A day in a life with rheumatoid arthritis – Part 6

It’s been a while since I last blogged about my diet experiment. I thought it would be a fitting time to give an update since I have some news to report.

Back in October I geared up to try a new diet in an attempt to manage RA symptoms. Now, I have to tell you that it’s been a bumpy road. I started and stopped, started and stopped…..

The whole idea was to go off foods that have potential for sensitivity and consume a starch based diet consisting mostly of vegetables, fruits, beans, legumes, grains, and starchy vegetables. Foods such as gluten, dairy, corn, soy, eggs, and meat are considered to cause sensitivity in some people, especially those with autoimmune disease. I found this particular diet information during my search for healing from RA (an autoimmune disease) on Dr. McDougall’s website. What impressed me the most were the testimonials, not only for RA, but a host of other chronic disease like Crohn’s (my father had Crohn’s, which is also an autoimmune disease).

I kept detailed notes about what I ate and noted my symptoms. Here’s what I found;

• Significant reduction in joint pain and inflammation.
• Elimination of heavy thick aching feeling in my whole body.
• Greatly reduced number and severity of flare-ups.

I kid you not. I noticed such a difference in the level of my symptoms that I’m a believer now. I admit, I was skeptical that diet would effect my symptoms, but after going on and off, on and off for actually several months now, as I have been experimenting for quite some time with food sensitivities, I’m sold on the idea enough to continue further investigation into longer term effects.

a change in season

Here’s what I eat;

Fruit, vegetables, green leafy vegetables, some beans, quinoa, rice, salmon, a little cottage cheese sometimes and gluten-free baked goods. Also, I take vitamin supplements.

When I stick to the foods mentioned I feel much better.

In addition to the change in diet, I’ve also reduced the meds I take. Currently, I’m at 5mg prednisone daily and 17.5 mg methotrexate weekly. I still can’t get off the acid-blocker and stomach issues come and go. Haven’t figured out what the triggers for that are yet, other than the meds, if there are other triggers.

I’m happy that while diet may or may not be a cure for RA, I had a positive shift in the level of symptoms I experience. It’s been a long tedious process for me because it actually started a few years ago and I’ve dabbled with it since then. The events (click link to read background) of the past year helped to, shall we say, coerce me into getting serious.

Another indication that the change in diet is helpful and the meds are working will take place on January 13th when I have my 3-month Echo-cardiogram to check the pericarditis situation. Hopefully, all will be well.

During the holidays a video crossed my path that further supports the idea that chronic disease is affected by diet. Dr. Terry Wahls used diet to cure her MS and get out of her wheelchair. Please watch as she tells her story and looks at the science behind her amazing discovery.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only based solely on my personal experience with the exception of Dr. Wahls video. No medical advice is given or intended by the owner of this blog.