Natural Graves' Disease Treatment

Thanks, for sharing, did the acupuncture cure bulging eyes?

Hello. I want to know if the acupunture can cure thyroide eye disease? Thank you

Hi. Thank you, Rose. If the apricot seeds cures the bulging eyes that mean it may be good for Myopia (Nearsightedness because Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long. I wrote what goes in my mind when I read this message, if any body try this please let us know.

Today is day one with treating myself with Raw Organic Apricot Seed/Kernels.

There is a suggested use of starting out with just 6-10 kernels a day. I have consumed 4 this morning and will take 2 this evening. I am giving this experiment a 30 day trial test to establish whether I see any marked difference of my eyes that have been affected horribly by the graves disease.

I couldn't find any answers if apricot kernels really work to remove the bulging of eyes so, I became my own human study to see if the apricot kernels really reduce the bulging of eyes associated with graves eye disease. I hope the cyanide doesn't build up in my body and make me sick. I do not think it will as a person has to consume significant amounts of the kernels vs the dosage of the 10 kernels a day that I will be taking for 30 days.

Tomorrow, I will start consuming 5 kernels in the morning 5 in the afternoon for the 30 day period. If you would like to be updated on my experimental progress let me know.

Could you please explain how did you use the Apricot seeds?

Dear Aniysd,

Herbalist John Christoph says to use 5-30 seeds daily until a thyroid tumor disappears. So when treating the thyroid with apricot seeds, I personally would start with 5 daily and see how it goes, and would not take more than 30 a day. I think it is nearly always best to start with the lowest amount and work up to more if needed.

~Mama to Many~

I would love to know if the apricot seeds helped with your eye swelling....I am in tears this morning because I am so tired of looking and feeling horrible about myself because of how much my eyes protrude and swell. I hope you are doing much better!! :)...God bless

Have had Graves for 2 years and Graves opthamology for 1 year. Let me know if the apricot seeds helped with bulging eyes.

Do you take medicine for Graves' disease along with the apricot seeds?

I hope you see this message. How did you use apricot seed? How much and how often? How long approximately? Thank you.

Hi! Thank you so much for your encouraging post.

I really feel like the RAI affected me so badly, but I am still hoping that I would be able to get rid of its side effects especially now that I found your advice on this site. I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in 2010; I was just 20 at that time. My doctor gave me a drug (I forgot its name; I choose to because it gave me terror). I got allergic to this drug. I suffered severe allergies, and my life was put to danger at that time. I actually almost died, and my doctor said I need to have the RAI or surgery immediately. I choose the RAI since it is cheaper, and I was very afraid to have the surgery at that time. Tho the RAI gave me a lot of side effects, I'm still thankful about it because I believe it saved my life since I have the rare case of having allergies from the prescribed drug. My doctor gave me a different drug prescription after that so to control my ft3, ft4, and tsh. Luckily, my thyroid hormones are back to normal now based on my blood test, unfortunately tho, the RAI still left me with the bulging eyes. This makes me feel depressed almost everyday. I am looking for remedies on how to get rid of bulging eyes, and I am very much willing to take your suggestions. I just have few questions.

How many mg of Selenium should I take? Can you suggest a brand for this? Thank you in advance!

Totally agree with you Madelaine. RAI is a dreadful 'treatment' for Graves Disease and/or Hyperthyroidism, causing more harm than good for many people.

I used Borax to heal mine (had been suffering from it since diagnosed in 2005) and although I did write a review in Earth Clinic describing how I took Borax and the effect its had in detail, I don't think my review was ever approved because I haven't seen it listed anywhere (although this is a big and confusing site to navigate so maybe it found its way to an obscure page somewhere).

Anyway, Borax worked for me. No taste to it, no smell - just 1 level metric teaspoon in 1 litre of clean water (not tap water) as the 'concentrate' and then I took 15ml of the concentrate 4 times a day in a glass of water.

I was one of the few people (1 in 10,000 or something like that) who actually gained weight with Graves Disease/Hyperthyroidism but Borax restored my normal weight within just 2 or 3 weeks (and I'm 59, not a teenager), amongst all the other wonderful things it's done for me, but most especially my thyroid, which is so obviously no longer enlarged/swollen/bulging.

There's no choking on food anymore, either, now that the swelling as gone down.

