Nutrition - Foods that are Triggers
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PORPHYRIA FACTS: NUTRITION - FOODS THAT ARE TRIGGERS

Porphyria patients can avoid bad drugs, environmental and industrial toxins and
avoid infection, but can still trigger themselves due to porphyringenic foods.

Not all of the foods will trigger all porphyria patients, as all patients have
different sensitivities and react differently, however all patients should be aware
of such foods and the additives and preservatives which can trigger attacks.

SOURCE:
Robert Johnson M.D.
Internal Medicine
++++++++++++++++++++++++

Calcium, dietary
Calcium compounds used as food supplements or in food to supply the body
with calcium. Dietary calcium is needed during growth for bone development and
for maintenance of skeletal integrity later in life to prevent osteoporosis.

+++++++++++++++++

Calorie
A calorie is a unit of measurement defined as 4.184 absolute joules or the
amount of energy it takes to raise the temperature of one gram of water from 15
to 16 degrees Celsius (or1/100th the amount of
energy needed to raise the temperature of one gram of water at one atmosphere
pressure from 0 degrees C to 100 degrees C), food calories are actually equal to
1,000 calories (1 food calorie = 1
kilocalorie).
+++++++++++++++++
Carbohydrate
Very abundant compounds, usually an aldehyde or ketone derivative of a
polyhydric alcohol, particularly of the pentahydric and hexahydric alcohols.

They are so named because the hydrogen and oxygen are usually in the
proportion to form water with the general formula Cn(H2O)n.

The most important carbohydrates are the starches, sugars, celluloses and
gums.

They are classified into mono, di, tri, poly and heterosaccharides.

The smallest are monosaccharides like glucose whereas polysaccharides such
as starch, cellulose or glycogen can be large and indeterminate in length.

Acute hepatic porphyria patients must be sure to have a minimum of 400 mg of
carbohydrate per 24 hours to bring an attack under control.

During remission a porphyria patient must be sure to consume at least 350 mg
minimum of carbohydrate.

Carbohydrates - dietary
Carbohydrates present in food comprising digestible sugars and starches and
indigestible cellulose and other dietary fibers. The former are the major source of
energy. The sugars are in beet and cane sugar, fruits, honey, sweet corn, corn
syrup, milk and milk products, etc.; the starches are in cereal grains, legumes,
tubers, etc. In patients with hepatic forms of porphyria, a peron should consume
at least 350 mg of carbohydrate per day, or the carbohydrates should make up
60-65% of the daily consumption.

Carbohydrate metabolism
The breakdown of starches and sugars into smaller units that can be used by the
body for energy.



Porphyrinogenic food
Does one have to avoid foods that are porphyrinogenic?

Avoid porphyrinogenic foods. Such foods can trigger heme synthesis.

SOURCE:
Nutritional Guidelines For Porphyria
AIP Medical Guide
Sheryl Wilson, [HCP], MSN, RD
++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Can some foods trigger porphyria?

Certain vegatables such as cabbage and brussel sprouts may contain chemicals
that can stimulate heme synthesis.

SOURCE:
Diet and Nutrition in Porphyria
Dr. Karl E. Anderson
American Porphyria Foundation
Houston, Texas
+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Can certain foods trigger a porphyria attack?

Foods contain many natural chemicals that can stimulate the heme biosynthetic
pathway.

Although none have been definitely linked to attacks of porphyria, the possibility
that these chemicals might contribute should be kept in mind especially when
attacks of porphyria recur in the absence of a definite inciting factor.

These foods are considered porphyrinogenic.

SOURCE:
Nutritional Guidelines For People With Porphyria
AIP Medical Guide
Sheryl Wilson, [HCP], MSN, RD
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Estrogen
Estrogen is to be avoided by all PCT patients and is thought to be a trigger in
the acute porphyrias. Soy products containing natural estrogen.

SOURCE:
Dr, Robert Johnson M.D.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Food allergy
Can plant allergies be the same as food allergies?

