I mentioned last week that I started the Autoimmune Protocol diet. Referred to as AIP, the "rules" of the eating plan can be found all over the internet, but I love this simple description from AIP Lifestyle. Before I began my journey, I thoroughly scoured the resources of The Paleo Mom, Autoimmune Paleo, and A Clean Plate. I've gotten ahead of myself. Why in the world did I even think I should start this diet? Even D reminded me that after my last go at Whole30 I said, "I'm never going to do this again."
Insert my secret. Since I was a teenager, I have struggled with an embarrassing problem. I have cysts or boils that pop up on my body. They typically appear in well hidden but increasingly embarrassing spots such as my buttocks and thighs. I delayed speaking to a doctor about my problem until I was in college. The dermatologist sent me home with a special soap and no formal diagnosis. After that embarrassing and unhelpful experience, I never bothered with consulting another doctor. In the past few years, the problem has gotten worse. More "spots" (which I call them and admittedly sounds better than boils) continued to appear, and they would take forever to heal. About a year ago after having a painful spot appear in my groin area, I decided to do some research and again consult a doctor. My doctor suggested a warm compress for the groin spot and asked no additional questions. I continued to research on my own, and my internet research led me to believe that I suffer from Hidradenitis Supprativa. Primal Girl is the online "expert" on the disease and provides a thorough description on her blog. I understand that self-diagnosing myself is silly, but I truly feel that my symptoms are exactly what she describes. I refuse to be on antibiotics or medications for extended periods of time, but I understand if this altering of my diet does not alleviate my condition I will likely need consult doctors. I believe that I have Stage 1-2 of Hidradenitis Supprativa (HS) which I consider lucky. There are many who suffer from the affliction to the point that it hurts to sit, stand, walk, etc. I have only spoken to maybe three people ever about my affliction (and two of those were within the last year), but I believe in spreading awareness. I know I am not the only one to be ashamed.
I finally hit the point of having enough. I'm tired of being embarrassed when changing at the gym. I no longer want to feel forced to wear running capris instead of shorts. I want to feel comfortable walking around naked! I'm proud of the body I have worked so hard for, and I don't want to have to hide parts of myself. I knew it was time to make a change, but the decision didn't come lightly. It was time to take control of my health and well-being. Many suspect that Hidradenitis Supprativa is an autoimmune disease and can be treated with the proper diet. I'll be posting more on my AIP journey later this week.
Do you have an Autoimmune Disease?
Have you ever tried the AIP?
4 comments:
My husband had an autoimmune disease when he was in college. His liver shut down and he almost needed a transplant. Fast forward to a few years ago, and he truly believes it was celiac. Now, he's completely GF, and when he gets "glutened", as he says, he gets these crazy scabs all over his body. I am really fascinated by what you posted, and I am definitely going to share it with him. I hope this lifestyle is the answer you're looking for! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for sharing mama. You're such a strong lady, and I'm so glad I know you <3
I really hope that a change in your diet helps!! I wouldn't want to be on a medication for an extended period of time either.
Girl, I am so glad you posted this! It seems that doctors throw that "autoimmune" title at everything they can't explain. I myself suffer from Candida, which every doctor I know scoffs at. My mom and I have both just started the Blood Type Diet (8 days in). I am so hoping that it helps my long list of unexplainable issues. I'm interested to see how your own diet goes. Maybe we can swap notes. Also....have you heard of Kangen water (alkaline water)? I tried drinking it, but found that it didn't seem to help anything. However, the Kangen machines also turn out "strong waters", 11. 0 and 2.5 ph. My entire family keeps bottles of the 2.5 ph handy because it heals things like nothing I have ever seen. We use it on wounds and mouth sores and infections. If you could find a place to get the water, I'm sure that it would help heal your "spots" quicker. Sorry for the extensive comment, but I find these things so interesting and love sharing information.
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