Wegs and Ayurveda

[Sangye]

I'm making changes to my diet and lifestyle that are helping me taper pred, decrease Wegs symptoms and support good general health. At some point they’ll help me lose weight, too! These changes are mostly based on Ayurveda-- the holistic medicine system used in India for thousands of years. I'm not trained in Ayurveda but have used the basics for 15 years. It's intuitive and logical, easy for anyone to learn the basics.

I'm also incorporating some foods and supplements that are anti-inflammatory and/or I know I need them to get healthy.

Here are some Ayurveda basics to read:

Introduction
h ttp://www.ayurveda.com/online_resource/intro_ayurveda.pdf (http://www.ayurveda.com/online_resource/intro_ayurveda.pdf)

Determining your constitution (general and current)
http://www.ayurveda.com/online_resource/constitution.pdf (important to read the instructions!)

Which foods to eat to balance your constitution
http://www.ayurveda.com/online_resource/food_guidelines.pdf

Note: Ayurveda often uses herbal remedies. You should not use them without seeing a well-trained Ayurvedic practitioner. Tricky business with Wegs.

Another note: Since Ayurveda comes from India, it occasionally refers to Hindu practices/ beliefs if you go further in depth. Anyone of any faith can use Ayurveda without incorporating those aspects. None of the above links include references to religion.

Most people are a combination of two dominant constitutions. I’m about 60% Kapha (earth/water) and 40% Pitta (fire/water). Since my secondary constitution type is so strong, I need to follow a diet that "pacifies" both of them.

With excess Kapha, I feel lethargic, depressed/hopeless, gain weight, have mucous and feel cold. With excess Pitta, I feel angry/frustrated, gain weight, heartburn, sweats, inflammation and Wegs pain. Both have been too high for several years, so I have all those symptoms!

I have much more Pitta than I used to. I didn't realize that and have been eating mostly foods that aggravate Pitta (ie, increase Fire) for the past 2 years. I started changing that this month and I already feel much better.

[Sangye]

One of the worst Fire producers is chocolate. (I know. Throw your shoes at me now and get it over with. I can take it. :D ) I stopped eating chocolate last week and haven't had heartburn since. I wasn't eating that much, but I usually had some every day. Ayurveda isn't about eliminating foods but about decreasing or increasing them, and consciously balancing aggravating foods with pacifying foods. However, I couldn't find a way to balance the chocolate so I just stopped eating it.

Dark chocolate has more antioxidants, but is MUCH more fiery. In 2008 a Wegs ulcer on my leg exploded into a huge lesion and developed blisters on its borders that burned and itched like nobody’s business. Nothing helped. Even topical morphine didn’t control it. One day I was offered a bite (1 inch square) of organic dark chocolate. Within a couple minutes, new blisters formed and it became extremely itchy, like torture. Did I learn? No. I kept eating chocolate, in total denial.

[Sangye]

(I've split up these posts for easier reading, even though it looks like I'm replying to myself. :D)

Here are the food and lifestyle changes I'm making. I'm not going to be a Nazi about things-- that's not healthy, either.
- Follow Kapha and Pitta-pacifying recommendations for diet and general lifestyle
- Increase veggies and fruit (Weggies need much more than regular people)
- Increase fresh veggies (I've been relying on frozen too much because of a bad refrigerator)
- 2 vegetarian days per week (I don't believe vegetarianism is healthy, but 2 days are good for most people)
- Limit soy (not good for anyone)
- Greatly limit processed foods
- No sugar except small amounts of raw honey
- No dairy (if it's in something, I don't care.)
- Limit salt
- Pay better attention to signs of Kapha or Pitta imbalances!
- get to bed by 11:00 (I've been sliding into midnight, which greatly imbalances all constitutions)

[elephant]

Sangye, first of all I just got back and bought two large dark chocolate bars and m&m's.....Geez you mention blisters....don't want to eat them now. :)
Sangye, thanks for taking the time to do this!

[Sangye]

LOL-- it'll be interesting to see how many of us are chocolate addicts.

