Help Please! MAJOR Diet Change!

[Philly Mom]

I was recently diagnosed with psoriatic and/or rheumatoid arthritis. At this point, they are not sure which one it is, but for treatment purposes, at this time, doesn't seem to matter. My symptoms are relatively mild. Because they are mild, my Dr. is willing to allow for diet change to see if inflammation improves before moving into medicine. So this requires me to go dairy free, gluten free, refined sugar free. OMG. I am not sure how I will do this, but I want to try. So I need recipes, things I need to look for in ingredients, ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks. I eat out from time to time, what do I do then? Is Asian ok? HELP!!

[almostmom]

You can do it! I follow a diet like this, and while it takes some adjustment, there's lots you can do. A good friend has rheumatoid arthritis, and she is the one who got me to think about changing. I know she feels way better when she eats this way (she is also on some meds, which also are a huge help - when she skips them she pays the price). Anyway, here are my suggestions:

breakfast:
oatmeal (raisins and maple syrup and other fruit can really make it sweet!), granola's (lots that are gluten and refined sugar free) with unsweetened almond or coconut milk, eggs, bacon, avocado, beans. I also eat a lot of plain greek yogurt, but not sure if you can do that.

lunch:
salads, chicken, banana with nut butter, lara bars, smoothies, mexican food on corn tortillas, chips or veggies and hummus, olives, nuts, lara bars

dinner:
salmon, quinoa, sweet or regular potatoes, baked, or baked fries, steak, burgers with sauteed mushrooms and onions, soups like butternut squash or vegetable or chicken meatball (without breadcrumbs), tempeh or tofu, roasted root veggies, spiralized veggies with sauces, mexican bowls, tacos, rice with veggies and chicken and peanuts

while you get off sugar, I recommend having lots of fruit around!

good websites:
inspiralized, love and lemons.

Some Asian is ok, but a lot of if will have sugar. Sushi should be fine, minus the tempura ones. Indian food is probably mostly ok, though some has butter (which I eat) and cream.

Good luck!

[marymoo86]

You will want to google autoimmune paleo diet protocol

Know of a few folks that have had good success with this. Aside from what you mention above - nightshades are problematic as well as nuts.

You need to be grain free not just gluten free

It is much more intensive than what you listed.

http://aiplifestyle.com/what-is-autoimmune-protocol-diet/

I would follow as a baseline to understand how your body reacts first and foremost. You can then experiment to see if adding certain foods causes reaction.

[essnce629]

Yes, marymoo is correct. You need to follow the autoimmune paleo diet. There are several cookbooks on Amazon. Asian will be a problem because of all the soy sauce, but if you make it yourself you can use coconut aminos instead. My son can't have coconut so I actually make my own soy-free gluten-free soy sauce substitute.

https://www.thepaleomom.com/start-here/the-autoimmune-protocol/

The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook: An Allergen-Free Approach to Managing Chronic Illness (US Version) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578135213/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_x6ATybQNFEEFR

The Healing Kitchen: 175+ Quick & Easy Paleo Recipes to Help You Thrive https://www.amazon.com/dp/1628600942/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Q7ATybFHWDTA8

The Paleo Approach: Reverse Autoimmune Disease and Heal Your Body https://www.amazon.com/dp/1936608391/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_x8ATybB5KNV1G


ETA: My 13 year old DS1 has ulcerative colitis, which is an autoimmune disease, but he only eats gluten-free, not full on paleo. I myself can eat paleo easily, but it's too difficult for him at this age. Personally, I'd probably switch to paleo first and then try paleo AIP which is so much more restrictive.

Sent from my SM-J700P using Tapatalk

[gatorsmom]

I have no diet advice, I just wanted to wish you well. My DH has suffered from psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis since he was 37. It has been a difficult road for him. He now takes weekly injections of Embrall to control the swelling and pain. I wish he would be willing to try a different diet. :(

[Kindra178]

I have no diet advice, I just wanted to wish you well. My DH has suffered from psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis since he was 37. It has been a difficult road for him. He now takes weekly injections of Embrall to control the swelling and pain. I wish he would be willing to try a different diet. :(

This is interesting to me - absent a doctor recommending it with supporting research, I believe most folks are are like your dh and wouldn't make a massive (and very hard) lifestyle change. I wish the research and not antidote was there to support diet changes as a means to limit symptoms of disease.

