Using MRT results-need a couple of experienced opinions.

[carolm]

Hello all,
I am still trying to tweak things. I still think I should feel better than I do. I'm still lacking energy and have some mild aching especially in the mornings. I have been eating almond butter and didn't think i was having any problems with it. I was happy for the variety and the calories. My MRT results show almonds to be a phase 3 food-- mid-green. Sunflower seeds however are a phase 1 food and a very low green. So my question is: wouldn't it make sense for me to switch from almond butter to sunbutter? Can anyone think of a reason why this would NOT be a good idea, based on their experience and what I've said.

Thanks, BTW-- apricots are a keeper. No issue with them and the little bit of fiber has been a good thing. I haven't had to take stool softeners for the past 3 days (and Norman showed up today, although it was while I was at the salon getting my hair colored. His timing could use some improvement).

Carol

[Kari]

Hi Carol,

Well, if I was you, I would test the low greens first, so I would give the sunbutter a try. Of course, you have no guarantee that it will work - as you know, it's always trial and error - sigh. Good for you that Norman is showing up (albeit a bit inconveniently :)) - sounds like your healing is coming along nicely.

Love,
Kari

[carolm]

Thanks Kari, Common sense brings me to that same conclusion (start with low greens and drop anything I'm currently eating that I think is 'iffy'. I just wanted to be sure I'm not overlooking something.

I'm making a couple of other changes. I had been eating Oscar Mayer Smoked Turkey, but it has nitrates and corn starch so I've stopped it. Today I bought some ground turkey that had 'natural flavoring'. I called the company and their 'natural flavoring' is rosemary. So I made some turkey burgers and they were a welcome change. Once I got the MRT results I wondered if the almond butter could also be a slight irritant. Today I bought some sunflower seeds which I will make into sunbutter so I can be sure there are no problematic ingredients. I'm still struggling to get variety and some days struggle to get enough calories.

Thanks for your opinion. I genuinely appreciate it.

Carol

[Deanna in CO]

Carol,

Don't know much about MRT testing, but I do have a couple of thoughts:

1) Instead of Oscar Meyer, you might try Hormel Natural Choice Smoked Turkey. It has no nitrates or nitrites in it and I've found it delicious and safe for me - no gluten, dairy, soy, or egg, or anything else we talk about here except a bit of turbinado sugar, potato starch, rice starch, and carrageenan. Don't know if you react to any of those. There's also Applegate Farms - I think theirs also contains carrageenan but even fewer other possible problems.

2) I am a bit cautious of those companies that say the "natural flavoring" in their meat is rosemary. I think sometimes they know people are beginning to wonder about "pink slime" in their meat, so the companies just say that to get people off their backs. My hubby and I asked about that with ground beef at our local Kroger store and got the same response, but there was something in the lady's eyes that made us think she was lying. Just wanted you to be aware - if you have a reaction, don't assume it couldn't be that. Sorry to be a downer.

Best wishes - hope you have some helpful results from this and are soon feeling really better.

Deanna

[carolm]

HI Deanna, I appreciate the tips and I'll be looking for the Hormel Naturals. It's nice to have something that is already prepared.

I laughed, as did the guy on the phone, when he told me it was rosemary-- because why not just say "rosemary" on the package. He said the supervisor he checked with said that goes for their ground beef too. I don't know the purpose of rosemary...if it retards spoilage or what, but I was also told that in regards to their ground beef. Still it's good to be cautious.

take care,
Carol

[Gloria]

Carol,

The ground turkey I buy also has rosemary flavoring, and it doesn't seem to be a problem for me.

Polly and I both use Boar's Head low-sodium turkey. Neither of us can eat carregeenan which Deanna mentioned is present in Applegate and Hormel's. I've also bought Safeway's pan turkey, I believe it's called, and haven't had a problem.

I am considering making a salad with turkey and the lettuce from my garden. My dilemma has always been what to use for a dressing because I can't eat vinegar of any type. I think I can thin my mock mayonnaise with almond milk and use it. Does anyone have any ideas for a salad dressing w/o vinegar?

Gloria

[Leah]

Gloria, can you use lemon juice? Olive oil and lemon is very good with some salt and pepper... a touch of dijon is even better :)

Carol, I eat both "sunbutter" and peanut butter. The only thing is that the sunbutter usually has some added sugar. Sometimes, I'm in the mood for a little sweetness :)

[Gloria]

Leah,
Thank you for your response.

No, I can't eat lemon juice, olive oil or ground pepper. I tried many acidic foods once I realized that vinegar was giving me mouth sores, but everything I tried also caused mouth sores. I finally made my "mock mayonnaise" with dry mustard, almond and roasted hazelnut oil. The dry mustard gives it some tang, and the hazelnut oil gives it a pretty good flavor. Maybe I can use it like a ranch dressing. Or maybe I can mix it with some mango puree. Hmmm. That's a possibility. I think I'll search the net for mango sauces.

You've started me thinking - thanks!

Gloria

[mbeezie]

Carol,

It doesn't sound like you are working with a dietitian so here are a few tips:
1. Eat only low greens to start (if your results have numbers by them, only choose those that are less than 0.8 to start.
2. All foods must be tested - just because it is green doesn't mean safe - just means better chance of being safe.
3. Pay attention to the food chemicals. For example, if you are reactive to solanine, then avoid potatoes, tomatoes and peppers even if they atre green.
4. Best to avoid all processed foods in the early stages.
5. It sometimes takes up to 6 weeks to see results. My D didn't stop initially, although I did have releif from some other symptoms.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Mary Beth

[carolm]

Thanks Mary Beth. I will take all of this into consideration. I am definitely paying attention to the chemicals. They were one of my main reasons for getting the MRT testing. I am/will be testing foods one at a time. My plan is to test a food 3 days in a row, then go to one day of baseline, then test another food 3 days in a row and go back to baseline. I feel that will give me the best data.

Sunflower/sunbutter is next. I need something with more staying power and protein. I have dropped processed foods and I've lost another 3 pounds as of this morning. My GI told me 'no more weightloss' so I need to get a grip on this. Feeling a little 'washed out' these days and I think it's from too few calories.

thanks,
Carol