by Bkworm » Fri Oct 18, 2013 2:26 pm
Linnie, I, too, would recommend you start an elimination diet. I deal with the autoimmune disorder, RA. That was the reason for starting this WOE. From two weeks into this WOE I was totally pain free. Started this way of eating in mid-January 2013. Kept wanting to pinch myself to see if I was dreaming that the pain was gone. However, in mid-July started experiencing mild RA flares that increased in severity though never reaching the levels prior to this WOE. After the flares did not go away, I initiated an elimination diet in September.
The first couple of weeks of the ED were rough after eating such wonderfully satisfying meals for the better part of eight months to then changing to absolutely bland food. Had been totally gluten free for the past 2+ years but had been eating GF oats and other GF grains. Eliminating gluten helped reduce swelling and pain but not to the extent that this WOE did. Had read that protein could cause the flares so decided to eliminate all grains and beans. So far beans don't appear to be a problem but all types of oats and rice create almost immediate flares. So now I depend on quinoa and buckwheat for grains. Someone, sorry I can't remember for certain who, advised in one of the discussions about Creamy Buckwheat Hot Cereal. Absolutely love it. It reminds me of Cream of Wheat cereal in taste and consistency. I fix it with a bit of cinnamon and add fruit, fresh or frozen. Also eat quinoa as a breakfast grain as well as in those recipes.
In addition, I have found tofu, though not soy sauce or tamari sauce, to cause mild flares as well. Further, while we do not drink alcohol at all, I wanted to try a couple of recipes calling for cooking sherry as an option. I purchased a bottle of sherry to add to gravy, just 2 tablespoons, and had an almost immediate, severe flare, particularly in my hands.
Feel fortunate that so far basic seasonings, such as onion, garlic, bell peppers, and other seasonings aren't causing a problem at all so I am back to enjoying most meals again. The past two days have again been totally pain free, such a wonderful way to feel. I am racing around doing all kinds of chores and errands, able to lift and carry everything and chopping veggies in the kitchen totally pain free. Know that sounds like such a small thing to most people, but being able to move about and do everything for yourself pain free is tremendously freeing.
Have had paperwork to get lab work to test inflammation levels since July but have not had the tests run. Now that the flares seem to be subsiding again, will probably have the lab work completed. However, I can tell easily when the inflammation has increased and when it is going into remission just by the pain levels.
So far I have not taken any of the prescription meds prescribed for RA. A number of relatives dealt with and are dealing with RA, so I am very familiar with all the RA issues that patients face. As soon as I realized what was happening in my body, I immediately conducted online research and decided to avoid prescription meds as long as possible even though the rheumatologist prescribed methotrexate and folic acid. Looking for solutions is what led me to watching FOK and Engine 2 Diet on Netflix which then led me to Dr. McDougall. The day may come that there won't be any choice but to take meds, but thanks to this way of eating, I sure don't see that happening in my immediate future.
Again, give an elimination diet a good try and I think you will be able to determine what foods are causing the increase in the pain and inflammation.
Just take things one day at a time. Good luck.
