I have only had one appointment so far with my LLMD since my diagnosis of Lyme and several co-infections. In the last 10 minutes of the appt, she told me to stay away from:
sugar (limit fruit, too) bread and pasta (except brown rice pasta) dairy (except for organic yogurt) white rice (brown is all right.)
Without anymore sandwiches at lunch time, I'm struggling. She said I should be eating lots of salads, which I do. I'm trying to stick with this, but I find myself starving and afraid to reach for anything...Let's face it, you can only eat so many salads a day.
What about breakfast? No toast, cereal, waffles, pancakes, etc. A piece of fruit and yogurt will leave me falling over starving in an hour. I used to have a slice of whole wheat toast, some lowfat cottage cheese, and light soy milk, but now these all seem to be taboo.
What can I always have on hand that I can grab for when I'm really hungry and not have to feel like I'm causing myself harm?
Does the South Beach diet work for Lyme disease? My sister in law said it's exceptional for controlling blood sugar, and my lyme blood tests revealed a pre-diabetes level even after fasting.
Thanks for any advice you can give me!!
Posts: 22 | From Philadelphia, PA | Registered: May 2006
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posted
Breakfast: 2 eggs have tons of protein. I read a few years ago that eating 2 eggs with breakfast gives you so much protein that you end up eating less during the rest of the day.
For a heartier breakfast, 2 eggs with some organic oatmeal may work.
Lunch: Salads are great, but you have put some chicken or other meat in it to keep you full for a few hours.
Snacks: Almonds are a good source of protein and healthy fats and are good for staving of between-meal cravings.
Also, my LLMD recommended Atkins bars for snacks.
I'm new at this low carb diet thing too, so am just sharing what I eat and think is healthy.
I'm thinking about buying a South Beach diet book too, so would be interested in what others think about it.
Erica
Posts: 408 | From California | Registered: Apr 2008
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Did your LLMD say what the limit is for eggs per week? Or maybe should you substitute egg beaters part of the time because of cholesterol?
I was planning to ask my LLMD about South Beach today, but unfortunately my car broke down and I had to reschedule the appt. Many people who go on that diet feel that phase 1 is really difficult because you're so limited. But I actually think it won't be too huge of a stress based upon the foods I've already cut out. But I think South beach allows light cheese and dairy, which my LLMD said to avoid. So maybe a modified version of it will work.
I do snack on almonds, and stick pretty closely to a serving. But I think because of the high fat content, that should only be one time per day.
I try really hard to keep fresh produce on hand all the time, but it goes bad so darn fast, it feels like I'm throwing money out the window.
I'm wondering about soups, too even though they're high in sodium. (My LLMD said that salt isn't a problem.)
It's awful when you find yourself at an event (like a wedding) and you feel like you're not allowed to eat much of anything they are serving. Plus, holding back on foods makes everyone around you notice and start asking questions. I guess it'll become easier as time goes by.
Posts: 22 | From Philadelphia, PA | Registered: May 2006
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Clarissa
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I've used one book as my Bible and it's super easy to understand and it comes with recipes, etc.
It's a little outdated but out of the 6 books I have for anti-candida (no sugar) diet, this is the BEST. It also helps explain why antibiotics can be harmful to your gut!
Hoosiers51
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posted
I'm going to brainstorm a couple things that come to mind and hopefully a couple of them will be convienient for you and be something you enjoy eating......
Oatmeal with lots of sunflower seeds.
Celery with peanut butter, carrots with hummus (store bought)
Canned soups---lentil soup or any kind of bean soup (without white rice or noodles) will have fiber and protein. If there are carbs, they are from the beans and that should be okay.
You can make stir frys using those little spice packets at the grocery store, and combine with brown rice, make a lot ahead of time and store that in fridge, then reheat it for lunch. Stir fry is usually better the next day.
I buy these microwave dinners from the health food store.....one is Indian food. It is called "Channa Masala...." I have seen at least two different brands that make it. It is basically chickpeas in a slightly spicy sauce, so there is nothing bad in it. And nothing is easier than microwaving!
Sometimes I make bean "salads" too.....just put a can of black beans in a big bowl, add a minced jalepeno (remove the seeds and white part), minced red onion, chopped tomato, some garlic, cumin and salt and pepper. I normally put a little vinegar and sugar too, but you might not want to add the vinegar if you can't add the sugar.
You can make those bean things in advance and have them covered in the fridge on hand.
Good luck! My best advice is to just browse the health food store because things may pop out at you.
[ 14. July 2008, 03:02 PM: Message edited by: Hoosiers51 ]
Posts: 4590 | From Midwest | Registered: Jun 2008
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posted
I think the South Beach and Zone diets both allow breads and dairy. Not good.
Cashews [raw] are another possibility. I would not be worried about two eggs a day every day unless you have HIGH cholesterol.
