Diet, that is. It has been suggested that I do one. Hmmmm. Let me back up a bit.
Monday after work I had an appointment with a naturopath. I've been wanting to do this for awhile because of my numerous GI issues. After years of treating symptoms and nothing improving, it became obvious that conventional medicine was not helping here. And having the band just complicated some of that stuff. So, this naturopath is through the Integrative Medicine department of the hospital I work in. She was very cool, and it was interesting to sit down with someone and really have them listen to all my wonky and wacky issues. We covered everything from the dark circles under my eyes to kidney stones to constipation. The recommendations? No surprise here: increase water, increase exercise. She does want me to limit protein to 60g a day, and see how I do losing weight with that. I told her I thought I'd been more in the 70-80g range, and she was concerned about my kidneys, what with the stones and all.
And of course, there are supplements: Taurine for kidney stones, a new multivitamin (with no pineapple - cuz I'm allergic), adrenal support, probiotic (for colon and sinuses, who knew?), and 2 tbsp of ground flax seed per day. I'm also supposed to use my neti pot with probiotic added once a day for a month.
Back to the elimination diet. She offered me the blood test (test 96 foods for $129), but it's only 60-70% accurate. I figured why not reap the benefits of eating clean for a while -- especially because I knew my husband would be on board for it. He likes trying new things, and he is on the push to lose another 30lbs anyway. So, I'm a big girl, I know I can do this. Anyway, the big picture of my symptoms looks like food sensitivity, right down to the dark circles under my eyes. My gut is telling me that dairy is the problem, so that will be the first thing I challenge.
This is no small undertaking, but if my hub does it too, then it won't be so bad. We're going to go over the information this weekend, plan meals, and shop so we can start Monday. The hardest part for me is going to be not eating any sweets. Lord knows I love my candy. But, honestly, when I look back, 2010 was a shitty year for me, health-wise. Post preeclampsia hypertension, four surgeries, kidney stones, etc, etc. It's just been one thing after another. I want to be the healthiest I can be, and I need my energy back to lose the rest of my weight.
Anyone out there ever do an elimination diet?
9 comments:
I've never heard of this before, but I'm excited to see what this does for you. I guess I'm fortunate that the only sensitivity to food I have is to mangoes. Why couldn't it be cookies! keep us updated!
It will be very interesting to follow you on this. My mom did an elimination diet to determine what causes her arthritis flare ups. Turns out it was corn. Good luck!
Good luck Maria. Can't wait to see how this works out for you!
I did some reading about elimination diets when I was suffering from massive skin allergies. I thankfully figured out rather quickly that my problem was MSG, but basically on an elimination diet you start by eating hypoallergenic foods - organic lamb, avocados, certain organic veggies, quinoa, certain oils - and slowly add in other foods as tolerated. It's pretty restrictive and it can take awhile, but it's really good for figuring out what your issues are. One note - a lot of people report feeling worse before they get better, but that's because they are detoxing and you shouldn't give up if you feel yucky at first. Good luck, and I hope you figure it out quickly.
Yes, I am very interested too in seeing how this works out for you. I have wondered if maybe I have become sensitive to milk because it seems to mess up my stomach and make me sleepy.
I am going to do some research on the elimination diet. How great would it be to be able to find the culprit in your food?
Keep us posted!
Never heard of it, but hope it helps you.
Hi Maria, I never did the elimination diet but my son did it. We figured out he was having issues with dairy even thought the allergists said it was not allergic to dairy. After I took him off dairy, his sleeping, eczema and allergies really got better...he was a new boy. I think this is better than taking the traditional allergy panel. And you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Hope it goes well.
I may need to join you in this endeavor! I need to inspire some movement on the scale!!!
Oh that's rough, girl!
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