Does the low carb approach to eating also help the pain of PMR?

[PMRpro]

This was flagged in my Inbox today - and might account for why some people experience increased pain when they binge on "treats" after being on low carb eating for a while.

medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

[Kendrew]

Really interesting article.

As you know, I'm following a very low carb (but not no carb) diet. This has of course involved a higher consumption of some saturated fats but unfortunately in my case, this has not reflected favourably in my recent blood cholesterol levels.... despite taking statins.

The blood tests show a slow but worrying increase in the levels. The only thing that's changed is my diet.

It's so hard trying to balance a diet that needs to take into account hypercholesterolemia, osteopenia and weight gain.

Conflict of interest everywhere!!

[Janstr in reply to Kendrew]

Hello Kendrew

I’m in the same boat as you with high fat low carb diet & have just been told that my cholesterol is too high. I’m vegetarian & do eat probably too many high fat dairy products, so am swapping to the not so nice low fat versions, & eating more hummus & peanut butter. The latter is still high in fat, but not as bad as the cheese.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Janstr]

I took that view and always used 5% fat Greek yoghurt - then a couple of zero fat versions were on offer and I tried them and found then perfectly acceptable. Funnily enough though, the Fage Total 0% isn't a patch on some of the others! No truck with low fat cheese though!

[Janstr in reply to PMRpro]

yes it’s a shame that decent cheese has to become a treat

[Grammy80 in reply to PMRpro]

A friend in Texas told me she buys vegetarian cheese~~she's 90, has a pacemaker and watches her diet carefully. Worth a try...💞

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Grammy80]

That only means it isn't made with rennet from calf stomachs but with cultures not derived from animals.

[Grammy80 in reply to PMRpro]

😝😝Yuk....boy, you're fast!💞

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Grammy80]

[Sharitone in reply to Janstr]

I really like Leerdammer Light 16/100g saturated fat. But I guess a connoisseur would not be impressed!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Sharitone]

Compared to our local stuff from happy cows living on grass - not really! Though we do have a local speciality cheese (called grey cheese) which is 1/2% fat and is decidedly an acquired taste ...

[Burroughs123]

I have stuck to a very low carb and no sugar diet for the past 3 years - not long after diagnosis. I have found that it most definitely helps me manage my PMR aches and pains. If I fall off the bandwagon and eat something carb laden or sugary I can tell. Within 24hrs I get increased and sharper aches. As a passionate foodie (and a lover of wines!) I found this dietary change incredibly hard. But I have stuck to it and benefitted from the restrictions.

[whitefishbay]

What to do. I recently read high saturated fat is not good for Alzheimer's prevention. Cut down cut down cut down. Food is one of the joys of life....

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to whitefishbay]

It is, and although we may need fewer calories, but we need more nutrients than we did when we were younger. Consuming a healthy diet can help with nutrient deficiencies without adding inches to your waistline.... a good well varied diet is essential. but cut down on foods that are high in sugar, salt and fat [particularly high saturated].

[Hiibilly]

Hi all when I first join this forum and read about low cab diets helping I thought that I would never manage that, but after the huge journey I have been on to regain my mobility and health I have kicked the sugar habit. Low carb not none but brown pasta, rice and bread small portions, lots of green vegetables particularly salad. I have added pro-biotic yogurt, pickles, kimchi etc and vit D, Turmeric, Rosehip and cod liver oil. Not only do I feel better, fewer aches and pains but I have lost 4 stone to date and counting. I lapsed at Christmas and felt terrible. I am not ridged about it but try to follow this regime as much as possible. I feel I have some control. I discussed it all with my rheumatologist and she said that there is a lot of research going on around gut health. She recommends the turmeric and the Rosehip.

[Zappata in reply to Hiibilly]

Hi may I ask in what form do you take your rosehip?

[Hiibilly in reply to Zappata]

Hi the rheumatologist recommended tablet for, Holland and Barrett do one but there are a few brands out there.

[Alchemy8 in reply to Hiibilly]

Good stuff Hiibilly! Don't you find the fermented stuff like kimchi etc a bit tough on the stomach??

[Hiibilly in reply to Alchemy8]

A little windy at first but now I look forward to it. I am the only one in my family that will eat the kimchi so I don't buy it all the time. Just adds to the variety. I made my own chutney which I am really enjoying. I think you have to find things you like, I was a cake and biscuits kind of girl in moderation but saw them as a treat and a definite go to when stressed which has been very often over the last 10 years. I still have a rare treat like that but find sweet things less and less desirable. It definitely impacts my pain levels.

[AshPen9]

I asked my rheumy recently about whether cutting sugar was good for inflammatory conditions. He said that there was plenty of research still to do, but he had anecdotal evidence from a lot of patients who said that symptoms reduced when they cut the sugar.

[Alchemy8]

Really good article. I am convinced that PMR and other autoimmune conditions are caused by leaky gut syndrome (which of course in turn is triggered by other impacts on our system such as stress, pollution, sugars, processed foods, drugs. I went on a Keto diet (using my ketometer!!) for a year followed by a meat only diet. Was on good form - but this was when I was dropping down from 20 odd mgs to 12mgs. I got so fed up of dieting that I gave up last July just keeping to low carbs (coming from only veg and rice) and meat as I was interested in the Ayurvedic approach but not following it that closely. Now at 10mg and after recent weeks of stress, I really need to get my biome back on tract (inflammation down digesive tract, occasional spasms in colon). Am encouraged to start up again. The other aspect which I have been undisciplined about is of course the snacking (even if pecan nuts) between meals. I would also only just have two meals a day. What I can't stand is the calorie counting!

Does anyone take (biodynamic organic in this case) soya yoghurt?? I use a few spoonfuls for my 2 am dose.

[Hiibilly in reply to Alchemy8]

It's a really hard journey you are on. Pain impacts sleep which impacts craving let alone the prednisone which has a big effect on your body. I am off the pred now and seem to have made it sound as if it's easy. I don't calorie count either. I have not tried soya yogurt. I do now plan my food with my daughters help. That has really helped weekly plan, shop and no food not on the list. Good for the finances too. Its still hard but I have have been so poorly its a way of having some feeling of control.

[winfong]

I've got PMR/GCA/LLV, along with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, IBS, and diverticular disease. I'm pretty sure all that leaves me to eat is a nice bowl of air.

[Grammy80 in reply to winfong]

🤣😆🤣 You can always take a bite of your humor~!!💞