Paddison Diet and Intermittent fasting: Has anyone on... - NRAS

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Paddison Diet and Intermittent fasting

Ann2020 profile image
37 Replies

Has anyone on this site benefited from the Clint Paddison diet, or have you tried fasting?

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Ann2020 profile image
Ann2020
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37 Replies
AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone

If you put both in the search box ....top right....you will see the opinions discussed here.

Yes tried the fasting diet didn’t work for me taking NSAIDs needs to be taken with food so it was pain or eating 🙄

Ann2020 profile image
Ann2020 in reply to

I was reading about someone that had ra, and fasted for 3 days on just water. After the 3rd day he was pain free, which told him it was diet related. I’m on my first day, so we’ll see. He said the first 2 days are the hardest, and by the 3rd day he had more energy, mental clarity and no pain. Also recommends taking electrolytes.

Mmrr profile image
Mmrr in reply to Ann2020

It doesn't actually mean his RA was diet related unless he used extensive controls for every other event in his life. Sleep, activity, stress, drugs, other polutants being a few.

Ann2020 profile image
Ann2020 in reply to Mmrr

I believe he did, and determined as others have that with autoimmune diseases, that food matters greatly, because of the histamines given off in various foods and leaky gut, etc. There’s a lot of science behind it. It’s not easy to follow these protocols and diets; much easier to take a pill and eat what you want, but not fond of the long term effects. I won’t know if it helps unless I try.

Mmrr profile image
Mmrr in reply to Ann2020

Diet has no effect on some people with AID, me included. I've tried. I eat and live healthily and don't just swallow pills and do what I want, how good would that be ? ! I'd buy into it if were true, right here and now. Blaming people for not trying is not usually helpful.

Diet seems to work best for people with specific allergies, those early in the disease process, and those with less active disease. Do you mean the hypothesis of histamine liberation (foods themselves don't give off histamine) ? The evidence is shaky , but some people seem to find it works. Good.

Your friend must have planned and restricted his life to be sure it was diet, well done to him. I hope he is enjoying the rewards.

Ann2020 profile image
Ann2020 in reply to Mmrr

aip protocols and intermittent fasting are difficult to follow, but many have found success in doing so. I was vegan for 12 years and it wasn’t as hard, but this has helped. I’m not blaming anyone or myself for doing one thing or another, just making an observation. People can take or do what they want. Many don’t want to try things on their own and would rather be under a doctor’s care, which is fine. I see a rheumatologist, but have never been prescribed any harsh drugs; I’m seropositive for 2 years now and was diagnosed (at 56) by accident when I asked for an mri of my foot and ankle that had been injured in a fall. At any rate, good luck to you across the Atlantic.

Shalf profile image
Shalf in reply to Ann2020

Thanks for this. I am willing to give it a try and will report back.

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to Mmrr

Rheumatologists do not recommend fasting.

Mmrr profile image
Mmrr in reply to AgedCrone

Yes, for very good reason. It is pointless to fast, deplete your body of essential nutrients and electrolytes, then substitute them by expensive replacement therapies.

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to Mmrr

Think of the effect on the poor kidneys! Dmards + h20 is hardly ideal!

Mmrr profile image
Mmrr in reply to AgedCrone

Absolutely...

And even the supporters of fasting say, it only brings relief for a few days, if at all.

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to Mmrr

I often wonder if UTI’s might arise from over/underkill of kidney activity.....especially when changing drugs/diet?

medway-lady profile image
medway-lady in reply to AgedCrone

I think they do as checked regulary by RA consultant. I've just een told because of the shingles to be careful of codiene as its stored in the kidneys. Lucky my failure is not down to codiene before never taken before 7 weeks ago.

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to medway-lady

I had to stop taking Statins when I was on the drugs I had for Shingles.

Hope you are feeling a bit better!

medway-lady profile image
medway-lady in reply to AgedCrone

Not get sadly but have to be patient. I'm not on any drugs like statins; yet. lol xxx

Ann2020 profile image
Ann2020 in reply to AgedCrone

I’m not on any rheumatology meds, but the fellow who did it was. I’m guessing the effect of those meds on your organs are much tougher, than a 2-3 day water fast with electrolytes added. That’s why they do blood tests every so often.