And yes, add meat to your salads. It's the protein and good fats which keep you filled up.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Keebler
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posted
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There are plenty of non-gluten grains to make life more interesting and help hold you over throughout the day, even with a small to moderate servings with protein, good fats and lots of veggies.
Even just 1/4 cup of grain with lots of veggies helps my blood sugar stay stable far longer. In these hot days, I cook stuff at night and it can last a day or two in fridge. I don't warm it up, but one could.
These grains contain B-vitamins, etc. and nourish our cells (unlike most white breads that are detremental):
Millet (although this is perhaps more starchy that the ones to follow)
Quinoa (keen-wa) If white, rinse first in tiny meshed strainer. Red Quinoa is pre-rinsed.
Buckwheat (really a legume)
Wild Rice (really a grass)
Many kinds of brown and black rices.
Amaranth (sp?)
Oats
--
You can season any of these with thyme, curry, mints or cinnamon, etc.
I have found a non-gluten Falafel mix at one store. Just garbonzos, etc. Rather than fry it, it can be mixed with a little buckwheat flour and baked like an ethnic bread loaf - of sorts.
--
Legumes, too, can be made many ways. Lentils are excellent to help balance blood glucose for hours.
Bright colored berries are low sugar fruits and excellent antioxidants.
The Moosewood Cookbooks or the Enchanted Broccoli Forest are just some of the cookbooks that may be at your library with good recipies.
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Stevia Clear drops are less intense than some powdered stevia.
Stevia - whatever type you may use JUST A TINY AMOUNT.
You can get DARK chocolate up to 100% - with no sugar.
the percentages in the 82-86% range seem to work best for me - most people would think that too bitter, though. Organic is best and the darker, the more antioxidants. Good anti-depressant, too.
posted
Organic oatmeal and eggs are a great starter. I put pure maple syrup on my oatmeal to sweeten it. Also maple syrup to plain organic yogurt and some fruit. But I hear what you're saying... it's tough to figure things out. I don't always have time for lots of prep...I've found some decent canned organic soups for lunch/dinner lentil, black bean...and I try to have some veggies on hand etc.
Neither of my 2 LLMD's said anything about avoiding dairy, so I don't. The biggies they both mentioned was refined sugars, simple carbs (no "white carbs") and of course, no alcohol.
I was always a huge carbo-loader. I try to make sure I'm eating protein, but I do eat whole grain carbs as well, they said that was fine, just not in excess...now I don't know what to think.
My problem is I'm not a big person to begin with and have already lost 10-15 lbs. I'm 5'5" and am almost down to 110lbs. I eat peanut butter as I'm on Mepron. I need ideas how to get enough calories.
I also think the infections are causing some of the weight loss - attacking various hormones etc. Ugh!
Posts: 566 | From West Coast | Registered: May 2008
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Keebler
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posted
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It's not clear, Emma, if you have candida or not. Cottonbrain's point below, is very good. I went ten years with no fruits and no grains, but I think that was excessive. Finally, what sent the candida on its way was Olive Leaf Extract (OLE), alternated with allicin.
I'm not on abx and have never been long term . . . but when I've had abx, I always take OLE and that now prevents the candida. Wish I had known that years ago when I basically lived on abx (before I knew about the lyme).
=======================================
I am reading this book right now and wish I had seen it 20 years ago. Very interesting. If our brain senses very few carbs, cortisol can shoot up and that creates fat.
Very interesting. Ultimately, he said treating infection is the answer but he gives great help in how to maintain nutritional balance so our brain does not think it's starving.
Even in thin people, the redistribution can be dangerous.
Lyme and Cpn are featured in the book. The author had Cpn and used a protocol similar to the Vanderbilt protocol to overcome it. ( more on that at www.cpnhelp.org )
Chronic infection can result in pre-diabetes - or even diabetes, as shown in the book below.
The Potbelly Syndrome: How Common Germs Cause Obesity, Diabetes, And Heart Disease (Paperback) - 2005
by Russell Farris (Author), Per Marin (Author)
8 customer reviews and you can look inside the book
about $13.00 -
Editorial Reviews
Product Description
Potbelly syndrome (PBS) is a metabolic disorder that affects about one-third of the adults in industrialized countries. Its most important symptoms are abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Contrary to popular belief,these conditions are caused by chronic infections, not by bad habits. (poster's note: well, unless one DOES have bad habits.)
PBS is initiated by a small, long-term excess of the stress hormone cortisol.
The extra cortisol stimulates our appetite and slows down our metabolism. It makes fat accumulate in places where it isn't wanted or needed. Most of the fat settles around our waists, but some of it settles in our liver and muscles.
Liver and muscle cells aren't supposed to store fat, and the fat prevents them from working correctly.
As a result, we feel tired and hungry much of the time. As our potbellies grow and our PBS gets worse, our blood pressure, cholesterol, insulin, and blood sugar levels rise.