Allergy-stimulating proteins in pollens released by plants are chemically similar
or even identical to those in some fruits and vegetables.

SOURCE:
Dr. Leonard Bielory
Asthma and Allergy Research Center
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain sulphur and should be avoided since sulphur is a trigger.

SOURCE:
Audrey Winter RD
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++See Separate File NUTRITION: Sulphites & Sulphur
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Melons
Can melons cause allergic reactions?

Some people allergic to ragweed feel symptoms spike suddenly after eating
honeydew melon, cantaloupe or bananas.

Symptoms can also spike after drinking chamomile tea, using soap or face
powder containing chamomile, or taking herbal supplements that include it.

SOURCE:

AETNA IntellaHealth
September 5, 2002
Common Foods Worsen Symptoms
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Is it o.k. to eat red grapes and red cabbages and plums?

Avoid porphyrinogenic foods such as red grapes, red cabbage, plums
and prunes.

SOURCE:
Nutritional Guidelines For Porphyria
AIP Medical Guide
Sheryl Wilson, [HCP], MSN, RD
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Herbal teas
Herbal tea containing chamomile should be avoided.

Chamomile containing products have been indicated as triggers in some
porphyria patients.

SOURCE:
Sheryl WIlson [HCP] MSN RD
++++++++++++++++++++++
Soy
Soy is a food products that is found in many forms. For most people soy does
not cause any problems.

However acute porphyria patients as well as PCT patients, soy products should
be avoided.

Soy contains phytoestrogens.

SOURCE:
Sheryl Wilson [HCP] MSN R.D.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Cabage &^ brussel sprouts
Can some foods stimulate heme synthesuis and induce porphyria attacks?

Certain vegatables such as cabbage and brussel sprouts may contain chemicals
that can stimulate heme synthesis.

SOURCE:
Diet and Nutrition in Porphyria
Dr. Karl E. Anderson
American Porphyria Foundation
Houston, Texas
++++++++++++++++++++++
Graefruit in any forms should be avoided as it can induce the cytochrome P-450.

Grapefruit consumption can also alter the metabolism and absorption of various
drugs.

SOURCE:
Robert Johnson M.D.
Internal Medicine
++++++++++++++++

********SEE SEPARATE FILE “Nutrion: Grapefruit
++++++++++++++++
Organic foods
Organic foods are any foods grown without the use of chemical fertilizers or
pesticides, in soil made rich by composting and mulching. Pertaining to
carbon-based compounds produced by living plants, animals or by synthetic
processes.
++++++++++++++++

Organ meats

Should eating organ meats be avoided?

Particles of insecticides along with heavy metal toxins are stored in the liver.

Eating liver should be avoided especially from wild game and poultry.

SOURCE:
Nutritional Guidelines For Porphyria
AIP Medical Guide
Sheryl Wilson, [HCP], MSN, RD
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++




Should eating organ meats be avoided?

Particles of insecticides along with heavy metal toxins are stored in the liver.
Eating liver should be avoided especially from wild game and poultry.

SOURCE:
Nutritional Guidelines For Porphyria
AIP Medical Guide
Sheryl Wilson, [HCP], MSN, RD
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Internal organs of wild game such at the liver, should be avoided.

Heavy stores of metals along with traces of insecticides may be present.

SOURCE:
Valerie Christiansen RD
+++++++++++++++++++

Do frozen seafood products contain substances that need to be avoided
by porphyria patients?

Many seafood items are packaged with sulphites to keep them fresh.

It is necessary to read all package labels.

SOURCE:
Robert Johnson M.D.
Internal Medicine
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Plums & Prunes

Purple plums and prunes can stimulate heme synthesis and must be avoided by
porphyria patients.

SOURCE:
Jocelyn Barnes RD
Nutrition & Dietary Patient Educator
+++++++++++++++++++++++





Red grapes are known to stimulate heme synthesis which can trigger porphyria.

The eating of red grapes should be avoided.

SOURCE:
Francine Gibbons MSN
Nutrition and Dietary Patient Education
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Tomatoes
Tomatoes contain sulphur and should be avoided since sulphur is a trigger.

