Book Review: The Lyme Diet by Dr. Nicola McFadzean

I've tried every low-inflammation diet out there. Every. Single. One. There were times where I was eating only vegetables and there were times when I fell off the wagon and ate everything in sight. 

On the most restrictive diet I was losing too much weight and my quality of life suffered. No one wanted to invite me out to dinner or to a party, because they knew there would be nothing for me on the menu. On the standard American diet I couldn't sleep at night, because of the aches in my back and hips. I'd spend hours tossing and turning.

Enter The Lyme Diet. Dr. Nicola McFadzean's plan is the perfect balance. Don't get me wrong, compared to the standard American diet it's extremely restrictive with the basic principles being no gluten, no dairy, and no sugar. But compared to an incredibly restrictive diet, like the autoimmune protocol, it's a diet you can stick to while still being able to dine out and not spend every waking hour cooking meals from scratch.

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Like most anti-inflammatory diets, there are restrictions on gluten-containing grains and dairy, but unlike some anti-inflammatory diets, one is still allowed eggs, rice, beans, and potatoes. I think any anti-inflammatory diet has to be individualized. Personally, I avoid eggs, some types of beans, and limit my grain intake to 1-2 servings a day. Over time, I've been able to determine which foods increase my symptoms and limit those in my diet.

The Lyme Diet is also a quick read. It's not published by a major press, so there are some aspects are slightly unpolished, but it didn't take away from the information presented. This is also a comprehensive book about Lyme and wellness. It gives clear and concise suggestions about things like detoxification, supplementation, and natural treatments. There is also a list of resources and referrals. After reading this book, I hesitated to put it back on my shelf, because it feels like I should always have it available for quick reference.
 
Many doctors have told me, "You have to live your life." If I have a cupcake at my sister-in-law's wedding, it's okay. I might have consequences, but if most days I stick to the diet, it’s better than no days.

You can buy the book on Amazon and follow my Pinterest boards for The Lyme Diet compliant recipes. 

"Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." - from In Defense of Food by Michael Pollen