So I’ve finally had a referral to the NHS Dietitians, I know what eating healthy looks like and have the challenge of balancing a few conditions.
Why a challenge when there is so much out there about what you can/can’t eat? Well, I do a lot of the cooking at home for my partner and our two kids. Our youngest is ASC and will only eat his safe foods, no matter how much we try he rejects new things. This diet is pretty boring for our eldest, she does like to ‘join’ us for a grown-up meal, but won’t eat a large number of vegetables or flavours which gets boring for her mum and dad. So, by the time we’ve cooked two main meals a day, the thought of a third which is also governed by so many do not eats is tough going.
Really looking forward to getting an insight into what I can do and speaking with an expert on the subject!
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
PsA is a chronic condition that combines hidden inflammation of joints with visible skin changes seen in psoriasis. This autoimmune disorder can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. Managing PsA involves a combination of medical treatment and lifestyle adjustments to control inflammation, alleviate pain, and prevent joint damage, ultimately aiming to improve the overall quality of life for those affected.
Foods to Avoid
Alcohol – Your liver is an important part of inflammation control, drinking makes it work harder and disrupts the way your organs work together.
Sugar – Releases Cytokines, which are small proteins that control the growth and activity of other immune system cells and blood cells.
Fried & Processed foods – Trans fats are bad and can trigger inflammation throughout your body.
Sweetener – If it’s sweetened with Aspartame, avoid it, your body sees it as a foreign substance and triggers an immune response.
Dairy, Red meats & Processed meats – Saturated fats can make inflammation significantly worse.
Chron’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily affects the digestive tract. This autoimmune disorder causes inflammation and irritation in different parts of the gastrointestinal system, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. Crohn’s can vary greatly in severity and location of its impact, often resulting in periods of remission and flare-ups. Managing the disease involves a combination of medical treatment, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes to control inflammation and enhance the patient’s well-being.
Foods to Avoid
Alcohol – Your liver is an important part of inflammation control, drinking makes it work harder and disrupts the way your organs work together.
Sugar – Releases Cytokines, which are small proteins that control the growth and activity of other immune system cells and blood cells.
Sweetener – If it’s sweetened with Aspartame, avoid it, your body sees it as a foreign substance and triggers an immune response.
Fibrous Foods – things that are harder to digest and are insoluble (lots of vegetables and some seeds/nuts)
High Lactose and High Fat Foods – cow’s milk, cream, ice cream, custard, butter, cheesy dishes, fried foods are a no go.
Spicy foods – Chillies can cause irritation of the bowel, these aren’t recommended during a flare up.
Caffeinated Drinks – coffee/tea, energy drinks, other caffeinated beverages should be avoided.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that affects how the body regulates blood sugar (glucose). Type 2 diabetes results from a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. In this condition, the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. This can lead to elevated blood sugar, which, if left unmanaged, can contribute to various health complications over time.
There’s nothing you cannot eat if you have type 2 diabetes, but you’ll have to limit certain foods.
Foods to Limit
Keep sugar, fat and salt to a minimum
Healthy Routine
Eat a wide range of foods – including fruit, vegetables and some starchy foods like pasta
Eat breakfast, lunch and dinner every day – do not skip meals
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