It also strengthened my bones dramatically (I also chew on lemon flavoured cod liver oil capsules during the day as well that I order from the U.S. - they're delicious! ); they'd become so weak in a very short period of time after RAI (a matter of weeks, not months) that it was hard not to stumble and fall and keep myself upright; when that happened, I didn't have the strength to lift myself back up again. It was a frightening situation to be in.

I also never had the 'bulging eye' appearance until after RAI and while they haven't completely subsided yet, they have subsided a considerable amount - I can smile at kids again without scaring them, at least. I'm confident they will return to normal as I keep taking Borax.

Thankfully, RAI failed to 'kill off' my thyroid entirely, having only destroyed the left side, which, naturally, made the right side have to work much harder. Oddly enough, that failure seemed to make the so-called 'specialist' angry. Gee. Wonder why.

I will never trust the medical profession again with my health now that simple Borax is getting every part of it back on track with no nonsense and no toxic side effects.

I completely agree about RAI. I was desperate to feel normal again and decided to do RAI. Since then, I have had budging eyes and will have to rely on meds for the rest of my life. I used to be carefree and secure about my appearance but now every day is a reminder of this disease. I take selenium, flaxseed, magnesium, l-carnititne, vit d, exercise daily, yoga...etc. Physically, I feel ok but my eyes have not changed much and it's been 6 years since RAI.....

Hello just wondering if anyone has had RAI & Orbital Radiation? I'm now suffering from bad dry eye my protrusion measurements are better...i dobt notice a difference. Anyhow want to know what other supplements help with inflammation that u notice a change in your eyes? Please help

Hello just wondering if anyone has had RAI & Orbital Radiation? I'm now suffering from bad dry eye my protrusion measurements are better...i dobt notice a difference. Anyhow want to know what other supplements help with inflammation that u notice a change in your eyes? Please help

what concentration of HP do you use for your inhalation method. coz I've had a rapid heart rate (120 bpm while sitting down) for the last 4 years and nervousness, jitters and run out of energy so fast.

thanks

I apologize for my misunderstanding, but when you say you inhaled it, do you put it up your nose? And you had said squirts. Did you put it is a spray bottle of sorts? And then put the drops in each nostril? Thank you for your help!

Can you please provide more details on how your wife supplemented with Bugleweed? Tincture or tea? What brand? Did she spread the 4 drops throughout the day or all at once at a specific time. I've had Graves' for the last 10 years and willing to try out anything. Will appreciate the response.

If you read my post, its actually a reply, on the graves disease page. There are names of products that i currently take and am having success with. My email is also on that page if you would like to email me with any questions or if you just wanna talk about this awful disease. i have a few good websites that you might be interested in too. I am sorry that you have had this disease for 10 years i am 1 year and 1 month into this. Its no fun. Hope you read my reply because these products are really working for me.

Peace love and life
Jen

I was diagnosed 4 years ago with graves, put on Methozine, broke out in a rash, was put on PTU. Been taking it ever since, but don't like to take any kind of drugs. My symptoms have disappeared and I am down to 100 mg a day. It seems as tho my eyes are not bulging but eye lids are some puffy. I wanted to know if taking the Bugleweed would reduse the puffiness and if I should continue taking the PTU if I start on the bugleweed.

Thanks!

I have Hashimotos and Graves antibodies which caused TED, I'm looking at taking Bugleweed but I'm also low in Iodine. So I'm afraid to take it..

Thanks for this eye protrusion tip... I'm trying it now. Was diagnosed Nov. 2010... And been on tapazole since.... It helped with the jitteryness and bad moods... But eyes started acting up since end of oct. , 2011.... A few months now... Not bad but one eye is protruding slightly... I will try this exercise out... Did you find out anything else about exercising the eye muscles this way or the actual method? Thanks, Faith. P.S. I'm going to make an appt. with a naturopath right away.... I'm about 4 months away from my doctor wanting to do radiation therapy and not about to give up yet!

