I have read that some people with chiari make diet and lifestyle changes. I understand the lifestyle changes but is there any reference to read for dietary changes? Thanks in advance-
There is also the Anti Inflammatory Diet:
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/PAG00361/anti-inflammatory-food-pyramid.html
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/anti-inflammatory-diet-road-to-good-health
http://health.usnews.com/best-diet/anti-inflammatory-diet
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/antiinflammation-diet-for-dummies-cheat-sheet.html
Gluten Free: Which research now shows includes corn. It cross polinates in the field with other non virgin seed plants.
http://www.csaceliacs.info/symptoms_of_celiac_disease.jsp
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gluten-free-diet/my01140
http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/gluten-free-diet-plan
http://www.amys.com/images/uploads/special_diets/diet_plan_gf/Amys_Dietplan_Glutenfree.pdf
http://www.glutenfreehelp.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/TS-Hidden-Sources-of-Gluten1.pdf
No Dairy or Nightshade vegetables was also recommended by a nutritionist to help with pain mgmt.
Almond Milk is good, so is rice milk. I am not a fan of soy milk.
Nightshade vegetables:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=george&dbid=62
http://www.expertclinic.org/Nightshade-Vegetables-List.html
Foods to buy Organic and those you don't have to:
http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/when-buy-organic
http://www.thekitchn.com/decide-when-to-buy-organic-with-the-ewgs-2013-dirty-dozen-list-188691
Must have Herbs and Spices:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/08/healthy-herbs-spices-healthiest_n_2089007.html
http://homecooking.about.com/library/archive/blherb2.htm
http://www.simplebites.net/ten-ingredients-you-must-have-on-your-spice-rack/
http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/803694/seven-super-spices-for-super-health
Dark Chocolate Rocks !!!=
http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20120424/pick-dark-chocolate-health-benefits
http://authoritynutrition.com/7-health-benefits-dark-chocolate/
Stay Hydrated !!!! Water, Water, Water
Normally, I'm just a lurker, but this piqued my interest. With my medical background, I've often used "elimination" dietary changes to see what works for my fibromyalgia. I have yet to see that it helps with my chiari. That said, many of the "diets" mentioned above have their own side effects at times. For instance, eating paleo can cause gout in some patients. Soy milk (unless it's from a reliable organic producer) is made from GMO soy crops which arguably are worse than regular milk for some. Meats that are given massive doses of antibiotics and steroids in the growth process have their own issues, and GMO veggies are the same. SO....in my personal opinion, there's not "one" magic bullet here. Are you trading off one issue for another? Is it a fad? Are you being careful in your choices? All that said, I choose organic grass fed beef (when I eat it, which is rarely), I grow my own organic veggies, I get organic eggs from a local farmer, etc. This gives me the LEAST additives in my diet possible. I also do not take commercial vitamins. For some reason, a vitamin tablet will affect my Chiari more than anything else and will literally put me to bed within days. Once I eliminated that, I was able to slowly add a few vitamins back INDIVIDUALLY, but I cannot do a multivitamin. NO one knows why not. So, that also tells me that each case is individual and you need to avoid these fads and choose what makes you feel better. I DO, however, believe with all that is in me that all processed/premade food should be avoided as often as possible. My mantra is this: If it was made by God it's ok; if it was made by a chemist stay away. This is just my 2 cents here, and clearly your results may vary. Just don't get caught in a "fad." Pay attention to your own body, analyze the risks of eating a lot of any one thing (or groups of things), and please PLEASE pay attention to the additives in your food. FINALLY.........avoid aspartame at all costs. I have many fibro friends who have been "cured" or are off meds by simply getting rid of the "diet" drinks. That stuff will kill you.
Why gluten free? This is all very new to me. Also why no dairy?
There is some evidence that gluten causes inflammation in most people, not just those with celiac disease. I am gluten free for celiac but if I accidentally ingest gluten I find that all my other aches and pains will be greatly magnified. Other people find the same with dairy. I personally do ok with dairy.
