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Why oh why


 When searching for a great doctor, make sure you find one that searches for the reason WHY you have symptoms and diseases and not just a doctor that will prescribe a pill. 

I was blessed to find a doctor many years ago who searched for WHY something was happening. Why am I tired? Why am I sick? She told me one time that nutrition and vitamins were key in managing my health. Most doctors only give you a small lecture about weight management and diet but don’t bother to help you on your journey. She did tell me that during medical school she was only given one class on nutrition. Can you imagine that? Doctors are ingrained in medical school to treat the symptoms. And not to look for the root cause.

My family genetics are obesity and diabetes. From both sides. I did not want to live my life by those expectations so I started searching years ago for the cause. Like the real cause and not just the fork to mouth cause. What makes some people able to eat anything they want and not gain an ounce but others gain 5 pounds just by looking at food? I discovered that I was a Celiac. Untreated Celiacs disease leads to obesity and diabetes. Why? Because we cannot process nutrients like others do. Celiacs disease is also an autoimmune disorder. Once you have one you are more susceptible to others. And for some, NO, it is not a fad diet.

I also discovered my MTHFR gene mutation. Now this is a debated medical area. Go figure because I am anything but normal. But I have duplicate A1298c mutation. This predisposes me to autoimmune disorders,  but can be managed by watching my homocysteine levels and taking methylated B vitamins. Sadly my doctor who discovered this retired and until recently I’ve been on my own with this journey. But I am thankful that she taught me to search for the “why” in my health.

So in January of this year I again realized I could not do this journey alone and started going to a nutritionalist. She’s amazing and also gives me accountability. Our goal is to manage my RA inflammation with proper nutrition. I am limited to one serving of red meat a week, advised to cut out pork and dairy. My diet is more plant based but not vegan. I eat lots of fish and chicken. My diet also limits soy since that messes with hormones. I’ve noticed an improvement with my inflammation and also noticed inflammation if I cheat from the restrictions in my diet. So lesson 1) ask for help when you need to. 

Just like when I tell people I can’t eat gluten, I hear “well I can’t stop eating such and such”. I just smile and think, "you can if you want to be well!"  What are you willing to do to be well and live longer to spend time with your loved ones? If you can’t give up certain foods then that’s an addiction that you have to deal with before you can follow me on this journey. Lesson 2? Learn what your weaknesses are if you want to get better.

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