posted
I'm taking my son to his 1st doctor appt next Monday. He's 22 and will be moving home for treatment. I've been reading that diet is a big part of getting better and staying better. High protein, low carb & sugar, no alcohol or caffeine, correct? Any other suggestions on foods or drinks I should be stocking up on (or staying away from) for him?
-------------------- "In the depth of winter, I finally learned that inside me there lay an invincible summer." Albert Camus Posts: 24 | From Mentor, OH | Registered: Sep 2011
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
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posted
- Staying away from: most processed foods, gluten, sugars.
A brown rice bread might be a good transition if he relies on bread but it's a bit different.
If he relies on a breakfast cereal, there are some dry ones that are gluten free but steel cut oats are more substantial. The doctor may wish him not to eat those, though so do ask.
Someone at the store should be able to direct you to gluten free foods, but be aware, most are not really that healthful if all packaged up.
Crackers: Mary's Gone Cracker are good.
Various LLMDs and LL NDs may different somewhat on food but mostly, fresh vegetables that you will steam or gently saute.
Good proteins and good fats, complex carbs.
Do you have air tight container for produce? Mine keep greens and carrots fresher longer. Be sure to "burp" each time they return to fridge.
I have to make up my shopping list for my shopper today, so off the top of my head:
ONIONS, GARLIC
LEAFY GREENS - Lacinato Kale is very good. Other kales, chards, bok choy. The ones that steam are more substantial than salads.
Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, turnips,
Red cabbage . . . all kinds of produce, really. Dark, rich colors, different textures.
If he likes salads, just avoid prepared dressings and use herbs and whatever oil you like and a bit of lemon or lime juice.
Yams, the darker in color the better. GHEE (clarified butter usually in a jar) is nice on yams.
QUINOA - and a very fine strainer as it needs to be rinsed before cooking and it's very tiny.
Millet, Brown Rice (and BLACK Chinese Forbidden Rice - &/or WILD rice)
Oats, steel cut
For transition out of "sugar" - Dark Berries (frozen), Apples,
PLAIN Yogurt (not non-fat as that turns right to sugar). A Greek Yogurt is good, thicker. But not everyone can "do" yogurt if dairy is a concern.
GOAT CHEESE (not all Feta is goat, so check).
Again, for transition - and the doctor may veto this after he gets on treatment - 85% dark chocolate (no lower number). Green and Blacks is the best, IMO. One ounce day, not on an empty stomach but after a meal or with
NUTS, a good variety (Trader Joe's has the best price). RAW, not roasted as they are old and not good for us.
Nuts can be lighted toasted or roasted just before eating - but be careful of the smoke alarm. Open a window first.
OILS: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Walnut oil, GHEE (in moderation)
Decaf GREEN TEA or other Decaf HERB TEAS
STEVIA. STEVIA. STEVIA. for sweetness. This is vital for anyone transitioning off typical foods.
SWEET LEAF Stevia Clear (a liquid) is good but also a powder form for taking with, find some packets.
ALMOND MILK. I like the refridgerated kind by Blue Diamond. But be sure it is NO SUGAR ADDED. Vanilla is okay as long as it is sugar free.
I add a little vanilla and stevia, and even NUTMEG to almond milk for sort of egg nog.
COCOA POWDER - a little bit mixed with a bit of almond milk, stevia and then add in more almond milk is a nice treat. To avoid the caffiene in cocoa, try CAROB ROOT powder - but it's not at all store. Vitacost.com has it. Bob's Red Mill is one mfg.
So many of the alternate milks add brown rice syrup. It's vital to be clear as there are so many choices at the store.
Spices: Herbs de Provence; Thyme; Sea Salt, Cardamom, Coriander, Nutmeg, -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
My daughter got so tired of explaining her gluten free, low carb, dairy free, no sugar diet that she started saying "I eat meat and vegetables, with fruit for dessert." Really, that sums it up. Whole foods whenever possible.
The Lyme Diet by Nicola McFadzean really explains the "why" of the diet. Not everyone feels that it is worth the deprivation, but it really worked for her.
Posts: 10 | From Michigan | Registered: Mar 2010
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posted
I did horrible on low carb, so instead I ate healthy carbs. If you can eat gluten, my LLMD recommended Ezekiel Bread. It's not gluten free though.
I also ate brown rice, oatmeal, skin on potatoes, etc.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Forgot:
EGGS - great to have lots of eggs always on hand as long at not allergic. Eggs provide a great source of nutrients for a meal and for snacks.
Meats - if possible, eggs and chicken best from cage free birds. Beef from grass-fed cattle and no antibiotics added. Of course, this may not be possible.
Turkey, some are plumped with MSG and even with gluten. You might want to call your store ahead of time and speak with a customer service person who can make this easier for you. Trader Joe's has some turkeys that are supposed to be free of additives.
It is good, though, to avoid eating any certain food for more than 4 or 5 days in a row. A break of 1-2 days a week is good.
BROTHS - be sure they are labeled gluten free as many contain barley or other gluten ingredients. Some contain MSG.
You might Google MSG for all the names that hides under. MSG is toxic, especially for those with lyme. MSG, even a trace, can trigger anxiety, irriatibility (and in my case, seizures)
Aspartame, also is toxic to the nerve cells. Artificial sweeteners are to be avoided. Detail about Stevia in previous post. That is a nice sweetener from plants. (Truvia, though is not really just stevia. Best to get one that is just stevia).
Gluten-Free PASTA (in moderation, with lots of veggies)
Some GF pasta has corn and that may be a no-no for some who have inner ear fullness (gluten, dairy and corn sort of clog up my ears from inflammation - but I can handle plain yogurt)
--------- One comment about TJ's Greek Yogurt, though. I think they sell just non-fat and that turns to sugar very quickly in the body. Also, some yogurts add powdered milk. That is not good.
They may carry various kinds so just check labels. They may also have a soy yogurt - plain is key.
TJ's has a good frozen berry / cherry blend and other fruits that can be used in smaller amounts. It's not all organic but most of us can't afford all organic, anyway and they do have some organics in the fresh produce section.
For strawberries, though, organic is pretty important.
Frozen PEAS also make a great snack. I add flaky yellow nutritional yeast, salt, garlic powder, olive oil and it's ready to eat in no time. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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awesome, awesome info!!! printing out and keeping for reference. So appreciate the time you took to write that all down for me.
-------------------- "In the depth of winter, I finally learned that inside me there lay an invincible summer." Albert Camus Posts: 24 | From Mentor, OH | Registered: Sep 2011
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ktkdommer
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 29020
posted
Zach has been on the American diet for years I assume. When we were diagnosed, we made it a phase out process. He may be angry at all the changes and going cold turkey on the diet may be hard.
We phased out pop for 2 weeks, then phased out artificial sweetener, then phased out sugar, switich to stevia. Slowly we got rid of stuff in the house by not buying any more and switched over to better foods. We still have things that we could be doing better.
He is going to be herxing and keeping a comfort food or two for a while might help. It will also give you time to figure out meals and to learn to shop.
With my youngest son, he fought to keep in control of his food when nothing else in his life he could control. He also had huge cravings from the buggers so it was like a war for a while.
We did gluten free and didn't feel any better. Don't feel worse eating it either. Still try to keep it in check.
Good luck with all of the changes coming your way!
-------------------- Things are never dull. After 3 fighting Lyme, 2 are in remission. Youngest is still sick, age 22. He has new diagnosed Chiari Malformation and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Posts: 1366 | From Perrysburg, Ohio | Registered: Nov 2010
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I second The Lyme Diet by Nicola McFadzean-- I just ordered it two weeks ago, am just now putting it seriously into play... and boy do I feel better.
I had been gluten free and dairy free and corn free and read meat free (allergies/sensitivities) but I was eating some bars and things that weren't the best for me.
I fixed Chard yesterday with some samon and drank some coconut kefir and I felt like a new person, with some Kombucha and sour kraut. I am getting that this could make all the difference. I am also seeing an energy doc - chiropractor along with Dr. H in NY and I know tomorrow she is going to tell me that this is the way I am supposed to eat... So... why not beat her to it.
I was amazed that she tested me with a vial of borrelia in my hand and it was very obvious that I was dealing with it -- of course we know this- but what was SUPER interesting is that she was testing me for heavy metals etc and said yes, lead may be a problem ( I am due to urine test for that in a week or so) and I am thinking it still is-- a hunch. But the wild part was that she said - there is another offender worse in your system-- and its arsenic-- okay- long story longer- I had an exposure when I was 28 and went into anaphalaxis -- due to Quell and bombing my car, house etc... what I did not know then (yikes). Well, seems that is still with me too.
Got to love a perfect storm... but you know ... I think the diet piece is HUGE! BYE BYE bad stuff... Mellie- I am with your daughter... is she well! Good for her...
Posts: 859 | From Southeast | Registered: Mar 2011
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Tammy N.
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I would keep the emphasis on an organic whole foods based diet. Mostly plants, not too much meat.
Good book to check out.... In Defense of Food - An Eaters Manifesto by Michael Pollen (all of his books are great.)
Posts: 2238 | From East Coast | Registered: Jul 2010
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Carol in PA
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
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That is less expensive than the vendor that Keebler posted for it. Check out iHerb for the foods you need.
If you're going to make dietary changes, I would suggest that you skip the yogurt and get kefir instead.
Store bought yogurt really doesn't have much probiotic bacteria in it, compared to kefir. You can make kefir with the powdered starter, which is simple, or you can buy the grains and do it right. (I'm still not doing it right, haha.)
Dried beans are an excellent source of protein and minerals...magnesium! It takes time to soak and cook them though, so buying canned beans is easier.