Artificial sweeteners are something I personal react with and cannot ingest without my arthritis flaring up.
rmcchiari said:
Why gluten free? This is all very new to me. Also why no dairy?
I have also read that people who react to gluten are not necessarily always intolerant of gluten, but that it's the GMO wheat/gluten that's the problem. Those people can use organic/non-GMO gluten products fine. I personally know four people who are this way, so they order their own non-GMO wheat or buy non-GMO type products. Not saying that this is the issue with your celiac disease which is very different, but IF this helps someone else besides the folks I know, it's worth putting it out there. :) Usually, the folks that react with GMO gluten do so with inflammation and/or swelling in places. So it might help someone out there in cyberspace.
I have had a change in my appetite,not sure why but I can’t eat as much as I could and I don’t have as many cravings.It is not because I’m trying to loose weight but it is a side effect of the surgery,a good side effect.I still eat enough but just can’t eat very much at a time I am glad this is the case because the weight needs to go and it certainly is a easier way to loose it.Has anyone else had this appetite change?
I eat grain free as well. I figure the healthier I am the better I will be all together. I try to stay active - I can only do non-intense excersize so I walk lots. Most of the food I eat doesn’t come in a package or box. Whole foods only! I’m pretty much paleo. And one huge thing is drinking lots of water! Water is a must! If I don’t drink water first thing in the morning I am light headed and have a headache sometimes all day. So I stick to the water religiously!
My daughter also had this issue with multi vitamins, though it affected her Kyphosis/EDS symptoms. She doesn't have CM. Her nutritionist concluded it was from the fillers. She now takes liquid multi vitamins and does well.
VIntageHippie said:
Normally, I'm just a lurker, but this piqued my interest. With my medical background, I've often used "elimination" dietary changes to see what works for my fibromyalgia. I have yet to see that it helps with my chiari. That said, many of the "diets" mentioned above have their own side effects at times. For instance, eating paleo can cause gout in some patients. Soy milk (unless it's from a reliable organic producer) is made from GMO soy crops which arguably are worse than regular milk for some. Meats that are given massive doses of antibiotics and steroids in the growth process have their own issues, and GMO veggies are the same. SO....in my personal opinion, there's not "one" magic bullet here. Are you trading off one issue for another? Is it a fad? Are you being careful in your choices? All that said, I choose organic grass fed beef (when I eat it, which is rarely), I grow my own organic veggies, I get organic eggs from a local farmer, etc. This gives me the LEAST additives in my diet possible. I also do not take commercial vitamins. For some reason, a vitamin tablet will affect my Chiari more than anything else and will literally put me to bed within days. Once I eliminated that, I was able to slowly add a few vitamins back INDIVIDUALLY, but I cannot do a multivitamin. NO one knows why not. So, that also tells me that each case is individual and you need to avoid these fads and choose what makes you feel better. I DO, however, believe with all that is in me that all processed/premade food should be avoided as often as possible. My mantra is this: If it was made by God it's ok; if it was made by a chemist stay away. This is just my 2 cents here, and clearly your results may vary. Just don't get caught in a "fad." Pay attention to your own body, analyze the risks of eating a lot of any one thing (or groups of things), and please PLEASE pay attention to the additives in your food. FINALLY.........avoid aspartame at all costs. I have many fibro friends who have been "cured" or are off meds by simply getting rid of the "diet" drinks. That stuff will kill you.
Vintage Hippie,
I so agree with your comments about organic produce, fruits, eggs & meats. I grew up in Southwestern Va. and my grandfather and the uncles had farms. We always had organic fruits, vegetables and beef and pork.
I Love your Mantra : " If it was made by God it's ok; if it was made by a chemist stay away."
