Discussion Board

Dear Star McDougallers

after a recent blood test for my Rheumatoid Arthritis my Vitamin D was very low at 20.Also my CRP was 19.5 and my ESR was 44. I was prescribed Colecalciferol 20,000 units weekly for 8 weeks. I do not take any meds or supplement, but prefer a dietary approach to my treatment.
Can I ask for any advice as an alternative to this , I am not going to take this because of the side affects. As I live in London we don't get much sun as you can imagine.

many thanks

Paul

Paul give us some background. Do you follow this eating plan now? Other medical issues? We are not quick to tell anyone to ignore the recommendations of their health provider. We like working in conjunction with them when possible. There are many ways of increasing your vitamin D level that include over the counter supplements as well as light source treatments. Obviously the most natural way would be sun exposure. The body can store up vitamin D when solar exposure will be limited. A quick check of past posts finds this one of the most hotly contested areas on the boards. The members here are no different than those in the general public. We tend to measure low given the tests available. Even this is controversial and there is possible reason to believe the current test is flawed. I believe the next 5 to 10 years will be quite illuminating regarding vitamin D testing and safe levels. The good news is vitamin D supplements, if the levels are not terribly high, carries small risks.
I do hope you are following this way of eating as a way to treat your RA. That condition appears to be your larger threat. Your levels of inflammation should respond well to this program.
f1jim

Hi Jim

thanks for the reply,

I've been following Dr Mc Dougalls programe for about 8 months now,as do my wife and daughter, so all is good on that front. We are pretty good, I think and dont stray from the path. In fact we all enjoy the food and I dont think we want to go back to the old ways.

I've had RA for about 13 years now, I'm 51, had disastrous side affects from the drugs they gave me and fared no better with supplements. I gave up everything and turned to diet finding Dr Mc Dougall on Youtube about a year ago, also Burgess and Engine2Diet as well.

Although I'm still not good I feel about 30% better than I was, so I guess something is happening.I'd like to get to the next level but nothing as yet, miraculous has happened. I'll try the elimination diet again soon,but its hard to keep the weight on whilst doing it ( I weigh about 147 lbs/6 ft tall).

My main concern with supplements are the side affects as I'm prone to getting them with most things I take.

Any advice is gratefully received.

thanks

Paul