Almost all gone

[jiml]

Thanks for the welcome back (I never really left, I just didn't have anything to report). I did read the iodine thread, yes. I've put it on my mental to-do list.

If you follow the news, the thing they're all going nuts for at the moment is gut bacteria. So my made-up diet is sort of aimed in that direction, plus I'm trying various teas and probiotics. Hoping to adjust my inner bugs. Eh, it's an idea.

Given the huge variability in what works for people, I'd be willing to bet the main factor in improvement is the placebo effect. But that's okay -- I believe the placebo effect is one of the most important and most grievously under-studied clinical issues of our time.

agreed about the placebo effect... Still good to see you

[mary]

Hey guys,

I've also tried different things.

I stay away from dairy and wheat products, as well as I try not to eat fried foods and I feel it helps.

Personally, I don't think I can do vegan. I mostly eat chicken, turkey, some pork and occasionally steak. Most of the times I will eat vegetables with the choice of meat. Also, if I want to make mash potatos I will only use chicken broth and olive oil.

One thing though, I found this website REMOVED BY FRED, this is basically a site where you can prepare different types of smoothies. The wonderful thing about this site is that they provide different recipes for different health issues as well as articles.
Personally, I use it for inflammation, Anti-inflammation, cholesterol, blood sugar as well as a couple of other things. After I make my smoothie under the inflammation or Anti-inflammation tabs I find that it helps with the arthritis issue and that I'm able to function on a day to day basis without any problems.

Now, regarding the itch I use Jojoba oil. This helps to keep the skin moist but you have to apply more later. I also heard coconut oil is a great thing to use as well. I personally believe, the itch is due to foods we eat and also our skin gets dry and don't keep it moist.

If I want bread, I've tried the Glutino brand which is basically gluten free product. I usually make a trip to the healthfood store to check out other brands. However, I try to limit in eating a lot of bread as well.

I hope this helps and If you guys have other suggestions I would love to hear as well.

[Grizzly Bear]

I personally believe, the itch is due to foods we eat and also our skin gets dry and don't keep it moist.

Mines fleas i think, or ants in me pants !

My itch happens if i'm dry or moist !

If it is food related this itch, it might take me years to work out which food it is.

[arfy]

Update:
I have continued experimenting with protein (and fat) intake.
At the start of the year I had about 5% calories from fat (about 10-11g fat per day). During summer I increased this to about 10% calories from fat, and even tho I was still on a vegan diet my condition stopped progressing both for the better and for the worse. I later lowered my fat intake to about 5% from calories again some time ago, and now see continued improvement.

Example of average daily intake of energy (this month). My weiht, about 78kg:
Kcal 2297, Fat 13g, Protein 77g, Fiber 39g, Carbs 511g

Would be interesting to know if anyone else get good results with these numbers.