Most of the excess cortisol is produced in response to mild, chronic infections. Some of the germs that cause PBS also produce sores in our arteries. When these sores are large enough, they can block arteries and cause heart attacks.
"The Potbelly Syndrome" explains how to diagnose and treat some of the germs that cause PBS and heart disease. If you've done everything you were supposed to do and still gained weight, became diabetic, or had a heart attack,
or if you are a medical professional who suspects that there are serious gaps in the current understanding of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, "The Potbelly Syndrome" will provide you with the answers you need to bring about better health.
About the Author
Russell Farris is a retired artificial-intelligence researcher who spent most of his life solving problems for the U.S.
Navy. After suffering a heart attack in 1998, he began to apply his problem-solving skills to the study of heart disease and related illnesses.
Per Marin, M.D., Ph.,is a distinguished scientist, physician, and clinical teacher from Sweden. He has been writing about obesity since 1985, and many of his eighty-two publications deal with the effects of cortisol on weight and health.
==
[ 14. July 2008, 04:39 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Thanks for the ideas. Is there a limit as to how much brown rice to have per day? If I made the concoction ahead of time, eating it for lunch and dinner wouldn't be a big stretch for me on any given crazy work day.
Posts: 22 | From Philadelphia, PA | Registered: May 2006
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Isn't the pure maple syrup bad because it's sugar? Or is that different from the regular store bought brands?
Did your weight loss come about at the very same time you cut back on all the carbs? How long has it been? I read something about phase 1 of South beach that said when you cut out all carbs for the first two weeks, you can expect to lose 7 - 13 pounds, but that it's mostly water weight. If you are eating like that, maybe that's all it is?!
I have the opposite problem...I need to lose about [ideally] 30 - 40 pounds. So I guess that this change in diet to keep the Lyme at bay should have to help me lose some weight.
Posts: 22 | From Philadelphia, PA | Registered: May 2006
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Keebler
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posted
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As for how much grain, it depends on the level of candida/yeast that one might be dealing with.
We need carbs to build muscle and to feed our brains, but we don't want to serve up a dose of sugar for infections to latch onto.
And . . . if you have grains, WITH the veggies, and oils there will be less of a "sugar" effect and more of a total nutrition experience. Also, if protein is eaten at the same time, glucose balance will go further.
That said, some people do well with food combining - or not combining certain foods.
I think you will see that, some individuals differences create variances in the "lyme diet" but basically it's gluten-free (for many very good reasons), and focuses more heavily on produce as the main course, and proteins, fats and grains as a small side-dish.
Soups are great - even cold. I love cold minted lentils on these hot days (mostly as it saves energy, too).
To ensure a balance of hormones, we never want our brain to sense starvation, according to the doctors' work in the book noted above.
There is a book called "Eat Right for Your Blood Type" that some find helpful - or at least full of some points to consider.
That book definitely sounds interesting. It would be great to have some tried and true nutritional guidelines. I've already sort of mourned the passing of my old ways of eating...Carbs galore - pepperoni pizza, chips and dips, pasta (2nd helpings with garlic bread)and of course my chardonnay. I'm definitely going to check it out.
I know I can succeed as long as I have the roadmap...The hardest part is feeling like you just don't have the information.
Posts: 22 | From Philadelphia, PA | Registered: May 2006
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Do you know of a guide for food combining? Or maybe a cookbook? That sounds really interesting, and possibly easy once you know what you're doing.
Posts: 22 | From Philadelphia, PA | Registered: May 2006
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That's what I mean...you hear so many different things. I basically was using the Lyme Disease Solution book as a guideline and he approves of pure maple syrup. The kind with no added sugar, just pure syrup (much more $$).
Of course, like fruits, still has natural sugar...but this book and my LLMD's seem to say fine, again, not in excess.
I initially did lose about 7-9 lbs when I started to watch my diet 3 month ago. It seems over the last few weeks though it is dropping even more rapidly. I'm feeling pretty poorly with all of this, don't know what to think. Hope the diet provides you some relief. Take care.
Posts: 566 | From West Coast | Registered: May 2008
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Keebler
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Emma,
Sorry, I don't know about a particular guide for food combining. I found that did not work great for me. It may for you, though.
One key, as I recall, is to never eat meat and fruit together. And eat melon alone. But, as we don't want to provide too much of a sugar rush when we do eat a little fruit, I find it best after a meal that is heavier in veggies.
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Yes, Singleton's "The Lyme Disease Solution" is an excellent resource for many reasons.
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I try to think like a cave person - or an early agrarian. We have the earth to grow foods (produce, nuts), we have animals and fish and that's really quite a lot.
I see what I can do with that, eating nothing that my great-grandparents' generation would not have had (and note they would not yet have been on U.S. soil).
