Hey guys,
I am feeling frustrated today, and I think I need a diet change but I don't know where to go. I started Paleo back in October, and it was followed almost immediately with great results- my bloating went away so I no longer looked 6 months pregnant, and I was finally having regular, solid stools without any medication or supplementation. About 4 or 5 months ago (I wish I had kept a journal so I could find out exactly when) the bloating returned along with D even though I hadn't made any changes. To fix the problem I've tried adding fiber and taking out fiber, eliminating baked goods, eliminating sugar, eliminating chocolate, eliminating nuts, elminating FODMAPS, the list goes on... I experimented with the FODMAPS about a month ago, but that led to extreme C so I stopped. Since then my D has been better, only 3-5 times a day, usually before lunch. Then after lunch time I almost feel constipated, but I think that's just a result of all the heaviness and bloating that I experience.
I was really sick over this weekend, I just realized I'm 21 and haven't even stepped foot out of my house this weekend because I've been feeling so bad, and that frustrates me. Yesterday it was like as soon as I put something into my mouth, it was on its way out. Today I'm feeling a bit better though, but still looking about 9 months pregnant, which drives me insane.
So, I think it's time for a diet change. But since Paleo is the only thing that has ever helped me feel good, I'm hesitant to go off of it, because I feel like its the right way for me to eat. Since you all know so much about diet, I was hoping you could help.
Thanks!
What diets have helped you?
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
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amberlink09
- Adélie Penguin
- Posts: 130
- Joined: Sun Jun 24, 2012 5:44 pm
- Location: United States
Hey Amber!
I haven't been around as much as I'd like lately, so I may not be aware of what you've already done. Have you had any tests for food sensitivities? Most who do testing start with enterolab tests and then if problems continue, consider MRT. Of course, it can be done by trial and error, adding one new food every day or two and keeping a careful journal. Paleo worked best for me too, but I was never able to get to 100% all of the time. You can imagine my surprise when MRT showed that I couldn't tolerate many of the foods on the paleo diet (check them out under my avatar to the left).
You might try listing everything you eat over a day or two and folks here can eyeball your list and suggest foods most likely to be giving you problems. Are you taking any meds/vitamins/supplements that might contain your sensitivities?
Hugs,
Polly
I haven't been around as much as I'd like lately, so I may not be aware of what you've already done. Have you had any tests for food sensitivities? Most who do testing start with enterolab tests and then if problems continue, consider MRT. Of course, it can be done by trial and error, adding one new food every day or two and keeping a careful journal. Paleo worked best for me too, but I was never able to get to 100% all of the time. You can imagine my surprise when MRT showed that I couldn't tolerate many of the foods on the paleo diet (check them out under my avatar to the left).
You might try listing everything you eat over a day or two and folks here can eyeball your list and suggest foods most likely to be giving you problems. Are you taking any meds/vitamins/supplements that might contain your sensitivities?
Hugs,
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
Amber,
In case you're not aware of it, Polly is an MD who has been controlling her symptoms by diet alone for over 10 years now. Obviously, she knows her stuff.
FWIW, I certainly agree with her that the best place to start is with the paleo diet, and do whatever is necessary to fine-tune it by cutting out any foods that prove to be problematic. When we're having problems, adding foods won't help -- eliminating problem foods is the key.
Tex
In case you're not aware of it, Polly is an MD who has been controlling her symptoms by diet alone for over 10 years now. Obviously, she knows her stuff.
FWIW, I certainly agree with her that the best place to start is with the paleo diet, and do whatever is necessary to fine-tune it by cutting out any foods that prove to be problematic. When we're having problems, adding foods won't help -- eliminating problem foods is the key.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Hi Amber,
Sorry to hear you are struggling with this at such a young age. I agree with Polly. I also did MRT and it was the turning point for my health. I was sensitive to things like almonds, blueberies, turkey . . . healthy food. I am a dietitian and I can help you find someone in your area if you want to get tested. PM me if you are interested.
Hugs,
mary Beth
Sorry to hear you are struggling with this at such a young age. I agree with Polly. I also did MRT and it was the turning point for my health. I was sensitive to things like almonds, blueberies, turkey . . . healthy food. I am a dietitian and I can help you find someone in your area if you want to get tested. PM me if you are interested.
Hugs,
mary Beth
"If you believe it will work out, you'll see opportunities. If you believe it won't you will see obstacles." - Dr. Wayne Dyer
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amberlink09
- Adélie Penguin
- Posts: 130
- Joined: Sun Jun 24, 2012 5:44 pm
- Location: United States
Thanks guys!
