My *New* Journey Toward Better Health
Hello world!
In this first post, I’d like to come clean about something. I have terrible, terrible eating and exercise habits. I have let myself become sick partly because of neglect and partly because I didn’t have a whole lot to work with to begin with. The combination of my poor immune system and food allergies with my terrible, terrible choices has gotten me to this point.
At the age of 31 3/4, I am about 50 pounds overweight. I have a Candida overgrowth, which I am primarily responsible for. Letting this go on has created Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in my system. I have acne, canker sores, dry skin, dry mouth, the list goes on and on.
Over the course of the last seven years since I first suspected that I had Candida, the thought of going through the diet and die off has been two overwhelming. Two pregnancies and countless sleepless nights later, this condition has nearly taken over my body. I am not yet bed ridden, but I know that if I continue down this path I am going to end up there.
Although I have other extenuating circumstances that lead to the diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, I believe that Candida is a major contributor to my symptoms. CFS is not “curable” but it can be exacerbated or limited by the choices we make. My diet and supplement regimen may never get rid of my symptoms 100% – but it will get me a heck of a lot closer.
Along with my diagnosis of CFS and Candida, my doctor also surmised that I had a wheat allergy as well. I know for a fact when I cut out wheat I feel a lot better. The Candida diet means no sugar and no dairy, so the recipes and resources in this blog will be under those guidelines.
What will you find in this blog? This is partly for accountability. I know that during the weeks that I’ve remained wheat, sugar and dairy free that I’ve felt so much better. The brain fog that effects my memory is lifted from my head and I feel like I can actually function without needing a nap. But making these changes is not easy. I’ve fallen off the wagon one too many times. I now see the promised land of energy and vitality, and I don’t want to get sidetracked this time.
I hope that a second purpose for this blog will be inspiration. It was very discouraging when I first became diagnosed with CFS because most of the resources out there were focused on getting disability payments or having a pity party for yourself. Yes…I went through a pity party time of my own. I felt like no one understood what I was going through and I felt helpless. But then I realized that I could either try to find a solution or just lay down and die a slow death. I’m choosing the former, and I hope to inspire others to do the same. Our journeys won’t be identical because everyone’s circumstances are unique, but we can learn from and inspire one another.
Finally, I hope this blog will become a resource for those who have CFS, Candida or food allergies. It’s tough to make drastic changes to your eating habits and lifestyle without having resources to back you up. If you’re feeling lonely in your choices and your path, here is a place to draw strength and information you need to make these changes.
To your health!!
I have CFS and fibromyalgia and I know exactly what you mean. I’m 2 years into my journey towards better health and I know it will probably be a “forever” journey, but I’m fine with that.
Thank you so much for coming by the blog! Now that 2011 is underway, I’m looking forward to refocusing on my health and moving forward with this blog as well!
Try “Candex” – and take it exactly as directions. It’s amazing. (Digestive enzymes)
I suffered from CFS for several years, it got to the point of 3 repeated visits to the doc and anti-biotics for “bladder infection” in one year (this of course is just ONE symptom or result of Candida – however my doc in South Africa did not know much about CFS or Candida – so then the CFS got worse until I could’t even drive, and I thought I was going to die. I contacted all my friends around the world and asked that they ‘be aware’ of my condition. I wrote my will…
THEN i did the research on the web and found the “diet” which I stuck to for 3-4 months and the candida got under control and my energy went up – but then I got arthritis – as a result of an unbalanced diet….(in fact my energy went up after two weeks – but I soon found I could not handle ANYTHING that I was not supposed to eat at that stage!)
I had to sell my house and moved in order to get some capital to live on. My hip joint was in pain and I made crutches (as I could not afford medical treatment) and walked on crutched for 6 months., The hip healed itself. I got my more ph more balanced and the arthritis went away.
Over the last 3 years the CFS has come and gone – and on one occasion I discovered CANDEX and within 2 days of taking it I was back on my feet! Awesome. I took it for a month as well as restricting my diet a bit. And followed this with a cheaper enzyme product for six months or more and still take some now and then.
I still have food intolerances – mainly cows dairy products – which are in SO MANY foods! and wheat to a less noticeable degree – but I notice it because now I am so alert to what different foods do to my body.
I eat mainly rye flour, butternut squash, sweet potato, as my staples – I can’t handle rice. I eat very little sugar. I don’t eat red meat. I make sure I eat fresh fruit and some fresh green veg every day – for enzymes as well as the vitamin and minerals.
All the best to all CFS sufferers who read this. Take enzymes – get your life back on track……
Rob
Hi, I saw your comments on the Social entrepreneurial Linked in page. Thats a mouthful! My dad and my brother both had CFS and even with dad being a General Practitioner of Medicine, it was not understood. Being around people who cared got them both through it over five tough years and yes , at a more minor level still ongoing. And any SEO help would be appreciated!! xx
Thanks for visiting Rob. I’ve heard both good things and bad about Candex, so thanks for sharing that positive story. I’m also glad to hear you did it without much meat. I’m not a big meat eater myself, and most of the yeast related diets are very high on meat.
Thanks for coming by Eunice. I’m sorry for your dad and brother’s struggle but glad to hear that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.