[candaceb]

Hats off to you for being willing to try such a drastic change. I am coming up on 20 years since I was diagnosed with RA. I started Enbrel in-between my 2 pregnancies, and went back on it as soon as I was done breastfeeding DS. I have no side effects from it so no reason not to stick with it. My PCP suggested trying gluten free but I'm just not there right now since things are under control with the drugs.

[Philly Mom]

Hats off to you for being willing to try such a drastic change. I am coming up on 20 years since I was diagnosed with RA. I started Enbrel in-between my 2 pregnancies, and went back on it as soon as I was done breastfeeding DS. I have no side effects from it so no reason not to stick with it. My PCP suggested trying gluten free but I'm just not there right now since things are under control with the drugs.

Thanks. My MIL has RA and been on methotrexate forever. Hers is severe.

My Dr recommended methotrexate or some other medicine for me that is slightly more mild than if diet doesn't help. Right now I have no joint damage, just swelling in a few limited areas and some aching pain. Because it is so mild, my Dr was willing to hold off on medicine for 4 months. I am going to try diet modification, though not the more restrictive diet mentioned above. I won't be able to keep to that.

I spoke at length about what restrictions my doctor thought were necessary for me, it was only gluten, dairy and refined sugar free. I will look at links above for some ideas but at this point I am not going to do the full restriction. Just not me and not recommended by my doctor.


Sent from my iPhone using Baby Bargains (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87652)

[elephantmeg]

I think you want to look at paleo/whole 30. LOTS of recipes out there. For breakfast I eat eggs or egg cups that I make in the instant pot or you can do them in muffin tins
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/228091/paleo-omelet-muffins/
lunches I eat chicken salad or egg salad on lettuce leaves or cucumber slices, salads, leftovers. I try to have cooked sweet potatoes in the fridge, as well as roasted veggies (I love normandy blend) and some sort of meat.
I hard boil eggs and keep them in the fridge and keep lara bars as back up too.

I've just finished a list of dinners that I think the kids will eat too

Here are some recipes I was looking at last night. I think paleo is a lot easier with an instant pot. The last time I did it I didn't have one and it feels a lot easier this time
http://www.multiplydelicious.com/thefood/2013/11/chicken-no-noodle-soup/



http://www.multiplydelicious.com/thefood/2012/10/chocolate-paleo-pudding-with-coconut-whip-cream/



http://theurbanposer.com/southewestern-wedge-taco-salad/



http://theurbanposer.com/curried-chicken-salad-waffle-sandwiches/

https://www.tastesoflizzyt.com/paleo-sweet-potato-chili/



https://www.tastesoflizzyt.com/paleo-broccoli-slaw-recipe/



https://www.tastesoflizzyt.com/barbecue-chicken-salad/



https://www.tastesoflizzyt.com/paleo-italian-chicken-fingers-2/



https://www.tastesoflizzyt.com/whole30-potato-salad-recipe/



https://www.tastesoflizzyt.com/sugar-free-homemade-barbecued-pulled-pork/



https://www.tastesoflizzyt.com/healthy-homemade-spaghetti-sauce/

[Philly Mom]

I think you want to look at paleo/whole 30. LOTS of recipes out there. For breakfast I eat eggs or egg cups that I make in the instant pot or you can do them in muffin tins
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/228091/paleo-omelet-muffins/
lunches I eat chicken salad or egg salad on lettuce leaves or cucumber slices, salads, leftovers. I try to have cooked sweet potatoes in the fridge, as well as roasted veggies (I love normandy blend) and some sort of meat.
I hard boil eggs and keep them in the fridge and keep lara bars as back up too.

