PAIN

Q: I started the AIP diet 6 weeks prior to the ATP program. I also began taking NDT at that same time.  I haven’t had any relief in my symptoms; they may actually be worse. The worst one is muscle and joint pain; it’s more widespread now.  As a result, I rarely sleep well.  I’ve eliminated the foods that showed up in a food sensitivity test and follow the ATP food plan as well as the supplements. I’ve been taking magnesium for a long time already and it does not help. This pain is all day every day.  Do you have any suggestions what could be causing this and how I can get relief? 

A: Unfortunately, pain is common in those with Hashimoto’s, including chronic muscle/joint pain. Chronic pain is often the result of inflammation. When inflammation arises, specific pathways are activated, releasing molecules such as histamine, for example, that can create the sensation of pain. This can also promote autoimmune processes. 

I’m not sure when you eliminated the foods from your food sensitivity test, or which one you used. Dr. Wentz believes that the Alletess Food Sensitivity Tests are the most accurate. But if you recently started to eliminate those foods, it could take some time before you find relief. 

Aside from magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids are also something that can help lower inflammation, and B vitamins can help alleviate neuropathic pain. 

You may want to look into removing nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, bell peppers, and ashwagandha are a few). Rootcology Adrenal Support does contain ashwagandha as well, so you may want to stop that supplement and see if your pain lessens. If it does, then you may have been reacting to that adaptogen, and you could utilize the Alternate Supplement Guide, which was created for those that are sensitive to ashwagandha. In the guide you can find alternative supplements to the Adrenal Support. The guide is in the portal under the Supplements tab.

A low FODMAP diet may also be beneficial if FODMAPs are an issue, as well as a low oxalate diet.  

There may also be some hidden infections that contribute to pain, such as Candida, EBV, H. Pylori and SIBO.

For more information on this topic and strategies to help manage chronic pain naturally, you may want to check out Dr. Wentz’s article on managing pain with Hashimoto’s. It goes over in detail some of the things I mentioned.