[Lightwarrior]

My printer is happily printing away. Thanks Sangye. Interesting, since I have been so tired lately, I've trying to listen to my body and find that I don't want meat. I don't crave chocolate but I don't turn it down either, I'll work on that. Time to read what I printed.

[Sangye]

I forgot to mention: Since most people are a combo of 2 main constitutions, you might look at the food lists for each and see conflicting recommendations. For example, to balance Kapha you should have warm foods and to balance Pitta you should have cooling foods--opposite!

If you have two strong constitution types, circle the "yes" foods for each that are in common. That's what to eat! For example, I'm Kapha-Pitta. Some of the foods that are okay for both Kapha and Pitta are raisins and pears.

Here's my list of Kapha-Pitta pacifying foods, in case anyone else is a combo of these types. It's handy to take to the grocery store! There might be others that are okay. I only put things I like to eat. :)

Veggies
Bitter veggies—kale, mustard, collard, dandelion; generally dark green leafy
Cabbage
Asparagus
Bell pepper
Broccoli
Brussel sprouts
Fresh corn
Cauliflower
Celery
Green beans
Leafy greens
Lettuce
Mushrooms
Okra
Parsley
Potatoes—white
Sprouts
Summer squash
Yellow squash
Cilantro—decreases Pitta, Kapha, Vata

Fruits
Mango
Berries (not strawberries)
Figs
Pomegranite
Prunes
Raisins

Legumes
White beans
Black beans
Aduki beans
Black-eyed peas
Chana dal
Garbanzos
Lima beans
Pinto beans
Split peas
Lentils—brown, red
Mung beans
Mung dal
Tempeh

Grains
White rice
Barley
Dry cereal
Granola
Oat bran
Sprouted wheat bread (Essene)
Popcorn—no salt or butter, occasionally

Meat/ Seafood
Chicken
Turkey
Shrimp

Sweeteners
Fruit juice concentrates—esp apple, pear
Raw honey—not much w Pitta

Other
Aloe vera juice
Barley Green juice

[elephant]

I suppose no hemorrhoids with that! :) Everything that is listed is so good for us! Thanks!

[Sangye]

Well, remember your own constitutions might be different. You have to take the little test to see. But if you're Kapha-Pitta, you can use this list.

[pberggren1]

This is a good thread Sangye.

Why do you think that being a vegetarian is bad? Does being a vegetarian mean just eating no meat?

Why no Soy or Dairy?

I eat ground Flax every day. Do you think that is safe?

I only eat chocolate at Christmas time when my Dad buys them.

[Sangye]

The topic of vegetarianism is enormous. Here's (http://westonaprice.org/take-a-guided-tour/vegetarians.html) a link to great articles about it. I don't want to offend vegetarians or vegans in our group by going into more detail.

Soy consumed as Westerner's consume it is very unhealthy. Here's (http://westonaprice.org/soy-alert.html) a summary about why.

I'm cutting out dairy because it increases Kapha and Pitta too much. I'm still using ghee though, and I don't care if something contains dairy. Like I said, I'm not going to be extreme about it. This is a lifestyle, not a diet. If someone hands me a piece of cheese I'm not gonna stomp away. :D

Flax is a good source of essential fatty acids. I don't personally use it because there are numerous pathways for it to break down into pro-inflammatory components as it's being metabolized. I prefer fish oil and black currant seed oil to get my EFA's. You can find out for yourself if flaxseed oil is a problem for you by going off it for a few days. If you have any pain or other symptoms that improve, go back on it and see if those symptoms appear again. In my practice I often found patients whose chronic low back pain was a result of flax seed oil they were taking.

[pberggren1]

Very interesting Sanye. Thank You very much.

[Sangye]

You're welcome! I added something while you were posting.... Oops!

[pberggren1]

Sangye, my friend takes ground flax seed every day and doesn't have WG. He is wondering if it is good for him to take it.

[Sangye]

The answer is the same for non-Weggies--

[Sangye]

Many of you guys have upper respiratory involvement. In Ayurveda, Kapha excess will cause or worsen sinus problems and cause congestion in general. Sinus congestion, headaches and frequent infections are a sign of too much Kapha. Obviously you have Wegs, too. Balancing your constitution won't cure that. But it's worth seeing if it will reduce some of your symptoms!

