eating good foods

I find that eating good foods helps keep me on a more even keel. I try to think of all the good those foods will do for my body. I think of sugars and such as going into a machine (my body). My body doesn't want refined sugars etc. It clogs up and messes up the gears.

Any body else have some good ideas on eating healthy?

I know when I eat more natural foods not so processed I do feel better. I also find if I eat a lot of junk foods I end up feeling depressed.

I try to focus on proteins first and then followed by veggies, fruits and grains.

I really have to watch out for MSG--they sneak it into a lot of things and it gives me migraines.

I take a lot of supplements to make up for my lousy American diet. I wish I could afford to buy all organic. I believe that our poor diets are a factor in the increase of mood disorders because our brains, our parents brains and probably our grandparents brains are products of industrialized food instead of the pure, natural ingredients God created for us.

It is really hard retraining myself to enjoy healthy food, but I'm slowly making adjustments.

Kef,

I was going to ask about your supplements. You had them listed with your meds on another thread. It made me wonder if you have had a RNY bypass. I have a lap-band (since May of 2004), but have lots of friends who have had a bypass and they take lots of supplements. I take a B100, Omega 3 1000, and some potassium. But, that's about all I need for now. My labs come out picture perfect, with the exception of being a bit hyponatremic. But, I love salt... so that gives me a good excuse to put salt on my food :) We link my low sodium to my Tegretol and my Celexa. It has nothing to do with my bariatric procedure.

Oh well... don't mean to ramble. Because I have limited capacity to eat, I have to make good, nutritious choices the majority of the time. If I don't, I begin to feel really lousy, physically AND emotionally. Anyway.... I didn't go through a weight loss surgery just to damage my health otherwise!

Be well,
Jules

No I have not had a RNY bypass. I don't even know what that is. My sister-in-law had breast cancer and got me more interested in natural treatments about 4 years ago. I first stumbled on a natural treatment plan over 12 years ago but gave into the push to take prescription meds for most of about 10 years.

After my last bad experience with a prescription med I spent 12 weeks online nearly everyday for most of the day researching natural treatment options for bipolar and ADHD as well as overall health. I'm not sure if I need everything I'm currently taking, but I know that nothing I'm taking is causing any bad side effects.

I just noticed this forum today and have really enjoyed reading your comments! This may become my new favorite online support group.

K

Hi there, K!

Very interesting! Thanks for responding to my question even though it didn't make sense to you.... lol. A bypass is also known as the "stomach stapling" weight loss surgery. People who have that surgery have to take LOTS of supplements because of the malabsorptive part of the surgery.

It is interesting to me that you have chosen to a homeopathic path to wellness. My pdoc is very open to a balanced approach of some Rx medications and some natural interventions. As a matter of fact, when I begin having troubles with moods, he goes through the check list of non-Rx things I can do to improve my mood and get evened out again.

Congratulations on all of your research and your tenacity on finding the approach that works for you. I'm glad that you're a member of this forum. I'm sure that you will have a lot to add to the fabric of the conversations here!

Be well,
Jules

Hi Jules!

I noticed in another one of your comments that you must have a really great pdoc. May I ask what area you live in. I live in midwest U.S. and am willing to travel a bit for a good pdoc. I've been considering checking out one about 6 hours away that I located online. But after feeling somewhat scammed to the tune of $1500 by the last pdoc who claimed to appreciate the natural approach, I've become very skeptical of pdocs.

K

K,

Well... I think I live a bit too far to be of any help. But, I'm sure my Pdoc would be very flattered that you asked. Anyway, I live in upstate New York where people have more snow than brains... LOL (just kidding... really!!) I'm a transplant Georgia Peach who married myself a Yankee (a true sweetie... a gift from God!). I had NO IDEA what Seasonal Affective Disorder was until I moved to a place that was dark by 4:15pm during the winter months.

When I interviewed for my first job up here, the group said, "you DO know that we have cold and snow up here, right?" I innocently answered, "Oh YES!! I know!!" Ha! My idea of cold and snow was 2 inches and 30 degrees.... It's all a matter of perspective. I've been here 16 years now. (yes, the hubby's worth it!!)

