Topic: Has Anyone Gotten Better Without a Drastic Diet Change?
lululymemom
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Member # 26405
posted
I've never had any problems with food sensitivities but am being put on a strict no sugar, no simple carbs, no gluten, no dairy diet. Apparently all of the above feed the bacteria. I have no problems cutting some out, but this is a bit drastic even for me.
If you got better without a major change to your diet, I'd like to hear about it.
posted
i'd like to know that too! i've had dairy intolerance for years but recently can't even eat cheese anymore without it causing problems.
i've cut out sugar (except natural sugars), simple carbs, dairy, and white flour products. i still eat wheat flour products. do i have to give those up too?
Posts: 95 | From IL | Registered: Jun 2010
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posted
I've been on the diet you are taking about for a few years now. Although it came in stages (starting the diet), so youre probably going to have a hard time with the adjustment. I have Celiac so the Gluten is totally out dairy often goes with Celiac too. Then I started no grains for starched (including sugar).
Did it make me better?....well I am sick now, but I do think that it helped me stay healthier longer before I really got sick with Lyme, there were a lot of stresses that contributed to my break down. Yes your Dr is right, it does feed the Lyme-- thats a scientific fact.
I'm the type of person that likes to know I did everything I could to get better, so thats why I keep with the diet. Eating highly nutritious food and cutting out empty calorie help give your body the fuel to fight this. Its not going to cure you, but it can be a great stepping stone to help. I would try to stick to it as much as you can.
Posts: 844 | From CA | Registered: Apr 2010
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posted
I am getting better and my doc says no white flours, no caffiene, and low sugar.
Posts: 303 | From green bay, wi | Registered: Mar 2009
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I know this new eating plan seems like a mallet to the head. It's not so much that certain foods feed the spirochetes, as long as they have our body, they have food, anyway.
But - in order to support the cellular structure of your body - in order for all your organs and systems to be the best they can be to support you in this battle, eating only healthful foods is nearly required.
The ONLY thing about having gotten so ill is that I totally changed the my food plan. I never call it a diet. It's a food plan. I've eaten this way for over 15 years now and it's just a way of life. I never feel deprived.
No one should be eating simple sugars - no one. It's a crime that such substances were even developed, really. Simple sugars are killing everyone. Diabetes is rampant these days - and lyme patients are at a greatly increased risk of developing diabetes.
I would outlaw them all, really, and lower the price of vegetables and fruits and support the family farmers so that they can thrive to help us thrive. It's even possible to enjoy sweetness with dark berries, tart apples and other lower sugar fruits.
Stevia (from plants) can sweeten cranberries for a good sauce anytime of the year. Maybe add a touch of honey.
It's really possible to have good foods that are are amazingly delicious. Really. You can eat fabulous foods. Absolutely fabulous foods that nourish your cells and yours senses.
My grandparents never ate processed foods or sugary foods and they always had plenty of food from their farm and garden. Some farmers deliver right to your door now, really. There are also more and more farmers' markets.
Here are some good cookbooks & sites - adaptations can be easily made with these. You might consider growing kitchen herbs so you have fresh rosemary, basil, fennel, etc. at your fingertips. --------------------
The Body Ecology Diet book (recommended in other posts by sixgoofykids)
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). Quinoa and the dark rices can also be used.
But she focuses mostly on very filling vegetable dishes and garden herbs.
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 . . .
FROM CURRIES TO KEBABS - RECIPES FROM THE INDIAN SPICE TRAIL - by: Jaffrey, Madhur
==========================
Also look for MOOSEWOOD Cookbooks and THE ENCHANTED BROCCOLI FOREST
==========================
MEDITERRANEAN DIET (minus the wheat and the wine) is also good. It's many vegetable based, with delicious herbs in the meat dishes. Quinoa, dark rices - and unsweetened pomegranate juice can be substituted.
Look up Black Forbidden Chinese Rice & the Red Bhutanese Rice. The nutritional content is excellent and these will help fill and fortify you, even in moderation, along with lots of vegetables.
Red Quinoa Recipes -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- About dairy, it can sort of "gum" up the immune system, according to the author of the book "Don't Drink Your Milk"
Anyone with any kind of inner ear fullness or issue (and that includes most lyme patients) do far better avoiding dairy as it creates phlegm in the upper respiratory passages and that increases inflammation.