Hi just wanted to say thanks the exercises are a big help. I haven't had alot of problems with my eyes although, mainly dryness, but have noticed last month my eyes are feeling alot sorer. I do have graves and I am on my third re-occurance after going into remission twice before. (First remission lasted about 4 years second remission 3 years and I am coming to the end of this cycle after being on Neomercazole each and everytime. I am down to 1/2 capsule now for another 3 months and then hopefully will be ok again). I started these exercises two days ago when I get into bed I put eye drops in and do them as you suggested and my eyes are feeling ALOT better. They were uncomfortable while doing the exercises but a small price to pay. Thanks for the tip and thankyou to all who have written here as I now have a few natural options to try. My dr has also suggested each and everytime I get hyperthryroidism that I get my thyroid cut. I am 47 and I have refused each time as the medication seems to work and I am getting a few years 'normality'. Although it would be nice to know what sets it off to begin with. I was interested in reading the Gluten problem here and will definately keep this in mind and look into further. Thanks again.

Hello everyone, I just came across the recipe for the eye wash with honey and rosewater. You get 2 teaspoons of 100% raw and unfiltered honey, 1/2 of teaspoon of rosewater. Mix well and place it in a eye dropper. Put 2-3 drops in each eye and do the eye exercises. Good luck to all. I am going to try it tonight.

OMG, I'M SO HAPPY!! The exercise really works, my eye looks so much better it looks more normal than the other Eye. I only had bulge in one eye, I cried every night. I started 2 nights ago and I already see the change, GOD IS GOOD!!

Can any one tell me what are the exercises I should do to reduce bulging in one eye due to thyroid. I would appreciate if you recommend me eye drops also.

Hi,

For past three months I suffering from thyroid eye disease. But I started to take the medicine for thyroid one and half month ago. I seen changes in my throat. It reduced little bit. But my eyes (Bulge eye) remains same. It affect only in my right eyes.

Please recommend me the eye drops.

Waiting for your reply.

Regards, Viji

Hi Michelle Melbourne,

Can you please tell me how many times have to do this exercise a day and also suggest eye drops. Now I am using lubi fresh lubricant eye drops.

Waiting for the reply. Thanks

Viji

I hve just stumbled on this site. I hve a problem with bulging eyes. Please tell me how to do the eye excising. Thank you.

Hi, Can you tell me where I can find the eyes exercises online. Thanks

I have diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in 2004, I tried PTU first but it didn't work then I had Radioactive iodine treatment in 2005. I didn't need any medication after the RAI treatment until 2007, my eyes have started to bulge and the doctor told me that the RAI treatment failed to block the production of thyroid hormone and suggested me to take another RAI treatment, so I had it again. From 2007 to present, I am taking Levothyroxine tablet, the doctor keeps increasing and decreasing the dosage of Levothyroxine because my blood tests keep failing to meet the normal range. As of today, my eyes are still protruding. Can someone provide me any good suggestions that I could try to cure my bulging eyes. I sincerely appreciate your help. Thank you. My email address is kitmintam(at)gmail.com

hi, my name is Sandy I live in texas. I had hyperthroidism in 2002 and was put on meds from my specialist the one that starts with M well I went up and down from hyper to hypo and finally that medication which they all know is hard on the liver shot my liver enzymes off the chart. Dr, then wanted me to go and have an MRI on my liver. That did it. I didn't have an MRI, didn't go back to see him and quit the meds. By this time I had been on the meds about 3 months and the symptoms had stopped( tremors of the hands, heart palpations but was still thin and weak muscles from the ordeal. When I finally went to the doctor in the begining I thought I was having heart trouble. I was probably was hyper for a long time prior. The day I went to the doc one of my eyes had started to bulge. Being vain this really tore me up. Doc said I just had a little edema (which I wasn't buying, but he did check my thyroid. From that day on I was afraid to go to bed as everymorning I would get up to now both eyes bugging out. This bugging all happened rather quickly, Doctors wanted radiate the thyroid, would not give me any steroids to stop the inflammation and progression of the eyes. Being discusted with the whole medical field, " I started trying to take supplements and anything I read might help. I did not have a computer at this time. I would have my blood run ever so often and the ranges were alright sometimes normal, sometimes a little off. It all seemed better than doctors and drugs (right? But what remained were the terrible frog like eyes. I went pretty to freaky in a matter of months. I put on my dark glasses and remained that way.