Food existed long before the U.S. supermarkets and the U.S. "diet" - I like to look to the world for food ideas.
I also think many of us are protein deprived. We need protein for our livers to mfg. glutathione so that we can detox.
We need lots of veggies and dark colored fruits to detox, too.
And, glucose from complex foods helps keep the excess porphryrin levels down and that's a good thing (but I can't elaborate as fatigue is kidnapping me now).
And, ORGANIC foods are best as conventionally farmed foods often contain farm chemicals that are doubly hard on our livers, brain, heart, etc.. If you can't afford all organic, find out which foods have the least amount of chemicals used.
From Harvard School of Public Health Protein: Moving Closer to Center Stage
Excerpts:
We know that adults need a minimum of 0.8 grams of protein for every kilogram of body weight per day to keep from slowly breaking down their own tissues.
That's just over 7 grams of protein for every 20 pounds of body weight. . . .
for women . . . average amount of protein (around 68 grams a day). [And, if infection is present, MORE - as stated in article above.]
Many people think of nuts as just another junk food snack. In reality, nuts are excellent sources of protein and other healthful nutrients
--------------------------------- NUTS are GREAT ! Brazil nuts have selenium, too.
Sardines are great - I just "down" them with parsley and onion powder. I hate the taste but they make me FEEL great.
I did not see nuts on their chart. Nuts are great brain food and good for endurance, too. A handful is about the right size serving.
Oh, one more note about dairy. There is one author who says it gums up the immune system. Even with organic, non rBGH milk, it may be worth looking at "Don't Drink Your Milk" I forget the author, but he was a professor at a east coast med school -
For his theory he was nearly run out of town. I think he has some good points, though. Although, I still have a few yogurt spells now and then, my ears and throat have far LESS phlegm when I steer clear of dairy altogether. His point about phlegm being a place for infections to take hold is to be considered.
--
Sorry for highjacking this thread as my academic exercise of the day. Hope some of this is helpful - once it all settles down. I'll settle down now, too.
That does sound pretty strict to follow. (especially the cheese part) I never heard the one about canned food, which really would stink since I have a few different kinds of organic lentil soup that I like.
I don't know if I have candida; My struggle is Lyme. But then again they often go hand in hand I guess?
Earlier it said that the diet for Candida works for Lyme too so I'm hoping to get some recipes and guidelines to follow when I'm at home or at the office. But I need a plan for real life situations, like eating at weddings, ball parks, restaurants, etc.
Feel better.
Posts: 22 | From Philadelphia, PA | Registered: May 2006
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Hoosiers51
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posted
As far as a limit to brown rice, I don't know, because honestly I don't follow much of a diet. I moreso just try to eat healthy, less refined carbs, etc... but I am decent at sticking to that.
I was just mentioning it as part of a stir fry because you said your doc says its okay. I would try to not overload it--try to make the stir fry mostly veggies and chicken or whatever, with a little rice thrown in.
Sometimes it is hard for me to not have ANY carbs, so I will throw a few "healthy" carbs like brown rice in just to make the meal feel a little more complete to me. Without the rice, I wouldn't be as motivated to eat it.
I bought these Pyrex containers that are great....they are glass with rubber-type blue lids that are microwave safe. I love just cooking Asian or Indian food and storing it in the fridge, than I pop it in the microwave later.
I just like the glass because I don't feel guilty about putting it in the microwave, because it doesn't have those plastic chemicals.
Fresh food is always best over microwave, but sometimes for me it's not practical!
If you like the stir fry idea, here is something else: if you go to the ethnic foods area of a health food store or big grocery store, they have these Indian sauces that are in glass bottles that look like spaghetti sauce bottles. The brand I get is Ethnic Gourmet. You can cook these sauces up with diced chicken, then pour that over a little brown rice too (instructions on the jar).
I get the Tikka Masala and it is FABULOUS the next day because the sauce soaks into the chicken. My hubby loves it too.
Posts: 4590 | From Midwest | Registered: Jun 2008
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You can eat feta cheese, just make sure it's fresh and rinse it off. Can have Farmer's cheese, no mold in it. I have a cheese slicer, which allows me to have a very minimum amount each day and yet allows me to feel I am getting some cheese which i love.
As for bread, I buy (or I used to when on abx), I get Ryvita crackers; they come with three different toppings, can't remember what they are but I always buy the ones with sesame seeds. If you toast very very lightly, they absolutely taste wonderful and because they are so.... low in carbs and no sugar or yeast, you can have a few.
With my organic oatmeal, I always add a tbsp of organic almond butter and some blueberries, tastes great. I have found that I just cannot tolerate chickpeas (humus sp?) nor lentils, have no idea why.
I make a brown rice pilaf, with lots and lots of spinach and other veggies and some meat. I also use pine nuts when don't have meat on hand. This is a recipe that you can keep for days, it actually tastes better the next day. I read a long time ago on here that you can have about 1/2-1 cup per day depending on your size and whether male or female.
