Out with the Old. In with the New.

Can you still say you blog when you average 1 post per year?

It's a joy to say that I've been gone because I have been living more rather than surviving. My health has improved enough that I've graduated from full-time patient to housewife. That change has allowed me to assume some level of independence in terms of daily cooking, laundry, dishes, errands, caring for a dog, and even continuing part-time tutoring online. My health challenges continue, and so does my research. However, instead of trying to get myself out of bed all day, I have to figure out how to get a better sleep at night.

I read back through my previous posts, and there have been changes, even in the past 2 years.

I can't tolerate fish oil because I found out it lowers NK cell activity and brings back all my chronic fatigue symptoms. Apparently people with chronic fatigue syndrome often struggle with low NK cell number and/or activity. Fish oil suppresses that even further and makes me feel terrible. What increases NK cells? Walks in the woods!

Wobenzym is a combination of pancreatic enzymes and anti-inflammatory plant enzymes. A very low dose of 1 pill/day has not only improved my digestion, but it seems to have improved my immune system when I fight off viruses.

A long experiment of eating gluten-free organic oatmeal has left me confused as to my level of sensitivity. I developed ongoing bladder irritation, but was it because of the oats? My grandma with celiac disease couldn't tolerate the oat protein avenin, so maybe I am sensitive as well. I miss the added fiber and the warm comfort of a hot bowl of cereal.

Also out this year? Nut milk. That seemed to irritate my bladder too.

Tacos have made a magnificent comeback here thanks to Siete grain-free tortillas!

I've mentioned in previous posts that I couldn't digest quinoa. Last summer I made the delightful discovery that I can tolerate *sprouted* organic quinoa easily. Cooking it in chicken broth with some sauteed spinach added in, sesame oil, coconut aminos, and Tamari - delicious!

Symptoms indicate that I struggle with intolerance to histamine. I break into itchy rashes when I eat fermented foods or too much bone broth or kefir. I tried to take acidophilus and was covered in little itchy bumps. The light finally went on, and I investigated strains of histamine-lowering probiotics. D-lactate free from Custom Probiotics helped not only the itching but also my sleep and digestion. I had to start with a fraction of an "infant" scoop, but working my way up to a 1/4, then a 1/2 was workable.

Gelatin also makes me itchy, but when I eat it mid-cycle, it still does wonders for menstrual cramps.

Naturelo is a new company that makes excellent whole-food vitamins that have particularly helped with my magnesium and calcium needs. The capsules are more easily absorbed than tablets and are spread throughout the day.

And lastly: Yoga!

What a difference weekly, gentle yoga has made for me. During my sickest days, I slept well into the afternoon. It would have been unthinkable for me at that time to imagine getting up in the (albeit late) morning and participating in a yoga class that lasts over an hour. During one class after Christmas, as I experienced an uncharacteristic strength and stability in my legs while extending my arms over my head, I felt such gratitude to God. He has taught me through the experiences of others, given me insight into what works and what doesn't, helped me learn priorities and how to pace my limited energy, and he has humbled me with struggles and setbacks so I never become overconfident in various "solutions." I will never feel as if I have all the answers or as if I am cured. But treating my intestinal permeability through an anti-inflammatory diet, manageable exercise, and natural antifungals/antivirals has transformed my life.

I continue to re-evaluate, read, and experiment. It's the nature of the beast. I also eat way too much gluten-free bread and still have days when I feel overwhelmed and exhausted. But on the whole, this year finds me better than the one before, and I am grateful to my Maker. He has created the healing vegetables and fruits and garlic and coconuts and olives. He has been leading me on to leave behind the old and embrace new things. To not be scared of change.

What new thing have you been putting off trying? What do you need to give up to try to reach a greater level of health?  Slow, small, baby steps make the changes possible.