When I first started using Ayurveda, I noticed my sinus headaches completely stopped. It was due to foods I was eating on a regular basis--citrus, bananas, peanut butter. I had developed the habit of eating an orange and a banana every day, drinking orange juice every day, and eating peanut butter several times a week. I used wheat bread, too. Since my dominant constitution is Kapha, I reduced the frequency of those Kapha-aggravating foods and my sinus headaches completely disappeared. That was 15 years ago and I've never had them again. :)

A general rule of thumb in Ayurveda is that if you're out of balance, you'll crave the very foods and activities that worsen the imbalance. And if you're in balance, you'll crave foods/activities that maintain balance. I love broccoli, but at times I'm just repelled by it. It balances both my main constitutions. So I came up with the Broccoli Test. Do I want broccoli? If it's yes, then I'm not far out of balance. If it's no, I need to work harder.

[pberggren1]

That's very interesting Sangye.

Are bananas in general not a good thing for Weggies?

Right now I have a habit of eating pre-packaged Trail Mix - The Planters Brand. It is a mixture of nuts and dried fruits.

[pberggren1]

I forgot to ask if mayonaise has dairy in it.

[Sangye]

Phil, did you figure out your constitution type(s) yet? That determines what foods are okay for you.

[Lightwarrior]

I'm craving cheescake, I'm pretty sure its not because my body needs cheescake. I scored 12 Vata, 9 Pitta and 11 Kapha, very close

[Sangye]

LOL-- yeah, I don't think you need cheesecake to get more in balance! Was that your score for your current or general constitution types?

[Doug]

Phil ~ Mayonnaise is an emulsion of whipped egg yolks and oil. Commercially-prepared mayonnaise also has spices, mustard (prepared, I think, not dry), and assorted other stuff. Mostly, though, it's oil and egg yolks.

[Lightwarrior]

LOL-- yeah, I don't think you need cheesecake to get more in balance! Was that your score for your current or general constitution types?

Current, my general wasn't far off. Vata 11, Pittta 10 and Kapha 11

[Sangye]

Sounds like you're tridoshic-- meaning all 3 constitution types are roughly equal. Take this (http://www.banyanbotanicals.com/constitutions/index.html) online test (two times, just like before) to make sure. It scores it for you. Tridoshic is pretty rare.

[pberggren1]

Thanks Doug for the info on Mayonaise.

I will figure out my constitution later Sangye.

[jola57]

35.3, 35.3, 29.4 my scores - as always in the wishy washy middle - what does it mean

[Sangye]

Jolanta and Lightwarrior, tell me which group you're most like. Consider appearance (not gender or race obviously), energy, voice and general way of being. Go with your initial choice--don't overthink it.

Group A: Alan Alda, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sheryl Crow

Group B: Debra Messing, Jim Carrey, Chris Rock

Group C: Oprah, Jennifer Lopez, Drew Barrymore

[elephant]

Sangye that is interesting why Group A,B or C?

[Sangye]

I ain't giving it away until Lightwarrior and Jolanta have answered. Anyone else who's scoring roughly equal in all three constitution types should take my little quiz, too. :D

If you're like me and don't know much about famous people, you might want to look up pics of these people. Here's (http://www.people.com/people/celebrities/0,,,00.html) a good place!

[elephant]

I scored almost equally with V and P and a few K. Can I take the test too? This sounds like fun!

[Sangye]

Yup! Anyone can take the test. :) I'm excited to see everyone's responses.

[pberggren1]

Hey Sangye, I finnished my constitution test.

My Prakruti was:

V = 13, P = 14, K = 5

My Vikruti was:

V = 8, P = 16, K = 4

I would say that I am about half Group A and half Group B.

How do I interpret this data?

What food group should I tend towards, V, P, or K?

[jola57]

Group B, but why Jim Carrey

[Sangye]

Phil, it looks like Pitta (fire) is your dominant constitution and Vata (air) is a close second. Currently your Pitta is running the show so you should try following a Pitta-pacifying diet and see how you feel. Pitta changes fairly quickly, so you should see results within a week. Sometimes it's easier to see results in emotions-- eg, if you're frustrated, you might become calmer. Anger and irritability go along with high Pitta and they usually smooth out as the Pitta is under control. If you're having symptoms like heartburn, diarrhea, rashes or inflammation you should see those improve, too. Remember, though-- Wegs and the drugs are complicating things!