I also poach 2 eggs in a home-made salsa along with ryvita crackers, with a few slices of avocado for breakfast which is another (actually a fruit) which is very good for you.
Now as for milk products, I allow myself 18% cream for my one cup of coffee in the morning, just can't do without that bit of joy.
As for salads, remember most store bought dressings have vinegar in them, so make your own with just a week bit of vinegar and good quality olive oil with spices you like.
I make a lot of Thai dishes, organic lite coconut milk is good for you. If you would my recipe, let me know and I will post it.
I also have other recipes for chicken, etc., that are easy to make and will last for about 3 days or more.
I also brush my teeth with Jason toothpaste which contains grapefruit seed extract and rinse my mouth out with 2 drops of oil of oregano and 1 tsp of water after each meal. And I drink lots of fresh lemon juice added to a pitcher of water throughout the day, and usually eat 2-3 Persian cucumbers about 1/2 hr before going to bed, makes your system alkaline. I also drink a good quality loose green tea (looks like shredded tree bark) with some lemon juice added).
If you must have a little sweetener, I was told to use unpasteurized honey versus maple syrup. Honey is a single molecule which takes a long time to breakdown, where maple syrup has been processed so converts much much quicker.
Heck, I have lots of recipes but sure hate cooking for just myself. I should open a restaurant or a catering business for lymies. I miss cooking for a bunch.
Hope this helps
Posts: 461 | From Abbotsford, BC, Canada | Registered: Oct 2003
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If you leave calcium out of your diet , how will you feed your bones, ? bones need feeding on a daily basis, calcium is an important mineral. Don't suffer bone loss like me please. What about using calcium supplements? would that be ok.? Can't see were they could cause any problems .
Good luck with your diet.
Posts: 153 | From England | Registered: Jun 2008
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Keebler
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posted
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With all the kale, chard, collard greens and broccoli we are supposed to eat 3 x a day, that is a lot of calcium.
And . . . supplements.
If milk does not create phelgm it may be fine. I still think cheese is one of the best dense food sources around. And yogurt has it's place, too. Guess I'm a bit of a flip-flop on that in theory, but I just can't seem to eat it.
richedie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14689
posted
I am EXTEMELY confused with the diet thing. I was in school to be a nutritionist years ago and have piles of books on human nutrition, diet, digestion, and exercise. However, the Lyme thing has be confused to no end. I have been a vegetarian for years and vegan for the last few years with some cheating here and there. My health has always been great, always had tons of energy, nutrient counts were always great, no health issues at all aside from some sinus problems. Then, I get infected with Lyme and coinfections and I am lost. I am trying to determine what it is about the Lyme bacteria and/or the parasites such as Babesia that require the lack of starches, or so they say. How do they know? Were these tests to determine this or is it a guess? Is this what dr. B and other have learned through Anecdotal evidence ?
I understand the need for this if on heavy abx to avoid issues with fungus overgrowth....but how does the diet have an impact with the Lyme bacteria and any parasites? I have no problem avoiding sugar and refined foods but I do like to have whole grain products, cereal, breads and also starchy veggies like potatoes and brown rice and have for years.
I am not a meat eater and sometimes gag eating it when I cheat. After reading some of Dr. Bs guidelines I am switching to no flour at all and only sprouted grain pastas, breads and cereals by "Food For Life" - Eziekel. I have eaten these products for a while, but I have not been strict on avoiding flour or brown rice! No beans? All this is foreign to me and my doctor who follows Dr. B and his guidelines only realy stressed no sugar and refined foods, not much else, other than the supplements. Is this for the fungus issues from taking abx or something to do with the Lyme bacteria and Babesia, Bartonelle, etc?
For now I am doing whole, intact grains such as whole oat grouts or steel cut oats, other grains like quinoa and amaranth, Eziekel foods, some beans, some brown rice, some sweet potatoes and regular potatoes, and the other things I eat on a daily basis. fruit is my pleasure and that is tough cutting back on...although he talks about grapefruit, green apples, lemons and limes, etc being ok.
Any more thoughs or clarity on this issue?
Thanks!
-------------------- Mepron/Zith/Ceftin Doxy/Biaxin/Flagyl pulse. Artemisinin with Doxy/Biaxin. Period of Levaquin and Ceftin. Then Levaquin, Bactrim and Biaxin. Bactrim/Augmentin/Rifampin. Mepron/Biaxin/Artemisinin/Cat's Claw Rifampin/Bactrim/Alinia Plaquenil/Biaxin Posts: 1949 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Feb 2008
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posted
I found that I cannot eat rye, oats or oatmeal on my gluten-free diet. I was surprised to see so many people mention it here. My understanding is that rye and oats do have gluten. Also, watch out for those sauces, Indian and otherwise. Make sure they're not thickened with wheat or other gluten-bearers. Modified food starch is a no-no, too.
