I really hate that I think I feel better. I REALLY hate that I think I feel better.
Its been a long time since I talked about it, but I have celiac disease. When I found out, I decided to go Paleo, since I really didn’t want to mess with gluten-free chemical experiments and cost, and because I just find it easier to do without starches than to tolerate substitutes. I know that some substitutes are pretty good, but I just don’t have the desire to learn how to do them.
Paleo went really well. My one cheat was Chipotle, because Robb Wolf said “if you have to cheat, have corn and/or rice.” I also would occasionally have Wendy’s chili when I needed something fast. I also ignored the part where he said “if you have an autoimmune disease, you ought to avoid all grains, as well as dairy and nightshades.” Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease, and I have tested positive at times for anti-thyroid antibodies. So that makes two. I’m pretty dang close to diabetes, as well, so probably not good to ignore…but I was having a hard enough time coping with the idea of no more wheat for the rest of my life. I really grieved what that meant culinarily as well as socially. It really is hard being the person who can’t eat a whole bunch of stuff.
When I started working, these became much more regular, so really there was no way I could call my diet “Paleo” anymore, just gluten-free. And I started feeling it. And my weight stood still for the last four month.
Three days ago, Dr. Mercola emailed an article talking about chitin-containing lectins. Lectins are the reason why most grains aren’t actually good for you…even sprouted grains. But these chitin-containing lectins are functionally identical to gluten. The body reacts the same way. No big deal…I don’t eat most grains. But the problem is — I do eat a ton of nightshades. Tomatoes, peppers, potatoes (I know…I’m not supposed to eat those potatoes!!!).
When I was body typed years ago, I was told to avoid nightshades. But I love them. When I went Paleo, I was told to avoid them. I’ve heard from many other sources to avoid them also — and especially if I had joint pain, but I ignored it because they are my “go to” food. For some reason when I read it this time, it really hit home, but it also made me REALLY mad. So I made it a point to search the topic that wasn’t Mercola-based, and unfortunately, I’ve found a ton.
I’ve pretty much been nightshade-free for three days, and already feel better, and I’ve lost three pounds….maybe some of that weight is inflammation going down.
But I’m still mad. I mean “shaking my fist at fate” mad.
Here’s a non-Mercola article on the same subject:
I’m not posting this kind of stuff to guilt anybody…just to inform, because a lot of this stuff isn’t mainstream, and as the article says — maybe those who are taking glucosamine/condroitin and arthritis meds, etc. would be better served by eliminating grains and nightshades. And if you are better served for that… you have my complete empathy. It sucks.
i’ve been heading more toward paleo this last year, too. all i have is flab and a little IBS, no inflamation,etc. but as i read more about this type of eating is makes sense, i’ve always done better hi-pro and hi-fat
it is so difficult to give up those grains and comfort / easy foods! i still eat a little bread, but have never been a pasta, rice / grain, potato fan, even french fries have always been a vehicle for fat and salt.
is mercola a questionable source because he is 1) cutting edge, 2) a little over the edge,or 3) commercial? i have heard him disparaged in other places and wondered why because i never expect someone to be right-on on everything or to not try to make money, both as long as they were ethical.
Nice to hear from you! Cecilia
Cecilia, I think he tends to be a questionable source because he is so commercial. Every post is selling something. I did go to his clinic several years ago, and I at least can say, that is not how they practice medicine. They didn’t have most of the products there except enzymes.
He does step outside of the box, but I don’t think most Paleo or low carb people would find him controversial besides the fact that he pushes a lot of stuff. As Robb Wolf said in an interview with Sean Croxton — the reason why he doesn’t carry supplements in his fitness business is because it seems to give him cred when he advises someone on nutrition that he isn’t also trying to sell him the supplements, such as fish oil. It made sense to me.
Have you ever heard of the GAPS diet? I’ve read personal stories of how it healed IBS, allergies and even celiac.