Dealing with Health Issues

I'm sharing this You Tube video as an example of what I've been learning. My health has not been the best for awhile. I've tried so hard to figure out answers to symptoms I've had for years: insomnia, inability to lose weight, teeth that are weak and breaking despite good hygiene, pain in my feet and legs.

A few years ago I had my gall bladder removed. I was never told the possible long-term consequences of having the gall bladder removed, just that it was full of stones and there was only one cure.  For months, while waiting on my new insurance to cover the surgery, I ate a nearly completely fat-free diet. This was a preventative measured to limit painful attacks. I was still carrying some baby weight from my last child. The doctor and I were both surprised that my weight didn't drop.  

Over the years since my weight only increased. Nothing I did seemed to make a difference. I would go on fasts. While the purpose wasn't to lose weight, that was one of the usual side effects for most.  My weight would drop a pound or two, then go right back.

Last summer, in desperation, I went for a physical. I talked to the doctor about everything. I explained the family history, which include various auto-immune diseases such as thyroid disorder, types 1 & 2 diabetes, alopecia, celiac, and fibromalgia.  I had blood tests. The result? A severe vitamin D deficiency.  I was told to cut out nearly all carbs and exercise. I began walking 3-5 miles several times per week, eating the way I was told, and taking a supplement. The result? No weight loss. I did develop Plantar Fasciitis in my feet though, which is a type of sports injury from all the pounding.  

Despite my vitamin D supplement, I was still very symptomatic. My legs and feet still hurt. I had little energy. 

In January, my sister had an allergy test sent to me.  I feared I had developed celiac like her, and she thought my symptoms were worrisome. The results of the test were surprising. I had no allergy to wheat, but I was allergic to dairy. Now, this wasn't anaphylactic shock severe, but a moderate allergy that would play havoc with my digestive track, cause inflammation, leaky gut syndrome, and weight gain. Ironically, while cutting all those carbs, I had eaten a lot of dairy.  I cut out dairy.

A few weeks ago I read an article about a study about autism (my nephew was diagnosed) and the Amish. While the study was on the low rate of autism and other learning disabilities within the Amish, the study included some information on the Amish, their low obesity rates (4%), and their low risks of diseases like cancers, diabetes, and heart disease.  

I was amazed because the Amish aren't commonly considered "healthy" eaters.  Yes, the eat organic vegetables and fruits, but they also eat tons of carbs and are famous for their rich desserts.  I discovered the difference was the Amish lead VERY active lifestyles.  

There's no vegging in front of the TV or computer.  The Amish men walked an average of 18,000 steps per day.  The women averaged over 14,000 steps per day.  Their activity levels are a part of their lives.  They aren't pounding out 3 miles in the afternoons as part of a "weight-loss" or "get fit" program!  No... They are walking the fields as they farm, hanging clothes on the clothes-line, gardening large gardens, and walking to visit others. 

Their diet isn't low-carb or low-fat.  It's balanced out by the incredible activity level, like an athlete training for a marathon.  They eat large meals, but don't often snack in between. 

I decided that, after trying everything else over the last several years, I wanted to experiment a little with my own health. I want to lose weight, but mostly I just want to feel healthy. I decided I would eat three larger meals per day.  I bought a pedometer to count my steps, but decided NOT to push my feet with too much pounding.  Instead, I try to keep very active and spread my walking into slower paced, less distance walking a few times a day.

I was told I look like I'm losing weight, but I'm not going to worry about it.  The fact is, I'm not nearly as hungry as I always was before. I make it a point to eat a lot of vegetables.  I'm slowly cutting out as many processed foods as possible.  I eat carbs, a variety of them, and enjoy them.  I also eat fats.  I eat meats, though I'll looking for a local grass-feed farmer to avoid hormones & antibiotics. I cut out vegetable oils, sticking with olive & coconut oils (and a tad bit of bacon grease for flavor occasionally).

I am feeling more energetic than I have in years!  It's summer, so I'm able to absorb the vitamin D from sun exposure.  I'm still dairy-free, but have found almond milk is delicious. Walking in slower, more frequent spurts has helped keep my feet from aching. 

I'm no where near Amish level of steps. In fact, most of the time I struggle to get the recommended 10,000 steps.  But each day I do my best, attempting to increase slowly.  I don't watch a lot of TV.  My blogging had been sporadic. But my hope is that my health is improving as I find ways to increase my activity levels.