You can have non-mold cheese on a yeast diet, but not on a non-dairy diet, which is what it sounds like your doctor means. Sheep cheese may be okay, though. Not all feta is sheep cheese, but some is. I have come to love sheep cheeses!
People will tell you some things are okay that aren't. Check with your doctor before you start eating things that conflict with what she told you, even if somebody says they're okay.
-------------------- Just because it' s not nice doesn' t mean it' s not miraculous. --Terry Pratchett Posts: 121 | From Nazareth, PA | Registered: May 2008
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posted
Get yourself some Stevia and don't deny yourself sweet foods. If you like hot cereal in the morning, you'll like hot quinoa, buckwheat groats, brown rice, or amaranth. Instead of milk, I recommend Vance's Dari-Free milk alternative which is made from potato starch (it's good).
You can still eat tortillas and corn chips, so enjoy your tacos.
-------------------- Dallas caregiver for husband Steve who has Bb, Cpn, Mpn, EBV, CMV, other Herpes family viruses Posts: 51 | From Dallas, TX | Registered: May 2008
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quote:Originally posted by Nessa1815: Hmmmm, my llmd didn't mention any foods to stay away from at all.
For your health's sake, avoid simple carbs and sugars!!!!
While on abx, your body will be VERY vulnerable to creating yeast. If you eat sugar and things like potatoes, bread, and white rice, you will have yeast you DON'T want to have.
posted
The diet is hard! And I think part of it is figuring out what you need to be strict with and what you can indulge in periodically.
I am also getting sick of salads, but I try to mix it up a little bit with cooked chicken, tuna (mix w/a little lemon juice and plain yogurt if you want), different kinds of beans, brown rice (warm it up), hummus, avocado. For snacks, I eat veggies w/hummus or guacamole. Popcorn. Plain yogurt w/healthy cereal mixed in.
There is a great cookbook you may want to try: Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone, by Deborah Madison. Everything I have made out of that book has been fantastic and it is very comprehensive. I also like Tara Duggan's The Working Cook. It's not a vegetarian cookbook, but it's quick, healthy, and family-friendly -- and yummy. Has lots of quick soup, salad, and egg recipes, many with ethnic flavors.
I just try to eat healthy 95% of the time, and I don't sweat it when I have a handful of blueberries or a small piece of chocolate!
Posts: 67 | From SF Bay Area | Registered: Jun 2008
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richedie
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posted
I eat tons of salads and love them...I am a fruit ad veggie junky but trying to take it easy on the fruit.....even though I am only going through Babesia treatment now, not yet Lyme. I am assuming the heart of the diet is for while being treated with abx. I initially thought the diet was because they claimed Lyme bacteria and coimnfections feed on glycogen! Guess not.
I haven't seen any studies that say you need to avoid whole grains though and especially sprouted grains which I love! I also do bean burritos made with sprouted grain tortillas.
Should I avoid 100% whole ground corn tortillas? I do avoid most flours, and do not touch sugar or refined foods. I wat some fruit each day and rarely ever eat meat or eggs other than the odd tuna fish or some organic eggs
I do not think it is a problem to have brown rice, gluten free oats, and other whole intact grains and whole grain fours sparingly!
I avoid dairy due to the milk sugar....but yogurt and kefir may not be a big deal but the mucus forming factor of dairy can be a problem. I am lucky if I have dairy once a month.
-------------------- Mepron/Zith/Ceftin Doxy/Biaxin/Flagyl pulse. Artemisinin with Doxy/Biaxin. Period of Levaquin and Ceftin. Then Levaquin, Bactrim and Biaxin. Bactrim/Augmentin/Rifampin. Mepron/Biaxin/Artemisinin/Cat's Claw Rifampin/Bactrim/Alinia Plaquenil/Biaxin Posts: 1949 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Feb 2008
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luvs2ride
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8090
posted
Because we are all different, our diets must be different too. What is healthy for one can be poison for another.
If your doctor is not trained in nutrition and food allergy testing, ask him/her to recommend one who is. Or look for an integrative physician at www.acam.org. They have a "Find a Physician" section.
It is nearly impossible to figure out your best diet all by yourself.
Of course, some things are universal like avoiding sugar and refined carbohydrates. Careful with the fats too. Fat feeds cancer. Do eat Omega 3 fats, but keep Omega 6 fats to a minimum.
Stevia is a fine sweetener which does not cause the blood sugar to elevate. Maple syrup and honey do cause blood sugar spikes and they feed the yeast.
I don't think our diets are designed to kill lyme and company but rather to build up our immune systems and to avoid feeding the yeast in your gut. Yeast can make you as sick as lyme.
Sugar suppresses the immune system. Good news though is that berries and cherries are a low sugar fruit. Yummy!