I've just finished a list of dinners that I think the kids will eat too

Here are some recipes I was looking at last night. I think paleo is a lot easier with an instant pot. The last time I did it I didn't have one and it feels a lot easier this time
http://www.multiplydelicious.com/thefood/2013/11/chicken-no-noodle-soup/



http://www.multiplydelicious.com/thefood/2012/10/chocolate-paleo-pudding-with-coconut-whip-cream/



http://theurbanposer.com/southewestern-wedge-taco-salad/



http://theurbanposer.com/curried-chicken-salad-waffle-sandwiches/

https://www.tastesoflizzyt.com/paleo-sweet-potato-chili/



https://www.tastesoflizzyt.com/paleo-broccoli-slaw-recipe/



https://www.tastesoflizzyt.com/barbecue-chicken-salad/



https://www.tastesoflizzyt.com/paleo-italian-chicken-fingers-2/



https://www.tastesoflizzyt.com/whole30-potato-salad-recipe/



https://www.tastesoflizzyt.com/sugar-free-homemade-barbecued-pulled-pork/



https://www.tastesoflizzyt.com/healthy-homemade-spaghetti-sauce/

These are awesome! thank you!

[marymoo86]

This is interesting to me - absent a doctor recommending it with supporting research, I believe most folks are are like your dh and wouldn't make a massive (and very hard) lifestyle change. I wish the research and not antidote was there to support diet changes as a means to limit symptoms of disease.

Of course - no money in recommending dietary changes when you can have a lifelong customer.

For me, if I can control symptoms with diet why not. I can't fathom what years of continual meds would ultimately do.

ETA - wholesale diet changes are not easy even if recommended and work. Takes dedication and can be difficult. Popping a pill or injections are easier to control from a doctor's perspective even if not entire the best route of management. Generally it is guaranteed compliance.

If you would like to peruse the link I added - tons of clinical research....

[gatorsmom]

This is interesting to me - absent a doctor recommending it with supporting research, I believe most folks are are like your dh and wouldn't make a massive (and very hard) lifestyle change. I wish the research and not antidote was there to support diet changes as a means to limit symptoms of disease.

I'm not sure how much research there is to support it, but even my Dh admits that when he gives up sodas for a month or cuts down on sugar, he can reduce his Embral injections from twice a week to once a week to every other week. We have concluded that based on his experience it would probably benefit him to make further changes to his diet. But it would be very difficult and he has deemed it too difficult for him. I'd like for him to try (and I'm willing to help) anyway.

[theriviera]

My mom has some sort of auto immune arthritis (can't remember the name) that requires consistent methotrexate injections. I was talking to my doctor about it and she said she has a few patients that have had luck with diet. Specifically following the wahls protocol. It was developed by an md with ms to help manage her symptoms.

https://www.amazon.com/Wahls-Protocol-Autoimmune-Conditions-Principles/dp/1583335544


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[mackmama]

I just had brunch with a friend today who is on a strict anti inflammatory diet due to an autoimmune disorder. She mentioned that her doc told her that rice is the worst thing to eat in terms of the amount of starch and sugar. Also to stay away from nightshade vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, bell peppers etc. There is a good cookbook called the Anti-inflammatoey Diet.

[khalloc]

I also take Enbrel for arthritis. I havent been diagnosed with a specific type of arthritis, but my rheumatologist has said it seems like a cross between psoriatic arthritis and some kind of rheumatoid. It started in my big toe (very swollen and painful) when I was 28, a year after i gave birth to my first baby. Then a few months later my knee swelled up and they realized it must be arthritis. I first took Humira, but then got pregnant again, stop meds and had 5.5 years of being fine with no meds (doc said pregnancy is a natural anti-inflammatory). Then my knees started swelling again and Humira no longer worked for me. I tried Enbrel instead which did the trick..

I do drink diet soda (1x a day) and I like sugar, I'll admit! But I am still able to take Enbrel 1x a month or even go longer. Doc prescribed it as 1x a week but I dont often have symptoms or pain in my knees so I just take it every 3-4 weeks.

