does diet affect your RA?

[Guest guest]

Ok so I know this is a very old question and has been around for as long as RA

itself. I am wondering what kind of affects people with RA see from their

diets. I have always been a believer that disease is disease but I am now

learning that what we do and what we eat greatly affects us. I have been on

this roller coaster for 3 years now and I am in a clinical tril with Rituxan. I

have noticed huge improvements in my ability to control my symptoms. I do not

necessarily see improvment in my disease but I find as time goes on and as my RA

progresses I am learning to recognise what my triggers are and control my

symptoms much better. I decied to slowly change my lifestyle and I can tell you

it has made a huge difference in the fatigue assoc with RA. I always said the

pain I can handle if I have meds but the fatigue really knocked me down! As a

young mom with 2 young children and a third child ( husband) I was devistated by

this diagnosis and for a year I was in a horrible state, so tired I was not

functional, in so much pain I couldn't concentrate on anything else but my RA.

I learned almost from accident that eating crap makes me feel crappy. We were

big snackers in our house esp in the evening, chips, popcorn etc. Well we

decided to eat healthier as a family and low and behold my symptoms began to

fade. I would notice that whenever I ate something that was not healthy I would

feel it for the next 3 days, Sore joints, fatigue, and again the fatigue is the

most debilitating part for me. So I have tried to be very diligent in my eating

habits and I can honestly say that if it is processed it does not come in our

home. We no longer have junk food in the house, I try to cook everyday, healthy

meals which in the beginning was hard because you are so tired. After about a

week of eating all natural healthy foods I can say I am not tired at all and my

pain and stiffness is much better controlled.

I really make an effort to make sure I eat lots of fruit and veggies, we eat

fish at least twice a week, salmon is our favorite and my kids love it too!

Lots of lean protein and we have really cut out a lot of bad food items. I have

really tried to make an effort to make healthy meals that everyone loves and we

have really adapted to this lifestyle. My kids now that we eat healthy because

moms health depends on it. They also know that if we go out for dinner it is to

a healthy as possible place, ie. swiss chalet. If I eat junk I am out of

commission for 3 days at least and then it is like starting all over again.

For me I have found my triggers to be SUGAR (number 1) And anything with sugar

in it, so I try to avaoid it as much as possible, not an easy task but it is

doable! I do not buy anything that it prepackaged which again makes meals a bit

more work but in the end so worth it! I still take my pain meds everyday and I

know that I have to but I am able to live a normal as can be life with my

family, I am not on the couch crashed at 6 pm because I am so tired, as I was

for a long time!

I honestly believe that food plays a larger then we think role in management of

this dreaded disease...I am not sure if it is all of my combined efforts that

are paying off but I sure now know how to recognize when I have had too much and

whatever is working me I am going to keep up that lifestyle as I want to live

and not live for this RA! I have the support of my husband who has welcomed the

changes with open arms and without this support I don't know what I could have

achieved!

So with this being said I am off to have lunch (a healthy One) and finish my

work so I can go home and be with my family. If anyone is looking for ideas on

how to modify your lifestyle I would be willing to share what works for me, and

it is an ongoing process that I work at everyday.....Did you know that eating a

handful of almonds or walnuts daily can help with RA, great source of Omega 3

which help fight inflammation.

[Guest guest]

Thank you for writing this.  I have experimented some with diet but don't have a

specific plan and would welcome any tips on lifestyle changes you've made that

have helped.

, upstate NY

________________________________

From: tcompare <tcompare@...>

Sent: Thursday, April 2, 2009 12:42:44 PM

Subject: [ ] does diet affect your RA?

Ok so I know this is a very old question and has been around for as long as RA

itself. I am wondering what kind of affects people with RA see from their diets.

I have always been a believer that disease is disease but I am now learning that

what we do and what we eat greatly affects us. I have been on this roller

coaster for 3 years now and I am in a clinical tril with Rituxan. I have noticed

huge improvements in my ability to control my symptoms. I do not necessarily see

improvment in my disease but I find as time goes on and as my RA progresses I am

learning to recognise what my triggers are and control my symptoms much better.

