Dietry changes for maximising health

[pringtef]

I'd be really interested to hear others' thoughts and experiences on adopting a new diet for their health.

To be more specific I'm soon to begin taking some pretty hard hitting medicine for treatment of a (benign) tumour I have as a result of a genetic condition. One of the big side effects of the drug is it lowers the immune system significantly. Tiredness will also form a big part of it. Unfortunately my options for exercising will be limited as well, including swimming and too much walking. :-(

The 'net is full of different sites with 'advice', but these are usually sponsored or heavily advertised so leave me somewhat dubious. They're a bit like reading an article on high fat burgers being healthy that happens to be sponsored by McDonalds.

I want to be as prepared as possible for these side effects. Thoughts welcome!

 

[Wardy257]

Are you not getting advice from your Dr/Specialist? There may be specific things you need that only an expert would know.

 

[Trollslayer]

Wardy is right - people mean well but start with the professionals.

 

[pringtef]

It was more from a general point of view but it's a good point. I will be seeing the specialist sometime next week to discuss the start of the medication. He hasn't specifically talked about diet so far, only referring to the lowered immune system side effect. I'll see he has to say first.

 

[Trollslayer]

Certainly avoiding ready meals is a good step, it is making a difference to me.
Just wish I was a natural cook but worth the effort.

 

[Wardy257]

It was more from a general point of view but it's a good point. I will be seeing the specialist sometime next week to discuss the start of the medication. He hasn't specifically talked about diet so far, only referring to the lowered immune system side effect. I'll see he has to say first.

If we have eaten it for 100+ years its probably good. If its new its probably bad. Keep it simple.

 

[Trollslayer]

Look at the Victorian diet and say that again e.g. bread which could be 50% alum, sweets coloured with ground glass.

 

[Wardy257]

Look at the Victorian diet and say that again e.g. bread which could be 50% alum, sweets coloured with ground glass.

Thats why I say probably, not 100%. Common sense dictates.

 

[pringtef]

Thats why I say probably, not 100%. Common sense dictates.

And there was me getting my hopes up about a Victoria Sponge in my regular diet.

 

[Trollslayer]

Allow me

 

[pringtef]

lol, no icing on the cake for that one unfortunately!

 

[Axl]

I'd be really interested to hear others' thoughts and experiences on adopting a new diet for their health.

To be more specific I'm soon to begin taking some pretty hard hitting medicine for treatment of a (benign) tumour I have as a result of a genetic condition. One of the big side effects of the drug is it lowers the immune system significantly. Tiredness will also form a big part of it. Unfortunately my options for exercising will be limited as well, including swimming and too much walking. :-(

The 'net is full of different sites with 'advice', but these are usually sponsored or heavily advertised so leave me somewhat dubious. They're a bit like reading an article on high fat burgers being healthy that happens to be sponsored by McDonalds.

I want to be as prepared as possible for these side effects. Thoughts welcome!

Which hospital is it?

 

[pringtef]

Which hospital is it?

Hospital in the Netherlands, live over that way. Flaming glad i do, the drug is not available funded on the NHS, and it's about the only one used for treatment of the condition.

I'm intrigued about the question though?

 

[Axl]

Hospital in the Netherlands, live over that way. Flaming glad i do, the drug is not available funded on the NHS, and it's about the only one used for treatment of the condition.

I'm intrigued about the question though?

Ah ok, some hospitals in the UK have Dietetic departments. Do a search on Dietetics and nutrition for your hospital. I'm sure your specialist will be able to point you in the right direction though.

Hope it all goes well for you

 

[pringtef]

Ah, thanks mate. I've added these things to a list of questions that i'll be asking on Tuesday.

 

[SteveCritten]

Funnily enough I have just ordered a juicer and I am going to adjust my diet slightly. I eat plenty of veg and fruit as my wife is a vegetarian but I do have a sweet tooth and have been uping the yreats. So decided to swap the treats for a juice a day to see how it goes. I will report back after a couple of weeks.

 

[pringtef]

Well, i was at the specialist this afternoon and asked him about diet. He did mention to me that my vitamin D levels needed to be raised as they were very low, and the medication will affect the immuno system somewhat, but there should be no need for me to alter my diet specifically for this. Of course medicine affects everyone differently, but it's looking better than i thought.

I still want to improve my diet as i also am developing more and more of a sweet tooth. I'm one of those chaps who don't seem to put on weight easily despite taking additional calories, and i guess it's easy to overlook eating healthy when that happens.

Interested to hear your results with the juice Steve. That's one I've been thinking about as well.

I'm hearing big things about spelt and chia grains. Anyone have any thoughts on these?

 

[SteveCritten]

I was eating chia but as I am a ceoliac and they couldnt guarantee gluten free I stopped. I was also diagnosed with vit D deficiency and was prescribed a high dose supplement but I suffered side effects hence the juice route.

 

[IronGiant]

Not sure I follow that Steve, fruit and veg don't have much Vit D in them do they?

 

[kav]

Isn't sunshine one of the best fixes for a vitamin D deficiency?

 

[SteveCritten]

The juice diet was more a general health thing but as you say IG not much Vit D in many foods but as Kav says its sunshine that creates most so sort of hoping I should be ok for now.

 

[pringtef]

The sunshine thing for me is definitely tied to my work in IT (i'd have surplus if monitors gave the stuff out!), and my PS4 gaming habits. I'm in indoors type of chap. Specialist did recommend oily fish. Cod liver oil seems particularly good as a source.

How's the juicing going Steve?

 

[SteveCritten]

Juicing is going ok not had one I hate yet and its amazing what you can throw in (I just tend to make them up) I am having 2 a day but my normal meals and I am feeling too full after 3 days so I will have to start eating smaller portions I think.

 

[SteveCritten]

Just an update, I have been having 2 juices a day plus smaller meals and I must say I am feeling better. I did a half marathon on Sunday and felt the best I have felt for months and ran faster than I have for months. Could be a coincidence or more vit d with the sunshine but happy so far.

 

[pringtef]

That's great news Steve. What type of fruit combos are you chucking into the machine?