littlebit27
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 24477
posted
I posted before about asking for my friend who has gained quite a bit of weight. She went to her PCP and had a ton of blood work done-all was normal. Hormones, thyroid, everything. She is going to see an (spelling here?) endocronologist but not until the beginning of July.
She is asking if there is some kind of herbal supplement that helps curb the weight gain or could aid in weight loss. Or any other suggestions that will help her lose it or stop gaining.
She already eats a very low calorie diet. I think I mentioned to her low/no carbs-but I'll make sure I do again. And exercises as much as the Lyme will let her. And she is just gaining like crazy.
Thanks everyone, I'm sending her the link to this post now so she can keep updated on it.
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- You said she has lyme. Then that endocronologist had better be throughly lyme literate or she's wasting her time and setting herself for severe criticism. She also may be forced to that a "challenge" test that can stress her endocrine system because people with lyme will react differently to that.
I had a friend (with then undiagnosed lyme) who did the challenge adrenal test and it put her flat on her back in bed - but with severe adrenal anxiety (shock) for six months.
Only a LL endocronologist will do. One that her LLMD recommends.
Sure, some adrenal testing may well be in order -- maybe even a brain scan to look at the Pituitary, etc. Imaging of the adrenal glands (that sit right on top of the kidneys may also be in order).
She might also ask her LLMD if he/she knows of a good LL ND (naturopathic doctor) or LL L.Ac. (acupuncturist).
She might explore whether gluten is a genetic influence ( www.celiac.com ). Many LLMDs suggest patients go gluten-free, anyway. It really helps decrease inflammation.
=============================
A very low calorie diet is not good for weight loss. She needs calories for energy. She NEEDS carbs. We would die without them.
There is huge difference, though in simple sugars and most of what is sold in the grocery stores and in what is really food: protein, complex carbs, good fats.
No diet products, drinks, snack bars, at all. REAL FOOD matters.
I think it is best to learn to cook really well and get to know all sorts of cuisines. Flavor with spices and garden herbs, etc.
I see she has lyme. My advice is NOT to try to loose weight. Focus on healthy food, and enough. Starving will do no good at all. In fact, it will undoubtedly, boomerang big time and she could gain even more weight.
I do not believe in taking ANY weight loss herbs, at all. NO fancy diets, at all. Ever. No diets, at all. But develop a wonderful eating plan. Learn the principles, of course, but then drop the word "diet" or work very hard to change its definition in your brain. Diet used to simply mean one's eating habits. Now it's the buzz word bringing in billions to unscrupulous vendors. Change habits. Keep it real, Babe.
I learned the hard way that low calorie diets can cause porphyria attacks (in some people). I nearly died from low calorie intact. Really. Now, I do have 2 kinds of genetic poprhyria that I'd not been aware of, however, many with lyme deal with problems with the Cytochrome P-450 liver detox pathway. I'm far too tired to explain this as best I'd like.
The basic point is that when that pathway is dysfunctional, low calorie intake can cause severe "herxheimer" effects and, in extreme cases, even death. More about that in the porphyria thread below.
====================
There have been a million threads on this - with medical documentation that infection can CAUSE obesity. TREATING INFECTION is the number one approach.
Nutritional support with good food (and support supplements) is second.
And then, just move as best she can. TAI CHI would be excellent. Pilates, as her body tells her. Find what you enjoy. Move to music, for joy. Slow gets us there, too.
Weight training as suggested by Dr. B in his Self-Care guidelines.
We all have it if we have over one extra pound -- but we need to drop the negative self-talk. Simple don't allow others' judgement (and to do that one might need to avoid the news).
Size does not matter. How we live our lives does. Focus on healthful habits and ENJOY. Once the infection(s) are treated, this should stabilize and movement will then be easier and safer.
In the meantime: compassion and understanding are needed. If you are doing the best you can, that's the best you can do.
===============
See the post on "Secondary Porphyria" -- While I think some of the choices of carbs could be more healthful, it may be life saving to understand the principle in why carbohydrates are a vital part of a food plan for anyone with the kind of liver stress from any kind of porphyria.
[ 06-22-2010, 09:34 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Lyme can cause either loss (early on) or gain (usually later). Whichever, adrenal support is key to normalizing that. (With the assumption that everyone already has a healthful eating plan).
