Fish instead of Red Meat and Poultry?

[iluze]

I've been doing this whole low carb diet since June and I love it, unfortunately, through some careful lifestyle observation I have come to find out that the red meat and poultry in my diet is greatly aggravating my eczema. When I consume fish instead, my eczema clears up in a week or two and stays at bay until i decide to eat pork/chicken/beef again.

What I was wondering, is if it is possible to live healthfully only consuming fish as a low carb protein source?

I am aware that I should only be eating the types of fish that have low mercury levels but I am worried that all fish have some mercury and that it will adversely affect my health in the long run.

Can anyone offer me some insight or information? Thank you!

[southbel]

While I don't have a specific reason for not eating other protein sources, I too would be interested in this answer as I eat a very large quantity of seafood in general in comparison to other protein. I am sure it is due to my proximity to the ocean but mostly I think it is because it is my preference of protein.

However, we keep hearing more and more warnings here in Charleston on mercury levels in seafood and they are now talking about doing regular screening on people here for mercury levels. I am guessing they would do that when you go to your doctor or something?? Probably for DHEC, which is our Department of Health and Environmental Control. They track health concerns, diseases, etc. here in SC.

[tmatrocks]

I eat lots of fish - as an adult male, I don't worry about overconsuming mercury, etc.

I love tilapia, especially. And I eat lots of solid white albacore canned tuna.

Other protiens?

Consider tofu - I try to eat at least a little bit every week for variety.

[Rachel1]

Smaller fish lower on the food chain, like sardines, will have less mercury contamination than fish higher up the food chain. The more fish the fish eats, the more concentrated the contaminants.

I wish I liked sardines.

Rachel

[cs_carver]

Suppose that's not an option?

Personally, I can't stand fish, so I never worry about it. You could look into concurrent chelation--I take lots of "green" / algae pills to treat lead poisoning, and I think it would work for mercury, too. Any chance you can afford freshwater fish? Suspect they would be lower. Befriend a fisherperson...

On a different view, however, everything's going to kill you. We just don't know all the risks of all the options at this time. Clearly, red meat disagrees with your body, so it's not like you have a "free" choice. The eczema is just a flag--if you're suffering from additional inflammation, then everything inside is upset and your skin is just being the canary in the coal mine.

So you have a choice between mercury or increased heart disease. Pick your risk.

Some women think soy is not a good option; you'd have to look into that and test it for yourself.

What about the obscure meats, like ostrich and buffalo and lamb? Have you tried grass-fed beef? Some people find their bodies process it differently from corn-fed, which is what you'll get unless you go looking (and pay more).

good luck.

[iluze]

Bah, thanks for the replies ^^ To be honest I am on a very limited budget so i'm gonna have to pass on the fancy stuff. Right now I'm just struggling, eating canned fish and trying to reach 1000 calories a day which is still probably not that great since i'm 6'0 and 297 lbs. *cry* At least there's a lot of protein!

Thanks for information about the mercury levels testing too maybe I'll go get that done after a couple of months just to make sure I'm not about to go mad.

[Lady Grace]

Canned fish has the least amount of mercury and is most cost effective. Canned salmon, tuna and sardines are great for your heart and your brain and your pocketbook. The white albacore tuna has the least amount for canned tuna but more expensive than the regular kind. You should be fine eating "all that fish." My cardio doc says it's good for us.
Hope this helps you, Iluze.

[Kharma]

The white albacore tuna has the least amount for canned tuna but more expensive than the regular kind. You should be fine eating "all that fish." My cardio doc says it's good for us.
Hope this helps you, Iluze.

No, it has the most amount according to the EPA. Here (http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fishadvice/advice.html) it says: Eat up to 12 ounces (2 average meals) a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury.
Five of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish.
Another commonly eaten fish, albacore ("white") tuna has more mercury than canned light tuna. So, when choosing your two meals of fish and shellfish, you may eat up to 6 ounces (one average meal) of albacore tuna per week.

I remembered this because I love albacore and I switched to light tuna based on this advice.