Hello, all!
An update is definitely in order. Sorry it’s been so long. I’ll explain everything…as concisely as possible.
At the end of August, I went to a new doctor – who is now my primary care physician and who practices functional medicine, which is like a holistic doctor – about my hair loss. I’ve been losing more hair than what is normal for the last 10+ years, and I discussed it with three other doctors during that time. I wasn’t about to give up!
It was a good thing I didn’t. My PCP questioned me about my health and gave me a comprehensive survey about symptoms of bad health. He determined that I have a gastrointestinal problem (candidiasis) and an adrenal problem (adrenal fatigue).
He prescribed a water fast to cleanse my GI system, which I did for four days. Then I began the Paleo Diet and taking supplements to heal my GI tract and rebuild my adrenal glands. He also suggested that I incorporate spiritual thinking, social interaction, and meditation into my lifestyle.
After the water fast, I decided to incorporate daily 16:8 intermittent fasting into my lifestyle. That means that I fast for 16 hours a day (the majority is while I’m sleeping) and eat during an 8-hour window. I usually fast from 5:30 pm (after dinner) until 9:30 am, which really isn’t hard to do. It just means that I don’t eat after dinner (which is a good habit for everyone) and I eat a somewhat late breakfast.
Supposedly, I’ll be taking the supplements for at least six months, and then I’ll be weaned off of them. In the 2.5 months that I’ve been taking the supplements, I’ve notice significant improvements already:
Nails: My nails are stronger and healthier.
Hair: Less hair loss and healthier-looking hair.
Tongue: Almost no coating on it anymore (a yellowed coating on the tongue is a sign of a candida yeast problem).
Mental: Mental clarity, more energy, less preoccupation with food, and less appetite.
Weight: I lost 10 pounds after not being able to lose any more weight (and I reached my goal weight!).
GI Health: I rarely have stomach pains after eating anymore (before, I was getting sharp stomach pains after every meal).
And I’m sure there are more! I’m looking forward to my continued progress with my new eating lifestyle.
I started going to yoga classes and meditating, as well as being more involved in social activities. The spiritual part I haven’t worked on much yet, but I intend to.
I was told that the GI tract involves more than just our digestive system. It affects other organs, such as the brain and the skin (yes, the skin is an organ), and our muscles and bones.
If you suspect that you have a GI issue, please talk with your doctor. And please keep in mind that pharmaceuticals are not necessarily needed for a healthy GI tract. I am not taking any prescription medications to improve mine, only a healthy diet and supplements (temporarily for the latter).
Please consider this: Nutrition can heal you or hurt you. Nutrition is medicine. You are what you eat.
In my next post, I’ll share my current diet and exercise regimen with you 🙂
Until then, please consider these words: Get healthy, Be healthy. What do they mean for you?
Christine's Health Blog 