Migraine

I haven't posted in here in awhile, so I figured I would share this success with all of you!

I started a pretty strict diet in January to see if it would help my head at all. I've cut out from my diet completely: gluten, dairy, caffeine, artificial sugars, MSG, alcohol. I've reduced sodium, sugar and preservatives as much as possible. I eat a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables, and eat organic meat when I can.

The only confirmed migraine triggers on that list are MSG, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and sugar (regular sugar and alcohol are stackable triggers). The rest I cut out as an experiment.

Well, the diet hasn't done much for my head, which is unfortunate. The success, however, is that it's done a lot for my digestion. I still have a lot of GI issues related to migraine, but not as bad as it was.

And, even better, I've lost about 40 pounds. At my yearly physical yesterday, I weighed in at 168. (!!) This means I'm down to a size 12 (from size 16) and I've had to replace most of my wardrobe. I haven't been this size since the beginning of high school, almost 10 years ago.

So, while this strict diet hasn't done much for my head, it has made me feel much healthier. I'm very motivated to keep with it, even though it causes some stress when I eat out or travel. I didn't set out meaning to lose weight, but I was overweight (I still am a little bit).

Of course, I could not have done this without the help of my wonderful DBF. He cooks for us almost every night and helps modify recipes so I can eat them. He does almost all of our food shopping (because I can't tolerate the fluorescent lighting) and has become a dedicated label-reader.

Just had to share with all of you!

I'm so glad to hear this has worked out well for you.

I, too, had tried a gluten free diet to see if that might reduce or eliminate some of my migraines. It most certainly helped with the IBS, but unfortunately, I didn't see any change in my migraines.

I'm now interested in trying a ketogenic / low carb diet because I've been reading that it helps some people reduce their migraines. And I know it would be good for my diabetes, too.

WOW! Incredible accomplishment! I don't know if I could ever live without coffee! Congratulations on your weight loss- I'm so glad your DBF is so supportive. Awesome!

Valerie

Thanks for sharing! A strict diet is a challenge! It sounds like you have a wonderful DBF. I'm the cook around here, but the best thing about my DH is that he likes my cooking.

Congrats on the weight loss, too! That's a phenomenal amount of weight! I know you feel better. And isn't clothes shopping fun?

Gret
Gretchen in Mississippi

Way to go MJ! This is a great success! Big hugs to you and to DBF, he is a gem!

Cool beans! Personally, I think the gluten-free diet is the very hardest one of all to follow and adhere to. Not easy at all. I'm very impressed, and very proud.