Need some advice
Edit: I originally posted this in the Health Support thread, but it was suggested I post this here as well.
Hello all,
I've been dealing with some health problems recently. My doctor thinks it's a virus, but basically I've had incredible pain in the joints and spine. I've been dealing with this for about 6 months and it has greatly affected my ability to live life. About a year ago, I started eating much healthier and lost about 30 pounds. Now, I'm 20 years old, 5''8 1/2, and 127 lbs. I found I have a BMI of 19.0. Unfortunately I do NOT have a small build so I feel as though I might be verging on being underweight. Throughout the time I've been sick, I have also not had a period. I don't know if this is an effect of what's going on in my body or the fact that I lost so much weight. I still walk daily and do light weight training 3x's a week under the supervision of a physical therapist so that I can keep my strength up through this whole process. I'm looking for ANY advice on how to get better or if anyone has dealt with anything similar. My doctors are at a loss because all of the tests have come back fine (xrays, MRI, blood work, etc.). Also, should I be actively trying to gain weight? I know how to lose in a healthy way, but I am confused on how much I need to maintain - all the calculators give me different answers!
Yes, I have seen my doctor who hasn't given me any good/definitive advice so I'm trying to figure this out on my own. This has been such a supportive and amazing community for myself and others that I thought trying to gather advice from you all would be worth my while.
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I have a lot of other health issues and have seen every specialty doctor and test. Anyhow I do have a dx but for you I wonder if you have seen a reumatologist? A lot of your symptoms sound like auto immune? Can you post a sample day of your eating? For a body to heal regardless it needs an adequate diet. Loosing so much weight is not a good thing and it sounds like you may be undereating. The lack of a period as well unless like you say it is from the condition. I think though you really need to look at your diet and think of food as medicine. I know for my condition there is a lot I can't change but there is a lot I can do and that being a healthy diet
Here's what I ate yesterday (a typical day for me):
Before I went on a walk: Kashi granola bar (140 kcals)
Breakfast: Oat bran with shredded coconut and peaches (~240 kcals)
Snack: Greek yogurt with high fiber cereal and strawberries (~160 kcals)
Lunch: Salad topped with roasted veggies, goat cheese, and balsamic vinegar and half and ezekiel muffin with peanut butter and banana (~450 kcals)
Dinner: Vegetable summer roll with peanut sauce and some of a shrimp/asian pumpkin/coconut milk curry dish with brown rice (~515 kcals)
Dessert: Dark Chocolate Edamame (~200 kcals)
Snack: Glass of milk and some crackers (~130 kcals)
So around 1850 kcals total. This is how much a usually eat, between 1700 and 2100. I feel like I eat pretty balanced/healthy, but perhaps there are some areas I'm lacking?
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