I really want to get tested but I just don't have the money for it right now. I am working a ton so I am hoping to have enough saved up by the end of summer, but that is still just so long from now. I am thinking about just going down to a GAPS or SCD-style intro diet and slowly adding things in to see how they effect me, but I've tried it before and I'm pretty bad at slowly adding foods, because after a week of nothing but eggs and chicken soup I'm starving. Either way though, it might be worth a try. I just don't want to be on GAPS and SCD long-term. I can do Paleo, but those diets involve no cross-contamination of anything, which leaves me unable to ever eat out or use pre-prepared mayonnaise and all that. I did SCD for about four months but like Paleo, it worked for a while and then stopped, so I think that I must definitely be sensitive to something. I got blood tests done for food sensitivities but nothing was found, does anyone know about the accuracy of those?
I really want to get tested but I just don't have the money for it right now. I am working a ton so I am hoping to have enough saved up by the end of summer, but that is still just so long from now. I am thinking about just going down to a GAPS or SCD-style intro diet and slowly adding things in to see how they effect me, but I've tried it before and I'm pretty bad at slowly adding foods, because after a week of nothing but eggs and chicken soup I'm starving. Either way though, it might be worth a try. I just don't want to be on GAPS and SCD long-term. I can do Paleo, but those diets involve no cross-contamination of anything, which leaves me unable to ever eat out or use pre-prepared mayonnaise and all that. I did SCD for about four months but like Paleo, it worked for a while and then stopped, so I think that I must definitely be sensitive to something. I got blood tests done for food sensitivities but nothing was found, does anyone know about the accuracy of those?
Amber,
The conventional blood tests are pretty much worthless for detecting the type of food sensitivities that we have. The only one with any merit seems to be the MRT.
Most people here who use the paleo diet, use a modified form that's custom tailored to suit their own needs, with foods both added and removed.
Have you ever tried the paleo diet without eggs? Eggs are a fairly common allergen among members. Also, a surprising number of members react to chicken and/or beef. In most cases, that's in addition to eggs, and the big three.
Tex
The conventional blood tests are pretty much worthless for detecting the type of food sensitivities that we have. The only one with any merit seems to be the MRT.
Most people here who use the paleo diet, use a modified form that's custom tailored to suit their own needs, with foods both added and removed.
Have you ever tried the paleo diet without eggs? Eggs are a fairly common allergen among members. Also, a surprising number of members react to chicken and/or beef. In most cases, that's in addition to eggs, and the big three.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Polly,
I totally agree, but that's why I don't see any point to switching to the SCD. If you eliminate dairy products from the SCD, doesn't that leave you with the paleo diet?
Love,
Tex
I totally agree, but that's why I don't see any point to switching to the SCD. If you eliminate dairy products from the SCD, doesn't that leave you with the paleo diet?
Love,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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tex wrote:Polly,
I totally agree, but that's why I don't see any point to switching to the SCD. If you eliminate dairy products from the SCD, doesn't that leave you with the paleo diet?
Love,
Tex
Scd is paleo plus dairy (24 hour yogurt and hard cheeses). I followed it for years and I am now sure that it was the dairy plus eggs, which are paleo but I can't tolerate, that did me in. And even following Paleo there are things I have to avoid like chicken and beef. No single one-size fits all diet is going to work. It always has to be tailored for the individual. The biggest hurdle for most people seems to be accepting how severe the limitation have to be. Getting healthy is not just figuring out what you can eat and what you can't but learning to accept the limitations no matter what they might be.
Jean
100%
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amberlink09
- Adélie Penguin
- Posts: 130
- Joined: Sun Jun 24, 2012 5:44 pm
- Location: United States
Thanks Tex, that's good to know about the blood tests!
I don't want to actually do the SCD again, I was just thinking of following it's stages for adding in new foods. I definitely won't do the dairy this time though, I was thinking of making some coconut kefir instead and living off of that and bone broth until my stomach becomes tolerable again.
I really hope it's not proteins, because if it's a protein, it is probably chicken. I'd say I mostly eat chicken and maybe pork once a week and beef or ground turkey once a week. Chicken is the cheapest thing to buy so it's largely what I live off of, though I'd love to eat a different protein if I had the money!
I was eating a lot of eggs when I first started paleo, but then I got pretty tired of them so now I either skip breakfast or do smoothies.
I'll definitely keep track of the sales though and maybe next time pork goes on sale I'll stock up and eat that for a week instead of chicken? I've read around the board that pork seems to be the most friendly protein for everyone.
Thanks for the suggestions everyone!
I don't want to actually do the SCD again, I was just thinking of following it's stages for adding in new foods. I definitely won't do the dairy this time though, I was thinking of making some coconut kefir instead and living off of that and bone broth until my stomach becomes tolerable again.