You would be amazed that gluten sensitivities are believed to cause all autoimmune diseases through the gut. Research Dr. Alessio Fasano. Research even shows if you cut out gluten and have a autoimmune disease...as an adult it will improve, but as a child it can be reversed.
http://chriskresser.com/pioneering-researcher-alessio-fasano-m-d-on-gluten-autoimmunity-leaky-gut
http://www.wegmans.com/blog/2013/05/celiac-awareness-my-interview-with-dr-alessio-fasano-part-1/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sz-berg/celiac-disease_b_1770781.html
http://chriskresser.com/the-gut-skin-connection-how-altered-gut-function-affects-the-skin
A friend of mine is an organic farmer in a NC. His neighboring farmers have been very negative, even though his fields have a higher yield and healthier plants. It's actually fascinating how he has researched what natural compounds are natural pesticides and harmless to humans....like molasses.
There is also a research paper I would like to share with everyone that was written by a Member's daughter, but need permission. It has actually caused threats to her family. Big Agriculture & Chemical Companies doesn't want these statistics and information shared.
I am not a big activist other than for Rare Disorders, Ben's Friends Member issues and Agent Orange Contamination that affect not only our Vietnam Vets but additional generations. I do though think everyone should read about GMO's and Monsanto. You will be amazed how everything is connected.
I have had this same question and haven't found much info. Dr. Oro recommends the Paleo Diet, which I tried, but didn't do well with, as I am not a meat lover. I've developed my own way of eating that I call "Chiaritarian" . I've added a whole food product to my diet..and honestly, I'm feeling great for the first time in months (6 mths post op). I've been on this whole food product for a month and haven't had a dizzy spell in over two weeks..which is miraculous for me---AND I've been sleeping all night. I'm so excited, no more naps and I'm going back to work finally! I created a blog about how I'm eating at www.theoriginalchiaritarian.wordpress.com . The whole food supplement can be found at http://mcollum.juiceplus.com- I just became a distributor! Hope this helps!
Another note, some people stay away from soy, which I've done and can't tell a difference. I have removed gluten from my diet as well, occasionally I will have something that contains gluten and can't tell a difference on that front either.
Hope this helps. You can read my Chiari story at www.constrictedcranium.blogspot.com
Agree with Emmaline about Monsanto!
Emmaline said:
Yes indeed...agreed. Monsanto is the enemy!
Yes!! i have noticed appetite changes, i cant eat as much as i used to, it just will not go down. Im also not trying to loss weight bt i am#NOT GAINING AT ALL.
Lynn Messer said:
I have had a change in my appetite,not sure why but I can't eat as much as I could and I don't have as many cravings.It is not because I'm trying to loose weight but it is a side effect of the surgery,a good side effect.I still eat enough but just can't eat very much at a time I am glad this is the case because the weight needs to go and it certainly is a easier way to loose it.Has anyone else had this appetite change?
Just a note to those of you worried about GMO products - if you have a Trader Joe's in your area, take advantage of it. All of the products labeled with their name are GMO free and have been for a long time. Most of the stuff is also certified organic, and they offer a pretty wide selection of antibiotic free meats at reasonable prices, at least in my area. I'm sort of in love with this store...
http://www.traderjoes.com/about/customer-updates-responses.asp?i=4
http://www.traderjoes.com/about/customer-updates-responses.asp?i=92
I've gained a fair bit of weight since surgery too. I'm seven months post-op, and even though I don't feel like I eat that much, I'm still stuck. I'm not back to my pre-surgery gym routine yet (not that I was a gym rat, but I made a valiant effort), so I'm thinking that plays a role. Also I've been on some combination of pain killers, muscle relaxers, diuretics, anti-depressants and nerve inhibitors since leaving the hospital. It has to be wreaking havoc on my body. Maybe that's something?
Samantha Jo Nicholson said:
I've gained a lot of weight and even when I lose my appetite or don't eat- I can't lose weight. The doctors are trying to figure out how metabolism plays in cm