I Finally Get It

Sheila · Post by **Sheila** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 10:31 am

Thanks, Tex. I know that some gluten has gotten into my body. I assume wheat germ oil contains gluten and that's what I had been rubbing on my feet and hands for years. I seem to have a mental block when it comes to familiar products that I used all the time. Finding the wheat germ oil in that cream was a real wake up call to me. Those old wooden spoons that I got out of storage a few months ago and began using were probably cross contaminated. Traveling the past few days didn't help the situation.

Do you think it is worthwhile retesting at Enterolab? I was going to order the food tests that I didn't include the first time or would the MRT test be a worthwhile substitute?

I've started the process of ordering MRT testing with Oxford Biomedical in Riviera Beach, Florida. Has anyone used them or heard anything about them? The also advertise LEAP diet and dietician aid. They are very close by and it would make life easier for me to use them.

Thanks again, Tex. I went through a lot of old posts and found a great deal of useful information but not the answer to some specific questions.
Sheila W

Post by **tex** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 12:01 pm

Sheila,

IMO, the EnteroLab tests are always more valuable than the MRT results, because they are very reliable and ready to use "as is" -- that is to say, the results can be considered to be definitive, without the need for additional dietary testing of the foods that were tested. (Of course, no test is perfect -- but they're the most accurate and reliable food sensitivity tests available, by far). Once you've adjusted your diet as far as you can, based on the EnteroLab test results, then MRT is the next best option, for tracking down remaining problem foods in the diet. The biggest problem with the MRT concept is that the value of the results hinges on the thoroughness and care taken when testing the food recommendations, to make sure that all the significantly reactive foods are eliminated from the diet, and the safe ones are retained.

If the dietitian chosen to develop the food testing routine were quite familiar with MC, it would be a piece of cake. Unfortunately, though, Mary Beth is probably the only dietitian in the world, qualified to administer an MRT diet testing program, who truly understands this disease. Most of them won't have the foggiest idea of the significance of the foods that we have to avoid because of MC, and that knowledge is very important if one is to get her or his money's worth from the program. Still, it's the best way to ferret out hidden food sensitivities for which Enterolab does not offer Iga testing.

Tex

Sheila · Post by **Sheila** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 12:26 pm

Thanks, Tex. When I was at the gluten free fair at the Fairgrounds here there was a lab represented. I wish I could remember the name of it. Anyway, this arrogant guy kept talking right over me when I said I had MC. He kept saying that it didn't exist. What a dimwit. When I speak to the people at Oxford Biomedical I'll find out their experience with MC. If they have no experience, I will have to go to plan 2. I guess that is Signet Lab.

Does Mary Beth work with PP people to administer or evaluate the test? Can I contact her to ask her opinion?

I'm preparing frozen bananas and frozen blueberries for smoothies. I read your old post about frozen bananas and went right to the supermarket to stock up. Breakfast is a real problem for me and a smoothie would be a great solution. Did you ever add protein powder to the mix? I was thinking of frozen banana, frozen blueberries (or pineapple) and apple juice or just ice cubes. I'm actually looking forward to breakfast tomorrow. I am so tired of chex cereal and rice milk, I could just barf looking at it in the morning.

Sheila W

Post by **tex** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 1:33 pm

Sheila wrote:this arrogant guy kept talking right over me when I said I had MC. He kept saying that it didn't exist. What a dimwit.

I'll bet he was making the same dumb mistake that some physicians make when they assume that MC is the same as IBS.

Sheila wrote:When I speak to the people at Oxford Biomedical I'll find out their experience with MC. If they have no experience, I will have to go to plan 2. I guess that is Signet Lab.

I could be wrong, but I get the impression that what used to be "Signet Lab" has changed it's name to "Oxford Biomedical Technologies". One reason for my suspicions is the fact that the "nowleap.com site that used to be affiliated with Signet Labs is now affiliated with Oxford Biomedical Technologies, and otherwise, it's appearance doesn't seem to have changed. Another reason is that if you Google "Signet Labs", the number 1 hit is nowleap.com, which as I just mentioned, is apparently now owned by Oxford Biomedical Technologies. A third reason is the fact that another lab uses the name "Signet Testing Laboratories, Inc.". They are in the materials testing business (IOW, construction materials), and I have a hunch that they may have pressured "Signet Labs" to change their name, (since Signet Testing Laboratories, Inc. has been around for decades, and "Signet Labs" was a "Johnnie-come-lately".

Actually, it doesn't matter if the people at Oxford know anything about MC or not. For testing, it's irrelevant. The dietitians are the ones who need to be familiar with MC, and they are not employed by the NowLEAP program. They are merely trained and certified to be able to administer it to their own clients. The dietitians work for themselves, they are independent operators.

Sheila wrote:Does Mary Beth work with PP people to administer or evaluate the test? Can I contact her to ask her opinion?

