I do! I’m currently eating a Paleo diet with the autoimmune protocol (no nightshades, dairy, etc) to deal with an intense back and hip injury from a biking accident. When I say I’m eating a Paleo diet, I means I’m working it, but I haven’t reached a point of following it completely.
The Paleo concept isn’t complicated. Many of the foods we eat today are so new our bodies are not always able to digest the foods in a natural way. This way of eating isn’t about losing weight, it’s about ending physical problems. The basics: You eat nutrient dense foods with an emphasis on meat, vegetables and fruit. Grains and legumes are not consumed due to their propensity to cause digestion problems. This is why beans, beans the edible fruit, the more you eat the more you toot happens! Some people eat dairy, but for myself the resulting digestive problems have made it obvious I’m not able to digest the lactose at this time, etc etc. It’s a very personal diet that represents a life style and not a quick fix.
I have so many emotional issues around eating and my bipolar disorder that changing my diet completely wasn’t a realistic beginning goal. I’m taking it slowly!
I’ve lost 35 pounds so far- I have miles to go before I sleep and many promises to keep and… I’ll stop the poetry here, but you get the idea! I was overweight when the accident happened, but quite healthy. I have 60 pounds to go and will keep you posted!
My advice?
If you have bipolar disorder and any inflammation problems from joint pain and fibromyalgia to tiredness, bad skin and bloating to being overweight, the Paleo approach offers an alternative to living a life in pain. My goal is to one day follow it fully over a long period of time. It’s what I have to do in order to stay out and about. I got my life back- I feared my injury ( crumbling back, dislocated hip, slipped pubic bone and the resulting ligament and muscle damage from the biking accident) was permanent and that the chronic pain would continue. Paleo gave me a free ticket to a happy life in a strong body. Following it is a BIG, TOUGH and DIFFICULT challenge, but I will not stop until I have a strong and trim body that can hold up my crumbling spine!!!
I taught myself to manage my severe bipolar disorder two. I can do the same to create a strong and healthy body!
I recommend the book The Paleo Coach as a primer. I’ve met the author Jason Seib and he is the real deal.
Julie
Julie I am writing with my husband in mind. He has BP with rapid cycling, almost monthly! He also has psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (autoimmune diseases). Just prior to the beginning of an episode he always experiences more pain and inflammation in his skin and body. This, followed by his lack of sleep are what gives ME the heads up that he’s headed into an episode. I am interested in this diet and this book. I always wondered about the correlation with BP and his increase in pain. He is sill trying to find the “right” medications but as of right now his pain and physical ailments far exceed his personal goal of treating BP. He is so physically uncomfortable he can hardly give attention to his BP. (not great, I know, but he is just SO frustrated by his pain). Anyway, I was very interested to read this blog about pain and BP. Thanks for continuing to provide insight and knowledge for those of us LIVING and LOVING someone with BP.
Thank you for your comments Joan. I want everyone to know I read all of the comments on my social media sites and especially this blog. If you have a specific question, the best place to reach me is through Twitter @Juliebipolar and Facebook Julie A. Fast.
Joan, I see such a profound difference in my body when I follow the Paleo anti immune protocol- it’s such a challenge though. I eat for many reasons- it’s rarely about hunger! I do love the Paleo Coach by Jason Seib as it encourages people to eat in a way that makes them feel healthy- it’s not a weight loss craze! Please say hello to your husband and let him know that cutting out the nightshades gives me immediate relief- tomatoes, white potatoes and especially ALL colorful peppers and chili peppers. That means no Thai, Mexican or many other foods that I love, but it works! Julie
In regards to BP and chronic pain, my friend with BP had a hip injury and was in chronic pain. It was bone on bone. Every time he was manic though he couldn’t feel it as much and so would walk or cycle for 10 hours in day sometimes and make the injury worse. Then of course when he crashed from the mania he would be in absolute agony. So I guess what I am saying is if you are aware you have an injury, try and make it part of your management plan when manic to not overdo it (hard to do I know). BUT also when he had a hip replacement his pain was gone and just from not being in pain he has been able to manage his BP a whole lot better. So it is definitely worth addressing physical pain and mentally you will also benefit a great deal.