HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Comprehenisve elimination diet....HELP

Support Forums
>
Migraine Headache
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/5/2011 12:06 AM (GMT 0)
Hello all my fellow migraine sufferers.

I am writing in serious need of help. I have suffered from migraines for a few years now, starting after a total hysterectomy and hormone replacement began. I recently suffered a severe migraine w/ sypmotms of drooping eyelid, spacial problems ie, running into walls, falling down, ect. I ended up in the hospital for a few days of suspected stroke, tho all my tests came back fine with a few exceptions (lupus anticoagulant and ANA titer were both positive), so we are testing for other clotting disorders and i am now working with a endocronologist for the hormone repacement.

I recently saw a new Neuro who is a migraine specialist. He wants me to start an elimination diet. My problem with this is that since my hysterectomy, I have had a hard to keeping weight on and my current weight is only at 90lbs for my 5'7 frame, so i am VERY skinny. On average, i have usually weighed 100lbs all my life, give or take a pound or two. I was so desperate for weight gain help that i sought the help of an eating disorder doctor, since we could not think of anyone else really qualified enough to see me through this. I have not been diagnosed with any eating disorder, which i guess is good, but im still struggling to gain weight.  Anyways, I am a VERY picky eater. And as of late, we have been trying to use things that were very high in calorie, and also ensure to supplement extra calories.  I am really worried that the diet will cause me to lose more weight. I don't like really any veggies, and am very limited in the fruits i eat (apples, grapes and bananas). I eat chicken and pastas alot due to having Ulcerative Colitis and i can not tolerate any beef. I also do not eat any seafood.......so, looking at the list, i don't really see how i can possiblly do this.

I would really like to hear from anyone who has tried this diet and how did it work? Did you lose weight, and how quickly were you able to start reintroducing foods back in?

any advice would be greatly apprecieated. Thanks in advance!!!!

Posted 10/5/2011 6:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Shannon, I am assuming you are talking about an elimination diet that removes the most common allergens from your diet? (usually milk, eggs, nuts, wheat and soy)

I did go on a modified elimination diet a few years ago. From keeping a food diary, I already had some idea of what foods were bothering me, so I eliminated only those food groups that I suspected were causing the issue. I did lose weight, but I don't think that is necessarily guaranteed. For instance, by eliminating wheat, you are essentially eliminating gluten, and there are plenty of high calorie gluten free foods out there that are also free of the other common allergens, and you can eat quite a high calorie diet without even trying. Many people on a gluten free diet gain weight. Generally you eliminate the high allergen foods for a couple of weeks and then reintroduce them one at a time, every few days and see if any negative symptoms reappear.

I have some very picky eaters in my house, and I am gluten free, dairy free and now with my latest allergy development, soy free. I do think it is possible to maintain a pretty high calorie diet on an elimination diet. Your doctor must have a reason for wanting you to try an elimination diet. For me, my allergies and problems with foods proved to be unrelated to my migraines, other than my usual triggers for me of alcohol, caffeine, nitrites, etc. But maybe your neuro wants to rule out food allergies as a contributor to your migraine problem. I do think that you could succeed in not losing weight, but it might take some meal planning and extra time and dedication. The common allergen list, if that is the food list your doctor is aiming for isn't easy to avoid, but it can be done and still allow you a varied, enjoyable diet. Hope that helps, and I'm happy to offer some more specific advice like products, etc, if you decide you might try it. Hope you feel better soon! Constant pain is no fun!
Posted 10/9/2011 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there. I very much believe in identifying food triggers, it's made a big difference for me. As far as an elimination diet, as a nutrition professional I would say you wouldn't have to worry about losing weight if you get good guidance. There are registered dietitians who specialize in food sensitivities/food allergies, and would probably be the best resources for this type of thing. Also, being aware of the most common food triggers would help you. Some examples are processed and aged cheese, yogurt, sour cream, ice cream, smoked/pickled/processed meats, nuts & products, most beans, and certain fruits & vegetables (avocado, spinach, tomato, olives, citrus fruits, strawberries, bananas, plums, raisins). Also be aware of chocolate, and many common condiments. Highly processed food/beverage items can also contain things like MSG and artificial sweeteners that are bothersome. This doesn't mean all of these will be triggers for you, but they are the most common ones.
I hope this helps you,
Lauren
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply