Often, people find following a specialized diet, such as eliminating inflammatory foods, restricting. I currently avoid gluten (due to Celiac Disease) and other inflammatory foods such as grains, dairy, soy, nightshades, eggs, dyes and preservatives to name a few. Basically, I still follow the Autoimmune Protocol, with the exception of a few occasional reintroductions, to keep my autoimmune symptoms at bay. People hear my story and see how the diet and lifestyle changes I have made over the years were life changing for me and some, even those who are struggling with autoimmune symptoms or chronic inflammation, will say, “wow, that’s amazing, but I could never be that restrictive. I don’t know how you do it.” This is not to say the Autoimmune Protocol is for everyone. Just because it works for me doesn’t mean it will work for everyone. It’s important to find what works for each of us individually given our own unique differences.
It has been a journey for me. Some people ease into a change like this, while others jump right in and never look back. I was still struggling with symptoms after eliminating gluten following my Celiac Disease diagnosis in 2012, so I explored other options. I was struggling with infertility and getting pregnant was a huge motivation for me, so I jumped right in, removed inflammatory foods from my diet, and never looked back. I saw improvements within days and weeks, and felt better than I had in years within about nine months. It was a whole new experience for me.
Do I feel restricted at times? Sure, especially when I can’t be spontaneous about going out to eat or traveling or attending an event or holiday party. It always involves planning and preparation to be sure I have enough food that works for my body to eat. The chronic joint pain, eczema, brain fog, extreme exhaustion requiring a minimum of 9-11 hours of sleep to function, acne, chronic Iritis (inflammation in the Iris of the eye) flare-ups requiring steroids, bloating, gas, irritable bowel symptoms were all so restricting and kept me from being my best self. I was not healthy. I was in pain, uncomfortable, exhausted all the time, and looking for answers.
There are hard days and I continue on. I chose to focus on the fact that the choices I am making are fueling my body, having a positive impact on my health, and are helping me create the life I want for myself, both now and in the future. I chose to invest in myself. Once I had a taste of what it was like not to live in a chronic state of inflammation, I never wanted to go back. Now I am an older Mom in my 40’s and need all the energy I can muster up to keep up with my daughter. I no longer want to have to sleep in on the weekends until 10 or 11 a.m. just to function without needing a nap, not to mention I can’t do that anymore because I have a child that needs me and that I want to spend time with and enjoy. I no longer want to live in a chronic state of inflammation or to experience the symptoms that had become my normal for so many years. I no longer want to live with chronic autoimmune symptoms and continue to put myself at risk for developing another autoimmune disease in the future, as is so common.
While some may see making diet and lifestyle changes as restrictive, my choices provide me with freedom and hope for my future. My old way of life was way more restrictive, painful, exhausting, uncomfortable, and filled with fear. It gives me a sense of power that I am doing something positive for my health and my quality of life, both now and in the future. When the going gets tough, I focus on why I make the choices I do. I do it for myself, for my daughter, for my husband, for my family and friends that depend on me, so that I have the energy and vitality to fulfill my life’s purpose and use all the gifts I was given to help others. I can’t have the type of life and future I desire if I am struggling with chronic inflammation and pain all the time. I want to live an exciting life and travel, run around with my daughter, go paddle boarding, go to UCF games with my husband. I have a long bucket list and feeling strong and healthy will allow me to experience life to the fullest.
Freedom. Freedom to live my life. On my terms.