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to Ann2020

Oh we all sure have regular blood tests....& yes the drugs we are prescribed for RA are not to be trifled with.

We have seen & heard of both wonderful relief from taking them ,but sometimes the effect is not so good.To be on the safe side most of us don’t add or subtract from our prescribed meds unless we get the Doc’s OK

Even then...it’s not always straightforward.

Ann2020 profile image
Ann2020 in reply to Mmrr

Rheumatologists as many other doctors, don’t study the effects of nutrition and alternative therapies in humans, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they didn’t wanted to make recommendations in that regard. I’ve seen remarkable results from people battling their health issues and diseases by utilizing alternative protocols, and have seen the opposite with people putting complete trust in in medicine. The best I would think, is a combination of both.

Mmrr profile image
Mmrr in reply to Ann2020

Actually some rheumatologists are interested in a holistic approach to supporting people with RD. I have early signs of cachexia and received advice.

Replicated research across many countries and timescales shows the Mediterranean diet to be the best for people with RD along with traditional medicines. Many health boards also offer dietetic advice.

Extremes of anything for people with RD or those are healthy, are very often detrimental to health.

A good diet, healthy lifestyle and stability are all important for everyone.

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to Ann2020

Most Rheumatologists certainly do take nutrition & alternative therapies into account .. what I mean is very experienced consultants who have treated thousands of patients over many years will not endorse dietary programmes because there is no clinical proof they work.

Just because one person can try one diet & feel much better ... as long as it isn’t dangerous , a caring doctor will support that person.

But that doctor is not going to rush out to recommend it to all his patients. I’m sure many people on this site have tried various eating regimes which some may say Is of help, ......with others they feel no different. We all have a choice & use our common sense to deal with our individual symptoms.

All autoimmune diseases are one step at a time, it can take many years for some people to find the right drug regime ......for some it may be related to diet for others it will be prescription drugs.

Thank goodness in this country at the moment we don’t have to choose between a drug we can afford or having to try one diet after another to achieve relief. Long may that continue.

Ann2020 profile image
Ann2020 in reply to AgedCrone

I’ve never been prescribed any drugs by my rheumatologist and am seropositive. As I understand by my rheumy, the drugs are prescribed based on a visual inspection of the patient’s inflammation. I think different protocols will work for different people, and that everyone’s autoimmune disease and experience, is unique.

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to Ann2020

How long ago were you diagnosed with sero+ RA.

It’s most unusual not to be prescribe a Dmard to protect your joints.

Are you in the UK? most rheumatologist here like to get their patients on to a DMARD as soon as possible

My joints hardly ever showed any visual sign of inflammation when I was first diagnosed .....but my blood test results were through the roof and so I was put on a Dmard...so long ago I can’t remember which was the first I took

Thankfully to this day I have very little joint damage .

Mmrr profile image
Mmrr in reply to AgedCrone

I am seronegative. I was diagnosed as a result of feeling systemically very unwell, joint swelling and all confirmed my MRI.

Ann2020 profile image
Ann2020 in reply to Mmrr

MRI’s really tell the tale much better, than ex-rays, which is why I asked for them in regards to my foot after a bad fall, when exrays showed no damage. After seeing my mri, she asked for inflammatory blood tests. All were negative except the ant-ccp test, which has a high specificity. She said she wouldn’t have thought to ask for those blood tests without the mri I had asked for, as there weren’t any outward signs of inflammation.

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to Mmrr

I’m sero+ & apart from wonky fingers from OA I show no outward signs of RA that a layman would notice.

Hence when I was first diagnosed I was told “you can’t have RA that causes terrible swelling & pain”. To this day I still have friends who doubt my diagnosis! They think I’m making it up when I say I go to bed sometimes at 7.30pm because I’m so tired.

