don't sweat the grass fed, free range that much. That is my goal, but, not going to sweat it. I rarely eat out. Not worth the aches and pains of it.

        I lost 100 Lbs.

        Yeh, no microwave, no foil, no teflon.
        God Bless and have a good day, Mary

        Comment


          #34
          Originally posted by kelm10 View Post
          I don't sweat the grass fed, free range that much. That is my goal, but, not going to sweat it. I rarely eat out. Not worth the aches and pains of it.
          Good point - when I stress out over not having "the right food options" it hurts my body more than just eating a little of "the wrong food options".

          Not officially diagnosed due to non-MS-specific spots on MRIs, but the neurologists all agree it's MS.
          Frustrated. January 2019: finally saw an MS specialist worth seeing. Maybe we'll get to the bottom of this.
          EDSS of 5.5, sometimes 6.0

          Comment


            #35
            Looking at it

            I try to look at it as foods that are not quite as great for me. And, yes, better then stressing about the food.

            Comment


              #36
              We're considering getting a toaster oven since we're trying to cut back on or discontinue microwave use. Can heat leftovers without heating up a whole oven. I guess a skillet could sometimes work too fir leftovers.

              We're beginning to replace some of our plastics in the kitchen. Just learned about silicone food storage containers and ordered a set. It looks really cool! Purchased stainless steel water bottles to replace our plastic ones.

              jjs - cage-free is different than free-range. He says avoid cage-free; choose free-range instead.
              ~ Faith
              MSWorld Volunteer -- Moderator since JUN2012
              (now a Mimibug)

              Symptoms began in JAN02
              - Dx with RRMS in OCT03, following 21 months of limbo, ruling out lots of other dx, and some "probable stroke" and "probable CNS" dx for awhile.
              - In 2008, I was back in limbo briefly, then re-dx w/ MS: JUL08
              .

              - Betaseron NOV03-AUG08; Copaxone20 SEPT08-APR15; Copaxone40 APR15-present
              - Began receiving SSDI / LTD NOV08. Not employed. I volunteer in my church and community.

              Comment


                #37
                Appt. #5

                Today, we talked about how I've been doing. I've been pretty good since my last appointment two weeks ago.
                - I dc'd Diet Dr. Pepper and gave the rest of my cans away.
                - When I attend the weekly meal at Circles of Hope (where I volunteer), I've been bringing my own food, because there is usually little or nothing on their menu that is not on my restricted list.
                - Hubby and I attended a homemade ice cream and cookies social at church Sunday evening. Instead of eating their food, we brought our own homemade smoothies. They were in water bottles, so others couldn't see what was in there.
                - We've been donating lots of plastic food storage containers to the local thrift store. We're using glass and stainless steel we've purchased some silicone food storage containers.
                - I've been taking the supplements that he recommends -- Probiotics, fish oil and various Vitamin B ones. He gives sources and often brand names that he recommends. I also take other supplements that I've been taking for awhile; the ones I take are all approved by him.

                Today, we mostly talked about toxic chemicals and some of the products they are in.

                I haven't felt better yet. In fact, sometimes I've dealt with minor digestive issues (ie: loose stools or constipation). Those symptoms have improved in recent weeks, and some days, I'm functioning great in that area.

                I've been more tired sometimes, than my norm. Sometimes taking two daily naps instead of one. He recommended more of the B vitamins; he says I won't overdose on them and they aren't toxic.

                He says that not feeling better yet is because we are just targeting some of the areas that can fix my health issues so far. His protocol looks like it will include:
                • food
                • movement
                • immunity
                • breathe
                • stress
                • hydration
                • hormones
                • purpose

                I wondered if, in 9-12 months after being re-tested for food sensitivities, when many "fall off" my restricted list, will they be replaced by foods that are currently approved. I was worried about exchanging one set of restricted foods for another set. He said that can happen, if the only thing I target is food sensitivities. He says that, as I begin targeting these additional areas that are contributing to my chronic illness, that likely will not happen.

                Another comment:
                Last week, I had two doctor appointments. My annual appointment with my primary care provider (PCP) and my 6 month appointment with my MS Specialist.
                I've been going to Dr. Garrett, now, for about 6 weeks.

