My History and Newfound Hope
I recently turned 50, and people say that aging is a b*tch. But I have had (mainly invisible) health issues for most of my life, including scoliosis, joint and back pain, hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, seronegative arthritis, plantar fasciitis/foot pain, headaches, food sensitivities, candidiasis, fatigue, insomnia, endometriosis, and depression (ya think?).
When I was in my 20s an acupuncturist told me that I was “a train wreck with a strong constitution.” I was treated for gall bladder problems by a chiropractor/naturopath and slowly got better after a three-day green apple fast, an olive oil and lemon flush, and by cutting out fat. Food was certainly my medicine then.
After being diagnosed with candidiasis and food sensitivities, I avoided wheat, dairy, eggs, sugar, coffee, alcohol, bread and yeast, and other aged or fermented foods for more than a decade. Careful eating during that time, and working with a naturopath again in my 30s, helped decrease the severity of these symptoms.
But throughout my 40s, a typical day meant sleeping as long as possible; waking up feeling exhausted, stiff, and sore; feeling somewhat awake only later in the day; experiencing varying degrees of pain much of the time; often feeling worse after eating; and always having Excedrin on hand.
Since I have learned about juicing, green smoothies, whole and living foods, gluten intolerance, pH balance, myths about needing animal products for protein and calcium, and colon cleansing, I have mainly been eating what can be found in the vegetable and bulk sections of a local grocery store or farmers market (at least in Seattle).
I have experienced the following changes:
- I have less overall body pain and more energy
- I get far fewer headaches and only take pain relievers when I have occasional headaches or back pain, rather than on a daily basis.
- I rarely get a foggy or heavy feeling after eating, and don't have to wonder what it is that I ate that didn't agree with me
- I have halved my dose of thyroid medication
- I am off pharmaceutical anti-depressants for the first time in nearly 20 years
- I have had only one cold (knock on wood), which I mostly blame on a period of intense stress
- I have lost 17% of my body weight and have had to focus on getting more calories in order to regain weight
My rheumatologist and primary care doctor were very supportive when I told them that many of my symptoms had improved after a change in diet. Some day, along with a better system of health care, doctors and insurance companies might encourage a system that makes connections between what we eat, our digestion, and our overall health. But let’s not hold our breath.