A gluten-free diet is also very helpful for many. Some have a true celiac and, therefore, need to avoid gluten due to that. However, several infections can CAUSE a celiac reaction.
Avoiding gluten can greatly reduce pain and inflammation for most people. It also helps to clear up leaky gut problems. We need all the help we can get. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- You can read customer reviews at Amazon but you'd have to obtain it elsewhere. Your local bookstore may have it or order it for you - and it should be in the library system.
DON'T DRINK YOUR MILK!: New Frightening Medical Facts about the World's Most Overrated Nutrient
-by Frank Oski, M.D. (1992)
The author . . . the former physician-in-chief of John Hopkins Children's Center and Professor and Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at John Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Excerpts from one review:
. . . Among physicians, so much concern has been voiced about the potential hazards of cow milk that the Committee on Nutrition of the prestigious American Academy of Pediatrics, the institutional voice of practicing pediatricians, released a report entitled, "Should Milk Drinking by Children Be Discouraged?"
Although the Academy's answer to this question has (as of this writing) been a qualified "maybe," the fact that the question was raised at all is testimony to the growing concern about this product, which for so long was viewed as sacred as the proverbial goodness of mother and apple pie.
Does drinking milk help prevent osteoporosis because of the calcium it contains? Chapter 6 deals with that topic.
Strange as it may sound, both Africans and African-Americans consume less calcium and milk, and yet have greater bone density and less osteoporosis than Caucasians in America. While Americans get 807 mg. of calcium each day from drinking milk, the average citizen of Ghana gets but 8 mg.
As Dr. Oski points out, this low amount has made them "neither toothless nor lying about immobilized because of repeated bone fractures" (p. 50). . . .
===============
I must have given away my copy of this book (so I can't point out the passage) but I distinctly recall the author's thinking that milk also sort of "gums up" our immune system, disabling it. I do believe he equated milk as "glue" to the immune system - and not in a good way. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- This is also why LLMDs want us to avoid processed foods: lower risk of developing diabetes. Simple sugars just clobber the adrenal systems and that also leads to greater complications.
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.
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- CATDOG - That site looks very nice. I'm thinking of some alterations that may just fit the bill.
We can still have chocolate (just not the sugar) in various ways - some cocoa powder in Almond Milk, add a touch of stevia and have a nice treat.
We can cut the amount of agave WAY down, though and add more nuts, or coconut or whatever.
If you battle with candida (system yeast) you may need to avoid agave and honey or be sure to have just at tiny amount at the end of a meal only so it's not alone. That can make all the difference.
Stevia (from plants) is okay. No artificial anything, though. Ever.
As a transition, Green & Black's 85% DARK chocolate. But that still has simple sugar, just very little. I've been hunting for an 85% with agave. So that link may help me figure out how to do that. I've had many failures trying to make my own.
I also think that adding in cocoa butter would increase the satiation factor.
I saw almond milk there. It's easier to make walnut and pecan milk as they are softer nuts. They do not need soaking overnight in the fridge, as do almonds.
It's still important to remember that sweets are not the main event. If we have great flavor with our meals, then just a little sweetness will satisfy.
If we use sugar for energy, adrenal support is likely needed. And maybe we need to go rest.
If we use sugar to cheer up, magnesium is likely low.
If we use sugar to console ourselves, various vitamins, minerals or calories may need more attention - and we also need to find other ways to increase endorphins. Chili powder is just one way. Enjoyable activities, another. Even if we are limited in what we can do now, it's essential to have a full range of enjoyment. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Im relativly new to this diet myself...just over 8 wks now. All i can tell you is that i was in extreme pain and had neuro sx etc. I was a mess. Cant see a LLMD and my dr has dropped the ball on me. So im on my own. I started charting my sx after the dietary restrictions. Within the week i was 60% better. By 2 wks my sx were drastically improved! I have problems on average of every wk and a half. But not even close to what they were! I dont hear non existant phones ringing...dont hear invisible ppl knocking at the door. Dont see non existant fireflies in the house. I do still have some fever and pain. But DRASTICALLY better. Obviously i have a long way to go. But i just purchased my 1st batch of supps (other than vitams) so im hopeful. IMHO its worth it to do the dietary restrictions. Good luck!
Posts: 624 | From Oklahoma | Registered: Jun 2010
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posted
I was already on a fairly low carb diet when I got Lyme. My symptoms have not been excessively severe, though whether the diet has contributed to that, I don't know. I have been sick 14 months now (treated by an LLMD for 8), and am slowly improving. I have stayed functional enough to work full time the entire period.
