Pain and diet

twiztc

I keep hearing and being told that diet can play a big part in the way we feel.

To an extent I agree but i have had so far negative results.

for some years I didnt really worry too much about what I was eating, why would I ? I was only 90Lbs and at times less.

Now Im hovering at between 147 and 150.

I joined this site in the hopes i had found a tool in helping me lose 10 - 20 lbs

I cut out a lot of the so called bad foods.

about 3 weeks ago replaced a lot of sugary carb rich foods with fresh fruit dried fruits and lots of fresh veg.

I now drink at least 7 large glasses of plain water a day whereas before it was virtually none.

It may be coincidence but I am having one of the worst flare ups...full body shut down types.

Is it because I have altered my diet?

I have read so many people feel better for changing their lifestyle. Why not me. Am i asking too much?

khaosstar

I can't really offer any advice, but I know how you feel. I have fibro and had daily chronic headaches with more than 15 days of migraines a month for years and asked myself questions right along the lines of yours. As I moved often, I had a couple new specialists flat out ask me what I expected them to do if none of the others could help. One went as far as to say it was all in my head and to just drop it.

I know how hopeless it can feel, but don't get discouraged. My own problems were cut in half when I stopped eating gluten, but that won't work for everyone. Keep trying anything that's suggested (and sounds sane/safe).

As for the flare, I wouldn't be surprised with all the odd weather we've been having all over the place lately. I know I've been worse these past couple of weeks. Hopefully it is just a bad coincidence and once things calm down you'll feel better. I really hope you feel better soon! It's so discouraging to get your hopes up at the thought of feeling better and not having it pan out. That alone can make a person feel worse.

lhulewsky

Sometimes a flare up can happen when you change your diet. I flare up for no reason sometimes which stinks since I try really hard to take care of my body. Ride out this flare up and keep making the changes. If nothing changes in a few weeks then I suppose your diet isn't the problem. It sounds like you are doing some good things for your body right now. I don't know if you exercise or not but when you start to feel better that might be a good thing to add. Sorry for all the pain and good luck with your journey.

Tall_E

I'm sorry you're having a tough time. I also struggle with chronic pain and fatigue from various illnesses so I have an idea of what you're going through.

All the research supports the idea that eating certain foods causes inflammation in the body and that increases problems with most everything, especially pain in the joints. So making dietary changes to eliminate inflammation causing foods WILL make a difference. Time magazine did an extensive story on this a few years ago that can give you lots of good leads which you can check out for more information on this. Look in their archives online and I'm sure you'll find it. Or do a general online search on the topic and I'm sure it'll turn up lots of good info.

You sound like you're going through a process of detoxification because of all the positive changes you're making in how you eat and drink. I'll bet that's why you're having more symptoms right now. Hang in there because that's actually a good sign. Sometimes things get worse right before they get dramatically better. Kind of like the 'darkness before the dawn'...

You're not asking for too much. In fact, your goals are very reasonable and I'm sure you're going to achieve them if you keep doing all the wonderful things you're doing. Unfortunately, it takes time and some pain to 'reset' our metabolisms after we've been abusing them for years. I know because I've been there too. I've now lost 19 pounds and am amazed at all the great changes I'm experiencing because of it. You can get there too, especially if you get yourself some MFP pals that are as supportive as mine are...

Best wishes!

twiztc

Thanks you lots, you cheered me up a bit from having a down few days.

I feel much the same today but im not as friggin miserable about it.

I have been managing to do a bit of exercising even if its just a bit of a walk or 20- 30 mins in the garden.

You gotta keep yourself moving at least a bit no matter how bad you feel right?

thanks again

dixiech1ck

Thanks you lots, you cheered me up a bit from having a down few days.

I feel much the same today but im not as friggin miserable about it.

I have been managing to do a bit of exercising even if its just a bit of a walk or 20- 30 mins in the garden.

You gotta keep yourself moving at least a bit no matter how bad you feel right?

thanks again

Yes, diet definitely can play a role in how you are feeling. Stay away from processed foods, especially citrus. Also, caffenine is an aggravator as is dairy and wheat. I try hard to eliminate foods but sometimes it's not so easy. Good luck!!