Yes, you can do some chocolate.... it is not that much sugar. Dark has antioxidants in it. Used in moderation, is it a good treat I think.

Donuts, cookies, pies, etc...those are the worst. Also some candy is all sugar like gummies.

Dark chocolate has magnesium in it, and if you get almonds, too, 3oz of almonds is 270mg of mag!

My Kroger's is offering no sugar added pies -- little ones--this season. I've tried the peach and cherry... modestly. I leave most of the crust too!

Avoid high fructose corn syrup, and transfats. (transfats are getting to be less and less). But transfats really gum up the workings of your nerves...so they must be totally avoided!

It is the ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 you need to control
1:1 or up to 1:5 is considered optimum. Olive oil doesn't count, in either ratio. Also suggested is to limit saturated fat, but you don't need to remove it all. It is considered "neutral" to inflammation. But it does have some natural transfats in it. So trim roasts, buy low fat meats, lower fat dairy etc.

Athena -

Thanks for posting all the tests you've had so far. Please keep us posted about how you're doing as you go forward with more diagnostics or even if you don't.

Trader Joe's dark chocolate is SO good - I'd be gobbling it, too. Actually, chocolate is my middle name.

Take care and best wishes.

Sheltiemom

Has anyone considered NIH for consultation on this topic? My son is a patient there, has been since he was 8 years old. They are wonderful, caring, and since there is no charge for any of their services you can see how healthcare should truly be carried out (without concern for what the insurance is going to say or do). They have a team of Vasculitis doctors and centers on the east and west coast. **