Oh my goodness, I made it ninety days!!! This is so crazy to me, because, in the beginning, I wasn't sure that I'd last thirty. I'm proud of myself for the first time in a long time. Yay me!!!
So what's next? Well, a month ago, I would've told you that I was immediately adding back eggs, nuts and chocolate into my diet. Haha!! No, seriously!!! Today, I'll tell you that while my body has made huge strides towards healing and that I know I'm on the right track, I know that I need to continue to be vigilant. I'm just not 100% there yet. I know my adrenals are taxed. I know that my gut needs to be healed. I also know that my body is not where it needs to be. So, I'm continuing to follow the elimination phase of the autoimmune protocol.
Here's the thing; I feel so much better, but I'm still struggling. I struggle with my moods, with exhaustion, and with chronic pain. This is not a quick fix, by any means, but I know that it is the fix that my body needs. I've continued to lose weight, without working out (my body isn't ready for a workout program, just yet). I fit into clothes that haven't fit me in over five years; it's crazy. Everything is headed in a positive direction. In fact, I've never been more sure of anything in my life.
I'm currently following the liver protocol from Dr. Izabella Wentz' book "The Hashimoto's Protocol"! I wish I would've started that protocol in the very beginning, but the supplements were a bit pricey, and I had to convince myself that I was worth it. :/ The liver protocol is two weeks, followed by thirty days of the adrenal protocol and then, lastly, by six to twelve weeks of the gut protocol. According to the book, patients may still need to follow all of those protocols up with some more intense protocols, but, for now, I'm just sticking to one step at a time. I know that, for me, I have to force myself to stay focused or I get overwhelmed and that can lead me to fall of the track all together. So, seven more days of liver detoxing it is.
The liver detox has already taught me a lot. One thing, I've always struggled with is digestion. Whether that was due to gallbladder disease or, for the past nineteen years, not having a gallbladder, a great meal could lead me running to the bathroom, with no way to really predict it. The one thing the book suggests is taking a supplement with ox bile in it. The bile replaces the bile that your (healthy) gallbladder would've stored and your body would've utilized while digesting fatty foods and tougher to digest foods, like lettuce. This makes complete sense. Sadly, it took me over two decades to discover it, but I'm happy that I know now.
I've continued to rid my life from toxic products. In fact, I have given up makeup completely during my liver protocol. I'm planning on ordering some new products, but the supplements needed to come first. I exclusively use cast iron pans and glass bakeware. I've eliminated my exposure to aluminum in the kitchen and in the bathroom with aluminum free deodorant. Unfortunately, I've developed a sensitivity to baking soda, & the natural deodorants that are baking soda free aren't as effective, but I'm committed to winning that battle. I found a great laundry detergent at Costco that is toxic free and inexpensive. Sure, it's not in convenient little pods, but that's a small price to pay to avoid toxins. I did quit making my own shampoo. While I loved the shampoo our water is too hard and it left my hair oily. I did find a great shampoo and conditioner by Acure. You can find it at Whole Foods and on Amazon. My entire family is using it now. I also use my "Think Dirty" app to find all of my products and I won't buy anything that's rated higher than a three. There's lots to learn on this front, but I feel great about the progress that I've made.
I have an appointment with my doctor this Thursday. It'll be my first time seeing this general practitioner for myself, but two of my daughters have seen him and he seems great. He discusses gut healing, eating organic and grass fed meat as part of his general discussion with his patients. I'm curious (read terrified) to see what his understanding of Hashimoto's and autoimmunity is. I've been slacking on my general annual exams for some time, so I'm sure he's not going to be thrilled about that. I also ran out of my thyroid meds about six weeks ago, and I'm sure that'll be a lecture. Plus, I'm also sure that not having my meds for this long has hindered how I feel following AIP, but making the decision to finally go to see him was a terrifying one for me. I've seen so many horrible and insensitive doctors over the years that the thought of calling and making an appointment left me paralyzed. Gah. The call has now been made and the appointment is two days away. I can do this. I keep telling myself that this dr will be the right dr. 🤞🏼🙏🏼
So, for now, I won't be having eggs, chocolate or nuts anytime in the near future, but those things are no longer as important to me, because I've gotten a taste of what regaining my health, and, more importantly, regaining my life back feels like. There's no stopping me now. I will feel better. I will be better. 💪🏼
Feel free to ask me any questions that you may have. Perhaps, you or somebody you love is also struggling with an autoimmune disease. Also, if you'd like to participate in my free online AIP support group, sign up today or message me and I'll add you.
Comments
Post a Comment