Going Against the Grain
Through my investigating an Anti-Inflammatory Diet, and what it might mean to live an Anti-Inflammatory Life… I am deeply committed to being completely gluten free, and choose to eat Paleo–which is grain free, legume free, soy free, dairy free, and low-no added sugar (maple syrup and honey in moderation). Personally, I also cut out nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant).
Hmm… Healthy eating = Healthy Colon? I think so. I believe that because I made significant changes to the way that I eat, that my colon health has improved. I am happy to report that I have since had two colonoscopies with no reported polyps, nor diverticula…
I have come to understand that each of us has a unique signature in our gut, our microbiome [i] which responds chemically to the foods we eat. Our food reactions are as unique to us as our fingerprints.
I also know that you CAN change your food stories. You can decrease the pain and inflammation in your gut, and in your joints. You can decrease anxiety, and exhaustion. You can enhance your sleep quality, and immune response, simply by changing the food you put on your plate [ii].
The keystone, for each of us, is to find out what is inflammatory to our body, and stop the crazy cycle. When we begin to heal our gut, balance and feed our microbiome–everything will change. Whatever diet you prefer I encourage you to become a science experiment of one, and find out what is right for your unique system.
I am 55 this year. I am Paleo. I am fit. I am resoundingly happy. I think of myself as Fifty Wonderful. When I hit menopause, I decided to choose to do things that fill my soul, and to be around soul-filling people. I practice yoga and walk two miles each morning. I paddle board, kayak, or swim several times a week. I am more active than ever, and I feel great in the skin I am in. AND I look and feel great in my skinny jeans!
This circuitous path has lead me to realize that it is as much about what we eat, as when, and how, and who we are when we eat.
If you are ready to Get Your Health Back and Transform Your Life, I am here to help.
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Resources:
[i] The Grain Brain, David Perlmutter, MD
[ii] It Starts With Food, Dallas and Melissa Hartwig