Tuesday, April 13, 2010

The experimentation begins...

I went to see the Naturopathic Doctor today, Nina Lange at Pacifica Naturopathic Clinic.
I have met and seen her speak before on nutrition and I knew she would have some insight and ideas on how to tackle my problem.

Right away after we discussed what's been going on we decided to 1) cut out dairy. However, I find things like yogurt and cheese are fine, it's mainly milk that I have trouble with. I have been drinking almond milk for the past few months and I'll just keep with it and eliminate the chocolate milk.

2) No Gluten

3) No corn anything

I am doing this for 3 weeks to see how I feel. Fortunately, I am pretty creative in the kitchen and I don't eat a lot of wheat anyways. No more salads or raw veggies for lunch. They wreak havoc on my system, especially if I have to run later in the afternoon! No problem though, I'll cook em!

She is also going to give me a few recovery drink recipes to try out using Vega. I am sure these will be more nutrient dense than the endurox or chocolate milk I have been using post run. I will also be taking probiotics and lot's more L-glutamine.

I have never been one to take vitamin supplements because I have always been told you can get all you need from food. However, as ultra runners, who demand so much of themselves, perhaps we need more than what we can take in from food???? Thoughts????

Can't wait for a beautiful day in the Squamish mountains tomorrow as this girl turns the big 26!!!!!

See you in the trails!!!!!

6 comments:

Sara Montgomery said...

Interesting. I'm going to see a ND next week, can't wait!

Happy Birthday!

Paige said...

I have been taking vitamin supplements since my teens. I've always been told we get enough from our diet alone, but I'm not always consistent with what I eat, so I supplement. It's worked well for me, especially once I started running more and more. Certainly can't hurt, as long as you follow dosage suggestions correctly!

SteveQ said...

Why cut out corn products? The Tarahumara eat nothing else when running.

The very slight increase in vitamin needs is compensated in athletes by increased caloric intake. Lack of magnesium, potassium and calcium are more probable, but simply eating fruits and vegetables will cover that.

l-glutamine levels do get suppressed post-exercise, but this doesn't mean it needs supplementing; I've written two whole posts on the subject. Taking it won't hurt, but it's wasted money.

Kaz said...

Happy Birthday! It was mine yesterday, but I have a few years on you (32). I was out on the trails today too, but at a walking pace, however I was very pleased to walk 10 miles - not bad for a big old pregnant puffer!

I do hope you find the root of your tummy troubles - be prepared for it to take a wee bit of time, but it is worth it in the end.

Yeah raw veggies and running are not always great friends!

Kaz.

Tom Craik said...

I'm with Steve. Corn is all natural and it has been eaten for years and years by many indigenous populations, like the Tarahumara. It seems weird to cut it out. I recently watched a documentary called Food Inc.(check it out) and it discussed how many products we consume that are a derivitive of corn. It was something like 80% of all products in the grocery store. Maybe that's what you are meant to cut out? The processed corn biproducts?

Anyway, glad you sorted it out. Hope it works.

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday, Nicola!

I know it will be an amazing year for you, the fun is how it all unfolds!

As you begin a new year, thought you might like this Native American Proverb:

"May your life be like a wildflower, growing freely in the beauty and joy of each day."