Comments on: Eating in the Zone: My new Menieres Diet http://www.toastyfrog.net/2009/04/27/eating-in-the-zone-my-new-menieres-diet/ Wed, 07 Jul 2010 18:55:19 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: nancy http://www.toastyfrog.net/2009/04/27/eating-in-the-zone-my-new-menieres-diet/comment-page-1/#comment-477 nancy Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:20 +0000 http://www.toastyfrog.net/?p=319#comment-477 Thanks again Ruth, Your article really got me moving in a productive direction. I was so tired and brain dead when I went off caffeine. I wasn't connecting all the info I received from the specialist in a meaningful way. My return to the Zone diet has given me energy and my brain back. My system is working better and the possible metabolic component of this vestibular problem is being addressed. Having more energy, now, has renewed my interest in exercise - the circulation component my doctor mentioned. I also try to lay perfectly still for 15 minutes mid-day, everyday and this seems to renew my energy which allows me to do more things which aids circulation. The lower sodium diet helps because I notice a difference when I go above 1500 mgs. What has really helped is addressing the allergy component. 20 years ago I had allergy testing done after a few small episodes of this problem. I followed the advice of Dr. William Walsh and the Meniere's disappeared for 18 years. Maybe it was just a coincidence but I do much better now when I follow his advice of no artificial sweetener, avoid citrus and other acids, no MSG and really reduce refined sweeteners. My allergy test confirmed that I was sensitive to tomatoes and potatoes (nightshade family). Tomatoes, peas, corn and mushrooms are foods high in MSG and tomatoes are also high in citrus. So, I have my best days when I do all of the above. I am also sensitive to soy, wheat, egg whites and citrus. Every once in a while I have to take a Sudafed for airborne allergy. This helps also. I hope this helps others. Note, MSG occurs in many different forms, like hydrolyzed yeast protein and "natural flavors" and in other ways. One of the surprises was aged cheese and yogurt. They really need to be limited. Thanks again for getting me problem solving and more thoughtfully attacking this problem. Nancy Thanks again Ruth,
Your article really got me moving in a productive direction. I was so tired and brain dead when I went off caffeine. I wasn’t connecting all the info I received from the specialist in a meaningful way. My return to the Zone diet has given me energy and my brain back. My system is working better and the possible metabolic component of this vestibular problem is being addressed. Having more energy, now, has renewed my interest in exercise – the circulation component my doctor mentioned. I also try to lay perfectly still for 15 minutes mid-day, everyday and this seems to renew my energy which allows me to do more things which aids circulation. The lower sodium diet helps because I notice a difference when I go
above 1500 mgs. What has really helped is addressing the allergy component. 20 years ago I had allergy testing done after a few small episodes of this problem. I followed the advice of Dr. William Walsh and the Meniere’s disappeared for 18 years. Maybe it was just a coincidence but I do much better now when I follow his advice of no artificial sweetener, avoid citrus and other acids, no MSG and really reduce refined sweeteners. My allergy test confirmed that I was sensitive to tomatoes and potatoes (nightshade family). Tomatoes, peas, corn and mushrooms are foods high in MSG and tomatoes are also high in citrus. So, I have my best days when I do all of the above. I am also sensitive to soy, wheat, egg whites and citrus. Every once in a while I have to take a Sudafed for airborne allergy. This helps also. I hope this helps others. Note, MSG occurs in many different forms, like hydrolyzed yeast protein and “natural flavors” and in other ways. One of the surprises was aged cheese and yogurt. They really need to be limited. Thanks again for getting me problem solving and more thoughtfully attacking this problem. Nancy

]]> By: nancy http://www.toastyfrog.net/2009/04/27/eating-in-the-zone-my-new-menieres-diet/comment-page-1/#comment-476 nancy Mon, 22 Feb 2010 01:08:26 +0000 http://www.toastyfrog.net/?p=319#comment-476 Hi Ruth, The Zone diet is really helping. I found the turkey sausage links at Whole Foods and they are delicious but only two little skinny links have 230 mgs. of sodium. The other proteins for breakfast also have sodium and it really adds up for one meal. So today I bought ground turkey at TJ's and made the sausage patty recipe in the Zone book. They are scrumptious. I made them in 4 block sizes - 1/2 for 6:00 am 2 block meal and the other half for the 9:00 meal. I froze some for another time. What do you take for your seasonal allergies? My doc recommended Zrytec every night but that doesn't do much. How do these allergies affect Meniere's? Tylenol Sinus, RobitussinPE and Sudafed all help reduce my ear problem. At least temporarily. Why? Nancy Hi Ruth,
The Zone diet is really helping. I found the turkey sausage links at Whole Foods and they are delicious but only two little skinny links have 230 mgs. of sodium. The other proteins for breakfast also have sodium and it really adds up for one meal. So today I bought ground turkey at TJ’s and made the sausage patty recipe in the Zone book. They are scrumptious. I made them in 4 block sizes – 1/2 for 6:00 am 2 block meal and the other half for the 9:00 meal. I froze some for another time.
What do you take for your seasonal allergies? My doc recommended Zrytec every night but that doesn’t do much. How do these allergies affect Meniere’s? Tylenol Sinus, RobitussinPE and Sudafed all help reduce my ear problem. At least temporarily. Why? Nancy