SOURCE:
Audrey Winter RD
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++See Separate File NUTRITION: Sulphites & Sulphur
++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Should there be iron intake for porphyria patients?

Iron intake should be adequate to avoid iron deficiency.

SOURCE:
Diet and Nutrition in Porphyria
Dr. Karl E. Anderson
American Porphyria Foundation
Houston, Texas
+++++++++++++++++++++++

Should porphyria patients consume pytochemical supplements?

It is not necessary to be taking phytochemical supplements.

If you are eating a variety of foods that are rich in these substances you will
consume enough phytochemicals.

Phytochemical-rich foods like brightly colored fruits and vegetables, and whole
grains and legumes contain much more than phytochemicals.

These foods are healthful for a variety of reasons, like being naturally low in fat
and rich in vitamins and minerals.

SOURCE:
Phytochemicals
L.B. Bobroff et. al.
Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
University of Florida
1998
+++++++++++++++++++++++

What foods stimulate heme synthesis and trigger acute attacks?

Avoid foods such as red grapes, cabbage, brussel sprouts, red plums, all which
may contain chemicals that in large amounts can stimulate heme and porphyrin
synthesis.
.
SOURCE:
Nutritional Guidelines For Porphyria
AIP Medical Guide
Sheryl Wilson, [HCP], MSN, RD
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Which foods are neurotoxins which can make the PN worse?

Try to avoid foods or drinks high in caffeine, including coffee, chocolate and
sodas.

Caffeine can make neuropathy and pain worse.

SOURCE:
Mayo Health News
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

What affect do Nutrients have in regard to porphyria peripheral neuropathy?

While nutrients and vitamin supplements haven't been studied the way other
drugs have been as treatments for peripheral neuropathy, there are some things
you can do yourselfthat may help with symptoms.

Many of the B vitamins have been found to help withsymptoms of peripheral
neuropathy, although high levels of B6 may worsen symptoms.

The ones that are helpful are B1, B12 and folate.

Try taking a multivitamin with vitamin Ein it, and a B complex to help with
symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

Make sure the Bcomplex, sometimes called a vitamin B stress complex, has
folate in it. Vitamin B12 canalso be given by shots into a muscle every couple of
weeks, and this probably gets morevitamin B12 into the body than vitamin pills.

Other supplementation that has shown some effect on neuropathy include
magnesium.

SOURCE:
Mount Sinai Neuro Research Program
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Hepatic porphyria patients should avoid the following at all times.

Always restrict fat and proteins during active porphyria.

Avoid chamomile containg foods.
* Acute porphyria patients known to have
sensitive reactions to chamomile.

Avoid Balsam containing foods.
Citrus fruits
Cola
Chocolate
Spices including Vanilla
Tomatoes

Avoid Soy containing foods.
* Soy is a natural estrogen.

SOURCE:
Sheryl Wilson MNS RD

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

What are porphyrinogenic foods?

Porphyrenogenic foods contain chemicals that stimulate heme synthesis.

Cabbage
Brussel sprouts
Red plums
Red grapes
Red/purple grape juice
Purple prunes

SOURCE:
Sheryl Wilson MNS RD
+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Can ragweed affect porphyria patients?

Some people allergic to ragweed feel symptoms spike suddenly after eating
honeydew melon, cantaloupe or bananas.

Symptoms can also spike after drinking chamomile tea, using soap or face
powder containing chamomile, or taking herbal supplements that include it.

SOURCE:
AETNA IntellaHealth
September 5, 2002
Common Foods Worsen Symptoms
++++++++++++++++++++++++

Are some foods to be avoided by porphyria patients with cutaneous symptoms?

If you have a skin allergy known as contact dermatitis, you might want to think
twice before you eat that tomato.

Tomatoes and other foods, as well as certain spices, are related to balsam,
which exacerbates contact dermatitis.

These same foods can be considered irritants and exacerbate other cutaneous
medical conditions including the porphyrias. .