                At my MS Specialist appointment, I asked how I compared with 6 months ago. Although she noticed some decline in strength in both of my legs, she also noted that my walking time and my peg board time were slightly faster than six months ago. I have no idea if the improvements were related to the past six weeks. I did ask if there would be value in doing PT exercises to increase or maintain strength. I told her that I'd, instead, been focusing on aerobic exercise, as that is what she had recommended to delay progression. She encouraged me to add some PT exercises to my routines.

                I received my lab results from my PCP doc today. All of my readings were within range except my cholesterol and LDL. My HDL was good. I chose to go off of Lipitor a couple of years ago because I hear such horrible things about it. This is the first time I recall that my HDL was in range and my cholesterol and LDL was as low as it was without Lipitor. It was still higher than recommended (254). But, I have a strong hx and a strong family hx of high cholesterol. It's usually over 300. This was also the first time this doc's office did not bring up / encourage Lipitor. Maybe because my HDL was good? I do credit Dr. Garrett's diet with my good lab results.

                My PCP did not test for my Vitamin D levels, so my MS Specialist did. It is also in range. I often take 10,000 mg per day (although sometimes I forget). She said that is too much. She said that even 5000 mg is too much if taken daily -- that I should just take it sometimes. But, when I used to take 5000 mg daily, it was too low.
                Last edited by Mamabug; 08-10-2018, 05:57 PM. Reason: Added another comment
                ~ Faith
                MSWorld Volunteer -- Moderator since JUN2012
                (now a Mimibug)

                Symptoms began in JAN02
                - Dx with RRMS in OCT03, following 21 months of limbo, ruling out lots of other dx, and some "probable stroke" and "probable CNS" dx for awhile.
                - In 2008, I was back in limbo briefly, then re-dx w/ MS: JUL08
                .

                - Betaseron NOV03-AUG08; Copaxone20 SEPT08-APR15; Copaxone40 APR15-present
                - Began receiving SSDI / LTD NOV08. Not employed. I volunteer in my church and community.

                Comment


                  #38
                  Next appointment will be tomorrow

                  In the meantime, I'm going to post what I've been working on this week. It's a copy / paste from part of my Exercise Check In post this week. So, for those of you who also read that, please excuse the repeat. But, it was also relevant there because the stresses interfered with my motivation and ability to exercise last week.

                  I've mentioned that my functional medicine changes have simply been taking a lot of commitment and energy. I'm doing OK with the food changes at this point. But, this past week, we've been continuing to work at purging our kitchen of plastics. That has also meant exchanging them for replacements for food storage and cooking utensils, etc. That has involved multiple conversations as hubby and decide what goes and what to replace it with, weighing different options, decision-making, making purchases, etc, etc. We've also begun to look at doc's recommendations for other lifestyle choices that involve environmental toxins. That involves more weighing options, more decision-making, and more purchases.

                  And more mess. Amazon boxes. Walmart bags. New products lying around the house until we empty cupboards of old products and decide where to put new ones. Ohhh. And, a couple of weeks ago, in an unrelated move, we purchased a used oak dining room set to replace the kitchen table and chairs we had in our DR. But, we haven't gotten rid of the old yet, so both are currently cluttering our DR.

                  I've experienced a lot of stress, this week, related to all of these changes.
                  ~ Faith
                  MSWorld Volunteer -- Moderator since JUN2012
                  (now a Mimibug)

                  Symptoms began in JAN02
                  - Dx with RRMS in OCT03, following 21 months of limbo, ruling out lots of other dx, and some "probable stroke" and "probable CNS" dx for awhile.
                  - In 2008, I was back in limbo briefly, then re-dx w/ MS: JUL08
                  .

                  - Betaseron NOV03-AUG08; Copaxone20 SEPT08-APR15; Copaxone40 APR15-present
                  - Began receiving SSDI / LTD NOV08. Not employed. I volunteer in my church and community.

                  Comment


                    #39
                    Originally posted by Mamabug View Post
                    In the meantime, I'm going to post what I've been working on this week. It's a copy / paste from part of my Exercise Check In post this week. So, for those of you who also read that, please excuse the repeat. But, it was also relevant there because the stresses interfered with my motivation and ability to exercise last week.

