Inflammation - Putting out the fire

When "I" is replaced by "we", illness becomes wellness. - Author unknown

Using this platform to discuss nutrition was never a part of my plan.  It's something that I kind of fell into.  However, the information I've gathered may be of value to you. If my story becomes your survival guide, then I've done my job. I will be sharing what the journey of "fighting the fire".

New Year's Day 2021 I was bouldering and I thought I developed a case of tendonitis.  The pain continued to makes it's way to every joint in my body and the symptoms continued to mount.
-Weight loss
-Fatigue
-Joint Pain
-Inflammation of the hands and feet
-Brain fog
-Night Sweats

My doctor ordered blood work and diagnosed this as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.  While this condition cannot be cured, it can be managed.  Fortunately, my organs are unaffected and I was responsive to a conservative medication plan.  

However, there was a bigger piece of the puzzle that my doctor didn't discuss with me.  Changing my lifestyle.  Prior to my diagnosis I heard a business mentor discussing anti -inflammatory living and this sparked my curiosity so I stated doing my homework.  

I learned inflammation is a breeding ground for disease. It didn't make sense to eliminate the inflammation via medication (while risking harmful side effects) yet continue to indulge in food and a lifestyle that put the inflammation right back into my body. 

What does anti - inflammatory living look like?  

My diet is free of the following: Alcohol, Coffee, Caffeine, Processed Sugars, Diary, and Gluten
I refer to this as a lifestyle rather than a diet because it extends to other aspects of my life including:

-Getting 7.5 hours of sleep every night
-Daily low impact workouts 
-Instating strict boundaries in my personal and professional life
-Drinking 75 ounces of water a day
-Eliminating harmful chemicals from my personal care items and home

I encourage anyone living with an auto-immune disease, adrenal fatigue, hormonal imbalances,  chronic pain, or any disease to do a little research.  

This book was my saving grace. Check it out on Amazon or where ever you buy books
"Inflamed" by Shelly Malone 

I'm going to continue to share the journey and how I'm making this work for me.  It's been a little over a year since I began adapting this lifestyle.  While it may sound like conquering a mountain, I assure you, I'm now healthier and more present in my life than ever.