I decied to slowly change my lifestyle and I can tell you it has made a huge

difference in the fatigue assoc with RA. I always said the pain I can handle if

I have meds but the fatigue really knocked me down! As a young mom with 2 young

children and a third child ( husband) I was devistated by this diagnosis and for

a year I was

in a horrible state, so tired I was not functional, in so much pain I couldn't

concentrate on anything else but my RA. I learned almost from accident that

eating crap makes me feel crappy. We were big snackers in our house esp in the

evening, chips, popcorn etc. Well we decided to eat healthier as a family and

low and behold my symptoms began to fade. I would notice that whenever I ate

something that was not healthy I would feel it for the next 3 days, Sore joints,

fatigue, and again the fatigue is the most debilitating part for me. So I have

tried to be very diligent in my eating habits and I can honestly say that if it

is processed it does not come in our home. We no longer have junk food in the

house, I try to cook everyday, healthy meals which in the beginning was hard

because you are so tired. After about a week of eating all natural healthy foods

I can say I am not tired at all and my pain and stiffness is much better

controlled.

I really make an effort to make sure I eat lots of fruit and veggies, we eat

fish at least twice a week, salmon is our favorite and my kids love it too! Lots

of lean protein and we have really cut out a lot of bad food items. I have

really tried to make an effort to make healthy meals that everyone loves and we

have really adapted to this lifestyle. My kids now that we eat healthy because

moms health depends on it. They also know that if we go out for dinner it is to

a healthy as possible place, ie. swiss chalet. If I eat junk I am out of

commission for 3 days at least and then it is like starting all over again..

For me I have found my triggers to be SUGAR (number 1) And anything with sugar

in it, so I try to avaoid it as much as possible, not an easy task but it is

doable! I do not buy anything that it prepackaged which again makes meals a bit

more work but in the end so worth it! I still take my pain meds everyday and I

know that I have to but I am able to live a normal as can be life with my

family, I am not on the couch crashed at 6 pm because I am so tired, as I was

for a long time!

I honestly believe that food plays a larger then we think role in management of

this dreaded disease...I am not sure if it is all of my combined efforts that

are paying off but I sure now know how to recognize when I have had too much and

whatever is working me I am going to keep up that lifestyle as I want to live

and not live for this RA! I have the support of my husband who has welcomed the

changes with open arms and without this support I don't know what I could have

achieved!

So with this being said I am off to have lunch (a healthy One) and finish my

work so I can go home and be with my family. If anyone is looking for ideas on

how to modify your lifestyle I would be willing to share what works for me, and

it is an ongoing process that I work at everyday.... .Did you know that eating a

handful of almonds or walnuts daily can help with RA, great source of Omega 3

which help fight inflammation.

[Guest guest]

definately, i cant eat potatoes or tomato sauce. i will be in a lot of pain the

next day. there are other foods that affect me but those two are the worse.

From: tcompare <tcompare@...>

Subject: [ ] does diet affect your RA?

Date: Thursday, April 2, 2009, 9:42 AM

Ok so I know this is a very old question and has been around for as long as RA

itself. I am wondering what kind of affects people with RA see from their diets.

I have always been a believer that disease is disease but I am now learning that

what we do and what we eat greatly affects us. I have been on this roller

coaster for 3 years now and I am in a clinical tril with Rituxan. I have noticed

huge improvements in my ability to control my symptoms. I do not necessarily see

improvment in my disease but I find as time goes on and as my RA progresses I am

learning to recognise what my triggers are and control my symptoms much better.