-------------------- When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power, there will be Peace. Posts: 3038 | From america | Registered: Oct 2005
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luvs2ride
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8090
posted
PS: Another thing a lot of people don't know.... When you eat a food, eat the whole thing. ie: whenever you eat a potato, eat the skin too. When eating eggs, eat the yolk and the white. There is a composition in the white that counteracts the chlorestrol in the yolk and makes it harmless. The skin of the potato has fiber and nutrients that slow down the absorbtion of the starch and the conversion to sugar in the white part of the potato.
-------------------- When the Power of Love overcomes the Love of Power, there will be Peace. Posts: 3038 | From america | Registered: Oct 2005
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treepatrol
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 4117
posted
Cholesterol goes up in a lot of people because of infection your body makes it cholesterol its a precurser for the immune systems building blocks. Cut sugar out no white bread white rice sweet potatoes or potatoes beets etc. Eat nuts for snacking strawberries are one of the lower carb fruits good mixed in yogurt. Eat all the meats except clams muscles or sardines because while on abx's the clams oysters shrimp muscles drive up your acids which because of abx's are higher anyway can bring gout on. eat green beans yellow too . Your best bet is to check out Dr Atkins book he has a good breakdown of high low carbs in the back cvs sells his books just pick one off the rack look in back and youll see the breakdowns.
-------------------- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Remember Iam not a Doctor Just someone struggling like you with Tick Borne Diseases.
richedie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14689
posted
An elmination diet is also a good approach. I hve been wanting to find a good integrative doctor in my are as well as a good nutritionist, but a good one can be hard to find.
Remember, carbs are not the enemy....refined foods are he enemy. Broken down carbs like veggies, whole grains, fruits are considered prebiotics because they feed the good bacteria.
-------------------- Mepron/Zith/Ceftin Doxy/Biaxin/Flagyl pulse. Artemisinin with Doxy/Biaxin. Period of Levaquin and Ceftin. Then Levaquin, Bactrim and Biaxin. Bactrim/Augmentin/Rifampin. Mepron/Biaxin/Artemisinin/Cat's Claw Rifampin/Bactrim/Alinia Plaquenil/Biaxin Posts: 1949 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Feb 2008
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-------------------- Just because it' s not nice doesn' t mean it' s not miraculous. --Terry Pratchett Posts: 121 | From Nazareth, PA | Registered: May 2008
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posted
I know I'm biased, but I think it's worth anyone's while to at least try a gluten-free diet if it's been recommended. Some people have no problem with wheat and gluten, but many Lyme sufferers find they do. I've been gluten and wheat free for a decade, but on occasion when I accidentally get some (people love to say there's none in it because they think it can't really be a problem. I no longer trust people when they say it), I have intense paranoid ideation with depression, and sometimes I have leg weakness and pain to the point where I have trouble walking. Others have intestinal problems. This happens whether it's whole wheat or oats, or refined flours.
Everyone's different, but for some a gluten-free diet is as effective as some meds.
-------------------- Just because it' s not nice doesn' t mean it' s not miraculous. --Terry Pratchett Posts: 121 | From Nazareth, PA | Registered: May 2008
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posted
I think the food issue is getting confused. I have included some food ideas at the end.
The organic yogurt is supplying you with acidophilus, but I also take a good acidophilus supplement as it restors the natural levels in your intestines that the antibiotics destroy. Combats yeast growth!
Your doctors advice sounds to me like they want you to avoid sugars..not necessarily gluten.
Your body breaks down the refined carbs too quickly into sugar. That's the problem with white rice, white flour, etc.
Ask your doc if it's Ok to eat Whole Wheat Bread. Be sure though that it's made with 100% whole wheat flour. No white flour.
The food industry changed the ingredient listing from "enriched white flour" to "wheat flour" years ago when wheat became popular.
It's the same garbage white flour, but they're not lying since it's made from wheat. Slick!
If brown rice and pasta are OK, I believe the 100% whole wheat bread may be also, but ask your doc. Are they avoiding gluten or sugar?
Your body treats alcohol like sugar too, so you might want to avoid that.
Eat whole fruit, not fruit juice. The fiber in the fruit helps your body absorb the natural sugar more slowly. If you're very ill, choose lower sugar fruits.
While self treating due to lack of diagnosis, I found that a month of absolutely no sugar or refined carbs made me feel better, and a longer diet made me more well.
I must say though it does not get rid of the Lyme, I'm living proof of that. It will calm it down though, and I think for me it has slowed the progression of the disease through the years.
I've just been diagnosed after 25 years, so I've had lots of practice for "natural" battling with this.
Breakfast
Oatmeal...hate the mushy recipe. Try this instead. Per person
1/2 cup water 1/2 cup long cooking oats (supposed to cook 5 min)
Boil water...add oats...cook only 3 minutes. Toss in nuts, your favorite fruit, and some nutmeg or cinnamon.