Avoiding balsam-related foods can help improve skins conditions which
produce redness and itching.

People who gave up foods such as citrus fruits, cola, chocolate, and spices
such as vanilla, as well as tomatoes, reported a complete or significant
improvement of their symptoms.

SOURCE:
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
2001
"Balsams and Food That Aggravate Skin"
John F. Fowler, MD et. al.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Should porphyria patients limit their intake of tomatoes?

One should also remember that tomatoes contain a high amount of sulphur, and
thatsulphur is contraindicated in porphyrics.

Tomatoes can be eaten, but in moderation.

It should also be noted that they may be contraindicated due to aggravation of
cutaneous symptoms of porphyria.

SOURCE:
Nutritional Guidelines For Porphyria
AIP Medical Guide
Sheryl Wilson, [HCP], MSN, RD
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Should organic produce still be washed thoroughly before use?

Limit your exposure to chemical toxins.
Buy organic foods, stay away from prepared foods clean fruits

and vegetables thoroughly with asolution of food- grade hydrogen peroxide, limit
use of chemicalsin your home and garden.

SOURCE:
Chemical Overload
A Little Bit Won't Hurt You - Or Will It?
Dr. Regan Golob DC
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

What effect does broccoli have as far as P-450 action is concerned?

Broccoli is a known inducers of P-450.

Broccoli also has a large Vitamin K content and reduces the prothrombin
time in blood coagulation.

SOURCE:
P-450 Drugs - Inhibtors
Dr. David FLockhardt
School, of Pharmacology
Univeristy of Indiana Medical School
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


Does consumption of brussel sprouts affect blood coagulation and cause
clotting in porphyria patients?

Brussel sprouts also have a large Vitamin K content and reduces the
prothrombin time in blood coagulation (clotting factor).

Brussel sprouts also are inducers of the P-450 and help in triggering acute
attacks.

SOURCE:
Sheruyl WIlson MNS RD
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

What effect do brussel sprouts have as far as P-450 action is concerned?

Brussels sprouts are a known inducers of P-450.

SOURCE:
P-450 Drugs - Inhibtors
Dr. David FLockhardt
School, of Pharmacology
University of Indiana Medical School
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Can certain foods be associated with migraine headaches?

Foods that have been associated with migraine in some peopleinclude foods
containing the amino acid tyramine (red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish,
chicken livers, figs, some beans), chocolates, nuts, peanut butter, fruits
(avocado, banana, citrus fruit), onions, dairy products, baked goods, meats
containing nitrates (bacon, hot dogs, salami, cured meats), foods containing
monosodium glutamate (an additive in many foods), and any processed,
fermented, pickled or marinated foods.

SOURCE:
Elaine T. Kiriakopoulos, M.D., M.Sc.,
Department of Neurology
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Harvard University
Boston, MA.
+++++++++++++++++++++++

How does caffeine effect porphyria patients?

Caffeine represents a safe and sensitive indicator of the activity of the
cytochrome P-448 system."

SOURCE:
Assessment of the cytochrome P-448 dependentliver enzyme system by a
caffeine breath test.
Wietholtz H et. al.
European Jouurnal of CLinical Pharmacology
1981;21(1):53-9
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

What effect does caffeine have on PN and pain?

Try to avoid foods or drinks high in caffeine, including coffee, chocolate and
sodas.

Caffeine can make neuropathy and pain worse.

SOURCE:
Mayo Health News
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Can nutrition cause Anxiety?

Nutritional cuases of Anxiety include deficiences in some B-complex vitamins.

Such deficiences ocur in the vitamins of calcium, magnesium, potassium,
copper, iron, zinc, and essential fatty acids.

Also the excessive use of stimulants inlluding tea, coffee, colas, excess sodium,
overindulgence in alcohol, toxic overload and a generally poor intake of nutrients
usually due to a lack of interest in food.

SOURCE:
Vitamins and Minerals:
Healthy Diet & Safe Supplementation
Denise Mortimore
Element
2001

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Potatoes should be peeled before cooking.