Snowshoeing anyone?

Be well,
Jules

Jules,

Does your pdoc have a brother (pdoc) in the midwest?

K

I'm in the Midwest, what state are you in? Maybe I could assist with a referral.

Do you have personal experience with a psychaitrist that actaully listens to his patients and treats them like a part of the team? And is also aware that there is more to a treatment plan then just popping pills? And realizes that it might be possible to treat a condition without using drugs?

K

I think that describes my pdoc pretty well. He actually listens to me about how I say I'm responding or not responding to meds, much different than my last pdoc who basically disregarded everything I said. And he makes sure I'm keeping up with my therapist. He always seems to ask the right questions and we have discussed the idea of no meds before which is not ideal in his mind, but not ruled out as an option. He's been extremely patient with me because I have a history of poor med compliance, and I think most other pdocs would have fired me by now. I'm in Nebraska, by the way. I'm a social worker, experience in the mental health field (both personal and professional), so I'm pretty good with referrals if you need help finding someone. I know referrals for Nebraska and Iowa really well, and if you're not in either of those states, I could probably point you in the right direction as to where to find a good referral source for your area.

Thanks for responding. I've already called every single pdoc within 50 miles of me that is in my insurance plan, and none want to ake on a patient using natural treatment methods. I actually paid $1,500 out of pocket to one who claimed to believe in natural treatment. I feel that I was scammed by him and now I am financially forced to only see a pdoc that my insuarance (Anthem) will cover. The next closest major city to me is Louisville, KY. Do you know of anyone there who is accepting of treatment methods other than drugs and accepts insurance?


K

Hmm, kind of out of my realm of knowledge-don't know much about that area. Check out this listing though. If nothing else, you can start calling around asking about what methods the pdoc uses and what insurance they accept:

http://www.wellness.com/find/P...

Also, have you looked into maybe a pdoc with their medical degree in osteopathy? They might have a more holistic view and maybe some ideas for alternative treatments-maybe not so focused on brain chemistry, rather the way the whole body interacts. Something to think about. Plus, some providers will allow an initial 15 minute meeting with potential new patients free of charge, just for you to come in and ask about their practice, etc. You might want to ask about that because then you could talk to a few different doctors first without getting charged for it. Good luck!

Hi everyone, I found this website the other day, and it might be quite useful to some of you: http://www.mhf.org.uk/feedingm... It tells you specific foods for various problems (lethargy, irritability, depression, difficulty concentrating etc). It also has some recipes to help you include those foods in your diet more easily.

Thanks! All be sure to check it out tomorrow if I have time. Gotta go to work now.

Hi,all. I take most of my meds at nigyht, so I won't be to sleepy for work (9 meds and counting). I am doing good with a healthy diet and exercise I actually have to go to bed aroung 830p, because if i fall asleep downstairs , my wife can't wake .me up I will wake up on my own and start eating without really being awake,, sweets especially. So if I hit the rack there is no problem.
Very strange, Twinkies beware. Johnd

I finally remembered to check out http://www.mhf.org.uk/feedm...

I had been considering adding folic acid to my supplement routine for awhile. My biggest problem lately has been anxiety and it turns out that that is a symptom of a folic acid deficitiency.

I find eating white meat/poultry REALLY helps my mood.
(Obviously this one is not for the vegetarians here!)

Kef, do you live near Indianapolis?

I would be willing to drive to Indy for a highly recommended pdoc if he accepts Anthem insurance. I go there twice a year anyway for assemblies of Jehovah's witnesses and could hopefully coordinate appointments.

So do you know a pdoc who accepts natural treatemtn methods?

Kef, if you go to www.meridianhealthgroup.com you will see Dr. Dmitry Arbuck listed. He is the psychiatrist at that practice. I don't know for sure if he "accepts" natural treatments, but I'm sure he would talk with you and try to help. I know they use a lot of different methods. When you look at the website, you can also see if they accept Anthem. I'm thinking they do, but I'm not 100% sure. Anyway, you can look at the website and see if it might meet your needs. Good luck!