Much better. Less water and cooktime means a nicer consistency and flavor.
Lunch Try black bean soup over brown rice. I used to eat either broccoli or spinach with a slice of whole grain bread for lunch. Peanut butter is great too!
Snack Cut up veggies with salad dressing. Olive garden sells their dressing by the bottle, just ask for it. I dip the broccoli, carrot, cauliflower fresh mix in it.
Dinner Chicken marsala with whole grain pasta is lovely. I have a great recipe. E-mail me if you want it. Only takes 30 minutes so it's easy even for a Lyme brain. =)
Wishing you good eating and a complete return to health!
-------------------- Wishing You Showers Of Blessings! Lyme since Fall 1983 = Diagnosed Summer 2008 IV Rocephin 7 weeks Stopped due to drug fever Now doxycycline "For I know the plans I have for you...plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 Posts: 430 | From Sunny South | Registered: Jul 2008
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richedie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14689
posted
Burrascano says no flour at all...even whole wheat.
Rather than 5 minute oatmeal, eat intact oats like oat grouts or steel cut oats, much better for you! Try to avoid processed foods, even whole grain wheat is in this categorie.
Yogurt scares me due tot he sugar content, natural milk sugars and mucus build up from dairy - no good! Kefir is a bit better.
-------------------- Mepron/Zith/Ceftin Doxy/Biaxin/Flagyl pulse. Artemisinin with Doxy/Biaxin. Period of Levaquin and Ceftin. Then Levaquin, Bactrim and Biaxin. Bactrim/Augmentin/Rifampin. Mepron/Biaxin/Artemisinin/Cat's Claw Rifampin/Bactrim/Alinia Plaquenil/Biaxin Posts: 1949 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Feb 2008
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posted
I've never been able to get away with eating yogurt. It also causes yeast for me. Just too much sugar in it.
I now avoid all dairy and all grains. I feel much better eating this way.
I also do food combining. I don't eat proteins with starches. [I don't eat much in the way of starch anyway, so that is easy.]
Also, eat fruit by itself. All foods digest at different "speeds".. so that is why food combining works in a healtful way.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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richedie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14689
posted
quote:Originally posted by Lymetoo: I've never been able to get away with eating yogurt. It also causes yeast for me. Just too much sugar in it.
I now avoid all dairy and all grains. I feel much better eating this way.
I also do food combining. I don't eat proteins with starches. [I don't eat much in the way of starch anyway, so that is easy.]
Also, eat fruit by itself. All foods digest at different "speeds".. so that is why food combining works in a healtful way.
No starch is tough for me being a vegetarian, plus I think intact grains are fine.
-------------------- Mepron/Zith/Ceftin Doxy/Biaxin/Flagyl pulse. Artemisinin with Doxy/Biaxin. Period of Levaquin and Ceftin. Then Levaquin, Bactrim and Biaxin. Bactrim/Augmentin/Rifampin. Mepron/Biaxin/Artemisinin/Cat's Claw Rifampin/Bactrim/Alinia Plaquenil/Biaxin Posts: 1949 | From Pennsylvania | Registered: Feb 2008
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AliG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9734
posted
Excuse me if someone has already mentioned this. I wrote this reply yesterday, but forgot to hit "add reply"
******************
There's a chapter on "The Lyme Inflammation Diet" in Dr. Singleton's book. It's chapter five & he has a preview of the chapter on his site.
I found it very interesting. I have to go back & read it a few more times but I think it sounds easy enough to follow.
It has four phases. They are the one-week induction, three-week early reentry, four-week late reentry and maintenance.
IMO, it really seems very sensible & do-able. The only thing that I think could be a little bit tough is cost-factors of organic produce, dairy, eggs & meats, if you don't grow your own.
It even lets you add in up to two cups of coffee and CHOCOLATE!!!!
-------------------- Note: I'm NOT a medical professional. The information I share is from my own personal research and experience. Please do not construe anything I share as medical advice, which should only be obtained from a licensed medical practitioner. Posts: 4881 | From Middlesex County, NJ | Registered: Jul 2006
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AliG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9734
posted
Tutu-
I've heard that the yogurt culture is supposed to break down the lactose. ???
I like to eat plain yogurt with a teaspoon of "all fruit" preserves or fresh berries with or without a little bit of raw honey.
It's wuite tasty that way. I'm sorry you haven't been able to tolerate it.
Maybe the kind you tried didn't have active cultures?
No, I'm sure you would have thought of that. Knowing you, you probably tried making your own.
So sorry
-------------------- Note: I'm NOT a medical professional. The information I share is from my own personal research and experience. Please do not construe anything I share as medical advice, which should only be obtained from a licensed medical practitioner. Posts: 4881 | From Middlesex County, NJ | Registered: Jul 2006
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