In order to avoid insecticides in green vegetables and root vegetables, always
peel and rinse them properly.

SOURCE:
HEather Kieffer RD
Nutrition and DIetary Patient Educaot
+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Only fruits that are not sprayed should be eaten without peeling, peel all other
fruits.

SOURCE:

Nutritional Guidelines For Porphyria
AIP Medical Guide
Sheryl Wilson, [HCP], MSN, RD
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Can nutrition cause depression?

Nutritional cuases of depression include deficiences in some B-complex
vitamins, calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, iron, zinc, and essential fatty
acids.

Aso the excessive use of stimulants including tea, coffee, colas, excess sodium.

Depression can also be caused by overindulgence in alcohol, toxic overload and
a generally poor intake of nutrients usually due to a lack of interest in food.

SOURCE:
Vitamins and Minerals:
Healthy Diet & Safe Supplementation
Denise Mortimore
Element
2001

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Why should porphyria patients avoid eating liver?

Particles of insecticides along with heavy metal toxins are stored in theliver.

Eating liver should be avoided especially from wild game and poultry.

SOURCE:

Nutritional Guidelines For Porphyria
AIP Medical Guide
Sheryl Wilson, [HCP], MSN, RD
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The liver is a cleaning and dumping ground in the human body.

Heavy metal toxins along with particles of insecticides and other toxins are
stored in the liver.


SOURCE:
Robert Johnson M.D.
Internal Medicine
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Why should liver and organ products be avoided in the diet?

Heavy metal toxins are stored in the liver.

Eating liver should be avoided especially from wild game and poultry.

SOURCE:

Nutritional Guidelines For Porphyria
AIP Medical Guide
Sheryl Wilson, [HCP], MSN, RD
+++++++++++++++++++++++++

What foods should acute porphyria patients avoid due to porphyrinogenic
triggers?

Avoid foods such as red grapes, cabbage, and brussel sprouts.

Red plums,as well as prunes all which may contain chemicals that in large
amounts can stimulate heme and porphyrin synthesis.

.
SOURCE:
Dietary Concerns fopr Porphyria Patients
Learning Healthy Nutritional Styles
Brenda Wintherall MSN RD
+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Is it safe to use artificial sweetners in acute porphyria?
:
Artificial sweetners are acceptable in acute porphyria.

SOURCE:
Diet and Nutrition in Porphyria
Dr. Karl E. Anderson
American Porphyria Foundation
Houston, Texas
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Since acute porphyria is known to elevated cholesterol is it wise to ingest
fructose corn syrup?


And the fructose propels the liver into a fat-promoting mode by activating the
formation of enzymes that lead to elevated levels of "bad" cholesterol and
triglycerides.

SOURCE:
Corn syrup
Dr. William J. Whelan
Biochemistry
University of Miami

++++++++++++++++++++++
Is fructose (corn syrup) better than sucrose?

Eating fructose corn syrup results not only in lower insulin levels but also lower
leptin levels.

Because both hormones are involved in appetite control, eating lots of fructose
"could increase the likelihood of weight gain."

Such studies have prompted the American Diabetes Assn. to conclude that
"large amounts of fructose may increase blood fat levels" and that "there is no
reason to use large amounts of fructose" in place of sucrose.

SOURCE:
Corn Syrup
Patricia King
Los Angeles Times
3-24-2003
++++++++++++++++++++++

Beside the sulfite question in dextrose infusions, what have studies proven in
regard to corn syrup use (fructose)?

Animal studies and preliminary human studies have found that a high-fructose
diet leads to health problems including insulin resistance and elevated
triglyceride levels, a marker for heart disease.

Unlike glucose, fructose is almost entirely metabolized in the liver.

When fructose reaches the liver,the liver goes bananas and stops everything
else to metabolize the fructose.

SOURCE:
Corn syrup
Dr. William J. Whelan
Biochemistry
University of Miami
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Fructose corn syrup is often used in soda pop and sports drinks and should be
avoided by porphyria patients.

