Guest guest Posted October 20, 2010 Report Share Posted October 20, 2010 Wow. I don't know who this fella is, but thanks so much for posting this, SuziQ! I can't get my non-functioning head around the science in this post, but based on my real life practice, I have to agree with what is saying about diet. I guess this is the perfect opportunity for me to come clean about my diet. I am not diabetic, but I have struggled with blood sugar issues most of my life. I have been kinda upset about what to do about my diet since I have read the " recommended " diet for liver problems. After a long time, a lot of research and a lot of experimenting, I finally started eating a low carb, moderate protein, high fat diet. And I found it made me feel better than any other way of eating (I had run the gamut on diets through the years, not diets to lose weight but diets to just control my hypoglycemia). I basically eat meat and vegetables (with lots of fat). No processed foods, no sodas, etc. Now I have been reading that I should eat low fat, because fat will make my liver have to work extra hard. I ate a low fat diet for several years, and my blood sugar was out of control the whole time. So I don't know what to do. I mean, there are only three macronutrients, and if I lower my fat intake, I will have to raise my protein or carb intake. I sure don't want to stress my liver, but I also want to continue eating the way that makes me feel best. So...I will be watching this thread to see if I am the only group member who eats this way. Am I hurting myself by doing so? (I have seen disagreements about diets turn into flame wars on other groups, but I know all the loving people here won't start that nonsense, so I feel safe to ask!) Robin > >  > Just saw this on another forum. posted it. He uses alternative methods to keep his Hep C under control. Thought it interesting as carbs are the problem with diabetes as well. So, as I said, I am still searching for answers. >  > SuziQ > > Category: Hep C and diet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2010 Report Share Posted October 20, 2010 Thanks so much for posting this Suzi. I've been following Dr. Bernstein's (incredibly thorough) book "The Diabetes Solution" and I'm on several diabetes groups that follow the low carb suggestions. I've been doing this for about 6 weeks and have kept my bgs (blood sugars) under control.....not as low as I'd like yet, but so much better than before. I did an experiment this morning and ate some oatmeal along with 1/2 the egg/cheese omelet I've been eating every morning which produced absolutely no bg spike 1 hr. after the meal or 2 hrs after the meal...in fact my bgs were getting lower all day. This morning after oatmeal blood sugar zoomed 60 points upward 1 hr. after the meal. Obviously the low carb thing works for "me" if not for everyone. I test frequently, trying to wrap my head around what foods will lower or increase my bgs. I may go ahead and try the extended release metformin which is recommended for those who have alot of trouble with the fast acting. And I do have an appt. with an endo coming up Nov 1......I'm not totally opposed to trying insulin if it will give the old beta cells a rest and time to regroup. Anyone know anything about insulin and liver disease? The reason I'm so aggressive about the diabetes (finally) is that my vision is getting very blurry off and on during the day....coincides with blood sugar ups and downs. I will look it up but does anyone know offhand if HCV affects vision? I would imagine it affects everything! Teri...thank you so much for your kind words for Debbie and I and I see a happy Birthday is in order. Best wishes. Don, I'm not sure what all this talk about aliens and psychics and you hair is about but I am wondering...do you have all your windows covered in foil or anything?? lol. Sherry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2010 Report Share Posted October 20, 2010 Hi Robin, Found on hepcaustralia.com.au a few years ago. It is a great site for alternative info and very well organized. That is how I found Dr Berkson and his protocol--through . Nothing on U S forums about Dr Berkson at that time. . This recent article came from his blog http://blogs.myspace.com/georgedhenderson He lives in New Zealand. I've done Dr Atkins diet (very low carb) off and on for years to control weight--and my Hep C is very slow moving--so who knows?? My biopsy did show mild fatty liver (10 yrs ago). At 76, I'm just meandering down the road of life hoping my life does not outlive my health. Not done treatment. If I repeat myself--blame it on my age, not on my Hep C. Anything I say is my opinion or my experience--unless I credit it to someone else. I have no particular attachment to what I say--so I'm not one to get involved with disagreements often. When I was young, smoking tobacco was considered to be good for one's health. Girls were to be virgins at marriage, etc. Times and theories change. Does anyone remember when someone decided that breast milk was " bad " for babies??? SuziQ > > Wow. I don't know who this fella is, but thanks so much for posting this, SuziQ! I can't get my non-functioning head around the science in this post, but based on my real life practice, I have to agree with what is saying about diet. I guess