I decied to slowly change my lifestyle and I can tell you it has made a huge

difference in the fatigue assoc with RA. I always said the pain I can handle if

I have meds but the fatigue really knocked me down! As a young mom with 2 young

children and a third child ( husband) I was devistated by this diagnosis and for

a year I was

in a horrible state, so tired I was not functional, in so much pain I couldn't

concentrate on anything else but my RA. I learned almost from accident that

eating crap makes me feel crappy. We were big snackers in our house esp in the

evening, chips, popcorn etc. Well we decided to eat healthier as a family and

low and behold my symptoms began to fade. I would notice that whenever I ate

something that was not healthy I would feel it for the next 3 days, Sore joints,

fatigue, and again the fatigue is the most debilitating part for me. So I have

tried to be very diligent in my eating habits and I can honestly say that if it

is processed it does not come in our home. We no longer have junk food in the

house, I try to cook everyday, healthy meals which in the beginning was hard

because you are so tired. After about a week of eating all natural healthy foods

I can say I am not tired at all and my pain and stiffness is much better

controlled.

I really make an effort to make sure I eat lots of fruit and veggies, we eat

fish at least twice a week, salmon is our favorite and my kids love it too! Lots

of lean protein and we have really cut out a lot of bad food items. I have

really tried to make an effort to make healthy meals that everyone loves and we

have really adapted to this lifestyle. My kids now that we eat healthy because

moms health depends on it. They also know that if we go out for dinner it is to

a healthy as possible place, ie. swiss chalet. If I eat junk I am out of

commission for 3 days at least and then it is like starting all over again.

For me I have found my triggers to be SUGAR (number 1) And anything with sugar

in it, so I try to avaoid it as much as possible, not an easy task but it is

doable! I do not buy anything that it prepackaged which again makes meals a bit

more work but in the end so worth it! I still take my pain meds everyday and I

know that I have to but I am able to live a normal as can be life with my

family, I am not on the couch crashed at 6 pm because I am so tired, as I was

for a long time!

I honestly believe that food plays a larger then we think role in management of

this dreaded disease...I am not sure if it is all of my combined efforts that

are paying off but I sure now know how to recognize when I have had too much and

whatever is working me I am going to keep up that lifestyle as I want to live

and not live for this RA! I have the support of my husband who has welcomed the

changes with open arms and without this support I don't know what I could have

achieved!

So with this being said I am off to have lunch (a healthy One) and finish my

work so I can go home and be with my family. If anyone is looking for ideas on

how to modify your lifestyle I would be willing to share what works for me, and

it is an ongoing process that I work at everyday.... .Did you know that eating a

handful of almonds or walnuts daily can help with RA, great source of Omega 3

which help fight inflammation.

[Guest guest]

hi i have experimented greatly with diet over years with RA and have

found it does help but is not enough for me on its own. if i cut out all

processed foods, grains, dairy i can stay off painkillers but my disease

still progresses. so am trying enbrel but it has not helped at all yet

but if i stick to safe diet i can manage without painkillers. i ate some

rice bread and rice cookies the other day and next day pain was awful.

it is so hard to eat such a restricted diet and hard to keep weight on

too but for now it's all i have to help me manage pain.

monique

[Guest guest]

Hi, I have experimented a lot with diet. I have dermatomyositis, but I feel

there are a lot of similarities with RA. I had severe joint pain at first and

what I ate definitely affected it. Now, with meds, the pain is less but I get a

flare if I eat junk food, fried food and numbers of other things.

The potatoes and tomatoes are both night shade plants, and if you Google them

you will see that they affect arthritis. How I found that out is eating

eggplant. I thought I was doing something good by eating vegetarian, but then I

got into the worst pain I have had. When I looked it up, eggplant is part of the

night shade family, as are pepppers, potatoes and tomatoes. Green ones are

worse, I mean peppers, etc., than red ones. In particular green potatoes and

tomatoes can cause a flare.I have experienced it myself, but when I asked my

Rheumy about night shade plants she just looked at me like I had lost my mind.

But my face swells and turns red when I eat these foods. Anyway, cooked is

better than raw.