I really hope it's not proteins, because if it's a protein, it is probably chicken. I'd say I mostly eat chicken and maybe pork once a week and beef or ground turkey once a week. Chicken is the cheapest thing to buy so it's largely what I live off of, though I'd love to eat a different protein if I had the money!
I was eating a lot of eggs when I first started paleo, but then I got pretty tired of them so now I either skip breakfast or do smoothies.
I'll definitely keep track of the sales though and maybe next time pork goes on sale I'll stock up and eat that for a week instead of chicken? I've read around the board that pork seems to be the most friendly protein for everyone.
Thanks for the suggestions everyone!
Amber,
Actually, all allergens and all food sensitivities to which we react are proteins (specifically, peptides of protein molecules).
Are you aware that many/most mainstream brands of chicken are injected with a "tenderizing" and/or "moisturizing" solution/broth that can contain gluten in some cases? Sanderson Farms does not inject their chicken, and there are organic, free-range or natural brands that are uninjected, but you really have to read the label for most brands. Some pork is also injected, and self-basting turkeys are usually injected. Otherwise, many members who cannot eat chicken can safely eat turkey. And most members who react to pork can eat lamb. Fish are usually an option.
I mostly lived on pork, eggs and potatoes, with occasional chicken and rice when I was recovering. Very, very few people in the world are sensitive to rice.
Tex
Actually, all allergens and all food sensitivities to which we react are proteins (specifically, peptides of protein molecules).
Are you aware that many/most mainstream brands of chicken are injected with a "tenderizing" and/or "moisturizing" solution/broth that can contain gluten in some cases? Sanderson Farms does not inject their chicken, and there are organic, free-range or natural brands that are uninjected, but you really have to read the label for most brands. Some pork is also injected, and self-basting turkeys are usually injected. Otherwise, many members who cannot eat chicken can safely eat turkey. And most members who react to pork can eat lamb. Fish are usually an option.
I mostly lived on pork, eggs and potatoes, with occasional chicken and rice when I was recovering. Very, very few people in the world are sensitive to rice.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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wonderwoman
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 574
- Joined: Wed Feb 17, 2010 8:59 pm
- Location: Sun City, AZ
When my 2nd Enterolab tests came back and they found more intolerances I was really upset. However, I am adjusting to the fact that now I have to eliminate chicken, beef, eggs, night shades, corn and rice in addition to the wheat, rye, oats, barley, dairy and soy that I have been eliminating for the past 18 months. I thought what can I eat? Well, I do quite well on pork, turkey, seafood, lots of cooked vegetables and a little fruit.
I have discovered this to be the Paleo diet without eggs and nightshades. I paged through several paleo cookbooks and found many interesting recipes for vegetables. I am eating vegetables I haven't eaten in a long time and some I haven't eaten since I was a kid.... kale, beets, turnips, rutabagas, parsnips, brussel sprouts.
I made the paleo muffins and the brownies but they both went in the freezer. I will allow myself to have one of them every several days.
I also have been slowly cutting back on the Budesonide. I am eliminating one every third day now and next week will cut back further.
I have discovered this to be the Paleo diet without eggs and nightshades. I paged through several paleo cookbooks and found many interesting recipes for vegetables. I am eating vegetables I haven't eaten in a long time and some I haven't eaten since I was a kid.... kale, beets, turnips, rutabagas, parsnips, brussel sprouts.
I made the paleo muffins and the brownies but they both went in the freezer. I will allow myself to have one of them every several days.
I also have been slowly cutting back on the Budesonide. I am eliminating one every third day now and next week will cut back further.
Charlotte
The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine, or the slowest form of poison. Ann Wigmore
The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine, or the slowest form of poison. Ann Wigmore
Sounds like you are doing well Charlotte :)
I know what you mean Amber about meat being expensive. My daughter says the same thing. Hamburger and ground turkey is pretty reasonable. I eat a bunless burger at least twice a week. I just freeze the patties and take them out one at a time. Or I make meatballs. I even put them in broth with veggies for a quick soup. I know you are trying to go Paleo, but Tex has a point about rice. It is a great way to round out your diet. It's cheap and filling. Plus, Rice chex ( with almond milk) is an easy breakfast. Rice cakes are a good snack also :)
Leah
I know what you mean Amber about meat being expensive. My daughter says the same thing. Hamburger and ground turkey is pretty reasonable. I eat a bunless burger at least twice a week. I just freeze the patties and take them out one at a time. Or I make meatballs. I even put them in broth with veggies for a quick soup. I know you are trying to go Paleo, but Tex has a point about rice. It is a great way to round out your diet. It's cheap and filling. Plus, Rice chex ( with almond milk) is an easy breakfast. Rice cakes are a good snack also :)
Leah