Has anyone noticed

[tjec1959]

more arthritis with increasing their protein, or especially red meat? I have noticed an increase in joint pain in the last few weeks. Wondering if anyone else has.

[black57]

Nope, my joint pain is gone. No doubt the wieghtloss and exercise have all contributed to this. I did experience some bone pain during the first 4-6 months but all is well, now.

[doreen T]

more arthritis with increasing their protein, or especially red meat? I have noticed an increase in joint pain in the last few weeks. Wondering if anyone else has.
You may be sensitive to arachidonic acid, a fatty acid found in the fat membranes of red meats and egg yolks. Our own bodies make arachidonic acid, but some people can be sensitive when excess is coming in from the diet. AA can be converted to prostaglandins in the body, and these prostaglandins can cause inflammations such as arthritis, skin rashes and fluid retention, as well as increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Here's what the Drs Eades, authors of the Protein Power books, have to say:Can I really eat all the red meat and egg yolks I want?

Most people can. However, there are a few concerns to keep in mind. First, you can't do the Protein Power Plan halfway. You can't increase your protein foods haphazardly and continue to eat carbohydrates as you do now and expect to see results. In fact, you'll be worsening your problems if you do so.

Second, there are some people who may have problems with large amounts of red meat and large quantities of egg yolks. These people: have elevated blood pressure and/or cholesterol, retain abnormally high amounts of fluid, and/or suffer from inflammatory conditions such as skin rashes, asthma, allergies, bursitis, or arthritis.

It's not the cholesterol in red meat and egg yolks that is the problem. It's the fact that they are high in arachidonic acid, which can promote or worsen the above conditions.

Here is the strategy for these folks to follow: Eliminate red meat and egg yolks from your diet completely for three weeks. At the end of the three-week period, take stock of your health. Has it improved? Eat a large portion of red meat and eggs for a couple of meals and observe what happens. If your problems reappear of get worse, you are sensitive to arachidonic acid and should have these foods only once in a while. When you do have them, make sure to remove as much of the fat from the beef as possible. Grill the beef. This will reduce the arachidonic acid by as much as 35%. Another option is to marinate the meat in a combination of red wine and olive oil or light sesame oil for 24 hours before grilling.

As far as eggs are concerned, have no more than one or two whole eggs at a sitting, and eat egg whites the rest of the time. Also, you should avoid margarine altogether (as everyone should).
http://eatprotein.com/faq/effects.html#meatandeggs

Note - arachidonic acid isn't found in dairy fat, so butter and cheese are fine.

hth,


Doreen

[Arizona B]

tjec1959,
You might want to try taking glucosamine chondroitin for the joint pain. I have a terrible time with my hips and my Doctor recommended 1500 mg. a day. It takes several weeks before your body starts to absorb but it is fantastic. Good Luck.