Nutrition http://members.tripod.com/~theaipforum/n... is another important factor that can alter the course of an AIP patient. A low carbohydrate diet can cause an attack. UTMB has an excellent nutritionist at the testing facility and she will work with you to try to sort out how your diet may be affecting you. They provide you with 3 meals a day to see what you actually eat. Then they analyze the data and advise you on how to improve your diet. My sister and I were surprised to find out we weren't eating as well as we thought we were.
Environmental factors are also suspect for bringing on attacks. Some studies suggest that the chemicals that are found in cigarettes, insecticides, and household cleaners have this potential. I have noticed that even paint fumes can bring on symptoms in some people. Alcoholic beverages, particularly the "dark spirits', such as bourbon, scotch or red wine, are also best avoided.
The most harmful drugs for someone with porphyria are barbiturates and sulfonamides (sulfa drugs). Barbiturates are commonly used as tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and general anesthetics. Sulfa drugs are antibiotics commonly used to treat kidney and bladder infections. Sulfa is also found in drugs like Celebrex for arthritis. It is dangerous if the diagnosis of AIP has not been made and if harmful drugs are continued.
If you or someone you know think you might have AIP, please see your doctor right away. Print out this article or others like it on the web and take them with you. You know best what you are going through, so don't let anyone make you think it is "all in your head."
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