[solsister]

You can do it!
I have the same diagnosis as you, as well as Fibromyalgia, and Sjorgen's, all auto-immune. I can tell you, from experience, diet is HUGE. I controlled mine with the AIP diet. NO grains, at all.No corn, rice, oats, wheat, etc. No sugar. No dairy. No gluten. No Nightshades. They are the worst for me. I get so much pain in my fingers if I have nightshades, as well as, really bad stomach issues. BTW, nightshades and corn are in everything. It's tough, but doable. I cried for 3 weeks, and was angry at the world, then, I felt better! Not 100%, but much better, and the inflammation was almost gone. It is definitely worth it.
I lost 50 pounds, in about 3 months, and pain lessened from an 8 down to a 4. I did it for 18 months, and started adding stuff back in a year ago. Bad idea. Ive gained back 25 lbs, and the inflammation is back and bad. Im getting back on the wagon, on Monday. I've got some food prep to do, and some mind work to do. It's hard to cook EVERY SINGLE thing that you can eat. I mean, not a single processed food for the first 90 days for me, then I figured out what I was doing (after about 4-5 weeks), and made sure I had food with me at all times. Being prepared is the biggest part of it. There is LOTS of info on the internet, just google AIP. My go to book is The Paleo Approach. Sarah Ballantyne has all of the answers. For real. She has a website, as well as podcasts, and the book. https://www.amazon.com/Paleo-Approach-Reverse-Autoimmune-Disease/dp/1936608391

https://www.thepaleomom.com/start-here/the-autoimmune-protocol/
http://www.phoenixhelix.com/2013/05/19/what-is-the-paleo-autoimmune-protocol/

pm me if you need more info.

[Philly Mom]

You can do it!
I have the same diagnosis as you, as well as Fibromyalgia, and Sjorgen's, all auto-immune. I can tell you, from experience, diet is HUGE. I controlled mine with the AIP diet. NO grains, at all.No corn, rice, oats, wheat, etc. No sugar. No dairy. No gluten. No Nightshades. They are the worst for me. I get so much pain in my fingers if I have nightshades, as well as, really bad stomach issues. BTW, nightshades and corn are in everything. It's tough, but doable. I cried for 3 weeks, and was angry at the world, then, I felt better! Not 100%, but much better, and the inflammation was almost gone. It is definitely worth it.
I lost 50 pounds, in about 3 months, and pain lessened from an 8 down to a 4. I did it for 18 months, and started adding stuff back in a year ago. Bad idea. Ive gained back 25 lbs, and the inflammation is back and bad. Im getting back on the wagon, on Monday. I've got some food prep to do, and some mind work to do. It's hard to cook EVERY SINGLE thing that you can eat. I mean, not a single processed food for the first 90 days for me, then I figured out what I was doing (after about 4-5 weeks), and made sure I had food with me at all times. Being prepared is the biggest part of it. There is LOTS of info on the internet, just google AIP. My go to book is The Paleo Approach. Sarah Ballantyne has all of the answers. For real. She has a website, as well as podcasts, and the book. https://www.amazon.com/Paleo-Approach-Reverse-Autoimmune-Disease/dp/1936608391

https://www.thepaleomom.com/start-here/the-autoimmune-protocol/
http://www.phoenixhelix.com/2013/05/19/what-is-the-paleo-autoimmune-protocol/

pm me if you need more info.

Thanks. There is no way I can do that full restrictive diet. I am impressed with anyone who can. I like food and going out to eat. We travel quite a bit too. There are just limits to what I am willing to/can do. There are reasons why my rheumatologist thought gluten, dairy and refined sugars were big ones. This will be hard enough. If these changes aren't enough I will take medicine. Thanks for the resources!


Sent from my iPhone using Baby Bargains (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87652)

[KpbS]

I sent you a PM

[bisous]

Thanks. There is no way I can do that full restrictive diet. I am impressed with anyone who can. I like food and going out to eat. We travel quite a bit too. There are just limits to what I am willing to/can do. There are reasons why my rheumatologist thought gluten, dairy and refined sugars were big ones. This will be hard enough. If these changes aren't enough I will take medicine. Thanks for the resources!


Sent from my iPhone using Baby Bargains (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87652)

Oh I hope you can figure it out! I will say that I had a really hard time finding restaurants we could eat at when we were gluten and casein free. We didn't even try to limit sugar during that time.

I haven't been on your particular diet but when I was putting DS1 and DS2 on their restrictive diet the key for me was finding a few key sources of FOOD that I could eat when hungry and gradually expanding my repertoire. I also paid for some expensive prepared foods for the same reason. As I got better at figuring which foods we could eat and which recipes we liked, I could ease off the staples and the prepared items.

Best of luck to you and hopefully you got the information that you need from this thread!