Even though your Vata is your secondary constitution, it's "cold" and you probably won't have to do much with it during the summer. Pitta is always higher during the summer (heat!) so it's usually the one that must be dealt with.

Jolanta, think of Jim Carrey's eyes, his general demeanor, etc... Then compare it to the others in Group B. Do you see it?

[Sangye]

Here's (http://ayurveda.iloveindia.com/other-branches/prakruti-in-ayurveda.html) another nice description of each constitution type. It might help some of you hone in on your constitution better. This is for prakruti--the lifelong constitution.

[pberggren1]

Thnaks again Sangye.

[MCC]

I do not eat meat because I don't believe in causing suffering and taking another's life when I do not need it.

BUT I do also strongly believe a vegetarian or vegan diet is the healthiest diet and there is a vast amount of evidence to back this up. One example is PCRM Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, who are a group of Doctors who advise that a Vege diet is better for you: PCRM >> Health >> Information on Vegan and Vegetarian Diets (http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/index.html) I don't wish to get into a debate or offend anyone but just wanted to post another side.

[Sangye]

It's good to have different viewpoints represented. I was a vegetarian (for about 12 yrs) for the same reasons as you. I finally stopped when numerous chiropractors independently found the same deep deficiencies that are characteristic of the vegetarian diet.

Personally, I don't take advice about diet and nutrition from medical doctors. They don't even acknowledge the benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet yet! They just aren't trained in clinical nutrition.

But all that aside, you have to eat the way you feel most comfortable. Especially as a Weggie, when food is one of the only things we can still enjoy!

[MCC]

It's good to have different viewpoints represented. I was a vegetarian (for about 12 yrs) for the same reasons as you. I finally stopped when numerous chiropractors independently found the same deep deficiencies that are characteristic of the vegetarian diet.

Personally, I don't take advice about diet and nutrition from medical doctors. They don't even acknowledge the benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet yet! They just aren't trained in clinical nutrition.

But all that aside, you have to eat the way you feel most comfortable. Especially as a Weggie, when food is one of the only things we can still enjoy!

Yes probably true about doctors, but there are lots of other people who believe a vege diet is the best for health too, that was just one example...but to be honest even if it wasn't I still would not eat meat again for my reasons above.

I've also heard lots of negative info about the Weston Price Foundation.

I do respect your views Sangye but I think we'll have to agree to disagree on this one! :)

[Sangye]

Yeah, we can definitely live in harmony without agreeing on this!

Can I ask what you heard about Weston-Price? They're held in very high esteem, I've never heard anything negative about them.

[Sangye]

I've been back on a solid Ayurvedic diet for a little over 2 weeks. I've also eliminated sugar. I've lost 2.5 lbs without doing anything special. My abdomen is flatter, too (though it's a LONG way from flat!). I know it's not water weight because I've been on 2 diuretics for months. Hot diggety.

[Jack]

But all that aside, you have to eat the way you feel most comfortable. Especially as a Weggie, when food is one of the only things we can still enjoy!
If only! :(
I have to force myself to eat anything and the very thought of most food depresses me.

[elephant]

That's great Sangye! Good job...;)

[Sangye]

Thanks Elephant!

Jack, do your docs have any idea why you have no appetite?

[elephant]

I remember Jack talking about this...Jack does it bother your stomach when you eat?

[Jack]

Two main problems -

Pharyngeal Pouch in my throat causes some foods to stack up and can prevent me from swallowing after a few mouthfuls.

Sensitive Stomach means that I feel uncomfortable after eating for up to a couple of hours.

I've had loads of tests, but there is not much more they can do for me. Operations are out unless it is a life threatening condition for me. In the meantime, I am developing a bit of a mental reaction against eating food (understandable when it is an unpleasant experience) this kills my hunger reactions and gives me an aversion to eating. I've spoken to many specialists and know the facts of what I should be eating, but it is very difficult when your body is shouting "NO!"