About two years ago (by now I have a computer) I read about an enzyme called Serrapeptase that is derived from the secretion of the silk worm ( look it up) it is an antinflammatory and taken for at least 6 months is suppusto dissolve scar tissue. Immediately I could see some improvement in the eyes(not much) but better. Now by this time I felt better and was either over, or in remission of the hyperthyoidism but the eyes were ruining my life. I was so excited, I would get up in the middle of the night when I woke up and go look in the mirror and pop another Serrapeptase I was taking 3 High potency 120,000. Units a day. These have to be taken on an empty stomach so they don't turn into a digestive enzyme and just digest food. Empty stomach only. I emproved quite a bit , then it came to a stand still. I should have continued to take them but I didn't, I started up again a few days ago. What they did is knock out the inflammatory problem but now I much needed the scar tissue behind the eye dissolved. I don't know there is any scar tissue but I heard there is. I heard about the exercises years ago but the eyes were so tight it was almost painful so I did this for awhile and quit. I started this yesterday and I think I can see the concept. The muscles of the eyes are so tight that they make the eyes protrude. Sounds right to me. Possibly when the muscles get unbound up the eye can float around better.

I just found this site and have read of the lady who corrected her eyes 70% by putting one drop of pasturized honey in each night and one drop of rose water in each eye and then washing off her eyes and then going to bed. She said it burns like crazy, but Oh well. I have not tried this but I am sure I will. What does feel good is green tea. Use good water in a large mug, microwave and put in one tea bag. Fill up a sterilized brown dropper bottle and fill it up. Let it cool , drink the cup and then put drops in the eye. ( anitoxidant) this stings a bit, but so do eye drops. This you will like. I also made up another brown dropper bottle with MSM and distilled water. One gram per ounce. Pure MSM no additives( this is suppusto make the eye more flexible and is also an anti-inflammatory (read about MSM drops) and benefits of green tea. The MSM drops don't sting hardly at all just a pinch like visine. I think in the long run the MSM is probably going to do more good than the green tea but the green tea takes the red out. This Graves disease is a nightmare. I have messed around with this 10 years. Well to make a long story, longer my eyes are not back to where they were in the beginning before Graves disease but they are pretty much undetectable to the average person. I hope my journey will help some. Bye for now, Sandy

I apoligize for forgetting to say that I was diagnosed with Graves Disease. My daughter was as well. Neither one of us have had any eye issues. But both of us have had very large goiters that are slowly shrinking back to normal.

Hi Jen, your post gives me so much hope and confirms my suspicion that the gluten intolerance could be the culprit for antibodies attacking the thyroid. I haven't been yet diagnosed, I am going to have further checks in the next few weeks but I know that the thyroid is being attacked by antibodies and it started to become overactive. I have been suffering from gluten intolerance for about 6 years, it was a long journey of discovery and understanding what the problem was. The test for gluten intolerance came negative (which is frequently the case). 2 years ago I went on a strict diet for intestinal candida and I can't tell you how much my health improved. I realised straight away that gluten was very bad for me, after staying gluten free, when you come back to gluten based food, you have no doubts how much that affects you. Also I had palpitations and sleepless nights which I couldn't relate to my gluten intolerance condition. Anyway I went to see an endocrinologist, to check my thyroid (2 years ago) and discovered that the thyroid was attacked by antibodies, but the thyroid was functioning in normal limits. He didn't prescribe anything but said to come back in a few months to check it again. For 2 years I nearly forgot about my thyroid. I treated my intestinal candida and tried to stay pretty much gluten free. I didn't have sleepless nights anymore but occasional heart racings which would go away in few days. But few months ago, I started again to eat lots of sweets (I have cravings), pastries, no more gluten free diet. My heart started to race again like crazy for 2 weeks continuously (pulse around 100) and candida symptoms came back. I went to GP and asked for a thyroid check and it came now that my thyroid started to be overactive. I am going to see a specialist soon for tests, but I am not going to start to kill my thyroid with pills.

In the last 2 years I learned how much damage gluten can do to one's health: bloating, constipation, migraines, depression, eczema, lack of energy, turning down your immune system etc but I didn't have a clue that it can turn your antibodies to attack your own body... As you very well said, the thyroid is the victim, not the culprit.

I am more than thrilled to find your post confirming what I just started to realise by myself: that there is a direct relation between gluten intolerance and thyroid problems and heart racing. It makes so much sense.

