My docs keep telling me to eat more variety--frustrating

mcnomore · Post by **mcnomore** » Thu May 01, 2014 11:30 pm

My docs seem to be giving up on me because they want me to take supplements and increase the variety in my diet. They both claim I am malnourished which is probably true, but what can I do if I can't tolerate so many foods and all supplements.

I did eat salmon a couple of days ago and am waiting to see if there is any delayed reaction, so far no problem (yay) and I even like it.

I've been researching what I would need to eat in order to get the recommended amounts of vitamins from foods (I should have done this years ago) and salmon seemed like a good start.

I would love to add kale as it is a superfood. I could saute it in water until it is soft and then puree it and add it to my banana bread. I plan to try this by this weekend I think. My fingers are crossed.

My diet right now is pork and banana bread. The only fat I get is a little from the pork and none in the banana bread which is why I want to add salmon.

My folic acid is too low which is why I want to add the kale.

Any ideas welcome.

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Thu May 01, 2014 11:36 pm

Given the MTHFR result, has your doctor changed any of your supplements/medications to correct that??

mcnomore · Post by **mcnomore** » Thu May 01, 2014 11:49 pm

She definitely tried, but I can't tolerate any of them.

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Thu May 01, 2014 11:53 pm

So you can not tolerate any Magnesium and/or Zinc and/or Vit C??

TXBrenda · Post by **TXBrenda** » Fri May 02, 2014 8:43 am

I don't know about zinc and vitamin c but magnesium can be applied topically with an oil or gel. Good luck with adding something to your diet that you can tolerate.

jgivens · Post by **jgivens** » Fri May 02, 2014 12:34 pm

I seem to have trouble with Kale, which is sad because I really like it. However, I have discovered, I am more likely to tolerate baby kale cooked. In fact, if I can get some mixed baby greens that are organic, that is the best. I think that the more mature the plant is, the more fiber and I just can't process it. I just read that eating micro greens are very chic. So glad that I can be on the cutting edge of chic (NOT!).

Fern · Post by **Fern** » Fri May 02, 2014 12:59 pm

I'm so sorry that you are having such trouble. How about trying turnip greens or mustard greens? They are more tender greens and I believe they are lower in oxalate. I just sautéed some mustard greens in the pan with my venison burger and it was delicious. Just a handful should do you a world of good without upsetting your system too much. Also, be sure to tear the tender parts away from the stem. The stems are good for making compost and not much else.

Good luck!

mcnomore · Post by **mcnomore** » Fri May 02, 2014 5:00 pm

Thanks for the baby kale suggestion. I just boiled a little for about 10 min and ate 1 tablespoon of it. I also made sure I didn't include the stems. My fingers are crossed.

maestraz · Post by **maestraz** » Sun May 04, 2014 4:44 pm

Hi,
I've been following your posts for a while. I hope you aren't offended by this, but what comes across to me is that you have been frantically trying everything to find a solution; kind of flailing around, maybe depending on what you have read about most recently.

Maybe it is time to back up, slow down, and stop trying so many different things in favor of one sustained thing, and give that one thing/change time to work before jumping to something else.

mcnomore · Post by **mcnomore** » Sun May 04, 2014 4:58 pm

Suze, your post is offensive because of the tone. There are many different ways to say something and you chose to be critical.

maestraz · Post by **maestraz** » Sun May 04, 2014 5:06 pm

I'm surprised that you found my suggestion, similar ones of which have been offered to many folks by those with experience here, critical. As always, it is your choice to disregard suggestions.

mcnomore · Post by **mcnomore** » Sun May 04, 2014 5:12 pm

I have been on a diet of banana bread and lean pork for a year and my vitamin levels are dropping too low. I have had normans for the last three months unless I take supplements.

I don't know what you mean by staying with one thing, what one thing?

Pat · Post by **Pat** » Sun May 04, 2014 8:01 pm

I think it is awesome that you are having normans!!! Have you tried peeled, well cooked zucchini? That is the only vegetable that I can eat right now. Sigh... Any greens gives me D. I am hoping for the day that I can add some greens. What flours do you use for the banana bread?

Pat

carolm · Post by **carolm** » Sun May 04, 2014 9:24 pm

Hi McNomore, I'm thinking that since you are having Normans, then it is a good time for some food challenges. In fact it's very encouraging that you now have good results.

When I 'challenge' a food I keep the rest of my diet the same, then eat a small serving of the new food. If I have no reaction I eat one serving on day 2. Still no reaction then I eat a serving on day 3. If there's still have no reaction then it becomes a safe food and can be a regular part of my diet.

Like others have said the safer foods seem to be carrots and zucchini. Can you eat almond butter? It has both protein and fats, seems easy to digest. It's also a staple in my diet. If you can tolerate rice flour, you might consider a rice based pasta and add it to your pork or salmon just for some variety. I found I can tolerate dried apricots and that's been a very good thing for some nutrients. It's amazing how adding 2-3 things can change everything. Or in your case that would double your diet options.

Sometimes I think 'food burnout' is as big a problem as the diet restrictions themselves. I've gotten better with seasonings and spices to make my narrow diet more interesting.

Hang in there.

PS-- I also have magnesium in a spray oil that I use if I'm having leg cramps. Also, I've been able to take Freeda brand vitamins. They are free of the big 4 and many other additives. You'll find them online.

mcnomore · Post by **mcnomore** » Sun May 04, 2014 10:12 pm

Thanks for the ideas ladies.

I ate salmon for 3 days with no problem and am on day 3 of eating a few leaves of baby kale with no reaction, but I'll see what happens tomorrow.

I chose the kale because it has so many vitamins and I have to get my levels up.

I can't do almonds or rice according to my Enterolab results. Rice was in the +3 category, weird, right?

My banana bread I make with millet and tapioca flours, baking soda and salt and banana of course.