]]> By: Geek2Nurse http://www.toastyfrog.net/2009/04/27/eating-in-the-zone-my-new-menieres-diet/comment-page-1/#comment-474 Geek2Nurse Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:44:43 +0000 http://www.toastyfrog.net/?p=319#comment-474 Hi Nancy, Yes, you will have a reaction to eating sodium, because it directly affects sodium levels in your body and that affects the whole fluid balance. The thing about sodium, though, is that your body needs a very defined amount in order to function. Sodium is extremely important, down to the cellular level. Without it, your muscles can't work, your nerves can't conduct signals, your kidneys won't work right, and on and on. As a result, no matter how much or how little you take in, your kidneys rapidly compensate to keep the balance, either hanging on to sodium or letting it be flushed out in your urine. That's why a low-sodium diet really isn't the answer. No matter how little sodium you take in, your body is going to keep those sodium levels where they need to be. All you're doing with a low-sodium diet is avoiding *fluctuations* in the sodium level. When you suddenly take in a larger amount of sodium, your reaction is actually more significant, because you've been sensitized to it. The reason the Zone diet helps is that sodium levels are controlled ultimately by your insulin levels. Once you get those stabilized, you can gradually (key word is GRADUALLY, to let your body get used to it again) increase your sodium intake to normal levels, and let the usual control systems manage the balance. I hope that makes sense! Ruth Hi Nancy,

Yes, you will have a reaction to eating sodium, because it directly affects sodium levels in your body and that affects the whole fluid balance. The thing about sodium, though, is that your body needs a very defined amount in order to function. Sodium is extremely important, down to the cellular level. Without it, your muscles can’t work, your nerves can’t conduct signals, your kidneys won’t work right, and on and on. As a result, no matter how much or how little you take in, your kidneys rapidly compensate to keep the balance, either hanging on to sodium or letting it be flushed out in your urine. That’s why a low-sodium diet really isn’t the answer. No matter how little sodium you take in, your body is going to keep those sodium levels where they need to be. All you’re doing with a low-sodium diet is avoiding *fluctuations* in the sodium level. When you suddenly take in a larger amount of sodium, your reaction is actually more significant, because you’ve been sensitized to it.

The reason the Zone diet helps is that sodium levels are controlled ultimately by your insulin levels. Once you get those stabilized, you can gradually (key word is GRADUALLY, to let your body get used to it again) increase your sodium intake to normal levels, and let the usual control systems manage the balance.

I hope that makes sense!
Ruth

]]> By: Judy http://www.toastyfrog.net/2009/04/27/eating-in-the-zone-my-new-menieres-diet/comment-page-1/#comment-473 Judy Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:43:31 +0000 http://www.toastyfrog.net/?p=319#comment-473 Ruth, Have you tried any of the supplements? I have been researching and came across a regimen of different supplements, and from what I understand, people have had wonderful results from them. I can't take antihistimines or decongestants due to an A-fib problem. I also have been diagnosed with a goiter that will be addressed next month. This is such a nightmare to me right now, and I don't even have the official dx. Ruth, Have you tried any of the supplements? I have been researching and came across a regimen of different supplements, and from what I understand, people have had wonderful results from them. I can’t take antihistimines or decongestants due to an A-fib problem. I also have been diagnosed with a goiter that will be addressed next month. This is such a nightmare to me right now, and I don’t even have the official dx.

