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Fibro, Diet and what makes you feel good

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Posted 9/24/2008 4:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Everyone,

I have been researching what people with FM say about diet and how food can affect the way you feel. Some time ago I was doing South Beach, before I started to feel really crumby.  When I spoke with my GP he told me that South Beach is a very good diet for FM because it is based on the glycemic index. SO I have gone back to that way of eating, the weightloss will be a nice side effect I hope!!  The problem for me is that when I feel under the weather (which lately is A LOT) I want warm yummy comforting foods.  For me those foods are pasta, bread, creme sauces, casseroles, mashed potatoes with miracle whip and butter...I could go on but I'm sure you catch my drift ;) These are the foods that warm my soul and make me happy!   For instance I read that Tomatoes are a no no for fibros because they are a night shade veggie but I LOVE tomatoes - baked in the oven, in a sauce as a sandwhich. What kinds of things do you eat to make you happy and what do you eat to keep you well??

A~

Posted 9/24/2008 6:47 PM (GMT 0)
'm discovering that I can eat just about anything, as long as I'm not overeating. I started an antidepressant about 6 weeks ago, and it made me nauseous for awhile, and then, I just didn't have the big appetite I was used to having. In fact, there's hardly ever been a time in my 58 years, when I wasn't hungry.
Before this, I thought carbs and dairy gave me trouble. But since I have been eating much less, and not eating all day, I seem to be able to tolerate a bigger variety of foods, without symptoms.
I can say for sure that carbs and especially sugar used to make my muscles and joints hurt. I can eat fat, as long as I keep my sugar and carb intake down. I was also wondering about nightshade veggies, but I can't say that they consistently make me have pain. I sort of feel like tomatoes are too healthy to not eat. I seem to get headaches alot after potatoes, so I've cut back alot on them.
Before the antidepressant, besides eating too much of everything, I ate a ton of veggies. Unfortunately, the medicine has made me not be interested in them. I have seemed to turn more to comfort foods........like grilled cheese. I've been having it every day for lunch, along with an apple. Before the med, the bread would have bothered me, but it doesn't seem to now (whole wheat bread). I use a combo of olive oil and butter for the grilled cheese, and not too much.
The fact that my appetite has gone down, makes me wonder if my over-eating all the time, and craving the "bad" stuff, was because my serotonin was too low? I think we crave carbs when we don't feel good, because they raise serotonin levels. But for me, the more carbs I ate, the more I wanted the next time.
Anyhow........to get back to your question........For me, eating alot less food makes me feel alot better.........and then I can have some of the stuff that previously made me feel not so good.

One more thing. Because this antidepressant made me have alot of irregular heartbeats when I would drink caffeine, I had to give my 1 glass of coke a day up. I wanted a little more energy this morning, so I had a glass. Low and behold, I was starving within 2 hours.........which I hadn't felt since I'd quit drinking coke. Interesting. So I'm learning that I need to avoid Coke, in order not to over-eat........and then I feel better.
Posted 9/24/2008 7:25 PM (GMT 0)

When I was first diagnosed, I tried to follow a low-glycemic diet.  It did not decrease my pain.  Eating healthfully overall does give me more energy, which does, in turn, help me feel better than I would if I were eating junk all day.  I have also not found that any one particular food causes me discomfort.

I understand about comfort foods!  Lately, I have fallen in love again with soups!  It is usually low calorie (if you stear clear from cream soups), increases our veggie consumption, helps me feel fuller due to the high water content, and it's cheap!  Little is nicer than the aroma of a soup simmering all day on the back of the stove.  Mmmmm... wink

I also have a fondness for vanilla chai tea.  I keep a box of Bigelow tea bags of this flavor in my desk at work.  Whenever I feel flu-like (which is often), I heat up a cup and add a drop of milk and a touch of sweetner (and, no, splenda doesn't affect me either).  It is wonderful.

Posted 9/24/2008 7:26 PM (GMT 0)

Another 1950 baby Cathy???

 

Amitriptyline is known for causing sugar cravings. I would love to get off of it but after trying to cut down in the spring and having the worse flare yet I don't see that happening.

 

Which AD are you on Cathy that caused decrease in appetite???

 

I am a carboholic. I can't eat much meat which is a problem. Pastas and breads with a little meat is the norm for me. I eat some cooked veggies and fruits but don't push it with the tummy not being able to digest a lot of foods. So I do feel trapped cause I would like to be able to eat healthier. I'm sure I could improve on the way I eat if I really took the time to do some research. I've kinda fallen into a rut with food.

 

Thanks for bringing this up A.

 

This is a bad time of year cause I notice every fall I start craving more comfort foods to pack on the pounds I guess for winter.

 

luv and hugs

Marlee

Posted 9/24/2008 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
I am a believer in low carb, low glycemic for FM although I can honestly say that I am not always good and find myself cheating on high carb items and when I do, I know I did, I end up with fatigue and muscle pain. Cane sugar is a huge one for me, along with caffeine and gluten, although I don't think I have celiac.