Also, in many meats there are additives, I recently read of arsenic being fed to

chicken to accelerate growth and that is harmful to the liver. My friends think

I am crazy, but I can feel what many of these foods do to me.

Dr. Weill has developed an anti-inflammatory diet that he believes is

crucial to all aging. He believes that inflammation affects all of the aging

diseases, not just auto-immune. In fact he hardly touches on them. Alzheimer's,

cardiac, all are related to inflammation in his hypothesis. I read his book, got

some helpful info. But I think it comes down to what works for each individual

with an autoimmune disease. Just like meds. You have to hunt and peck to get the

right equation.

We should share on this topic a lot, because I can definitely help myself feel

better by choosing to eat the right foods. I have stopped drinking alcohol too.

ANd that has made a tremendously positive impact on my problems. Thanks,

aka Woodstock

>

> Ok so I know this is a very old question and has been around for as long as RA

itself. I am wondering what kind of affects people with RA see from their

diets. I have always been a believer that disease is disease but I am now

learning that what we do and what we eat greatly affects us. I have been on

this roller coaster for 3 years now and I am in a clinical tril with Rituxan. I

have noticed huge improvements in my ability to control my symptoms. I do not

necessarily see improvment in my disease but I find as time goes on and as my RA

progresses I am learning to recognise what my triggers are and control my

symptoms much better. I decied to slowly change my lifestyle and I can tell you

it has made a huge difference in the fatigue assoc with RA. I always said the

pain I can handle if I have meds but the fatigue really knocked me down! As a

young mom with 2 young children and a third child ( husband) I was devistated by

this diagnosis and for a year I was in a horrible state, so tired I was not

functional, in so much pain I couldn't concentrate on anything else but my RA.

I learned almost from accident that eating crap makes me feel crappy. We were

big snackers in our house esp in the evening, chips, popcorn etc. Well we

decided to eat healthier as a family and low and behold my symptoms began to

fade. I would notice that whenever I ate something that was not healthy I would

feel it for the next 3 days, Sore joints, fatigue, and again the fatigue is the

most debilitating part for me. So I have tried to be very diligent in my eating

habits and I can honestly say that if it is processed it does not come in our

home. We no longer have junk food in the house, I try to cook everyday, healthy

meals which in the beginning was hard because you are so tired. After about a

week of eating all natural healthy foods I can say I am not tired at all and my

pain and stiffness is much better controlled.

>

> I really make an effort to make sure I eat lots of fruit and veggies, we eat

fish at least twice a week, salmon is our favorite and my kids love it too!

Lots of lean protein and we have really cut out a lot of bad food items. I have

really tried to make an effort to make healthy meals that everyone loves and we

have really adapted to this lifestyle. My kids now that we eat healthy because

moms health depends on it. They also know that if we go out for dinner it is to

a healthy as possible place, ie. swiss chalet. If I eat junk I am out of

commission for 3 days at least and then it is like starting all over again.

>

> For me I have found my triggers to be SUGAR (number 1) And anything with

sugar in it, so I try to avaoid it as much as possible, not an easy task but it

is doable! I do not buy anything that it prepackaged which again makes meals a

bit more work but in the end so worth it! I still take my pain meds everyday

and I know that I have to but I am able to live a normal as can be life with my

family, I am not on the couch crashed at 6 pm because I am so tired, as I was

for a long time!

>

> I honestly believe that food plays a larger then we think role in management

of this dreaded disease...I am not sure if it is all of my combined efforts that

are paying off but I sure now know how to recognize when I have had too much and

whatever is working me I am going to keep up that lifestyle as I want to live

and not live for this RA! I have the support of my husband who has welcomed the

changes with open arms and without this support I don't know what I could have

achieved!