                    I've mentioned that my functional medicine changes have simply been taking a lot of commitment and energy. I'm doing OK with the food changes at this point. But, this past week, we've been continuing to work at purging our kitchen of plastics. That has also meant exchanging them for replacements for food storage and cooking utensils, etc. That has involved multiple conversations as hubby and decide what goes and what to replace it with, weighing different options, decision-making, making purchases, etc, etc. We've also begun to look at doc's recommendations for other lifestyle choices that involve environmental toxins. That involves more weighing options, more decision-making, and more purchases.

                    And more mess. Amazon boxes. Walmart bags. New products lying around the house until we empty cupboards of old products and decide where to put new ones. Ohhh. And, a couple of weeks ago, in an unrelated move, we purchased a used oak dining room set to replace the kitchen table and chairs we had in our DR. But, we haven't gotten rid of the old yet, so both are currently cluttering our DR.

                    I've experienced a lot of stress, this week, related to all of these changes.
                    I just saw your update on 8-10 and this one - you are making a lot of changes and I pray your stress level goes down soon!!! What a blessing to have your husband beside you
                    Thanks for sharing!

                    Not officially diagnosed due to non-MS-specific spots on MRIs, but the neurologists all agree it's MS.
                    Frustrated. January 2019: finally saw an MS specialist worth seeing. Maybe we'll get to the bottom of this.
                    EDSS of 5.5, sometimes 6.0

                    Comment


                      #40
                      Thanks for the sharing

                      Tomorrow I get my convection oven and glass food containers. There are somethings I have learned from you that I did not know with all my research. I have since read up on using glass and silicone for food storage.
                      I have studied about the GMO's and have to look all food labels. I am trying to stay away from all processed food and drink mostly water. I do drink tart cherry juice for gout.
                      I hope you do well at your appointment today. Just remember time takes time.....
                      I am off to my exercise class...…..
                      Positive Possibilities

                      Comment


                        #41
                        Thanks to everyone who has been following and commenting on this thread. You are all so encouraging. It sounds like so many of you are already, and have been for awhile, making healthful lifestyle choices.

                        I'll post an update after today's appointment.
                        ~ Faith
                        MSWorld Volunteer -- Moderator since JUN2012
                        (now a Mimibug)

                        Symptoms began in JAN02
                        - Dx with RRMS in OCT03, following 21 months of limbo, ruling out lots of other dx, and some "probable stroke" and "probable CNS" dx for awhile.
                        - In 2008, I was back in limbo briefly, then re-dx w/ MS: JUL08
                        .

                        - Betaseron NOV03-AUG08; Copaxone20 SEPT08-APR15; Copaxone40 APR15-present
                        - Began receiving SSDI / LTD NOV08. Not employed. I volunteer in my church and community.

                        Comment


                          #42
                          Appt. #6

                          Appt. #6 was Friday.

                          He talked a lot about hormones, stress, anxiety and fear. He actually brought up "The Spoon Theory" ( http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/ar...-spoon-theory/ ), which he'd originally learned of from a person who had MS and we talk about here on MSWorld sometimes. To increase spoons, he gave me a "Lifestyle Medicine Challenge" worksheet to complete, which, in addition to specific diet and exercise challenges, also includes these:
                          • 10 minutes of sunlight
                          • 10 minutes of meditation
                          • Yoga or Tai Chi
                          • Stretching
                          • Positive Time with Friends ("Right Tribe" friends -- friends who share similar values and interests)
                          • Mandala Coloring
                          • 8 Hours of Sleep
                          • Going for a Walk / Stroll
                          • Nature Watching
                          • Serenity Prayer / Prayer
                          • Being purposeful / Fully Present
                          • Family Time / Date Night / Game Night
                          • Gratitude Journaling


                          I'll do what I can. Although, in the long run, many of these lifestyle changes could increase spoons, in the short term, their implementation might require more spoons than I have, as some of his challenges from previous weeks have used (and continue to use) extra spoons. i'm a little short on spoons right now.