]]> By: Geek2Nurse http://www.toastyfrog.net/2009/04/27/eating-in-the-zone-my-new-menieres-diet/comment-page-1/#comment-472 Geek2Nurse Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:30:30 +0000 http://www.toastyfrog.net/?p=319#comment-472 Judy, diet seems to be the best way to control that inner ear pressure. The pressure is caused by fluid imbalance, and fluid balance in the body is controlled by chemical balance, and the most direct way to control the chemical balance is through diet. Sodium is a big player in that game, but as my post notes, sodium balance is affected by hydration and insulin levels. So the bottom line is working to stay hydrated and keep your insulin levels as steady as possible. Other things that affect your inner ear pressure are stress levels (stress causes increased levels of cortisol, which increases blood sugar, which increases insulin production), seasonal allergies (antihistamines and decongestants help), and barometric pressure fluctuations. The only one of those we can't at least somewhat control is barometric pressure -- that one you just have to ride out! Ruth Judy, diet seems to be the best way to control that inner ear pressure. The pressure is caused by fluid imbalance, and fluid balance in the body is controlled by chemical balance, and the most direct way to control the chemical balance is through diet. Sodium is a big player in that game, but as my post notes, sodium balance is affected by hydration and insulin levels. So the bottom line is working to stay hydrated and keep your insulin levels as steady as possible.

Other things that affect your inner ear pressure are stress levels (stress causes increased levels of cortisol, which increases blood sugar, which increases insulin production), seasonal allergies (antihistamines and decongestants help), and barometric pressure fluctuations. The only one of those we can’t at least somewhat control is barometric pressure — that one you just have to ride out!

Ruth

]]> By: nancy http://www.toastyfrog.net/2009/04/27/eating-in-the-zone-my-new-menieres-diet/comment-page-1/#comment-471 nancy Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:14:52 +0000 http://www.toastyfrog.net/?p=319#comment-471 Thanks Ruth, I have a TJ's just around the corner and a Whole Foods. I am in Huntington Beach Ca. I wonder if Dr. Black has a colleague in my area - one who is aware of the possible relationship between insulin balance and inner ear functioning. I will give him a call. I wish I could say sodium wasn't much of an issue but everytime I overdue, even maybe only 500 mgs., my tinnitus gets loud the next day and my ear feels full. Except for the breakfast protein, I, too, find the diet fairly easy to follow. Thanks again, Nancy J Thanks Ruth,
I have a TJ’s just around the corner and a Whole Foods. I am in Huntington Beach Ca. I wonder if Dr. Black has a colleague in my area – one who is aware of the possible relationship between insulin balance and inner ear functioning. I will give him a call. I wish I could say sodium wasn’t much of an issue but everytime I overdue, even maybe only 500 mgs., my tinnitus gets loud the next day and my ear feels full. Except for the breakfast protein, I, too, find the diet fairly easy to follow. Thanks again, Nancy J

]]> By: Judy http://www.toastyfrog.net/2009/04/27/eating-in-the-zone-my-new-menieres-diet/comment-page-1/#comment-470 Judy Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:10:27 +0000 http://www.toastyfrog.net/?p=319#comment-470 Please tell me what you do for the pressure in the ear. It absolutely makes me insane! I can't sleep with it, I walk the floors all night. I will be going to a specialist tomorrow, but I think I have MM. I've cut out almost everything except frsh fruit, chicken, and veggies. But I still get the pressure for days. Today is the first day in 3 that I feel "normal". Have you tried lemon bioflavinoid tablets, or vinpocetine? I understand these are supposed to help alot with the hydrops. I will do whatever I have to to get rid of that stuffed, plugged up feeling. I really can't take it! Please tell me what you do for the pressure in the ear. It absolutely makes me insane! I can’t sleep with it, I walk the floors all night. I will be going to a specialist tomorrow, but I think I have MM. I’ve cut out almost everything except frsh fruit, chicken, and veggies. But I still get the pressure for days. Today is the first day in 3 that I feel “normal”. Have you tried lemon bioflavinoid tablets, or vinpocetine? I understand these are supposed to help alot with the hydrops. I will do whatever I have to to get rid of that stuffed, plugged up feeling. I really can’t take it!

]]> By: Geek2Nurse http://www.toastyfrog.net/2009/04/27/eating-in-the-zone-my-new-menieres-diet/comment-page-1/#comment-467 Geek2Nurse Wed, 17 Feb 2010 07:11:07 +0000 http://www.toastyfrog.net/?p=319#comment-467 Hi Nancy, I'm not sure where you are, but here in the Pacific NW we have Trader Joe's, and they have a lot of great low-sodium foods. I've also found breakfast sausages with more acceptable sodium levels at Whole Foods. Incidentally, my doctor's instructions were actually to gradually bring my sodium intake back up to normal levels (~2g/day) once I got going on the Zone diet, rather than keeping it low. My specialist's name is Dr. F. Owen Black, in Portland. Ruth Hi Nancy,

I’m not sure where you are, but here in the Pacific NW we have Trader Joe’s, and they have a lot of great low-sodium foods. I’ve also found breakfast sausages with more acceptable sodium levels at Whole Foods. Incidentally, my doctor’s instructions were actually to gradually bring my sodium intake back up to normal levels (~2g/day) once I got going on the Zone diet, rather than keeping it low.