I am going to follow what you did: go back on a gluten free diet, take supplements and I want to see a naturopath but it is not easy to find the right one. Can you please tell me who to contact to help me? I don't know how much of these supplements to take and how. Please help. Thank you so much. Violeta

Hello Violeta, I would start by searching online for a natural endocrinologist in the United Kingdom. You can also get online help. I would also search for Naturopaths in your area. They are getting more common in the US so I am sure they are where you live as well. People are realizing that they don't want to put those terrible drugs into thier bodies and would rather go the natural route. I have no doubt you are on the right track. Please feel free to ask me any more questions. Good luck Jen!

I don't know if this will help but I thought it might clarify things a little:)

*copper (hypers are usually deficient) 2 mg per day

*selenium (hypers and hypos are usually deficient) 400 mg per day

*magnesium (helps heart palps) 300 to 500 mg per day

*potassium (helps heart thumping) Try to eat your potassium Banana 400 mg, coconut water 600 too 1000 mg, Potato 600 mg, Apricot 1300 mg, Black Strap Molasses 700 mg. You need 3000 to 6000 mg per day.

calcium (muscle and bone weakness) 1000 mg per day

D3 (I was difficient as most people are) 2000 mg per day

iron ( anemia and to counter the copper intake) 8 mg per day

valarian (sleeplessness and stress) I take 1 to 5 capsules per night.

chromium and green tea ( stress and muscle weakness) 25 mcg

Relora (adrenal fatigue that was due to stress) I take 1 pill twice a day (morning and night)

Thank you Jen for your reply. Will try to find someone here.

Good health and God bless you. Violeta

Hi Jenn: My name is Vanessa and I live in Atlanta. I have had graves disease for some time and was seeking a Naturopath. Do you have his or her information? I would be so grateful. Thanks

Hello Vanessa, I don't personally know any Naturopaths in Atlanta but I did a search and found one that looks like they might be able to point you in the right direction. Keep in mind that they are still doctors but they usually think much deeper than your average regular doctors. If you are not comfortable with one then you can choose another. They work for you not the other way around. Her name is Dr. Ellen Levy and her number is 404-256-2244. I looked at the services she has available and I would definately ask about the Nutritional Counseling (Based on Hair analysis) and the IgG blood allergy testing. These tests will give you a really good idea what you are deficient in and what is making you immune system go crazy. Ask about a thymus gland support to help get your immune system working properly. When you go to see her make sure you know what she is giving and why. Sometimes Naturopaths like to give wierd concoctions that have a mixture of ingredients. Which is fine as long as you know why and what you should expect them to do for you. Her website is http://www.drellenlevy.com/. Another great website is http://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/ this doctor has graves disease and has some really good posts about managing different things. He also does online and over the phone consultations if you want to spend the money. I have read most of his articles and he seems very knowledgeable and capable of helping you. I wish you the best and feel free to contact me with more questions if you want. midge811(at)msn.com.

@ Jen Selenium must be 400mcg micrograms!!! 400mg milligrams will kill you!!!

How are you feeling right now? Are you still in remission of Graves' Disease?

You guys are so wonderful to share such promising information. I am filled with such hope as others who have responded here. Thank you all. Oh, my allergist told me he would test me for IgE once my thyroid got better so I believe that is what you meant to say (see below). Also, thanks again for listing out the minerals and vitamins, eye exercises, drinks, etc. So, very helpful!

An immunoglobulin E (IgE) test measures the blood level of IgE, one of the five subclasses of antibodies. Antibodies are proteins made by the immune system that attack antigens, such as bacteria, viruses, and allergens. IgE antibodies are found in the lungs, skin, and mucous membranes.

I actually still meant the IgG testing as the IgE testing is only for anaphalactic/ histimine type reactions. Those allergies do not apply to our thyroids like IgG immune responses do. http://www.greatplainslaboratory.com/home/eng/e-newsletter/igg_vs_ige.pdf

Here is an explanation of the differences. Most allergists do not believe IgG responses are responsible for doing any damage to our thyroids or any other body parts for that matter. You have to go to a Naturopath or some other healer who can do food allergy testing for you to get a better idea of what your IgG immune sensitivities are.