Water off a duck’s back these days.....but it would be nice if Versus stopped putting out glowing results of the lucky few RA sufferers who climb mountains.

Mmrr profile image
Mmrr in reply to AgedCrone

I do have joint damage, my left thumb is burnt out and subluxates. It is in a splint most of the day, the right is joining in the fun too. The plastic surgeon will operate, but obviously wants the RD under control first. I have ulnar deviation in both wrists and my left index finger is beginning to turn in (very slightly, but I notice the difference) and burns regularly.

Just taken my 14 th Baricitinib tab, no effect as yet, ankles worse.

It can work within 48 hrs, but more often 2 - 4 weeks . So time yet.

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to Mmrr

I have one 61/2 inch wrist & the other is 81/2”.......when I had carpal tunnel surgery the hand surgeon said he could reduce the fat wrist .....but as it doesn’t often hurt......I reckon” if it ain’t broke don try to fix it”!

Ann2020 profile image
Ann2020 in reply to AgedCrone

I’m in the US. I thought I was diagnosed 2 years ago, but it was spring of 2018. I’ve always tested negative for the inflammatory markers, but positive for the anti-ccp test. The first time I tested (diagnosed), was at 71. Subsequent times have been in the 50’s. Apparently, that particular test, has a high specificity for ra. Prior to this receiving this test, I had had a bad fall, that never healed quite right, and I had done everything, in terms of therapies. I went in and asked for an mri, which I had not yet had. It showed severe inflammation, which prompted my doctor to order inflammatory blood tests. My rheumatologist has seen the mri, and believes the inflammation isn’t caused by the ra, as ra and oa can occur separate from each other. I personally think that ra can slow down the healing process, and that it could be a factor.

Hessie5 profile image
Hessie5 in reply to Ann2020

Hi - looking forward to your results. I eat very well, no processed food. On a biologic but still in pain although not as bad as before. I do find when I eat less I have less pain in all honesty. However, I am under weight so must be careful all my fat reserves have gone. Do keep us posted. All the best, Hessie x

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels

Hiya Ann. I don't follow the Paddison diet although through the heated discussions here (eating plans are almost always guaranteed to cause them) I am aware it works for some people, few though. As different is our particular RD so are our reactions ( good & bad) to foods so I'm not sure any positive accounts would necessarily turn out to be the same for you, or anyone else here. What I do worry about is fasting diets, particularly if on meds & I include any not just those for RD. Anyhow, just enter Clint Paddison or the Paddison diet in the Search box & you'll access no end of previous discussions. I would suggest if you do choose any 'diet' you discuss your intentions with your Rheumy first. It may leave him scratching his head if you have negative, or positive, results in your condition, plus you may find any other than the recommended Mediterranean diet not well received.

There's no doubt in my mind diet is an essential part of 'treating' RD, I loosely follow a Mediterranean diet, a follow on to what I ate whilst living there. That said there are some fruit & veg some won't be able to include due to reactions, thankfully I can eat them all excepting cooked peppers whatever the colour which is a shame because I love guindillas done on the griddle with course salt.

One thing I've noticed is most members seeking stringent diets are not based in the UK, I can count on one hand those that are. I don't know if the difference in type of healthcare (necessary medical insurance & such) is a factor.

Mall profile image
Mall

Lol Ann, you have landed yourself in the middle of a controversial topic on this site. Check out the history and previous discussions. Paddison is a particularly sore topic as some have tried this and it has not been successful and the guaranteed refund was not forthcoming.

RD has many causes and takes many forms, each of us has to take our own path, we will try many things along the way until we eventually find what is right for us and our individual disease. There is no one answer.

If you have read something and want to give it a go then that's OK. But if it doesn't work don't feel a failure. That's the problem with some of these programs that are around, they leave the individual with a sense of being at fault for not applying it rigidly enough when it doesn't work. Clever salesmanship. When folk first come across them they are knowingly or unknowingly encouraged to spread the word, again very clever salesmanship. There are a lot of folk willing to make money out of those who are sick and vulnerable.

