posted
Wow. I just read the article posted on 10/15 entitled "Soy Is Not the Health Food You Think It Is". I've been a vegetarian for 20+ years and derive much of my protein from soy. This disease has me so buggered, if you'll excuse the pun, and now my formerly-always-thought-of-as-healthy diet is being called into question (by me). I drink rice, almond or soy milk, eat soy cheese and "meats", etc. I always thought I was doing my body good by trying to get anywhere from 10-15 grams per day of soy protein. I'm alarmed. Someone also mentioned that fermented soy foods were better than others but that seems contraindicative due to our yeast issues? I've had LD for 10 years and my most aggravating symptoms are FATIGUE, cognitive impairment (memory loss mostly) weakness, pain and irritability/mood swings. Testing showed no detectable levels of testosterone, DHEA and several corticosteroids - hormones a mess. And my toxicity levels alarmed even my doc, who said I am in the upper 10% of the upper 10% when it comes to toxins - I am sky high in mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic, lead and more. Hmmmmm. Is there a correlation with my diet here? Dang disease. I thought at the very least I was ahead of the game at least in terms of diet. Could anyone comment on what they feel is the optimal diet for beating Lyme disease and co-infections into submission? I know about the no sugar, white foods, nightshades, etc., and only complex carbs (gluten free preferable) in moderation. Beyond that, though, in terms of protein, what are y'all eating?? I'll eat black, red, indeed any color beans all day and quinoa, kamut, etc. if that would do it...! Thanks in advance. Lymebites
Posts: 63 | From Deer Grove, Illinois, United States | Registered: Jan 2005
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beachcomber
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5320
posted
LB:
I noticed that some of your soy protein is coming from processed soy, like soy milk and "meats". These things often have plenty of additives and/or preservatives that could be constributing to an unhealthy diet or a reaction to soy.
I might suggest that you check out the more macrobiotic approach to vegetarianism. In the macrobiotic diet you would not include any processed soy products, such as some of the milks and the veggie "burgers". It's almost better to eat organic fresh meats. Although, I am not suggesting you do that.
Lots of our soy products are GMO, so be careful. Plain old soybeans, tofu and tempeh are probably your best sources. As well, lots of beans and whole grains have plenty of protein. Whole grains do not turn into sugar the way refined carbs do. So, you should be able to tolerate them.
posted
Lymebites....What if?? What if many of your symptoms are from yeast? I think beachcomber has some good points there. Are you totally opposed to organic chicken? eggs?
I was thinking you could try eating eggs and vegetables for a month or two and see if you begin to feel better. My hunch is that you would, but I understand if you have an aversion to eating meat.
posted
Lymebites, I've been a veg. for years too. But don't believe all the negativity about soy. For example, I read that soy is especially bad for males, because it has higher levels of estrogen (i.e. makes males "effeminate"). Well, I raised my 5 older boys, now in their teens and early twenties, on soy products and a mostly vegetarian diet, and my 4 teen boys are now tough, strong high school football players (one is the quarterback, the other the running back, and together they win most of the games) and my oldest son, 20, is a body builder, and he's VERY STRONG for his height and build. So, certainly don't trust everthing you read.
However, I will say that since I've had Lyme, I've noticed that eating fish and eggs occasionally (like, once or twice a week, or maybe even just once a month, it depends), has helped me make improvements. BUT, I will never eat red meat, except some chicken, and I really try to avoid dairy products, due to allergies mainly and because dairy has a FAR WORSE TRACK RECORD than soy, that's for sure. Take care.
-------------------- seeing isn't believing believing...is seeing Posts: 2 | From MN | Registered: Oct 2005
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As you can already tell, you're going to get a lot of different opinions on the subject. However, no one has all the answers for you because no one has the same genetic makeup, history, lifestyle habits, preferences, medications and deficiencies(among other factors) that you do.
I would encourage you to keep reading, researching, asking questions and above all listen to your body.
Make changes/alterations slowly. Keep a journal.
I was a vegetarian for years and didn't feel well after a while(prelyme). When I added in animal protein I immediately felt better. Since coming down with lyme I find that my need for animal protein is even greater and carbs hurt. Diabetes runs in my family so I have to work at keeping consistent sugar levels. Animal protein helps me with this.
Also animal protein helps repair and build tissue.