Ingestion of high fructose corn syrup causes a close down of normal metabolism
function which needs to be avoided by acute porphyria patients.

SOURCE:
Robert Johnson M.D.
Internal Medicine
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Can a porphyria patient safely use artificial sweetners?

Artificial sweeteners are acceptable.

Remember that some may cause an increase in diarrhea during an acute attack.

SOURCE:
Nutritional Guidelines For Porphyria
AIP Medical Guide
Sheryl Wilson, [HCP], MSN, RD
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Why is soda pop considered empty calories?

The sugar in orange soda pop is void of vitamins and minerals; that's why it's
described as "empty calories".

SOURCE:
Carbohydrate Confusion
Nancy Clark, MS, RD
Director of Nutrition Services
SportsMedicine Associates
Brookline MA. April 2002
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Can iron deficiency trigger porphyria?

Iron is a component of heme.
Iron deficiency can compromise heme synthesis and excerbate porphyria.

SOURCE:
Diet and Nutrition in Porphyria
Dr. Karl E. Anderson
American Porphyria Foundation
Houston, Texas
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Can chamomile cause allergic reactions?

Chamomile causes the most severe reactions, occasionally including
anaphylactic shock, a severe, often fatal systemic immune reaction.

"The chamomile-ragweed association has been known for a long time, because
in the plant kingdom they're in the same family,"


SOURCE:
AETNA IntellaHealth
September 5, 2002
Common Foods Worsen Symptoms
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Is the consumption of soy products good for reducing high cholesterol?


Soy compounds called isoflavones act like human hormones that regulate
cholesterol levels.

However soy is a natural estrogen and therefore considered a trigger of
heme synthesis.

Porphyria patients must look to other alternatives for reducing cholesterol levels.

SOURCE:
Robert Johnson M.D.
Internal Medicine
+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Should porphyria patients avoid soy?

Eating soy proteins can reduce your levels of total cholesterol, low-density
lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides.

Eating soy may also raise your level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol, which may protect you against heart
disease.

While soy products help lower cholesterol levels, soy products are natural
estrogen containing products and must be avoided by porphyria patients.

SOURCE:
Kaaren DeLipio MNS RD
Clinical Nutritionist
+++++++++++++++++++++++++

For normally healthy people the use of soy is advisable.

However, Estrogen must be avoided by most porphyria patients.

Because of this, be careful with soy products unless weighing the risks of high
cholesterol to the risks of triggering attacks.

Remember that high cholesterol is a secondary condition of acute porphyria.

SOURCE:
Sheryl Wilson [HCP] RD
++++++++++++++++++++

Should eating white bread be avoided for good nutrition?

White bread's reputation for being "poison" is partially because of its high
glycemic effect.

That is, 200 calories of white bread quickly digests and causes the blood
glucose (blood sugar) to elevate higher than would the same amount
of a whole grain, fiber-rich bread.


SOURCE:
Carbohydrate Confusion
Nancy Clark, MS, RD
Director of Nutrition Services
SportsMedicine Associates
Brookline MA. April 2002
+++++++++++++++++++++++++

In choosing breads to help with high carbohydrate intake is one bread better
than another?

Whole grain breads are a far better choice than white bread or highly refined
wheat bread.

Whole grains have a lower glycemic rating and are better nutritionally, and also
provide fiber.

SOURCE:
Robert Johnson M.D.
Internal Medicine
++++++++++++++++++++++


What is the difference in whole grain and white bread?


The starch in whole wheat bread is accompanied by fiber and B-vitamins.

The starch in white breads has lost many health protective nutrients during the
refining process.

White bread provides muscle fuel, but fewer vitamins.

SOURCE:
Carbohydrate Confusion
Nancy Clark, MS, RD
Director of Nutrition Services
SportsMedicine Associates
Brookline MA. April 2002
+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Are dairy products good for porphyria patients?

For porphyria patients the use of dairy products is a good source of
carbohydrate.

For some people, there is an allergy to milk.

This condition requires restriction of all dairy products.

These individuals may have trouble obtaining enough calcium in their diet and
may need to take calcium supplements.