This book is specific to lyme and other chronic stealth infections. The author discusses the endocrine connection and effects of STRESS on a person with such infections. You can read customer reviews and look inside the book at this link to its page at Amazon.
THE POTBELLY SYNDROME: How Common Germs Cause Obesity, Diabetes, And Heart Disease (Paperback) - 2005
by Russell Farris and Per Marin, MD, PhD
==================
First, there is not one legitimate, degreed and licensed LL ND (naturopathic physician) or L.Ac. (acupuncturist) would would prescribe any solely-purposed weight loss formula for a LYME patient.
There are reasons for this far too numerous to mention.
Any sort of herbs - just out there on the web - intended for weight loss can stress the endocrine system, strain the heart and cause gallbladder failure from too much stress on the liver.
Low calorie intake also stresses the kidneys and some over the counter diet aids can cause liver damage, especially in a person who has a neurotoxic infection to begin with.
Remember that lyme really messes up the HPA axis (Hypothalamus/pituitary/adrenal network). The pituitary has much to do with weight/growth. Mess up any part of the endocrine system and other parts suffer, too.
What a good LL ND or LL L.Ac. WOULD do, is to offer herbal or other nutritional supplements that would SUPPORT the body - and address inflammation.
A gluten-free diet may be suggested, as one that is also dairy, corn (and maybe soy) free.
. . . It seems likely that these bacterial species could serve as biological indicators of a developing overweight condition.
Of even greater interest, and the subject of future research, is the possibility that oral bacteria may participate in the pathology that leads to obesity. . . .
================
ADRENAL SUPPORT can make a difference so as to minimize the cortisol damage.
Cordyceps is recommend here:
This is included in Burrascano's Guidelines, but you may want to be able to refer to it separately, too:
~ James L. Wilson, ND, DC, PhD, Johnathan V. Wright, MD
About $10. And qualifies for free shipping with a total $25. Purchase at Amazon -
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Exercise intolerance (as relating to stealth infection and mitochondrial damage) is discussed here, with support suggestions: ----------------------
Topic: To everyone with CARDIAC symptoms please read ! -
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- If you have enough protein (and that is combined with good veggies and other complex carbs - and good fats) your body will not crave simple carbs.
Protein helps our bodies make glutathione and that helps the liver detox . . . protein's amino acids help our brain, our hearts, our muscles, etc.
Taurine (found mostly in muscle meats) is vital, too. Vegetarians and vegans should consider supplementing taurine, as well as B-12 and L-Carnitine.
THE REQUIREMENTS OF PROTEIN & AMINO ACID DURING ACUTE & CHRONIC INFECTION . . . - 20 pages
Anura V. Kurpad - Institute of Population Health & Clinical Research, Bangalore, India 129. Indian J Med Res 124, August 2006, pp 129-148.
Excerpt:
" . . . In general, the amount of EXTRA protein that would appear to be needed is of the order of 20-25 per cent of the recommended intake, for most infections. . . ."
- Full article at link (or google the title if it does not go through).
===========================
Here are some good cookbooks - adaptations are easy. -------------------------
CHRISTINA COOKS - Natural health advocate/ chef, Christina Pirello offers her comprehensive guide to living the well life.
Vegan, with a Mediterranean flair. Organic.
She was dx with terminal leukemia in her mid-twenties. Doctors said there was nothing more they could do. Among other things, she learned about complementary medicine and she learned how to cook whole foods. She recovered her health and is now a chef and professor of culinary arts.
She has program on the PBS network "Create" a couple times week. Check your PBS schedule.
To adapt: in the rare dishes where she uses wheat flour, it can just be left out for a fruit medley, etc. Brown Rice Pasta can be substituted (Tinkyada or Trader Joe's).
Regarding her use of brown rice syrup, just leave it out and add a touch of stevia at the end.
From Nina Simonds, the best-selling authority on Asian cooking, comes a ground-breaking cookbook based on the Asian philosophy of food as health-giving. The 200 delectable recipes she offers you not only taste superb but also have specific healing . . . .
. . . With an emphasis on the health-giving properties of herbs and spices, this book gives the latest scientific research as well as references to their tonic properties according to Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda, the traditional Indian philosophy of medicine. . . .
THE CURE IS IN THE KITCHEN, by Sherry A. Rogers M.D., is the first book to ever spell out in detail what all those people ate day to day who cleared their incurable diseases . . .