My specialist’s name is Dr. F. Owen Black, in Portland.

Ruth

]]> By: nancy http://www.toastyfrog.net/2009/04/27/eating-in-the-zone-my-new-menieres-diet/comment-page-1/#comment-466 nancy Tue, 16 Feb 2010 23:57:27 +0000 http://www.toastyfrog.net/?p=319#comment-466 Hi Ruth, As I searched "meniere's and diet" ( I think that was it??) I saw you. Your words leaped out at me (meniere's and the Zone diet). I saw a specialist two weeks ago (The House Clinic) and I told him that the low sodium diet worked somewhat but I still was taking Bonine(25mg) twice a day. Did I have to take it forever? Sometimes I needed three a day. This recent round of dizzy events coincided with menopause, also. He said the problems come from circulation, metabolic and a host of other issues. Sodium levels, allergies, menopause, etc. all play a part. Then he wanted to sign me up for a shunt surgery in the vestibule. As I read up on that procedure I thought there must be some other way to tackle this. I have read elsewhere that there is a high incidence of people with hypoglycemia symptoms who have Meniere's so when I saw your finding I jumped in. I was on the Zone eleven years ago to take off the 12 pounds I gained cooking for my three men during the high school years. I really like that diet. I pulled out my book to reread and began 5 days ago. I also added daily walks instead of just 3 times per week. I have had only one Bonine in five days. Sometimes my ear feel full and I have a little roaring but it never goes the full distance into Vertigo. My energy has improved and certainly my mood. I'll keep you posted. Where can I find Low sodium breakfast sausage without nitrates? Breakfast protein is my biggest challenge. I worry about whole eggs and I am not a fan of egg white only omelettes. Thanks again. Who is this wonderful md. you went to. Nancy j Hi Ruth,
As I searched “meniere’s and diet” ( I think that was it??) I saw you. Your words leaped out at me (meniere’s and the Zone diet). I saw a specialist two weeks ago (The House Clinic) and I told him that the low sodium diet worked somewhat but I still was taking Bonine(25mg) twice a day. Did I have to take it forever? Sometimes I needed three a day. This recent round of dizzy events coincided with menopause, also. He said the problems come from circulation, metabolic and a host of other issues. Sodium levels, allergies, menopause, etc. all play a part. Then he wanted to sign me up for a shunt surgery in the vestibule. As I read up on that procedure I thought there must be some other way to tackle this. I have read elsewhere that there is a high incidence of people with hypoglycemia symptoms who have Meniere’s so when I saw your finding I jumped in. I was on the Zone eleven years ago to take off the 12 pounds I gained cooking for my three men during the high school years. I really like that diet. I pulled out my book to reread and began 5 days ago. I also added daily walks instead of just 3 times per week. I have had only one Bonine in five days. Sometimes my ear feel full and I have a little roaring but it never goes the full distance into Vertigo. My energy has improved and certainly my mood. I’ll keep you posted. Where can I find Low sodium breakfast sausage without nitrates? Breakfast protein is my biggest challenge. I worry about whole eggs and I am not a fan of egg white only omelettes. Thanks again. Who is this wonderful md. you went to. Nancy j

]]> By: dianne fagerness http://www.toastyfrog.net/2009/04/27/eating-in-the-zone-my-new-menieres-diet/comment-page-1/#comment-457 dianne fagerness Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:36:03 +0000 http://www.toastyfrog.net/?p=319#comment-457 Hi, I have had menieres for about 8 years now. I find that the air pressure is a big trigger for vertigo. I have started taking ginger root, it's used for motion sickness and it seems to have helped me. I live in the northwest and the weather can change very quickly, today for example the air pressure is very low so I took a dramamine because I can actually tell when the pressure is changing. (I usually just take 1/2 a pill because I don't like how it makes me groggy) This seems to help me, I hope it can help someone else. Take care, Dianne Hi, I have had menieres for about 8 years now. I find that the air pressure is a big trigger for vertigo. I have started taking ginger root, it’s used for motion sickness and it seems to have helped me.
I live in the northwest and the weather can change very quickly, today for example the air pressure is very low so I took a dramamine because I can actually tell when the pressure is changing. (I usually just take 1/2 a pill because I don’t like how it makes me groggy) This seems to help me, I hope it can help someone else.
Take care, Dianne

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