this is the perfect opportunity for me to come clean about my diet. I am not diabetic, but I have struggled with blood sugar issues most of my life. I have been kinda upset about what to do about my diet since I have read the " recommended " diet for liver problems. > > After a long time, a lot of research and a lot of experimenting, I finally started eating a low carb, moderate protein, high fat diet. And I found it made me feel better than any other way of eating (I had run the gamut on diets through the years, not diets to lose weight but diets to just control my hypoglycemia). I basically eat meat and vegetables (with lots of fat). No processed foods, no sodas, etc. > > Now I have been reading that I should eat low fat, because fat will make my liver have to work extra hard. I ate a low fat diet for several years, and my blood sugar was out of control the whole time. So I don't know what to do. I mean, there are only three macronutrients, and if I lower my fat intake, I will have to raise my protein or carb intake. I sure don't want to stress my liver, but I also want to continue eating the way that makes me feel best. > > So...I will be watching this thread to see if I am the only group member who eats this way. Am I hurting myself by doing so? (I have seen disagreements about diets turn into flame wars on other groups, but I know all the loving people here won't start that nonsense, so I feel safe to ask!) > > Robin > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2010 Report Share Posted October 20, 2010 Hey Sherry, I have thought all along that we, HepC fighters, should be given a referral to work with a dietician to help us figure all this stuff out, especially if diabetes is also in the shuffle. You might even consider asking the gastro about it since you are battling both. Ramona From: gldcst <gldcst@...> Sent: Wed, October 20, 2010 2:10:33 PMSubject: [ ] Re: Fw: Diatebes Carbs Hep C Thanks so much for posting this Suzi. I've been following Dr. Bernstein's (incredibly thorough) book "The Diabetes Solution" and I'm on several diabetes groups that follow the low carb suggestions. I've been doing this for about 6 weeks and have kept my bgs (blood sugars) under control.....not as low as I'd like yet, but so much better than before. I did an experiment this morning and ate some oatmeal along with 1/2 the egg/cheese omelet I've been eating every morning which produced absolutely no bg spike 1 hr. after the meal or 2 hrs after the meal...in fact my bgs were getting lower all day. This morning after oatmeal blood sugar zoomed 60 points upward 1 hr. after the meal. Obviously the low carb thing works for "me" if not for everyone. I test frequently, trying to wrap my head around what foods will lower or increase my bgs. I may go ahead and try the extended release metformin which is recommended for those who have alot of trouble with the fast acting. And I do have an appt. with an endo coming up Nov 1......I'm not totally opposed to trying insulin if it will give the old beta cells a rest and time to regroup. Anyone know anything about insulin and liver disease? The reason I'm so aggressive about the diabetes (finally) is that my vision is getting very blurry off and on during the day....coincides with blood sugar ups and downs. I will look it up but does anyone know offhand if HCV affects vision? I would imagine it affects everything! Teri...thank you so much for your kind words for Debbie and I and I see a happy Birthday is in order. Best wishes. Don, I'm not sure what all this talk about aliens and psychics and you hair is about but I am wondering...do you have all your windows covered in foil or anything?? lol. Sherry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2010 Report Share Posted October 20, 2010 Ramona, That's a really good idea. Considering all the eating issues everyone has and the amount of fluids needed, a dietitian or a nutritionist would be very valuable. Wonder why that hasn't been thought of? You are on to something there. And actually, if you call your local hospital, the dietitian on staff would be able to help you out over the phone and that would more than likely be a free service. Everybody ought to check into that. See what happens when idea's are shared... Everybody call your local hospital and get food suggestions! Hugs, TeriOn Wed, Oct 20, 2010 at 4:21 PM, Ramona Cook <cook_1057@...> wrote: Hey Sherry, I have thought all along that we, HepC fighters, should be given a referral to work with a dietician to help us figure all this stuff out, especially if diabetes is also in the shuffle. You might even consider asking the gastro about it since you are battling both. Ramona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2010 Report Share Posted October 20, 2010 Most hospitals are always looking for ways to increase services to consumers. If the dieticians aren't familiar with what we need, the hospital could bring in speakers to train them and then that could be a marketing option for the hospital. Ramona From: Theresa Gottlieb <theresagottlieb@...