Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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I've been really stiff lately. I've also been cheating a lot. Almost daily. Anyhow, I've been unusually stiff, especially in my lower body. Anytime I get up from sitting or lying I'm really stiff, and it takes quite a bit of time to go away, if it even does. Before going Paleo I had no known food allergies or sensitivities. Could this be from the gluten I've been snacking on? All the fruit I've been eating? A pinched nerve that has nothing to do with my eating?

flag	asked Jul 20 2011 at 23:39 Sara 2,583●4●16

Oh, I've also started drinking coffee, if that makes any difference. – Sara Jul 20 2011 at 23:53

Does it get better with movement? – Annie Jul 21 2011 at 0:39

At least consider that it might be something that you've cut out of your diet since going Paleo. – Thomas Seay Jul 21 2011 at 0:40

Annie, it gets a little better, but I'm still stiff and sore. Thomas, I cheat so much I highly doubt it. Milk might be a culprit. My baby spits up when I drink it. Something else that occurred to me is that I've been taking Sam E irregularly for mood. Perhaps my body stopped making it? I took one a hit ago to see if it helped. Hasn't yet. – Sara Jul 21 2011 at 3:07

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May I ask why you don't cut out all of the gluten and "cheats" so you can further evaluate your situation? – Annie Jul 21 2011 at 3:10

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Lareth · Answer 1 · 2011-07-20 23:49:05Z UTC

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Yes, gluten can do a number on your joints, or more specifically the soft tissues around them.

Omega-6 is another big contributor. If I indulge in too much of that I'm guaranteed to be aching the next day.

But first and foremost, at least in my experience, is sleep. Where mobility is concerned, getting enough sleep is the difference between existence and excellence.

answered Jul 20 2011 at 23:49

Lareth
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	This didn't used to happen when sleep deprived, even during pregnancy. Last night I got a really good night, and it seems worse today. – Sara Jul 20 2011 at 23:55
	Obviously, cutting out the gluten would be a good step, but if that doesn't clear it up right away, it would be wise to have this checked out by a doc. – Annie Jul 21 2011 at 0:41

HeatherC · Answer 2 · 2011-07-21 00:08:42Z UTC

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Sara, if I was you, I would go to your doctor and have a blood panel done. I have no idea why you're having stiffness but I know with myself I tend to put off things with my health that I should not. I started getting pain and stiffness mostly in my upper body last fall and it really derailed my diet and fitness goals. I finally went to the doctor 8 months later and find out I have an autoimmune disease which is causing my pain and stiffness. You never know what can be the cause of things but if it is bothering you and you think it may be getting worse, go see your doctor.

answered Jul 21 2011 at 0:08

HeatherC
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I'm with Heather on this one. – Annie Jul 21 2011 at 0:40

I wish I could be as optimistic about getting solid advice from the traditional medical system these days. Can't hurt to see a doc, but if their diagnosis sounds weird, trust your gut. – Albert Jul 21 2011 at 20:16

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I have had horrible luck with the traditional medical system for most of my life. Every issue I've ever gone to a doctor for ended up being endless tests to find out they can't figure out what the problem is. This was the first time I've gone to the doctor with an issue that they were able to do a series of blood tests and tell me definitively that there was a name for what my problem is. So while I agree with you in general, if it is something that is getting in the way of living your life and preventing you from doing the things you want to do then you've got to try to find answers. – HeatherC Jul 21 2011 at 21:49

PKN · Answer 3 · 2011-07-21 01:20:46Z UTC

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gluten causes inflamation, looks like the obvious answer to me. Bread makes my joints hurt too, so even as I eat the once in a while burger, I know I am going to hurt a little for a couple of days from it.

answered Jul 21 2011 at 1:20

PKN
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I have the same response as PKN. I have this issue now, but didn't before I went Paleo. I could eat all the gluten I wanted with no 'noticeable' effects. But now if I eat it, joint pain and gi issues follow. – Senneth Jul 21 2011 at 15:28

Albert · Answer 4 · 2011-07-21 00:57:58Z UTC

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Are you taking fish oil? If not, it might help.

answered Jul 21 2011 at 0:57

Albert
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	I have it but don't like to take it. I'll try this, as well. – Sara Jul 21 2011 at 3:08
	Is it a flavor thing? I take this stuff -- Stronger.Faster.Healthier. brand -- and it's great. Actually look forward to taking it, it tastes so good. Here's a review: running.competitor.com/2011/03/nutrition/… – Albert Jul 21 2011 at 18:37

Happy Now · Answer 5 · 2011-07-21 00:58:54Z UTC

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You could check and see if magnesium is the issue. You could try some calmag citrate or take an Epsom Salt bath every day for a week and see if you notice an improvement.

edited Jul 21 2011 at 0:58

answered Jul 21 2011 at 0:29

Happy Now
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	I do love the epsom salts.... totally underrated. – g. Jul 21 2011 at 1:37
	I have some Epsom salts, so I'll try this. – Sara Jul 21 2011 at 3:08

g. · Answer 6 · 2011-07-21 01:35:25Z UTC

Yup. pretty much the whole paleo thang is about avoiding inflammatory foods.. all the "no-nos' can cause problems for at least some people. Omega-6 oils and wheat are highly inflammatory especially. And it def becomes more obvious as you progressively clean up your diet - you'll find these kind of things pop up when you 'cheat'. Your body has something to say about it, and it knows you're finally ready to listen! ;)

Sure it could be the weather or a nerve or some weird allergy.. but you know where to start.. again. :)

Jay · Answer 7 · 2011-07-28 18:37:40Z UTC

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I'd say get strict with your diet again for a time. If the stiffness persists see a chiropractor. Preferably one that is familiar with nutrition and wellness lifestyle science. Good luck.

answered Jul 28 2011 at 18:37

Jay
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wjones3044 · Answer 8 · 2011-07-28 22:40:30Z UTC

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Wow this thread is nothing like what I thought it was going to be about....

answered Jul 28 2011 at 22:40

wjones3044
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Someone said it finally. I'm so relieved. – Paul Jul 28 2011 at 22:47

1Pipeliner · Answer 9 · 2012-09-14 00:52:49Z UTC

I'm getting ready to go Paleo I have had symptoms for years, literally ,I have been to lots of Dr.'s most laugh when I tell them my symptoms & about 15 yrs ago Had a DR in Fl. actually giggle & say You have the 3 F's Female Fat & Forty what do you expect? needless to say I have been on a quest to find out what is the cause of the pain, gas & bloating. I felt the best when I was on the Adkins Diet but it was impossible to live on it in a very small town with limited grocery options I have narrowed it to bread it makes my stomach hurt then I have leg cramps then the following day I have joint pain it took a lot of trial & error I am in hopes paleo is the way to go

Hack my stiffness

9 Answers