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It seems like a good idea to keep posting updates to this thread, as it contains a summary of my struggle with MC. It is my sincere hope that reading my story will be helpful to fellow MC "sufferers", even if it's in a small way.
I have now been on the LEAP diet for 11 days, and feel like I'm gradually getting my life back. I mostly have one and sometimes 2, pretty firm, BM's a day, so the D is gone for the time being. Actually this has more or less been the case since mid December when I eliminated all the reactive items identified on the MRT test results.
The MRT test is a blood test that is able to identify "reactive foods", which for us MCers is invaluable. It tests for 150 chemicals and foods, and the results are shown on a scale from least reactive to most reactive for each item, and lists the results by categories such as Dairy, Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, etc., so it's very organized and easy to decipher.
I don't want to go into too many details about the test and diet program here, as the lab has a good website, which explains everything. Basically, after you get the results back, you can either use the comprehensive material they send you to design your own diet, or work with a qualified LEAP dietitian to assist you along the way.
As I've said in an earlier post, I'm working with a dietitian, and the first phase of the diet plan has been to limit my diet to 25 items from the various categories, and eat only those for 2 weeks. Here is the list of items I've been eating during the last 11 days:
PROTEINS: Garbanzo beans, Tuna, Tilapia, Beef, Pinto Beans
STARCHES: Buckwheat, Quinoa
VEGETABLES: Yellow squash, Beet, Cauliflower, Cabbage, White potato
FRUITS: Apple, Blueberry, Grapefruit, Raspberry
NUTS/SEEDS/OILS: Cashew, Peanut, Walnut, Hazelnut, Olive
FLAVOR ENHANCERS: Basil, Cayenne Pepper, Coconut, Ginger
The only item I reacted to from the list is Quinoa, and yesterday I included eggplant in its place, and have not reacted to it.
On Wednesday I have another appointment with the dietitian to review my progress, and I will then begin to reintroduce and test other foods from my least reactive list - one per day.
I was very nervous at the start of this program, since the list includes quite a bit of fiber. However, I seem to tolerate it quite well, but try to be careful not to overdo it with the nuts. I also try to make sure that the veggies are well cooked so they are easier to digest.
Although I have had to give up all my favorite foods and am eating things that I mostly have never cared for, it seems a small sacrifice for getting my health back. My taste buds seem to gradually adjust, so I'm starting to enjoy the foods I can safely eat.
It is still early on in this program, so I've been a bit hesitant to post about it - please keep your fingers crossed that my progress continues!!! I will keep updating here as time goes by.
Love,
Kari
P.S. Today marks my half year anniversary of going gluten free and starting down this road of diet adjustments
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