> Sent: Wed, October 20, 2010 5:36:53 PMSubject: Re: [ ] Re: Fw: Diatebes Carbs Hep C Ramona, That's a really good idea. Considering all the eating issues everyone has and the amount of fluids needed, a dietitian or a nutritionist would be very valuable. Wonder why that hasn't been thought of? You are on to something there. And actually, if you call your local hospital, the dietitian on staff would be able to help you out over the phone and that would more than likely be a free service. Everybody ought to check into that. See what happens when idea's are shared... Everybody call your local hospital and get food suggestions! Hugs,Teri On Wed, Oct 20, 2010 at 4:21 PM, Ramona Cook <cook_1057@...> wrote: Hey Sherry, I have thought all along that we, HepC fighters, should be given a referral to work with a dietician to help us figure all this stuff out, especially if diabetes is also in the shuffle. You might even consider asking the gastro about it since you are battling both. Ramona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2010 Report Share Posted October 20, 2010  Hi Ramona, Good idea but I'm not real hopeful about the quality of help we would receive. The ADA (American Diabetes Assoc) is notorious for for distributing outdated and ineffective advice and most "nutritionists" or dieticians counseling patients with diabetes are pretty cavalier about the amount of carbs they recommend. I will ask the endocrinologist for sure and report back tho. Sherry Hey Sherry, I have thought all along that we, HepC fighters, should be given a referral to work with a dietician to help us figure all this stuff out, especially if diabetes is also in the shuffle. You might even consider asking the gastro about it since you are battling both. Ramona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2010 Report Share Posted October 20, 2010 Hi Robin.... this is exactly what Bernstein recommends for keeping tight blood sugar control...<very> low carb, mod protein and high or mod fat. SuziQ...it's pretty much a reincarnation of Atkins and lots of folks on the lowcarb diabetes lists are doing Atkins. It works for me because it removes the craving for carbs and the 24/7 out of control appetite. I really hated the idea of having to switch due to the HCV...I don't want to be causing further damage unnecessarily to the my liver. This is why I find the article SuziQ posted by so hopeful. He's basically describing the type of diet that works for blood sugar control AND HCV. Amazing. I feel better already. Maybve I'm cured???? Hahahahaha Sherry After a long time, a lot of research and a lot of experimenting, I finally started eating a low carb, moderate protein, high fat diet. And I found it made me feel better than any other way of eating (I had run the gamut on diets through the years, not diets to lose weight but diets to just control my hypoglycemia). I basically eat meat and vegetables (with lots of fat). No processed foods, no sodas, etc. Now I have been reading that I should eat low fat, because fat will make my liver have to work extra hard. I ate a low fat diet for several years, and my blood sugar was out of control the whole time. So I don't know what to do. I mean, there are only three macronutrients, and if I lower my fat intake, I will have to raise my protein or carb intake. I sure don't want to stress my liver, but I also want to continue eating the way that makes me feel best.So...I will be watching this thread to see if I am the only group member who eats this way. Am I hurting myself by doing so? (I have seen disagreements about diets turn into flame wars on other groups, but I know all the loving people here won't start that nonsense, so I feel safe to ask!) Robin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2010 Report Share Posted October 20, 2010 Hey, I guess my balls are too big for my own good. If anyone, that I'm paying to provide me a service, is cavalier; I would let them know that I don't appreciate their attitude. I would also file a complaint if it continued. CEOs of hospital are concerned about community impressions of their institution. It is their paycheck. Financial donors don't like bad PR. For all of us, we need to continue to educate ourselves and keep medical professionals on their toes. It is their jobs to take care of us not the other way around. This could also be a professional opportunity for anyone seeking a new career. Ramona From: gldcst <gldcst@...> Sent: Wed, October 20, 2010 6:18:56 PMSubject: [ ] Re: Fw: Diatebes Carbs Hep C  Hi Ramona, Good idea but I'm not real hopeful about the quality of help we would receive. The ADA (American Diabetes Assoc) is notorious for for distributing outdated and ineffective advice and most "nutritionists" or dieticians counseling patients with diabetes are pretty cavalier about the amount of carbs they recommend. I will ask the endocrinologist for sure and report back tho. Sherry Hey Sherry, I have thought all along that we, HepC fighters, should be given a referral to work with a dietician to help us figure all this stuff out, especially if diabetes is also in the shuffle. You might even consider asking the gastro about it since you are battling both. Ramona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2010 Report Share Posted October 21, 2010 Actually, the dietitian at the hospital is a high paying position and usually requires a masters degree in Foods and Nutrition. They could help you with one phone call. The dietitian would immediately know what you need. Hugs, TeriOn Wed, Oct 20, 2010 at 4:56 PM, Ramona Cook <cook_1057@...