No transfats. I switched from margarine to butter, and stopped using Crisco. I loved the powdered creamer in my coffee, but I switched to light cream instead.
Coconut oil is great if you need to fry anything, and you can get it with or without the aroma. Although I love coconut, the fried potatoes didn't go over well with my family when they tasted like coconut.
Once you figure out what foods you're going to use, get your son involved in the preparation, if he is able. Making Kefir is like doing a science experiment!
Posts: 6947 | From Lancaster, PA | Registered: Feb 2004
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posted
Geez, I couldn't navigate this without all of you. My husband decided to go vegan about 6 weeks ago, so we were already in the process of doing some changing. (He feels so much better and dropped enough weight quickly that he feels "lighter" in his wheelchair.) I don't eat a ton of meat - no red meat anymore that's for sure. But our 17 year old is a carnivore who loves the fattiest of foods. Boy, we are quite the fam when it comes to food. Luckily my "Lyme-d" son is more like his dad already. Whew! One "simpler" thing. Ktk, love the idea of fading out, too. And now I know more WHAT to fade out
-------------------- "In the depth of winter, I finally learned that inside me there lay an invincible summer." Albert Camus Posts: 24 | From Mentor, OH | Registered: Sep 2011
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nonna05
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33557
posted
beside sleeping to much and pain , I'd say food changes a been difficult for me.
I feel so stuck and sick, it's like a treat for being in such a rough time... I know it would help.
I don't do the cooking anymore so it also takes a few go-rounds to get husband to make small changes as we go..
When he tries, like Kefir, and buys flavored or yougart with fruit, I feel like he'd feel put down if I correct him.. I know it's my health. I just have to figure out how . Posts: 2563 | From Denver,CO | Registered: Aug 2011
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- ZachsMom,
I'm so glad Carol suggested Kefir. She is correct, best to skip even the plain yogurt and get kefir. Glad she's a step ahead on that one.
Reasons for avoiding gluten: gut inflammation, etc. and some may have a temporary or aroused genetic celiac.
Why avoid dairy, corn, soy? They are common culprits in causing inflammation all over the body. One clue: extra phlegm in the throat and nasal passages (also in the gut but that's not so easy to determine).
If, after eating dairy, etc. one has to clear their throat more often or gets a stuffy nose, that a clear sign. Phlegm can harbor bacteria.
Mostly, though, foods that cause inflammation can torpedo the immune system and otherwise strain a weak body.
As for DRIED BEAN, glad Carol remembered those, too. (and a less expensive source for Black Rice - VitaCost.com also has a better price than the parent source).
Some lyme patients can do okay avoiding meat. For some, they seem to really need more, but more good quality chicken, turkey, wild salmon, sardines and less red meat (although grass fed beef does have CLA, a very good kind of fatty acid not found in other beef).
Trader Joe's meat is not all that great, in my opinion. They have lots of other good things but even some of their healthier meats are wrapped in plastic (not good).
Their frozen chicken breasts are from cage free hens, however, they are not able to go outside - they are all stuck in one large barn. (I made several calls to their main office to find this out.)
It also just does not taste so great to me. I think it's soaked in salt water or some other formula. It's not at all like the organic chicken I get elsewhere.
Most natural foods stores have good sources for meats, though, and eggs from cage free, organically fed chickens. Still, even if one does eat meat, it is best to have most of the diet from plants and there are a million ways to fix different legumes, even for breakfast.
Eggs really help most of us. If he decided to go vegetarian or vegan, though it's important not only to supplement B-12 but also TAURINE.
I was vegetarian for many years but did not know that I was dangerous low in taurine, as it is mostly in meat and vital for nerve cells.
Protein, of some kind, should be at each meal and even snacks. There are many ways to get it but so many forget that it really needs to be with breakfast, too.
======================================
LIGHTBULBS
As many with lyme have vestibular symptoms (inner / middle ear / balance) and also some eye symptoms, regular incandescent light bulbs are often better.
The sales of those are fading out. So, you might want to stock up very soon. Any fluorescent lights can make me feel very ill, and even trigger seizures (however I tend to be on the extreme end of that scale - for many they just fell ill from the fluorescents).
What I call "naked" light bulbs can also be problematic, even when incandescent and frosted. The glare can just be like a knife to the eyes or startling when one turns around, etc. Lamp shades are best.
Now, if there are canister lights in the ceiling, and one has to get a new flangled low energy bulb, try for one that is 3000 Kelvin, more on the reddish hue and the lower K numbers that are blue light.
I have regular lamps in my kitchen and never use the overhead fluorescent one. Glad to also not have that buzz.
All the symptoms here can also lyme symptoms (or other tick-borne infections), so this might help others understand what your son may be feeling in certain atmospheres:
Scented products can also overwhelm many lyme patients. Not all products that say they are fragrance free really are. Some still contain fragrance. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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