Hi Everyone

I have had AS since ~25 years old. Not diagnosed til I was ~37 by a very industrious GP who was able to think that my sacrum pain might be more than overuse. On Enbrel til 44 (current age) however I will not be going back onto TNF drugs. My case seems to be fairly mild however I still went on Enbrel and it allowed me to forget AS even existed. While I spent most of my years bodybuilding, the Enbrel allowed me to go back to playing Ice Hockey. Without it, I am concerned about playing again. Luckily I get to coach my son which I can continue either way. Mid May I got sick with a cough and cold. Thought it was no big deal but the cough persisted. After many tests I either had a virus passing through, (GP and Rheumy opinion) or a fungal infection that is fairly common in AZ (Pulmonologist opinion). Since my labs show I don't have the fungal infection and my mom had something similar right before I got it there is some doubt on the fungal infection. That said I am still taking anti fungal meds for six months to be certain. While Enbrel is great, going forward I would rather use diet to control my AS. I have been off Enbrel for 2 months now and so far have not had any AS symptoms tho my Rheumy thinks they will slowly come back. So its diet time and Im hoping the folks here can answer some of my questions.

I read the Ebringer info and it seems his initial success was with a more low starch than no starch diet. Do many have success going low vs No. I don't want to start a debate but I want to give this the best shot of working.

I already follow a Paleo diet with some cheat meals. I will have to tighten that up and remove any starchy treats from my cheat days. Sucks to think there are foods I will never have again but not that big of a deal. I will do Iodine testing however in Ebringer's info I saw it mentioned that all liquids are fine. I do a lot of protein shakes which I am guessing will test starchy. Are there any brands that members use that are not starchy?

Iodine test. I get the concept but if I am testing a liquid do I just put a drop on top of a protein shake and see if it turns? For seasoned meats do I just drop on top as well or cut open? I use a lot of herbs and spices, how do you test them?

Supplements...I know they may be starchy. I take vitamin C and the tablet looks starchy....do you cut them open and drop iodine to test? I would assume capsules and fish oil would be non starchy. Also this anti fungal pill I take for 5 more months looks like it would be starchy. I have to take it so I cant get around that.....so even if I go strict NSD..i will have that little starch bomb once a day....will that derail my efforts completely?

I am trying to decide if I start LSD and then go to NSD if I don't feel I am making progress. If I did LSD do you just eat all starches but in limited quantities? I understand that for some only strict NSD works. Does LSD work for some or do most end up NSD?

I realize this is long and that I asked a lot. I really appreciate any help anyone can offer and I am happy to email as well if that is an easier way.

Thanks
Chris