There is some wonderful information in Dr Jacob Teitelbaum's book, "From Fatigue to Fantastic"...he was diagnosed with FM as a medical student and has spent his professional years caring for people with FM. He has a more natural approach, using supplements, but does recommend prescription medication too.

I have been following his advice now for over six months and honestly, my FM is not gone, but I do think I am managing it better. If only I could completely eliminate the cane sugar and gluten! I believe it is an emotional thing with me, when I am sad, depressed, angry, happy, whatever! I what to turn to things with gluten and sugar in them...what can I say? I wish I could be perfect, but I am not and I always know when I've had something I should not eat...I feel it in my muscles and fatigue.

I wish someone could get me to pace myself too. I am completely aware that I should not overdo, that I will pay for it in spades for days after and yet, when I have a good day, I ALWAYS end up overdoing. I was diagnosed 20 years ago with FM, you'd think I'd have the sense by now and yet, I do not. Just yesterday, I took a 45 minute walk, vacuumed and washed several floors in my house, worked 6 hours and had three play times with my dogs. Of course, that is in addition to throwing in a couple of loads of laundry, cooking dinner and cleaning up, etc. And then I wonder why I feel so lousy today.....duh!!! : )
Posted 9/24/2008 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
MT Lady,

I have the same food issues as you.  Sugar is my worst, combine it with the gluten and I may as well stay in bed because I'm useless.  With all the pain and fatigue that these foods cause you would think that we would hate them.  People who are allergic to certain animals usually don't want to be around them, right. I feel so much better when I avoid these trigger foods, when will I learn rolleyes .  Maybe someday!

Meggie

Posted 9/25/2008 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
Marlee.......I'm on sertraline (generic zoloft). But I've always said I'm wired differently than alot of people.
I think its normal for our appetites to go up in the Fall. We're responding to having to go through winter, when food might not be as available (in a primitive way of thinking).
I think what might have happened to me is that the sertraline gave me nausea for several weeks, and I was able to get control of my eating during that time. Whatever it is, I sure like it. I've spent my entire lifetime thinking of what I was going to eat next........so this is a wonderful break from that!
Posted 9/25/2008 1:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Meggie,
It's taken me years to figure that out, the food connection to the burning pain in my muscles...it's all inflammation and now lately, I'm reading about how inflammatory processes can be the culprit for heart disease and even Alzheimer's!! My mom has Alz and believe me, it scares the daylights out of me to think that could be my future.

In any case, I know now, after many months of trying to eliminate certain foods, that those foods definitely cause a reaction in me and definitely encourage fibro flares. Now, if only we could figure out how to stop the pain flares and be able to sleep without drugs, and sleep deeply, we'd be done with this...and more than likely stinking rich!!! :)
Posted 9/25/2008 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
I'm certainly going to try and pay attention to what I'm eating and then how I feel. I certainly don't want to be eating for the moment just because it makes me happy and then be feeling bad that night or the next day. This week I have been eating as close to south beach as I can however for supper I've been eating what, I want without going overboard of course. Chicken breast coated with bread crumbs and a little cheese tortellini last nite :) mmm but all week I haven't been feeling good...I can't figure out if its the food or just the rough nites..
Posted 9/25/2008 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
Allie, you might want to try keeping a diary of what you are eating, just for a week or two. Maybe try eliminating sugar, caffeine and wheat. I know, sounds awful, but if you can just do it for a week, or even a few days and keep track in writing how you are feeling...it's certainly worth a try.

Believe me, I am NOT cured, but I do notice a difference when I stay away from sugar and wheat.

By the way, there are pastas now made with rice (Trader Jo's) that are really tasty and Trader Jo's has gluten free bread, muffins, cereals, even hot cereals made with quinoa. Okay, so the bread is not great, but at least you have something.

This may not work for everyone, but it's something we can try on our own. I've noticed I've had less headaches too. I've always had problems with different types of pains, stabbing, pinching, burning and tight muscles. Seems the food elimination has really helped the burning pain, which leads me to believe it does have something to do with inflammatory processes.

After 20 years of dealing with FM, I'm just ready to try something besides prescription medications to make myself feel better
be well,
Miriam
Posted 9/25/2008 8:53 PM (GMT 0)
MT Lady- I found a bread that is wheat-free ( maybe gluten free? I don't remember) that is VERY yummy. its ezekiel...and some numbers..wow. I should do my research before I post. my brain is 100 miles past left field today..anyways..I like the sprouted grains sesame.

and I too have noticed when I pig out on the no-no foods, I feel more pain.
I have also read about tomatoes being bad for us with fibro...aparently so are peppers, and eggplant. they are def. seem to irritate my stomach...