>

> So with this being said I am off to have lunch (a healthy One) and finish my

work so I can go home and be with my family. If anyone is looking for ideas on

how to modify your lifestyle I would be willing to share what works for me, and

it is an ongoing process that I work at everyday.....Did you know that eating a

handful of almonds or walnuts daily can help with RA, great source of Omega 3

which help fight inflammation.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi I would love to get more info on diet and better eating for my ra

how did you start?? Thank you, Marie

> >

> > Ok so I know this is a very old question and has been around for as long as

RA itself. I am wondering what kind of affects people with RA see from their

diets. I have always been a believer that disease is disease but I am now

learning that what we do and what we eat greatly affects us. I have been on

this roller coaster for 3 years now and I am in a clinical tril with Rituxan. I

have noticed huge improvements in my ability to control my symptoms. I do not

necessarily see improvment in my disease but I find as time goes on and as my RA

progresses I am learning to recognise what my triggers are and control my

symptoms much better. I decied to slowly change my lifestyle and I can tell you

it has made a huge difference in the fatigue assoc with RA. I always said the

pain I can handle if I have meds but the fatigue really knocked me down! As a

young mom with 2 young children and a third child ( husband) I was devistated by

this diagnosis and for a year I was in a horrible state, so tired I was not

functional, in so much pain I couldn't concentrate on anything else but my RA.

I learned almost from accident that eating crap makes me feel crappy. We were

big snackers in our house esp in the evening, chips, popcorn etc. Well we

decided to eat healthier as a family and low and behold my symptoms began to

fade. I would notice that whenever I ate something that was not healthy I would

feel it for the next 3 days, Sore joints, fatigue, and again the fatigue is the

most debilitating part for me. So I have tried to be very diligent in my eating

habits and I can honestly say that if it is processed it does not come in our

home. We no longer have junk food in the house, I try to cook everyday, healthy

meals which in the beginning was hard because you are so tired. After about a

week of eating all natural healthy foods I can say I am not tired at all and my

pain and stiffness is much better controlled.

> >

> > I really make an effort to make sure I eat lots of fruit and veggies, we eat

fish at least twice a week, salmon is our favorite and my kids love it too!

Lots of lean protein and we have really cut out a lot of bad food items. I have

really tried to make an effort to make healthy meals that everyone loves and we

have really adapted to this lifestyle. My kids now that we eat healthy because

moms health depends on it. They also know that if we go out for dinner it is to

a healthy as possible place, ie. swiss chalet. If I eat junk I am out of

commission for 3 days at least and then it is like starting all over again.

> >

> > For me I have found my triggers to be SUGAR (number 1) And anything with

sugar in it, so I try to avaoid it as much as possible, not an easy task but it

is doable! I do not buy anything that it prepackaged which again makes meals a

bit more work but in the end so worth it! I still take my pain meds everyday

and I know that I have to but I am able to live a normal as can be life with my

family, I am not on the couch crashed at 6 pm because I am so tired, as I was

for a long time!

> >

> > I honestly believe that food plays a larger then we think role in management

of this dreaded disease...I am not sure if it is all of my combined efforts that

are paying off but I sure now know how to recognize when I have had too much and

whatever is working me I am going to keep up that lifestyle as I want to live

and not live for this RA! I have the support of my husband who has welcomed the

changes with open arms and without this support I don't know what I could have

achieved!

> >

> > So with this being said I am off to have lunch (a healthy One) and finish my

work so I can go home and be with my family. If anyone is looking for ideas on

how to modify your lifestyle I would be willing to share what works for me, and

it is an ongoing process that I work at everyday.....Did you know that eating a

handful of almonds or walnuts daily can help with RA, great source of Omega 3

which help fight inflammation.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I posted to you yesterday morning, was just wondering how you are. I did my

Enbrel inj. earlier and a bit out of it today, so hopefully tomorrow I'll be

back on track.

Best wishes

x

From: Sauve <moniquesauve@...>

Subject: [ ] Re:does diet affect your RA?

