Kickas.org Forums Treatments, Drugs and Alternatives NSD and diet-related; Blood work says low in protein?...NSD diet?

Hi everyone, I haven't been on here for a long time? I have a question has anyone had low protein levels in their blood work since being on the NSD? I have been doing some reading and I have the symptoms too...Headaches, low energy, achy muscles...How do you get enough protein in your daily diet?...

Thx Laurel

Hello, Laurel:

I have not had a test for protein, so I guess that is my answer, but there are ways to add protein to the diet and we don't use protein directly, but reassemble amino acids, so eating properly and taking some amino acid supplements is a good approach. Find BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acids) in stores that cater to body-builders--free form amino acids are available widely at these places and an entire mystique about when to take what--after burn, at rest, pre-workout, etc. But a complement of these BCAA and a few key ones like lysine, glycine, and glutamine always help build muscle and repair damaged tissue.

HEALTH,
John

Well I fasted for 2 weeks and when I finally quit I chose to eat. I could have easily gone another week and a half.

Needing a certain amount of protein is a myth. And one I love to debunk. With all these daily values and nutritionists who know nothing. What they mean to say is "this is 1 way of doing it" Cause by no means is necessarily the best. Body builders may have a better idea.

Thanks for the input. The thing is it's not based on anyone's opinion...This is blood work saying my protein is low.
Thx John I will look into the amino acids...I definitely eat protein must not be enough complete proteins.

L

I made a blog post containing my protein levels done by western medicine (CBC + more) versus a functional medicine test. The western medical test showed my protein levels were normal while the function medicine test showed mine was high.

For me it was due to my high levels of inflammation causing malabsorption. So if you're getting other markers off balance (i.e. anemia) and symptoms you described, you may be dealing with malabsorption. If it's just protein, I personally suggest wild caught salmon or other fish mentioned in this seafood chart showing fish higher in EPA/DHA & lower mercury levels. If you need to amp up plant-based proteins, try organic quinoa or quinoa flakes (instead of oatmeal) in the morning.

>> Headaches, low energy, achy muscles

Well, that is how I would feel if I didn't get enough carbs. Or if I had a reaction to a preservative, I would also feel exactly like that, particularly the benzoate/benzoic acid preservatives. Someone made an insightful comment pointing out that a low carb diet can increase chemical sensitivities. This may well be what happened to me too.

However.. the No Starch Diet does not have to be a low *carb* diet.

Z

Zark- you / Slayer- have helped me so much through the years.

yep. malabsorbtion is the cause. are you by any chance suffering from an intestinal disease?

Alinus,

Prior to going on Humira, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, IBS, and Ulcerative Colitis. Based on the charts of my autoimmune tests (review graph and timetable of inflammation) and how I feel now, I'm in remission.

the question was not directed to you my friend, but to our new member. i've just confirmed your supposition. i am aware of your condition, i've read your posts here :), since we are stuck in a quite similar situation.

good to see that you manage well. i've chosen another path - a more restrictive diet than nsd - and it's ok, i've achieved a long term remission.

the only thing that i cannot control is stress. it has a great impact on my condition. can put me in a short term flare even if other factors are under control. but that's another story.