I'm sure Mary Beth would probably be willing to recommend a program-certified dietitian in your area, and answer a few questions, but like physicians, dietitians are licensed by their state of residence to operate within that state, and I would assume that they would be operating outside of their authority, if they attempted to operate outside of their state of residence. IOW, she is licensed to operate within the boundaries of the state of Texas, so she can certainly accept members of the board who live in Texas as clients, but not members who live in other states. I have no idea if there is such a thing as a reciprocity agreement between any of the states, concerning the recognition of other states' certification and registration processes for medical professionals.

Sheila wrote:I'm preparing frozen bananas and frozen blueberries for smoothies. I read your old post about frozen bananas and went right to the supermarket to stock up. Breakfast is a real problem for me and a smoothie would be a great solution. Did you ever add protein powder to the mix? I was thinking of frozen banana, frozen blueberries (or pineapple) and apple juice or just ice cubes. I'm actually looking forward to breakfast tomorrow. I am so tired of chex cereal and rice milk, I could just barf looking at it in the morning.

I hear you on the Chex for breakfast.

The main thing they have going for them is that they are fast and easy. I sometimes snack on a bowlful at night, if I skipped supper and/or crave a snack before bedtime. For breakfast I usually prefer eggs and bacon.

I never added any protein powder, but I've never used any protein powder for any purpose, for that matter. One of our founding members (who runs marathons) always liked to put raw eggs in her smoothies, as a protein supplement. She's the one who created the motto: "Never leave home without a porkchop in your pocket."

I usually used a mix similar to the one you listed, except that I avoided pineapple (and all citrus fruits), for variety, sometimes I added strawberries or mango. Also, instead of apple juice, I sometimes used apple cider and I often used coconut milk. Coconut milk is pretty rich, and it's a good source of calories, if you need extra calories.

Tex

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 3:45 pm

Sheila
the difference between a good day and a bad day for me is stress - emotional and/or mental and/or physical.

it has always been and continues to be a trigger for inflammation for me.

Sheila · Post by **Sheila** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 4:45 pm

Thank you Tex!!! Oxford Biomedical is about 10 miles from my home and hopefully will work out. I didn't think about pineapple as being citrus. I try to avoid citrus because it is so acid and gives me a belly ache. My neighbors pantry is overflowing with food that I can't eat for one reason or another. I'll try pineapple once and see what happens. I can't touch the mango fruit skin but I seem to be able to eat the fruit occasionally. I usually avoid it because of the skin issues when peeling. They are on the trees right now and getting ready to pick (if you beat the squirrels to them). I e-mailed a form to Oxford Bio this a.m. and will call them on Monday.

I am sure stress is playing a big part in my recent flare. I seem to be able to get through almost anything and then react later. My husband died in January, I sold one house in February and had to move everything inside within 30 days, put this house up for sale and get it ready inside and out. Although DH's illness lasted just 10 weeks, the stress during and after was overwhelming. Dealing with family members, some of whom were ridiculous (to use a polite word), is also a stress factor. Getting a rescue puppy who wasn't house broken was a plus and a minus. Lots more stress with housebreaking but the rewards are great.

I'm starting the paleo diet in a mild form tomorrow and will try to get better at it as days go by. I'm actually looking forward to this because it may lead to feeling better.

Thanks again,

Sheila W

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 4:53 pm

Family members who are ridiculous and A puppy that isnt house broken - say no more!!!

if you acknowledge that these situations are going to impact your digestion, then you dont worry so much about the food aspect (does that make sense?)

once you have your eating plan figured out, trust it. and then focuss on managing all the other aspects such as stress, change,
you wont doubt the foods, you just have to work on your head, your heart etc to be at peace with life
(easier said than done i know!)

Lesley · Post by **Lesley** » Sat Jun 02, 2012 10:59 pm

Sheila,
Mary Beth doesn't work with members of the board because it is a conflict of interest. SOme people have had dieticians from other states and consult with them via phone.
Frankly, after my experience, I think we all have more knowledge than dieticians without experience. Mary Beth, as Tex says, is one of the few who really knows about this illness. Unless you can get someone like her you can do it yourself. Once you get your results you will see that you know more than enough to use the info on your own, or with the help of the people on this board.

I also get through stuff and react later. I know of what you speak!

Sheila · Post by **Sheila** » Sun Jun 03, 2012 6:31 am

I started the paleo diet this a.m. with a mini turkey burger and a very small smoothie. Haven't figured out the Bullet yet and the smoothie was mostly a frozen lump. It tasted pretty good so I'll keep working on it.

Thanks for the input Lesley. Most of us know our bodies so well now it stands to reason we can figure out what we need and don't tolerate. I just need some help from the test to eliminate things I may be missing. I'll do the MRT testing, do my best to do the paleo and hope for the best. I don't want to lose weight and I know that seems to be a problem with the paleo diet. I'm not a big meat eater and I know if I eat a lot of fruit and veggies I'll be miserable.