Date: Thursday, 2 April, 2009, 11:13 PM

hi i have experimented greatly with diet over years with RA and have

found it does help but is not enough for me on its own. if i cut out all

processed foods, grains, dairy i can stay off painkillers but my disease

still progresses. so am trying enbrel but it has not helped at all yet

but if i stick to safe diet i can manage without painkillers. i ate some

rice bread and rice cookies the other day and next day pain was awful.

it is so hard to eat such a restricted diet and hard to keep weight on

too but for now it's all i have to help me manage pain.

monique

[Guest guest]

I am experimenting with diet right now. I am not having the gluten reaction

that many with autoimmune diseases have so I'm fine with pasta and bread.

However, I need lots of protein. I am finding if I skimp on protein, the

next day I hurt terribly. I have added a protein shake to my breakfast

along with fresh fruit. I try to eat some sort of fish (I hate fish btw but

I'm trying) once a week. I grow my own vegis, so I'm in the process of

starting my garden for the year. I lead a very active lifestyle and always

took for granted that I ate healthy. I did, but there's more to healthy than

just the food pyramid. I really think the environment around us affects

food quality. I'm learning now to make my own bread and pasta, not rely on

boxed foods and really invest in organic produce. My biggest challenge is

two kids who are picky eaters and a husband who loves fast food. (Bleh!!)

Hope that helps.

[Guest guest]

HI Marie, I had first started to lose weight and noticed everytime I ate crappy

I would see an increase in my symptoms. So I just started to make more of an

effort to be careful about my diet and tey to eat healthier. It has progressed

from that to a daily thing for me to add new things and try different things.

Like I eat a handful of raw almonds everyday. I have a fruit smoothie every

morning for breakfast with cottage cheese and flax seeds, I just started to use

soy milk instead of milk as soy is supposedly so good for you because of

isoflavins?? I eat alot of fruit everyday and we have fish (usu salmon) at leat

2 times a week. I have stopped making potatoes and instead have made sweet

potatoes, mashed, french fries in the oven, baked, they are so good and good for

you. It takes some practice but you will eventually start to realize what makes

you sore and you will notice you so much more energy. No sugar at all if you

can avoid it. Now fruit has sugar but is naturally occuring and the doesn't

bother me but eating things like a donut or anything with sugar on it will make

me ache and so tired for the next few days.

I do not ever eat anything processed or prepackaged which can be a challenge but

I have also learned how to cook dinner in 30 mins with different choices. A

grill inddor and out is a big help, We grill or bake everything!

I just try to eat anything that is natural and stay away from the junk. Fast

food is the worst for me if I eat at Mcdonalds I am messed for the week don't

know why but it just kills me. If I must eat out it is usually swiss chalet or

chili from tim hortons, or if you need a burger do wendys and keep it light no

mayo etc. Skip the cheese it is processed!

If you want any other info let me know I can do it with you on a daily basis but

it is easier to start slowly and then just go from there....

Your first thing to do is stop sugar and buy some raw almonds. I eat Kashi

cereal which is so good for you!

[Guest guest]

I am a firm believer in the connection of RA and diet. I have several books on

the subject. I did 2 juice fasts (1st time for 3 days and 2nd time 6 days). The

first juice fast was like a miracle. I had no symptoms after 2 days. Once I

incorporated food (and I was trying to do it slowly to figure out the trigger...

no luck) it all came back. The 2nd juice fast was not at successful, but that

time I used apples in the juice... making me suspect the natural sugar of the

apple. I have yet to try completely cutting ANY and ALL kinds of sweetness out

of my diet... mostly because I don't think I can. I literally get faint and

shakey. Right now, as I type, I am on a raw food diet (day 5). Kinda difficult

but giving it the old college try. It basically consists of organic fruits,

veggies, nuts, sprouts... that's about it. Everything thing is uncooked. There

are some creative ways to get around this (using a dehydrator, food processor

and blender). I feel pretty good, but definitely getting sick of salads every

night for dinner. Anyway, I juice a ton of fruits and veggies, eat salads and

nuts by the handful. I am not starving to say the least. I feel like this is

probably the healthiest diet out there. So my goal is to give it try for a

month. After that, I'll start to incorporate some fish and cooked items. It

can't hurt and will certainly flush out any toxins. I'll let you all know how it

goes. What prompted me to do this was watching a show on food network about it.