                          Next appt: Thursday, August 23. I wonder if I should have skipped a week, just to catch myself up. I may need to do that next week. My first appointment was approx. 10 weeks ago, and I've already had 6 appointments. He tries to schedule them weekly, but, during parts of the summer, other scheduling got in the way of that sometimes. However, in the future, I need to be cognizant about how much I am able to change, and about how quickly I'm willing and able to implement these lifestyle changes.
                          ~ Faith
                          MSWorld Volunteer -- Moderator since JUN2012
                          (now a Mimibug)

                          Symptoms began in JAN02
                          - Dx with RRMS in OCT03, following 21 months of limbo, ruling out lots of other dx, and some "probable stroke" and "probable CNS" dx for awhile.
                          - In 2008, I was back in limbo briefly, then re-dx w/ MS: JUL08
                          .

                          - Betaseron NOV03-AUG08; Copaxone20 SEPT08-APR15; Copaxone40 APR15-present
                          - Began receiving SSDI / LTD NOV08. Not employed. I volunteer in my church and community.

                          Comment


                            #43
                            You are Woman (meow), I'll Watch You Roar!

                            Sounds like the advice I was given.
                            The Tai Chi and Yoga, I did at my pace with my provisions The meditation has been the best help.
                            Do what you can, forgive yourself if you can't right now and carry on. Do something. I am sure you are not expected to do all of the changes in a week.
                            I was given many choices and I found what best suited me. Pace yourself and have fun...Stay present....
                            Pacing your appointments sound like a good idea. That helps not to overwhelmed.....
                            Positive Possibilities

                            Comment


                              #44
                              Originally posted by kittin View Post
                              ... .
                              Do what you can, forgive yourself if you can't right now and carry on. Do something. I am sure you are not expected to do all of the changes in a week.
                              I was given many choices and I found what best suited me. Pace yourself and have fun...Stay present....
                              I might create my own choices, even if Dr. G doesn't give them to me. Some of these don't suit me at all.
                              - I prefer indoors; probably won't spend 10 minutes in sunlight or watching nature.
                              - I've set exercise goals for myself. They include a certain amount of steps per day plus exercise 4 days per week. Yoga, stretching or going for a walk are options. They are not likely to happen every day. I'm more likely to attend Silver Sneakers or ride a recumbent bike at the Wellness Center. Yoga or stretching happen on my "easy" days -- when I don't do one of the others. Usually once a week or less. Going for a walk could last two minutes before I tire. Again, I might choose it on a very easy day.
                              - Mandala Coloring would drive me nuts! Unless I was coloring next to my grandson. And he lives 900 miles away, so that won't happen often.
                              Actually, there are very few on this list that I would choose to do.

                              I can meditate; I sometimes like to use some guided meditation that I find on YouTube. I pray; I also like the Serenity Prayer. I spend family time with hubby every day. I don't see friends often -- once or twice a week at scheduled activities; I could start to schedule monthly movie nights with them again.

                              I might add some of my own -- maybe listening to music, reading, watching TV, playing computer games, writing /editing on a project I'm working on, etc.

                              I'm not going to do something daily just because Dr. G writes it on a list. Adding so many things that "aren't me" would add stress -- not decrease it.
                              ~ Faith
                              MSWorld Volunteer -- Moderator since JUN2012
                              (now a Mimibug)

                              Symptoms began in JAN02
                              - Dx with RRMS in OCT03, following 21 months of limbo, ruling out lots of other dx, and some "probable stroke" and "probable CNS" dx for awhile.
                              - In 2008, I was back in limbo briefly, then re-dx w/ MS: JUL08
                              .

                              - Betaseron NOV03-AUG08; Copaxone20 SEPT08-APR15; Copaxone40 APR15-present
                              - Began receiving SSDI / LTD NOV08. Not employed. I volunteer in my church and community.

                              Comment


                                #45
                                Now you're talking...

                                I had to come to the same conclusion. I now do Silver Sneakers two days a week and will go to three days in September. I did Yoga and Tai Chi in the past. I do meditate.

                                I find it interesting when instructions are given for my good by someone who has not or are not walking in my shoes. They are only suggestions. The movie once a month is a good idea. I do that when I can.

                                Sometimes we know what our bodies can endure better than the pro. They are correct in making suggestions but we have to use wisdom and follow what our bodies are able to do at any given time.

                                All that said, Don't stop going, listening and trying new things but use wisdom.
                                Positive Possibilities

                                Comment

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