I also just realized someone wanted to know how I was doing now. I am much better. Still working on my health naturally as I did some things that may have caused my thyroid to go the other way. I am now only Hashimotos thyroid and my Graves is still in remission. It turns out I had both issues but was only experiencing Graves. But now my Hashimotos is dominant. I have had alot of stress lately as my husband just had a kidney transplant and was very ill before that so now we are trying to focus on getting me better again. Stress can do so much damage to our bodies:( I am still taking most of the supplements I listed above though. As they are so important to thyroid health. There are some new ones that I will list in a separate post.

Hi Jen,

I completely agree with you about NOT REMOVING or doing the RAI. Doctors are fools thinking they're god when they can't control a disease.

I've had Graves for about 2 years. The first few months was pretty sure I was going to die. I did a ton of online research, my doctor advised against that, as if he wanted me to remain feeling horrible. After digging around online I found bugleweed. Then I found a natural pharmacy that put tinctures together in-house while you waited. It was there I met someone who also had Graves and he recommended a naturopath.

My doctor had set up RAI for me and I promptly cancelled it once I was armed with my own information that the doc knew nothing about.

The naturopath was a godsend and helped me realize that it was all of me that needed treating. Once I was able to 'get it' I was on my way to recovery. He gave me easy body tapping exercises that take no more than 5 minutes, I do them in the shower every morning. And of course, my diet. No gluten. No dairy. And I feel it when I cheat. I took many supplements whose names I forget and the only thing that I have taken consistently over the last 2 years is bugleweed. I get it in tincture and capsule. It tastes nasty!!

I've gone from being 160lbs at the beginning down to 120lbs within a few months and 2 years later I am back up to 145lbs. My biggest complaint is my lack of muscle and that seems to be getting a little bit better due to my weight gain. No bulging eyes, my HR is about 80, high but certainly not where it was at 130. I sleep. I avoid gluten like the plague.

I hope everyone reading this can take a step back and think thru what Jen said and how there is a better way to get better!!

Hi Jen or anyone who can offer suggestions,

I was on Earth Clinic and came across your insightful and very informative responses however I would like some guidance on my personal experience.

I was diagnosed unofficially one month ago with GD only because I did not want to be diagnosed with Radioactive uptake however my doctor was pretty certain based on my symptoms that I had GD.

I am now on Methimazole 30mg/day, Metoprolol 50 MG per day and Eliquis a blood thinner for prevention of a stroke since I have atrial fibrillation.

My question is, my endo has said to NOT take iodine while on these meds however, I have read on various articles that iodine can and should be taken for hyperthyroidism. So should I take iodine in combination with these meds or should I stop the meds then take iodine. Also it would seem some of these meds state one should not stop abruptly using as it can cause problems?

Also, if I am able to use iodine with the meds, does it make sense to also take the other supplements like thymus, selenium Etc?

I wish I had a naturopath to go to, never been to one, I live in Westport, CT... If you can advise on how to find a reliable one?

My major issue with me in particular is my heart beats like a race horse however I have appeared to have settled down overall, heart included these past four days.

Many many Thanks, :)

Hi Jen. I have recently been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and won't see the endo in Missoula until January 14. My GP feels it is Graves due to having high antibody and my radioactive uptake test.

Can you tell me who your naturopath is? I am only 1.25 hours from Bozeman and I am desperate to help myself naturally.

I am on 10 mg of Methimazole 3 x per day right now. My heart rate was so high that I had to do something. Do you know if I can take any of the herbs and or supplements while methimazole?

Any thoughts from you or anyone else in the group would be greatly appreciated.

I see Dr. Joe Holcomb in Kalispell. He is a Naturopath and has done wonders for my Graves Disease and Adrenal Fatigue. He treats me by symptoms not labs. I cannot stress enough how much he has done for me!!!!

Medical doctors range interpretation of lab tests, is different than naturopathic doctors. My MD is also an ND he told me that some people need higher levels of certain vitamins to feel good beyond what the range suggests. When an ND see you are headed in the direction of getting low in vitamin they will have you supplement this is preventive medicine. Many times it is best to go on food elimination diet, and get vitamin and micro-nutrient test to check for deficiencies. Working with an ND has proved to most beneficial I would never remove an organ when it was unnecessary in this case

What kind of goji berry juice? Is it 100% goji berry juice? How much did you drink? How long did it take for your eyes to go back to normal?

How much did you drink per day? How long to see results? Did you have upper eyelid swelling? Did you eliminate anything from your diet?