There was a woman with diabetes who went to a retreat called " The Tree of Life " .

She did 30 days of raw food, and low and behold got out of there diabetes free,

off all meds... it was amazing. So I did some research and found that a raw food

diet has helped many people suffering from various blood and immune disorders.

It's all about the toxins released from cooking and high heated foods. I know it

sounds weird... but like I said, it can't hurt.

I'm not looking for a magic bullet. I just feel like, if there is something that

I can do that " could " help me feel better... I GOTTA try it. I am not a fan of

taking meds forever (although I will and am currently taking meds during my

little trials). We definitely ARE what we eat... so diet seems like an obvious

place to start. I should also tell you... I was (sometimes am) a major junk food

junkie. I love candy, chips, all that crap. So... I'm new to the concept of

healthy eating. But it is very possible that my lifetime of not considering how

my diet can effect my health is coming back to bite me in the ass. I'm trying to

undo it. It is not easy... and I hate it. But realistically, whether or not it

helps my RA, it is something I should be doing anyway.

Anyway, I'm rambling... so I'll stop. But I'll certainnly let you all know if it

helps me, that is... if I can stick to it! yikes....

Take care,

Jill (in NY)

[Guest guest]

I really appreciate this thread. One of the most frustrating things has been

trying to research diet and getting conflicting information. Finally I am

feeling better enough that I can go grocery shopping. Isn't it amazing the

things we used to take for granted, but now, even a trip to the grocery store is

a triumph!

any further ideas about how to make changes is appreciated by me.

one interesting thing is that some say never have dairy or red meat, others say

milk & dairy is very important due to bone density loss.

also, I have not exercised AT ALL for 6 months. the swimming pool is cold and I

hate hobbling out to it, my RA attacks my feet first of all (although sometimes

the right hand and wrist as well) and I'm scared of biking because if I get a

flat tire or something how would I ever get home. I'm tired of being scared to

try things because I am scared of a setback

thank for all the great posts on the diet thread

>

> HI Marie, I had first started to lose weight and noticed everytime I ate

crappy I would see an increase in my symptoms. So I just started to make more

of an effort to be careful about my diet and tey to eat healthier. It has

progressed from that to a daily thing for me to add new things and try different

things. Like I eat a handful of raw almonds everyday. I have a fruit smoothie

every morning for breakfast with cottage cheese and flax seeds, I just started

to use soy milk instead of milk as soy is supposedly so good for you because of

isoflavins?? I eat alot of fruit everyday and we have fish (usu salmon) at leat

2 times a week. I have stopped making potatoes and instead have made sweet

potatoes, mashed, french fries in the oven, baked, they are so good and good for

you. It takes some practice but you will eventually start to realize what makes

you sore and you will notice you so much more energy. No sugar at all if you

can avoid it. Now fruit has sugar but is naturally occuring and the doesn't

bother me but eating things like a donut or anything with sugar on it will make

me ache and so tired for the next few days.

>

> I do not ever eat anything processed or prepackaged which can be a challenge

but I have also learned how to cook dinner in 30 mins with different choices. A

grill inddor and out is a big help, We grill or bake everything!

>

>

> I just try to eat anything that is natural and stay away from the junk. Fast

food is the worst for me if I eat at Mcdonalds I am messed for the week don't

know why but it just kills me. If I must eat out it is usually swiss chalet or

chili from tim hortons, or if you need a burger do wendys and keep it light no

mayo etc. Skip the cheese it is processed!

>

> If you want any other info let me know I can do it with you on a daily basis

but it is easier to start slowly and then just go from there....

>

> Your first thing to do is stop sugar and buy some raw almonds. I eat Kashi

cereal which is so good for you!

>