> wrote: Most hospitals are always looking for ways to increase services to consumers. If the dieticians aren't familiar with what we need, the hospital could bring in speakers to train them and then that could be a marketing option for the hospital. Ramona From: Theresa Gottlieb <theresagottlieb@...> Sent: Wed, October 20, 2010 5:36:53 PMSubject: Re: [ ] Re: Fw: Diatebes Carbs Hep C Ramona, That's a really good idea. Considering all the eating issues everyone has and the amount of fluids needed, a dietitian or a nutritionist would be very valuable. Wonder why that hasn't been thought of? You are on to something there. And actually, if you call your local hospital, the dietitian on staff would be able to help you out over the phone and that would more than likely be a free service. Everybody ought to check into that. See what happens when idea's are shared... Everybody call your local hospital and get food suggestions! Hugs,Teri On Wed, Oct 20, 2010 at 4:21 PM, Ramona Cook <cook_1057@...> wrote: Hey Sherry, I have thought all along that we, HepC fighters, should be given a referral to work with a dietician to help us figure all this stuff out, especially if diabetes is also in the shuffle. You might even consider asking the gastro about it since you are battling both. Ramona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2010 Report Share Posted October 21, 2010 Okay, I've been watching this one grow..  Nutritionist lesson time.  At any hospital, the head of Food Services is a Dietitian with a Master's Degree.  Their job is to orchestrate all of the special needs and special diets for the patients of the hospital and the patients being released so they know what to eat when they go home.  Someone has to orchestrate that.  If you call and ask, they will definitely take the time to talk to you over the phone and give suggestions, you can also make an appointment to see them during the week.  All free of charge.  The first part I knew, the second part I found out by calling 3 local hospitals here.  They all offer this service to the community.  Hugs, TeriOn Wed, Oct 20, 2010 at 5:40 PM, Ramona Cook <cook_1057@...> wrote:  Hey, I guess my balls are too big for my own good. If anyone, that I'm paying to provide me a service, is cavalier; I would let them know that I don't appreciate their attitude. I would also file a complaint if it continued. CEOs of hospital are concerned about community impressions of their institution. It is their paycheck. Financial donors don't like bad PR. For all of us, we need to continue to educate ourselves and keep medical professionals on their toes. It is their jobs to take care of us not the other way around. This could also be a professional opportunity for anyone seeking a new career. Ramona From: gldcst <gldcst@...> Sent: Wed, October 20, 2010 6:18:56 PMSubject: [ ] Re: Fw: Diatebes Carbs Hep C  Hi Ramona, Good idea but I'm not real hopeful about the quality of help we would receive. The ADA (American Diabetes Assoc) is notorious for for distributing outdated and ineffective advice and most " nutritionists " or dieticians counseling patients with diabetes are pretty cavalier about the amount of carbs they recommend. I will ask the endocrinologist for sure and report back tho. Sherry      Hey Sherry, I have thought all along that we, HepC fighters, should be given a referral to work with a dietician to help us figure all this stuff out, especially if diabetes is also in the shuffle. You might even consider asking the gastro about it since you are battling both. Ramona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2010 Report Share Posted October 21, 2010  Ramona...lol; if only all it took were big balls! Perhaps cavalier was the wrong word to choose.....They are following strict AMA guidelines and the recommendations of the American Diabetes Assoc. They are not doing anything illegal or dishonest. They truly believe that their way is the proper way for diabetes to be treated. And they have research and big Pharma on their side. . I suspect I at least, would be much better off with an independent nutritionist who is openminded and open to complementary and alternative medicine. Sherry Hey, I guess my balls are too big for my own good. If anyone, that I'm paying to provide me a service, is cavalier; I would let them know that I don't appreciate their attitude. I would also file a complaint if it continued. CEOs of hospital are concerned about community impressions of their institution. It is their paycheck. Financial donors don't like bad PR. For all of us, we need to continue to educate ourselves and keep medical professionals on their toes. It is their jobs to take care of us not the other way around. This could also be a professional opportunity for anyone seeking a new career. Ramona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 21, 2010 Report Share Posted October 21, 2010 At our hospital, dietary dept. is just the inpatient and cafeteria. Then we have a Diabetes Education Dept. made up of dieticians. So I guess we would have to play 20 questions at our local hospitals to find out what we need. Hugs back, Ramona From: Theresa Gottlieb <theresagottlieb@...