Get to know avocados - and all the nuts. It's good to eat a couple of Brazil nuts for one's "first" breakfast.
An ideal breakfast is chicken soup with fresh vegetables added a just the last minute. Have it all ready to go in the fridge.
Also an excellent breakfast: grilled WILD salmon seasoned with fresh garlic and rosemary, a little WILD rice, steamed or saut�ed leafy greens, and a raw red bell pepper on the side. Drizzle with EVOO. (Extra virgin Olive Oil) -
[ 06-22-2010, 07:15 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- In case you've not yet seen this set: ----------------------------
** Nutritional Supplements in Disseminated Lyme Disease **
J.J. Burrascano, Jr., MD (2008) - Four pages
======================
In addition, nearly all LLMD suggest totally avoiding even a trace of aspartame and MSG. Google for all those names they hide under.
Avoid anything process or refined. Avoid anything fake, artificial or however else food "products" can be marketed.
In your daily Green Tea, you might want a little sweetness but do try to get used to its natural flavor. When a little sweetness is desired, opt only for STEVIA (from a plant source, not fake). Be sure to get pure stevia and not some concocted fancy product.
SweetLeaf and Trader Joe's are pure brands, just see label to confirm. -
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nenet
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 13174
posted
I wasn't able to read through the other posts to see if these were already posted, but here are a few suggestions:
First, always make sure to find organic, and if possible, wild-crafted herbs from local or North American sources.
Imported herbs and processed herbs generally have poorer quality, and certain countries have been found to sell herbs and herbal supplements that are contaminated with pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals.
These suggestions are gentle and are more supportive than active (they are NOT going to stress your system like the heavily-marketed herbal supplements that have been advertised for years now).
1. hibiscus flower tea. can be added to other items in a tea, or tastes good alone in a tea, imo.
2. organic watermelon. eat the white/light green part of the inside of the rind.
2. green tea. really helps the metabolism! if she can still have caffeine, green tea is a great way to lose weight. drink the decaf green tea (which still has some caff in it) several times a day. You can ice it with dried peppermint leaves for a very tasty calorie-free iced tea.
3. lemon water. helps to decrease appetite, and cleanse system. don't drink in too high concentration or will eat the enamel on your teeth. Or be sure to brush your teeth after drinking it if you like it very strong.
Things to avoid no matter what, weight or no:
1. artificial anything. no aspartame or splenda or any other artificial sweeteners. no artificial flavors, msg in any form (there are many names they use to try to avoid the msg recognition by consumers), preservatives, etc.
2. Avoid sugar and anything refined. Natural sweeteners like powdered green leaf Stevia are fine in light use, but you need to get used to the natural sweetness of foods without adding to them. Sweeteners are not good for our system in too many ways to go into here.
3. Also, she should really look hard at whether she has any food sensitivities. Now would be a very good time to start a food elimination diet.
All of the commonly-known offenders should be removed for at LEAST 2 months, then one at a time each week, add back one item in a large amount and see if there is a reaction over the next week or more (worsening of ANY symptoms). Some people (like me) are even sensitive to nightshades, so things like bell peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, and paprika or hot peppers and cayenne are off the menu.
When I went off of gluten and dairy several other foods, I lost about 20 pounds over 7-10 months (can't recall exactly how long). Food sensitivity can cause increased inflammation over the Lyme inflammation, and cause your body to swell (edema).
I still have a lot of water weight, plus the regular weight from being mostly immobile for 5+ years, but it is coming off slowly after having gained 30 pounds in a month when I first got really sick (my hormone levels were also completely normal at the time).
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- CUSHING's can cause weight gain. In today's news. From NBC website. With no video, it's likely not going to make the NBC newscast.
Remember: STEROIDS ARE CONTRAINDICATED FOR LYME PATIENTS. Steroids can make lyme nearly impossible to treat.
for anyone (here who has lyme) and who also gets a dx of Cushing's, be sure to see an excellent LLMD. Cushing's might be resolved by treating infection - along with other support, depending upon the full picture for each individual.