Fasting has been around since humans first walked the earth. It has historical medical and cultural use. Short fasts may well have health benefits for many folk, however for those of us with long term health conditions who take medications that do not sit well with fasting I strongly advise this is only done following discussion with your medical advisor.

I have had this disease for over 25 years and in that time have tried out many a diet or supplement. Eating healthily is important. Like others, I have found that eating too much af a particular food might make my joints a bit more inflamed and painful so limit the intake of that.

All the best on your journey, with a bit of trial and error you will find what is best for you.

Ann2020 profile image
Ann2020 in reply to Mall

Do you know which drug makes the most in revenues of any prescribed? Humira, the drug prescribed for ra. Not money made with natural supplements and/or someone reading up on alternative therapies. I don’t think it’s wise to discount anecdotal evidence in favor of only scientifically based evidence and drugs. Remember that there are less nutritional studies done on their effects on diseases, because there’s no money to be made with something that’s found in nature and not created in a lab. There’s no comparison. Btw, I have a cousin thru marriage, that died with non-hodgkins leukemia after taking strong ra meds (she had moderate to severe ra) which had basically disarmed her immune system. She felt better, was playing tennis, traveling, but later became very sick and died within a few months at 70. Her oncologist blamed her strong ra drugs for her death 100%.

I have seropositive ra for 2 years, but have not been prescribed anything, other than nsaid, whenever I see fit. I’ve been following a paleo diet, which had previously been vegan for 12 years. This was recommended by a functional doctor after blood tests. I also take a number of supplements. Always trying to improve my health and this condition, and I feel that is best served through research and having an open mind; being positive.

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone in reply to Ann2020

When people suffer the agonies & psychological effects some people suffer with RA It’s not hard to understand why they are so grateful for Dmards,& Biological drugs.

When first diagnosed I think most of us toyed with natural remedies.

But when you walk around the house in agony night after night.....when you lose your job,& sometimes a joint or two .....you will take anything to ease the pain....... munching “natural” foods will just not beat medical drugs.

If natural remedies keep a person comfortable & they are willing to risk sometimes catastrophic joint damage & they can cope with the mind numbing fatigue & brain fog.......I admire their stamina.

But back in the 1990’s I preferred medical drugs & I’m still here firing on almost all cylinders!

Mall profile image
Mall

Horses for courses Ann. I know someone who put themselves into £8000 debt consulting a functional practitioner for a chronic health problem and undergoing numerous independent blood tests as reccomended by them. She ended up more ill. There is a lot of anecdotal evidence of folk feeling ripped off.

Here in the UK I don't think our NHS would spend on expensive drugs if there was a proven cheaper alternative.

Prior to the introduction of drugs such as, dmards and biologics, the life expectancy for someone with moderate to severe RA was less than 70years during which time they suffered pain and severe disability. I know these drugs can have serious side effects that can shorten life, but research shows overall that life expectancy is longer and quality of life has improved since their introduction.

I choose to take the drugs prescribed by my rheumatologist until there is proven better treatment. For someone with severe RA considerable damage can be done to their joints and organs if they stop taking prescribed medication.

Shalf profile image
Shalf

It's great some people have choices that work! In my case biologics aren't working. So for me/those who aren't so lucky with Dmards and Biologics, I think alternative treatments are always welcome. Anything is better than nothing. It's good to have different opinions but it's also true that people's opinions can change in a heartbeat when they themselves are faced with a different circumstance. I personally welcome every bit of advice in the hope of getting on top of this awful disease!

Ann2020 profile image
Ann2020 in reply to Shalf

I agree something is better than nothing. I haven’t been prescribed any meds, am seropositive, but don’t have the outward signs of joint swelling. I do feel achey and have fatigue in different joints from time to time. I take Advil which helps, and found that taking epsom salt baths are beneficial. I’m on the paleo diet and take various anti inflammatory supplements. I need to lose a few pounds though, which I know will help the ra. Strangely enough, one thing that didn’t happen when I found out I had ra, was lose weight; just gained it unfortunately. Probably because

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