Quote:
Originally Posted by David M
All,
Speaking of eating and living better...
I wanted to mention something from a conversation I had with my local hematologist a while back related to personal energy and stamina -- perhaps some of you will find this helpful. I was concerned about my energy level (I had no energy) and stamina (I tire out very quickly), and I asked her if she had any recommendations for things I could to to try and maximize my stamina and energy.
She suggested two things: (1) Reducing sugars, etc., by adopting a Mediterranean Diet plan; (2) Drinking 2 oz. of Pomegranate juice daily (she mentioned some studies done of men battling prostate cancer, I think, and this had proven to be a positive benefit... maybe someone can Google it?).
Well, to be honest, at this point I haven't exactly adopted the Mediterranean Diet plan (although I have been reading up on it some, and it looks good to me), but my new eating habits due to my recent diabetes diagnosis have pushed me in that general direction. However, I have been faithfully drinking the 2 oz. of pomegranate juice daily.
Overall, I have felt a little better in the energy department. Stamina improvement? Not so much. But I'm still working on that one. I need to do a better job of incorporating regular exercise (at least walking) into my daily regimen -- exercise is a key ingredient I've not taken as seriously as I should.
Since my recent diabetes diagnosis, I have tried to adopt a better eating / living strategy... basically being mindful of my intake via reading labels and counting carbs -- and exercise. I guess I've been somewhat successful, but I still have a lot to learn. Cutting back drastically on sugar intake -- which is a personal goal I had considered for many years -- is something only now (under diabetes threat) have I taken real steps to do.
Anyway, a little food for thought... maybe these ramblings will help someone, or maybe some of you have suggestions as well.
Blessing to all,
David M
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Hi David
Glad to hear you're doing well! I don't know if you've read my posts. but we're a little bit similar in some ways, and nothing alike in others. If I didn't eat honey, I'd be vegan. I have digestive dramas, and have done so since day dot. I tend to eat low fodmap, which works wonders for overall digestion and nutrient absorption, and I am very mindful that I do my best to fulfill my macronutrients. Apart from iron, protein is essential, and I do my best to incorporate as much as possible in a plant based diet. Yay, for peanut butter! I have always done this but it wasn't until I had covid last year, and my marrow shutdown, sending my reticulocytes into a spiral, that I appreciated just how significant protein is in recovery. I ate chicken for a bit there, and the results were impressive! I have read that leaning towards a high protein diet, not flat out keto, just a decent focus on protein, is a positive for diabetes also. I'm not an expert though, and I don't have diabetes. I have had a few prediabetes test results, so it is a little watch this space that way for me there. There's nothing negative to say about the Mediterranean diet. On all levels it is amazing! I can't eat seafood though because of my thyroid, but I would be all about it if I could!
Exercise is a big part of my home treatment. It helps me mentally, as well as physically. My stamina is not what it used to be. It dwindles every year, but I still manage to do up to 2 hours of low impact movement a day. This is a much shorter walk than what I used to do, as much as I can manage on my indoor bike, which can be 90 minutes if I don't walk, or 60 minutes if I do, and around 15 to 30 minutes of yoga, depending on which church mass I am rushing to get to on time. I used to jog 10kms, do an hour of yoga, 40 or so minutes of light weights, and around 15 minutes of yin yoga. I was doing so for my muscles and joints. They say motion is lotion and I agree, as I am 6 years in, and have only just started using voltaren on my knees each morning. I also have a high focus on exercise because I am pretty sedentary after that. I do what I can about the place but unlike my stamina which decreases every year, my limitations increase. I hope that you can find the drive to get that exercise happening. It really does help on many levels. There's nothing like a walk with God as the sun rises, or sets!
I also do my best not to drift off into naps, which can be insanely hard some days. This also helps my energy levels as it helps me to get better sleep at night. Sleep quality is super important when you are struggling with your energy levels. I go to bed early, rise early, and keep my body, mind, and spirit busy!
Anyhoo, I'm not a postcard for things working out fantastically, but I'm not on medication yet, and have been stable for a long time!
I hope you keep feeling well