Starting in late April or May, I let my carbs start creeping up, and after a couple months of eating more carbs than usual, had a bad attack of candida a few weeks ago. I got my diet back in order right away, as well as taking fluconazole and 3 natural candida remedies, and got it mostly under control within a week, and completely gone (or at least not showing any signs of itself) after 3 weeks.
I also got through the winter on the low carb diet without having the bronchitis I used to get all winter every winter. I finally figured out, after 11 years of suffering with that, that it was associated with systemic inflammation, and the low carb diet reduces my inflammation so much that I don't get the winter bronchitis. This is confirmed with C-reactive protein blood tests.
I think that elevated inflammation in the body also contributes to exacerbated Lyme symptoms, so I believe the diet has positive effects on us. It certainly has not hurt me at all to follow it, except that it's been a struggle to get over my carb addiction. I still struggle with it sometimes, and binge on carbs when I get emotional. But the struggle is WELL worth it for the overall benefits it has had for my health, before and after Lyme.
I can't say whether or not some people or everyone could get better without following a special diet. Anyway, each person's ideal diet is a little different--not everyone can eat exactly the same things and be equally healthy.
On the other hand, the human species has shown itself capable of surviving on a very wide range of foods, so I think we can have a lot of variation in our diets and still be healthy.
It does seem that refined carbs (sugar, flour, white rice, etc.) have heralded the beginning of previously unknown diseases (heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc.) in cultures that began to eat them. (These diseases may all be associated with systemic inflammation, so there may be a common link.) There are a lot of reasons to avoid those things.
Unfortunately, they taste good, they store and transport well, they are everywhere and they are cheap, so it is difficult to stop eating them.
I guess I would say, if you are already getting better, then maybe you don't have to worry about your diet. If not, then experimenting with eating less sugar, grain and starch (and more fat, protein and green vegetables to replace them) may tell you whether you feel better doing that or not.
One caution about it--if you suddenly switch to eating a low carb diet, you might feel a little tired or not very good for the first few days, until your body gets used to burning more fat than glucose for energy, and while you are losing extra water (and nutrients) that extra carbs prompt you to hang on to. I lost 6.5 pounds of mostly water the first 2 days I switched to a low carb diet. After that, I felt great. Be sure to stay extra hydrated the first few days.
Some people don't feel well the first 2 or 3 days, and conclude that the diet is horrible for them and makes them sick. Or they try it for a few days, then go off it, then go back on again, such that they do always feel bad on it.
Lower your carbs gradually to an ideal level for you, and then stay there for a couple of weeks, and you'll be able to tell by then if you feel better that way or not.
I also noticed, pre-Lyme, that sometimes I used up all the energy in my muscles during weight lifting, and then got fatigued or faint. If I ate a high carb/protein snack or drink right after working out (and possibly a little snack before), that problem went away and I had plenty of energy all the time.
Since Lyme, I have not been exercising much, and I have been on the diet off and on, so I don't know if I would have that issue over a long time with a low carb diet, or just in the first couple of months of following the diet.
-------------------- Don't forget to laugh! And when you're going through hell, keep going!
Bitten 5/25/2009 in Perry County, Indiana. Diagnosed by LLMD 12/2/2009. Posts: 756 | From Inside the tunnel | Registered: Jan 2010
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Carol in PA
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 5338
posted
About 25 years ago I had a five hour glucose tolerance test done. Part of the preparations for it included eating a high carbohydrate diet for several days beforehand.
I was working full time, and I always felt tired. What was odd was, I noticed that I felt better on the high carbohydrate diet.
The glucose tolerance test was brutal...my blood sugar went down to 43.
I read Nourishing Traditions seven years ago, and made changes to our diet. The biggest change was cutting out margarine and Crisco.
These fats are not actually food, and cause problems when they are incorporated into our membranes.
Good quality fats like fish oil will increase the integrity of the membrane structure.
Before your eyes glaze over with boredom, you need to know that this is important to us Lymies.
Every cell is surrounded by a membrane. Nutrients pass into the cells and waste products pass out of them.
Through the cell membranes.