It was very difficult in hospital with the limited range of food available and the timed mealtimes. Things a a bit better now that I am home. I'm in a better frame of mind and can eat what I want and when I want.

[elephant]

I understand Jack and am sorry that eating has to be painful! I certainly would not want to eat much either...knowing the outcome of having pain. To bad they can't give you something to numb that Pharynegeal Pouch! Oh POOO!

[Sangye]

Now I remember you explained that awhile ago, Jack. What a combination--no wonder you can't eat. When I treated infants with digestive problems they developed the same fear of eating. I hope someday they can find relief for you!

[Col 23]

B rough Jack but I do want to know what yummy food you can get down?
cheers Col 23

[Jack]

Sweet stuff especially when washed down with coffee is still OK, but even I know that I can't live on a diet like that! In general, the more mushy foods goes down best, but I do like it to have some taste.

[elephant]

How about mushy buttered potato's....you probably live on those already....I could!

[Sangye]

Jack, do you like Indian food? Dal is very good for you and might be easy to swallow. I'm sure you've thought of this since you've had this problem a long time.

I sure hope we're not making you nauseous with our food suggestions. :)

[pberggren1]

I know what you mean Jack about not wanting to eat.

I have been fairly depressed lately and having no taste and smell. I think this is why I don't have much interest in food.

[Jack]

To be honest, I'm doing so much better since being at home and having my own choice of decent food (although I only have child size portions). Yes, I like baked potatoes with butter and also dal, it fact I could probably have the two together. :)

[Sangye]

Dal is highly prized in Ayurveda for its curative abilities. And the potato has my respect, too. :)

[pberggren1]

Bow to the Potato!!!!

[jola57]

Oh I do so love potatos, boiled smothered with butter and dill, or mashed with butter and salt and pepper, or shaved and fried, or roasted in a bonfire... need I go on.

[pberggren1]

Even without my taste and smell I am very hungry after reading this Jolanta!

[Doug]

Once I convinced myself an edible potato could be prepared in the microwave, I started on a great, new world of potato enjoyment! Before that, when I wanted quick potatoes, I'd slice and dice them into boiling water and make potato soup (which I still like to do!). Potatoes! Nom nom! [Doug's eyes glazed over. Spittle ran down the corner of his lip like a stream. He had just arrived in potato heaven!]

[MCC]

Yeah, we can definitely live in harmony without agreeing on this!

Can I ask what you heard about Weston-Price? They're held in very high esteem, I've never heard anything negative about them.

One thing was that the foundation had become corrupted and does not uphold Weston Price's original ideas...I read he never said he was against soy or vege diets at all.

By the way, I printed off the forms to see what constitution I am but haven't got round to filling it in yet.

[Sangye]

I don't know about the corruption thing-- I'll ask my holistic doc buddies if they've heard anything since I've been out of the loop the past 4 years.

He wouldn't have commented on modern soy foods because he died in 1948-- long before they appeared. When he studied Pacific tribes, they were consuming soy prepared in traditional ways (ie along with fish), rendering it a healthy food.

As far as being against veg diets. I have Dr Price's original book "Nutrition and Physical Degeneration." He clearly states a vegetarian diet is unhealthy. (Forgive his politically very incorrect terms-- it was the 1930's)

"It will be noted that vitamin D, which the human does not synthesize in adequate amounts, must be provided by foods of animal tissues or animal products. As yet I have not found a single group of primitive racial stock which was building and maintaining excellent bodies by living entirely on plant foods. I have found in many parts of the world most devout representatives of modern ethical systems advocating the restriction of foods to the vegetable products. In every instance where the groups involved had been long under this teaching, I found evidence of degeneration... very much higher than in the primitive groups who were not under this influence."

His general conclusion was that physical degeneration can be seen in anyone eating a modern, processed diet, so regardless if we're veg or not, we all will be much healthier if we clean up our diets! :)

[Sangye]

I should add that Dr Price was very disappointed that he couldn't find healthy vegetarians anywhere in the world. He would have loved to discover that it's possible to be truly healthy without taking lives.