SOURCE:
Calcium
Steven Angelo, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Medicine
Yale School of Medicine
New Haven, CT.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Can consuming charbroiled meats be problematic for porphyria patients?

The ingestion of charbroiled meats may induce isoenzymes, resulting in
increased clearance of drugs (i.e. theophylline).

SOURCE:
Journal of Clinical Investigation
1997 May 15;99(10):2545-2553
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Does eating char-broiled foods cause problems for porphyrics?

Car-broiled foods are inducersof the cytochrome P-450.

SOURCE:
P-450 Drugs - Inducers
Dr. David Flockhardt
School, of Pharmacology
Univeristy of Indiana Medical School
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

How do porphyria patients get exposed to dioxins right in our very own
kitchens?

Dioxins cause Carcinogens.
Carcinogens cause cancer. (This is especially true of breast cancer.)

Here are some simple things to think about and avoid:

Don't freeze your plastic water bottles with water as this also releases dioxins in
the plastic.

Moreover we should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic
containers.

This applies to foods that contain fat.

The combination of fat, high heat and plastics releases dioxins into the food and
ultimately into the cells of the body.

Dioxins are known to trigger porph.

Everytime you exercise, get an elevation in body temperature or diet to loose
weight....you are releasing those toxins from the fat and into the blood
stream.....and in fact exposing yourself to triggering another porph attack.

Dioxins are carcinogens and highly toxic to the cells of our bodies.

Instead, he recommends using glass, Corning Ware, or ceramic containers for
heating food.

You get the same results without the dioxins.

So such things as TV dinners, weight watchers dinners, lean cuisine dinners,
instant ramen cup of noodles, and soups,etc., should be removed from the
container and heated in something else.

Paper isn't bad but you don't know what is in the paper.

Just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc.,

Some fast food restaurants have moved away from the foam containers to
paper.

The dioxin problem is one of the reasons.

To add to this: saran wrap placed over foods as they are nuked, with the high
heat, actually drips poisonous toxins into the food, use paper towels.

Avoid any chance of dioxins.

SOURCE:
Robert Johnson M.D.
Internal Medicine
++++++++++++++++++++++++

Is it possible to avoid pesticides in food?

In order to avoid insecticides in green vegetables and root vegetables, always
peel and rinse them properly.

Potatoes should be peeled before cooking.

Only fruits that are not sprayed should be eaten without peeling, peel all other
fruits.

SOURCE:
Nutritional Guidelines For Porphyria
AIP Medical Guide
Sheryl Wilson, [HCP], MSN, RD
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Is use of alcohol contraindicated for porphyrics?

Medical drugs books list alcohol as being contraindicated for porphyrics.

Alcohol has other harmful effects and can lead to weight gain.

SOURCE:
Nutritional Guidelines For Porphyria
AIP Medical Guide
Sheryl Wilson, [HCP], MSN, RD
++++++++++++++++++++++++
All alcoholic beverages should be avoided by porphyric patients.

Alcohol stimulates the heme biosynthetic pathway in the liver and can itself
exacerbate porphyria

SOURCE:
Robert Johnson M.D.
Internal Medicine
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Folic acid
Pteridine derivative that is abundant in liver and green plants and is a growth
factor for some bacteria. The biochemically active form is tetrahydrofolate.

Food deprivation
The withholding of food in a structured experimental situation.

Food-drug interactions
The pharmacological result, either desirable or undesirable, of drugs interacting
with components of the diet.

Food preservatives
Substances capable of inhibiting, retarding or arresting the process of
fermentation, acidification or other deterioration of foods. Some porphyria
patients may be sensitive to certain food preservative materials.

Migraines
Certain foods cause Migraines

Some nutritional cuases of Migraines or Headaches include food intolerance
such as the "nightshade" foods which include tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers,
and eggplant.

SOURCE:
Vitamins and Minerals:
Healthy Diet & Safe Supplementation
Denise Mortimore
Element
2001
++++++++++++++++++++++++






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