Carol
Posts: 6956 | From Lancaster, PA | Registered: Feb 2004
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lululymemom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 26405
posted
I think I could handle a low carb diet, but when you add in all the rest it's very difficult. Gluten is in everything including things like vanilla that we would never even consider. I've also been told margarine is no good, so now no dairy no margarine, can you cook with oil exclusively? I find it very hard baking without those things. No sugar, but can we have Agave or Maple syrup? Those are natural sweeteners like Stevia.. From what I am hearing everyone seems to go in one direction or the other. Either gluten free and dairy free, or low carb but then they still allow grains..
I've just never thought of whole grains being bad unless you have celiac or a sensitivity. I was raised on butter and never been overweight. Actually been quite healthy until this hit.
Bartonella henselae 1:100 Posts: 2027 | From British Columbia | Registered: Jun 2010
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sutherngrl
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Member # 16270
posted
I was really working hard on eating the right stuff. I did cut out sugar and some carbs. I even juiced raw veggies for 6 months. I didn't eat much bread or diary.
None of this seemed to make much difference in my recovery and after 2 years I got frustrated with it and fell off the wagon so to speak.
For the last 3 months I have eaten everything. Pizza, fast food, ice cream, colas.....you name it. I don't feel one bit worse and maybe slightly better.
I'm not saying this to promote eating bad. I definetly think we all need to eat healthy, even healthy ppl; but from my experience eating right did not seem to aid in my recovery.
That being said, I am now trying to get myself back on track. Part of my problem was I developed an attitude and figured what the heck. If I have to be ill, I might as well enjoy eating. But now I am ready to ease back into a bit more healthy living.
I keep saying...... next week I will start.
Not sure that I think you have to go over the top with eating healthy, unless of course you have a gluten issue or something. Staying away from sugar to keep the yeast away while on antibiotics seems a must though.
I guess my conclusion from my own experience is to do things in moderation. Eat healthy, but don't deprive yourself to the point of being miserable.
Posts: 4035 | From Mississippi | Registered: Jul 2008
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posted
Diet is extremely important!! Especially keeping yeast at bay since the symptoms of yeast and lyme are very similar.
If you're having yeast, you'll never know if you're over the lyme!! Think about it!! You could go on and on and on thinking you still have lyme when it's actually yeast.
I have benefited GREATLY by going gluten-free (actually was a necessity for me). Dairy is mostly bad too. Feeds yeast for sure.
posted
I have been eating whatever I want (normal) since starting treatment Dec. 2009. The only things I've totally cut out are caffeine and alcohol. I am feeling 90% better. Most of my symptoms are gone.
I am on 3 abx/ and take a ton of supplements. I have never had a problem with yeast.
I was considering trying the diet, but it seems too extreme for my lifestyle, not to mention my pocketbook. Unfortunately, it cost a lot of $$ to eat healthy.
Im wondering if I did try it if I would feel 100% better?
Posts: 160 | From NJ | Registered: Dec 2009
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RZR
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Member # 20953
posted
I lost so much weight from the strict anti-candida diet. My LLMD told me I needed to eat. He said avoid white flour and sugar and eat whole wheat and good carbs.
Even on the strict diet, I still suffered with yeast issues. I take Diflucan as needed. I have just accepted that yeast will be somewhat of an issue as long as I am taking abx.
-------------------- Tick bite May 2009 Diagnosed June 2009 Posts: 2329 | From SouthEast | Registered: Jun 2009
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posted
Eating healthy does NOT have to be expensive. Not at all.... unless you're buying everything organic.. then it is.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11141
posted
I got better, and I ate healthy. Little processed food. Mostly foods cooked from scratch. I did eat carbs, but healthy carbs, not white flour/sugar. I think diet was very important to healing.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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I have to tell you that I am on day 5 of the anti inflam diet and I cannot believe it.
It has helped so much and Dr. S says that when the body stops inflaming, it can then focus on healing.
My bad symptoms like foot pain are nearly gone...
So, no, I did not want to make diet changes,
but OH is it worth it.
I have to add as well that I think the detox is huge. It is just nice to be feeling like myself again...
Posts: 243 | From Charleston, SC | Registered: Oct 2008
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Haley
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Member # 22008
posted
I was a complete sugar addict before Lyme. I still get cravings for frozen yogurt and certain sweet things.
The interesting thing is that when you start eating healthful foods you begin to lose the desire for the less healthful foods.
For me the area where I need to be more disciplined is in the preparation of foods. If I don't prepare things I find that I snack on things that I shouldn't snack on.
Posts: 2232 | From USA | Registered: Aug 2009
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