I am a firm believer of all things in moderation though. I think eating a balanced diet, and throwing in some yummies helps with the energy, and helps keep the craving/binge cycle away. It seems that if I cut out sweets all together, its good for about 2 weeks, then i can't take it anymore, and buy cake and cookies and candy...and you know the rest. so instead, i keep some sweets around and have a little when I am having a big craving. also, I have found that dried medjool dates are a good candy substitute!

enough ramblings! hope I gave someone some type of insight!
Posted 9/25/2008 10:01 PM (GMT 0)

Miriam-I too notice that sugar or any wheat bread makes me feel worse. I do try to eat every 2 hours, small amounts of food and that seems to make me feel better. 

Kelly- Will have to check out the Ezekiel bread. I eat white bread now and I know the starches are not that good for us.

Winters are long here in Minnesota and its a guarantee I will start craving carbohydrates anyday now so will try and keep that in check!

Allie- Thats interesting about the South Beach diet.

GamJill

Posted 9/25/2008 11:53 PM (GMT 0)

Kelly,

Where do you get the ezekiel bread from?  I have searched everywhere for something that tastes good and have had no luck.  I don't mind the rice bread toasted with peanut butter but it's not much of a sandwich bread and it's so high in calories.

Today is a great example of what bad foods can do to me.  I have been under a little stress and I've been making some bad choices.  I had sugar and wheat this afternoon and I feel horrible right now.  I woke up this morning hurting and tried to console myself with food and it has really backfired. I am so tired and the pain has really gotten worse. All I want to do is crawl into bed but I have a 10 year old who needs some help with her homework.  I don't think I'll be much help tonight.  It's a good thing my older kids are good at Math because I don't think I could add 2 and 2 tonight. 

Well, I'm not sure how I got from food to math but seems to be my state of mind today  smilewinkgrin .

Meggie  

Posted 9/26/2008 6:08 AM (GMT 0)
I eat almost everything. I cannot survive off of a low carb low glycemic diet due to my exercise habits. i swim for 2 hours per day and if I did not eat a lot of carbs, I would be too weak to swim.

Our diets depend on our lifestyle. For example, for muscle development I eat beef 3 times per week. I usually feel pretty good the day after I have some. The rest of the week I eat wild salmon, and on rare occasions chicken.

I eat lots of potatoes, yams and other veggies and plenty of fruit. In addition I have lots of rice and pasta. All these give me enough energy to swim between 1/2 - 2 miles at a time. I also take water aerobics classes within my 2 hour slot.

I find a lot of food that is sold in stores today is tasteless. At one time I thought it was because of my age but my 17 year old daughter eats the same way.

Hence, we try to eat what we consider is good.

Enjoy your meals folks.

Donnaeil
Posted 9/26/2008 6:26 AM (GMT 0)
Just had to poke in here, hope you don't mind. As I've been a gardener, It's Potatoes that are in the nightshade family, never, never eat a green potato for this reason.
Look it up. I've never heard of tomatoes as being related to nightshade.

Try a small sprinkle of cinnamon, less than 1/4 teaspoon to help with cravings. I've also, heard green tea might help.

I'm so into the Betty Crocker Warm Delights Mini "Chocolate Raspberry Decadence" + I add a 1/2 teaspoon ghirardelli double chocolate cocoa
before adding in the hot water, then top it with the raspberry and mircowave and oooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh so good!!!

Gotta have my chocolate, my weakness....

Soft hugz.......
Posted 9/26/2008 12:41 PM (GMT 0)
tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and peppers...and tobacco are all part of the nightshade family.

meggie- I buy the Ezekial bread at the local grocery store...the health food stores carry it too. I'll see if I can find a lin kfor it.... I think this should take you to a page about it...and maybe give you a list of stores that carry it. http://www.foodforlife.com/
Posted 9/26/2008 1:34 PM (GMT 0)
Not everyone has sensitivities to foods, but it seems a large population of fibromites do. Donnaeil, if you are able to exercise two hours a day with FM, more power to ya! I mean that in a sincere, nice way. Before FM, I worked out at Karate 4 nights a week, worked a full time job, AND swam at the health club in the morning, at 5am, before work. That was in addition to caring for my teen boys and two dogs! As I said that was BEFORE fibromyalgia. What you eat plays a huge role in your energy stores, but if your body is sensitive to certains foods, then it will not give you the energy; rather, it will make you sluggish and tired and painful. I have been tracking what I eat since 05/2007 and it has made a difference.

On my good days, I am out walking three miles with my two Golden Retrievers which, for me, is about an hour. Certainly, not every day, but hey, I'm 57 years old...I'm grateful for every good day I have!!
Miriam
Posted 9/27/2008 1:32 AM (GMT 0)

Kelly,

Thanks for the site.  I did find one store in my area that carries the ezekial product and I plan to check them out this weekend.   I will let you know what I think.

Meggie 

Posted 9/27/2008 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
Meggie- glad I could help. def. let me know. I think there are a bunch of different varieties- I hope your store has a big selection!
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