However it is hard to digest so I need lots of vege fiber. I prefer it fresh, organic, in season, and locally grown. I prepare it very simply, lightly steamed, blanched, or raw (very well cleaned).
I do better not eating grains. And it turns out I'm allergic to soy and dairy. I eat my foods in combination for effective elimination and digestion. I add lots of essential fatty acids, minimal fruit, nuts and seeds, all whole and organic (paleolithic diet).
Identifying and avoiding foods I'm allergic to has helped me a lot as well . I've done this via blood tests, skin tests and by noticing how foods affect me (again a journal helps).
Lyme and yeast thrive on carbs so a low carb, no sugar diet is best for these conditions.
Drink lots of clean water away from meals to keep things moving. This will help with herxes too.
My diet is highly satisfying to me. It is easy, simple, healthy, nourishing, delicious and it helps with lyme, yeast and weight. An additional benefit is that it helps me look my best too. My hair (no grey, shiny, thick, full, resilient) skin (dewey), nails (strong) and eyes (clear) look good.
I have found what works for me at this time. I've had lyme for 15 years (misdx for 12) and abx for 2.5. My progress is going very well since addressing the lyme. If I deviate from my diet, I don't feel as well.
However, just because this works for me doesn't mean it would work for you.
I hope you find the right diet for you at this time. Hopefully what I have shared will help some.
Best wishes.
Posts: 925 | From California | Registered: Sep 2004
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Andie333
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7370
posted
Lymebites, I am really interested to read everyone's answers to this question.
I guess I fall somewhere in the middle.
I haven't eaten red meat in 25 years, but I do still occasionally eat poultry and seafood. Since being dx, I have had to do without my usual 3-times-a-week fish, because I cannot tolerate the smell of fish cooking at all (used to be my favorite).
I try to keep sugar at a minimum. Have cut out caffeine for the most part. No alcohol in 20 years. About three liters of water a day.
I eat goat's milk cheese and have quite a few eggs each week. As far as other dairy, I eat plain yogurt sometimes.
Whole grains (brown rice mostly, not much wheat). Legumes. A lot of in-season vegetables cooked simply (steaming or light saute).
I've struggled with being cold, and my acupuncturist suggested I cut back a bit on salads until that symptom had improved.
I've also had problems with indigestion, and when that happens, I eat whatever my body can seem to handle. For me, soup has been a soothing choice.
One other thing: I've started using chopsticks a lot when I eat. I find it helps me eat more slowly and mindfully.
Since my dx in June, I've lost almost 20 pounds. Now, I'm back to my fighting weight That's a good thing, because I'm planning on kickin' this disease !
Andie
Posts: 2549 | From never never land | Registered: May 2005
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posted
Thanks, all, for advice. Until yesterday I hadn't - in 20 years - heard any bad news about soy except for the genetically modified Franken foods I thought I was avoiding. Guess I should re-read the labels on my Boca burgers and 'chicken'. Advice on learning more about macrobiotics well taken! Have been meaning to look into that anyhow for years. Have also wanted to learn more about a raw foods diet. My bedside reading stack is toppling and I never have enough time to read as much as I want to - but I guess it's time to re-prioritize and make time for the important stuff. Have never even heard of the Paleolithic diet! Haven't eaten red meat or fowl for 20 years. I could add more fish to my diet (I eat it on the rare occasion)... need to learn what's best in that regard too, beyond salmon. (Any ideas?) Not sure about eggs - yuck. But a remote possibility. Went to my favorite Chinese restaurant today and brought home 4 quarts of vegetarian hot and sour soup - loaded with tofu and veggies. It's fresh - no MSG or extra salt. It is sooooooooo good. And I feel it's a sure thing in terms of nourishment. One question: Don't fermented foods aggravate Candida? Tempeh/miso not a problem? In terms of compliance to different Lyme treatments, I struggle most with diet. I have a sweet tooth and when I'm feeling lousy physically (which is all the time these days) I crave the simple carbs. Also, for the past couple of years I haven't had the focus or energy/stamina to prepare healthy food - at least not like I used to cook. But I can simplify and still make it work. Will try different things. Better learn more about soy protein isolates and hidden GMO too. What an eye-opening article that was. Thanks for the encouragement and advice! Lymebites
Posts: 63 | From Deer Grove, Illinois, United States | Registered: Jan 2005
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