Sheila W

brandy · Post by **brandy** » Sun Jun 03, 2012 1:12 pm

Hello Sheila (fellow cave woman),

In North Florida

(Gainesville) all we have is Publix and I find their GF offerings to be pretty limited. I totally agree with you it is tough to find GF crackers without any soy in them at Publix. The other thing that drives me crazy is each store will have a different offering of products, albeit limited, so I find myself driving between 3 different Publix to get 1 item from each because none of them carry the same categories.

One positive note is I have a Greenwise (organic) Publix in Gainesville although a little further from my house. It has an expanded section of GF products but it is further for me to drive. It has a 20' section of GF products whereas the other 3 Publix I usually go to only have like a 2-1/2' section of GF and many times the shelves are empty. The weird thing is that there is no sign identifying the Greenwise Publix any differently it is just kind of due to local knowledge. The Greenwise Publix has 3 types of uncured bacon and bigger assortment of proteins.

I checked the Publix website to see if there are any Greenwise in your area and they are showing one at Legacy Place. http://www.publix.com/wellness/greenwis ... cations.do
I guess the website is not current as my location is not listed. Not sure if you've shopped at the Legacy location?

I've never seen Trader Joe's anywhere in my Florida travels. Publix has run Food Lion and Albertson's and another chain that I can't remember out of town. We have a Sam's in town but it is way across town and for a one person household (me) sometimes Sam's doesn't seem worthwhile to go to. I've never checked Sam's for GF offerings.

Good luck with the cave eatings. I think my complexion is better since working towards going Paleo---my wrinkles seem to have gone away or plumped out or something.

Brandy

Sheila · Post by **Sheila** » Sun Jun 03, 2012 2:20 pm

Hey Brandy,
I have the same problem with Publix. I spoke to the Manager at the closest store and asked him to stock Chex cereal. For some reason they didn't carry it. Within a week it showed up on the shelves!! After that I kept pestering him to add GF and SF items that weren't stocked at that store. He finally told me I should shop at the Greenwise.

He did say it nicely, however. I'm lucky to have a Whole Foods very close by and they are pretty good as well as a health food store that is fairly well stocked.
I'm halfway through day one of paleo and I'm hungry and there's not much to eat. I just can't get excited about chomping on a chicken leg.
The smoothie made with my new Bullet was interesting. I used frozen bananas, frozen blueberries, a little raspberry sorbet and some apple juice. I ended up with a big, hard lump and a little smoothie. The banana was probably too hard and I'll have to remember to take it out of the freezer when I get up. It tasted really good and I'll work on perfecting the method. If I eat too much fruit I'll have D for sure.

Brandy, try talking to the manager of your closest Publix and ask him or her to stock what you use the most. They do try to be accommodating. If he isn't willing to help you, nicely ask for the number of the Regional Manager. That will get you some action.

Sheila W

Deanna in CO · Post by **Deanna in CO** » Sun Jun 03, 2012 3:21 pm

Sheila,

In the future, if you have that problem with your smoothie, try adding more apple juice, coconut milk, or water to it, and blend it again. All you need is something to thin it out a bit. (We make a lot of smoothies at my house!)

Deanna

brandy · Post by **brandy** » Sun Jun 03, 2012 7:02 pm

Hi Sheila,

Thanks for the tip. I probably need to go in M-F before 5:00 and talk with the day time managers of each section. Most times I seem to run out in the evenings and get the part time workers. Have a great week! Brandy

Leah · Post by **Leah** » Sun Jun 03, 2012 9:26 pm

I know a lot of you don't eat any grains, but if rice is still on your menu. Lundberg's makes a great rice chip. It's the same company that makes the rice cakes. These chips are tortilla shaped and very crunchy and yummy. Sea salt flavor is the only one that works for me though.

Leah

Sheila · Post by **Sheila** » Mon Jun 04, 2012 6:29 am

I decided to keep rice in my diet for the time being. Maybe I'll be able to give it up down the road. There is just nothing much to eat on this paleo diet that appeals to me since I'm not a big meat eater. I'll look for the rice chips. I don't snack much but sometimes you just "need" to crunch on something.

I made the smoothie this a.m. with a lot of apple juice and it was perfect. I've never made a smoothie, didn't have the need and was afraid to eat too much fruit. Without the GF english muffin or even the awful chex for breakfast, a smoothie looks really good to me now. I'm finishing up the Jones sausages I have in the freezer although I guess we aren't supposed to eat sausage or bacon. The small turkey patties I made taste fine but I'm thinking that if I could make them taste more like sausage they would taste even better.

AAAARGHH! I hate this diet but it is the last hope of getting my life back. If I could take a pill and avoid food altogether, I think at this point I would do that.

Sheila W