TMJ better with Vegan diet!

[Kamy]

For all of my life I've had a nervous habit of biting the inside of my lip when I'm under stress or nervous, which is most of the time. I have suffered from TMJ terribly over the years from this nervous habit. My Doc said this can be a sign of anemia and or stress. I'm not anemic but sometimes I have lots of stress. (chewing ice is also a sign of anemia). I've noticed lately since I've gone Vegan that I don't do this anymore. Could meat in my diet have triggered this habit or some nutrient that was lacking in my diet when I ate meat and dairy products? Anyone else experience this? Also my TMJ is 100% better. :)


Kamy

[Kiran]

TMJ as in Temporo-mandibular Joint Disorder?

TMJ problems can be reduced by cutback of wheat and diary. The latter of course, is a part of your vegan life-style. Poor Diet is often a common cause for TMJ. Many doctors and TMJ support groups recommend meat products to overcome the problem. Apparently, meaty foods is a good diet. I think that is complete bull-shit.

You need a rich diet (which a vegan life-style can provide). I assume that your significant intake of green veggies has alleviated the problem.:)

[Kamy]

Kiran, thanks for the reply. I've spent a lot of money out for TMJ specialists and never got any relief. The mouth guard I wore at night didn't help either. Who would have thought that this change in my diet would have helped me so much. Will definitely continue to eat lots of green veggies.

Kamy

[Kiran]

Furthermore.... subject to the title of your thread.. There is nothing Crazy. :) Veganism comes with a nice package of health benefits. I am not saying that reducing your TMJ symptoms not great news or something!!! I am happy about it. But your thread title is quite mis-leading and does not address the point you are trying to make.

I am sure people who search the forum for TMJ and relation to veganism would much appreciate if the title of the thread was more appropriate. Something like "TMJ and Veganism" or "how does veganism help TMJ" etc.

It just makes searching easier and allows people to help/benefit more.

Thanks
:)

[Wildflower]

Mmm, I was diagnosed with TMJ when I was a kid (around 11 maybe). I think it was caused from orthadontia personally, but it never causes me any problem. they wanted me to go to a physical therapist, but I never did. That was around the same time I went veggie.

I wonder if it is related? It really only bothers me when I go to the dentist and have to keep my mouth open so wide for so long it hurts, and the dentist offers me a night guard which I always refuse. The only other time my jaw hurts is when I am extremely stressed during the day, and having a nap makes it go away. I have never woken up with it, so I don't think nighttime is a problem.

I thought I was lucky, but maybe my diet has helped? The doctor made it seem like it was serious, but doesn't really bother me much.