> Sent: Wed, October 20, 2010 7:15:14 PMSubject: Re: [ ] Re: Fw: Diatebes Carbs Hep C Okay, I've been watching this one grow.. Nutritionist lesson time. At any hospital, the head of Food Services is a Dietitian with a Master's Degree. Their job is to orchestrate all of the special needs and special diets for the patients of the hospital and the patients being released so they know what to eat when they go home. Someone has to orchestrate that. If you call and ask, they will definitely take the time to talk to you over the phone and give suggestions, you can also make an appointment to see them during the week. All free of charge. The first part I knew, the second part I found out by calling 3 local hospitals here. They all offer this service to the community. Hugs,Teri On Wed, Oct 20, 2010 at 5:40 PM, Ramona Cook <cook_1057@...> wrote: Hey, I guess my balls are too big for my own good. If anyone, that I'm paying to provide me a service, is cavalier; I would let them know that I don't appreciate their attitude. I would also file a complaint if it continued. CEOs of hospital are concerned about community impressions of their institution. It is their paycheck. Financial donors don't like bad PR. For all of us, we need to continue to educate ourselves and keep medical professionals on their toes. It is their jobs to take care of us not the other way around. This could also be a professional opportunity for anyone seeking a new career. Ramona From: gldcst <gldcst@...> Sent: Wed, October 20, 2010 6:18:56 PMSubject: [ ] Re: Fw: Diatebes Carbs Hep C  Hi Ramona, Good idea but I'm not real hopeful about the quality of help we would receive. The ADA (American Diabetes Assoc) is notorious for for distributing outdated and ineffective advice and most "nutritionists" or dieticians counseling patients with diabetes are pretty cavalier about the amount of carbs they recommend. I will ask the endocrinologist for sure and report back tho. Sherry Hey Sherry, I have thought all along that we, HepC fighters, should be given a referral to work with a dietician to help us figure all this stuff out, especially if diabetes is also in the shuffle. You might even consider asking the gastro about it since you are battling both. Ramona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 22, 2010 Report Share Posted October 22, 2010 Nothing like a discussion of diet in an hcv forum to bring out the lurkers, lol.I've been following this thread with great interest. I believe that diet is one of the most important factors in health. This is especially true for people with hcv as the liver is usually the first organ to deal with what we eat. I have cirrhosis and that means my liver function is greatly reduced...so it's even more important to eat the right things.I am conflicted about the low carb diets (and I don't dispute the science) for only one reason: The China Study. There is a war of philosophy going on between the experts of both the vegan camp and the low carb camp. The China study folks believe that only a low protein diet (read high carbs) will keep them cancer free. They have the science on their side as well (including the longest and largest nutritional study ever done). The bottom line for them...the more animal protein....the more cancer.So what do I do? I place myself in the middle. I eat a moderate amount of animal protein (and it's all grass-fed and finished as well as organic), a moderate amount of whole-grain gluten-free carbs, and as many organic veggies as I can. I'm also sugar free.As for fats....Thanks to my naturopath I've discovered organic unrefined virgin coconut oil. There's a lot of research that shows that this miracle oil which is full of medium-chain triglycerides is super good for the immune system, provides energy throughout the day, and doesn't end up being stored as fat by the body. The more of this stuff I eat, the more weight I lose!There's even a group like this one devoted entirely to coconut oil. Coconut Oil/ I also eat as much organic virgin olive oil as I can. All the best to everyone and especially good thoughts to those of you on treatment. McGovern>> Ramona...lol; if only all it took were big balls!> Perhaps cavalier was the wrong word to choose.....They are following strict AMA guidelines and the recommendations of the American Diabetes Assoc. They are not doing anything illegal or dishonest. They truly believe that their way is the proper way for diabetes to be treated. And they have research and big Pharma on their side. . I suspect I at least, would be much better off with an independent nutritionist who is openminded and open to complementary and alternative medicine.> Sherry> > > > > Hey,> I guess my balls are too big for my own good. If anyone, that I'm paying to provide me a service, is cavalier; I would let them know that I don't appreciate their attitude. I would also file a complaint if it continued. CEOs of hospital are concerned about community impressions of their institution. It is their paycheck. Financial donors don't like bad PR. For all of us, we need to continue to educate ourselves and keep medical professionals on their toes. It is their jobs to take care of us not the other way around.> This could also be a professional opportunity for anyone seeking a new career.> Ramona> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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