Paleo=Healing

I celebrate this new lightness in my body. Inflammation that has plagued me for so many years is gone. My brain is the sharpest it has ever been.

I want to share my story with you to provide inspiration and hope. It has been a long journey for me.
In 2003, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's (sub-clinic hypo-thyroid). I would work for 4 days then barely able to function the others days. Days filled with laying on the couch trying to find energy to get through the next round of working days. My hair was falling out, knuckles on my fingers were swollen and my brain was thick with fog. I was always cold. I was prescribed Armour thyroid hormone to help support my thyroid and my world changed. I had energy, I could think again, and I lost a few pounds.

Then we took the leap and in March of 2014 we eliminated all grains. We then decided to do the AIP protocol with our Paleo diet. Which means no eggs, nightshades, grain and diary.

Tremendous healing. Questions finally answered. And my brain is the sharpest it has ever felt as an adult. It is almost unreal. A joy of being set free and soaring ever so lightly.

I grew up with food from our garden. No processed foods, and certainly no sugar.  That doesn't mean that I didn't have issues with my gut and brain as a kid. I suffered with constipation and bloating so bad that I would have to come home from school and lay on the couch. My gut was not healthy.

The Paleo AIP (Auto-immune Protocol) has healed my gut. I can feel it. My husband and daughter are benefiting in such a tremendous way too.

Once we started out Paleo AIP diet all of these symptoms of inflammation and leaky gut went away.
We are healing and it feels amazing.  Here is my progress at week 11.

BODY:

1. Inflammation in my shoulder for over 2 years- GONE by day 4. (I had an MRI done and 2 years of Physical Therapy, acupuncture and massage. Nothing worked until Paleo).
2.  Itchy flaky scalp that would get so bad that I had sores- GONE within a week.
3. Itchy rash on my chest for over 2 years-GONE within a week. (I tried all creams, powders for anti fungal, yeast overgrowth. Some relief but it never went away until Paleo.)
4.  Chronic pain due to varicose veins on my right knee for 15 years- GONE within a month
5. Chronically tight hip flexor muscle for 5 years-NOW I don't need a weekly massage just to be able to walk. 

Overall, I was exhausted and counted down the hours when the kids would be asleep so I could just breathe and have a moment to relax. NOW, I am present and have so much more energy to play, read and just be with my kids.

BRAIN:

1. Irritability and lack of patience with myself, husband and kids- mostly GONE with 2 weeks.
2. Brain fog so thick I feel like I need 5 cups of coffee-GONE within a month.
3. Anxiety in social settings and feeling rushed all the time-GONE within a month.

 Every time I looked in the mirror I thought,"is that me? I look so tired, overweight and just run down." I felt like I didn't recognize myself in pictures. I looked tired just like my mom.
GONE within a month.


BONUS
I am reducing my dosage of Armour Thyroid hormone. With each pregnancy I get a little better and now after 11 weeks I am only on a very small dose. I don't feel the up and down rollercoaster ride that is associated with hypothyroidism. It is such a relief.


If you want more information about thyroid support please read Chris Kresser's ebook on Thyroid Disorders and a wonderful podcast Paleo Hacks -Sean Croxton on thyroid issues and natural remedies.