Expert: Jurriaan Plesman, Nutritional Psychotherapist - 9/18/2007

Question
I quit drinking almost a year ago and in the last 6 months or so I have pain mostly in my joints till I limber up, it always hurts when I try to do a movement like getting in a car. Was the alcohol always masking the pain or is their something generally lacking in my diet? I'm 51, rarely ever get sick and about 40 pounds overweight. I am fairly physical but think I'm way to young to feel and move like someone 25 years older. I also take thyroid and high blood pressure medication with no problems. I thought I would lose weight once I quit but I gained weight is this normal? Sorry for 2 questions.

Debra

Answer
Hello Debra,

I am not in a position to say what the matter is. I think the first port of call is to see a doctor and get a thorough assessment.

I could be possible that that you may be suffering from hypoglycemia, which could make you more sensitive to pain. Most alcoholics (including recovering alcoholics) are hypoglycemic and stopping drinking may not resolve the hypoglycemia.

Please read:

What is Hypoglycemia at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/what_is_hypo.html

The Serotonin Connection at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/serotonin_connection.html

“Why Alcoholics drink?” at
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/why_alcoholics_drink.html

Drug Addition is a Nutritional Disorder at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/drug_addictions_nutritional_disorder.htm...

There are some natural ways of reducing pain, but you must first discuss this with your doctor. You need to eliminate any medical condition that may be responsible for the pain.

See:

Management of Chronic Pain at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/pain_management.html

I hope I have been of some help.

_______________________________________________
Jurriaan Plesman BA (Psych) Post Grad Dip Clin Nutr
Editor of
The Hypoglycemic Health Association of Australia.
www.hypoglycemia.asn.au
Author of "Getting off the Hook"
Freely available at Google Book Search