--------------------
* Cushing's disease, in her case, involving a pituitary tumor caused Sharmyn McGraw to suddenly gain weight
WEIGHT GAIN FROM ILLNESS, MEDICATION SPURS SUDDEN SHAME
By Joan Raymond, msnbc.com contributor
Wed., June 23, 2010
Sharmyn McGraw knows what it's like to have a body that people envy. For most of her adult life, the 5-foot, 4-inch former flight attendant was a lean size 2. No more. McGraw, 48, now weighs 189 pounds, down from a one-time high of 250 pounds.
It's not like McGraw stuffed her face with super-size-me burgers and fries. She's sick. In 2000, she was diagnosed with a rare condition called Cushing's disease, caused by a benign pituitary tumor. One of the hallmarks of Cushing's is massive weight gain, particularly in the trunk, face and back.
Though surgery to remove the tumor was successful, McGraw still suffers with severe hormonal imbalances, making weight loss and weight maintenance difficult.
And it's those extra pounds -- or more accurately, people's perception of those extra pounds, she says -- that can be as tough to deal with as any disease or treatment that causes weight gain.
. . . The long-term steroid treatment caused Sabin to develop a hormone disturbance and she also developed severe arthritis in her back, making it difficult to exercise. . . .
CUSHING's syndrome (also called hyperadrenocorticism or hypercorticism) is a hormone (endocrine) disorder caused by high levels of cortisol (hypercortisolism) in the blood.
. . . .
============================
Note: High cortisol is also directly related to Lyme, Cpn, and other chronic stealth infections:
Search results for Cushings - 6 Articles from the Library at Vitamin Research Center. VERY good detail here.
=======================
Refer back up to some of the Adrenal links, too. -
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massman
Unregistered
posted
Gymnema is an herb that makes sugar taste pretty yucky in your mouth. I have used it and found it helpful.
Go to www.standardprocess.com and search under Mediherb. There should be a database you can search for a doc near you that sells it. A bit pricey but your friend may not need much.
May also want to cruise www.westonaprice.org for info about eating real food. _________________________________________________ I make no money, get no compensation in any way, shape, form, not even hugs or kisses for recommending any supps from the three companies I usually recommend.
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
Topic: To everyone with CARDIAC symptoms please read ! -
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Amanda
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14107
posted
Oh man o man, tell your friend I relate. I have gained 25 lbs, and with arthitis already, it sucks.
Here are a few things I have found
1. Make sure that your thyriod and adrenal test are truly normal, and that they actually ran the full suite for thyroid and adrenal function. In my case, my former MD said my thyroid was normal, because he just ran a TSH test. First, turned out it was in the low normal range. And second, there is a panel of thyroid tests (about 5 or 6 I think). And you can come up normal on the overall test, but be out of wack on the other tests.
2. I know other here are "nature purists", but when you are really packing on the pounds, things like sugar substitutes make a big difference. I have at least stopped gaining, in part becuase I drink uncaffinated tea with a skim milk and sucralose.
3. MAke sure you are drinking enough water. Sometimes people eat when really they need water.
4. Check for Babesea. That co-infection in combination with lyme can worsen weight gain. You don't have enough blood cells, making it harder to exercise enough to keep pound from gluing to your butt (or gut, in my case).
5. Check for diabetes, which can sneek up on you and also hassen weight gain.
6. In terms of "herbal", I'm with the others in that many are stimulents that can be hard on a lyme body. But if you gotta do it, just go for regular caffeine. At least tea and coffee have antoxidents in them. Just don't drink very much of it. And do it before you exercise, and with a big glass of water.
7. Don't forget a high fiber diet. Good for bowels too.
8. Agree with others that it MIGHT be detox. Gotta get it out of cells first (burbur or parsely), then out of organs (L-drain and K-drain, heel detox kit, milk thistle for liver), then get it out of your bowels (enemas, chlorella tablets, or clay)
9. It helps me when I exercise (not aerobic, otherwise I feel worse than death for three days), I work harder for 2 minutes, then lightly for two minutes. I do that for an hour. This may be weight lifting, walking, or (my favorite), put on a little favorite music and just dance as best you can. Even if its in the bed or in a chair.
10. Talk to your LLMD, they all know that too much weight gain is bad, and she/he should have some ideas.
Also, check your meds, cuz some of them might be increasing the weight gain.
I'm sending the weight loss fairy her way.
Oh, and a great way to get exercise without excerising is to watch something really funny. Turns out laughing off and on for 30 plus minutes is exercise!
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