(Side note - I have my photography reputation to uphold here, and would like to note that these photos are just from my phone :) Also, this post is the start of a pretty big difference in this blog. I understand if you come here for yummy cookie recipes, but you might not be seeing that for awhile. If you'd like to follow me as I try to eat healthier, I hope you continue reading this blog!)
Sometimes you get to a point in life when you're just stuck... and you know you need to make some serious changes. Those changes seem impossible, so you wait for awhile. Maybe you wait days, weeks, months, even years, putting off something that's just not very convenient.
But then you realize that your health is more important than anything - for me, it was realizing that I was more important than food. I am in the process of starting to view food differently, as a way to fuel my body instead of just something I crave. It's not about walking into the grocery store at the beginning of every week and thinking, "What do I want to make this week? What am I hungry for?" Instead, I need to train myself to think, "What does my body need this week? What are things I can eat that will give me energy and good health?"
I have had psoriasis for about 15 years, and probably longer than that. Basically as long as I can remember I've been itching my scalp, being embarrassed as I watch little pieces of my skin fall all over my clothes, the floor, everywhere. I also have it on my elbows, chest, knees and back. It's painful, itchy, embarrassing and something I've been living with for a very long time.
Of course I've tried many things to get rid of it - I've been to dermatologists, doctors, endocrinologists... and no one has been able to make it go away. Nothing has worked.
A few years ago, I experienced some hormone imbalances as a result of the topical steroid lotion I used on my psoriasis for years. As a long term side effect of the medicine, my thyroid and adrenal gland functions were totally out of control. I had many blood tests done to diagnose the problem. I decided to stop using the lotion and haven't used it again in years. That was a really big step for me, because it was the only thing I found to control my symptoms. But it was working from the outside in, and ended up making me really sick. I needed to heal myself from the inside out.
My sister has been telling me for years that a big change in my diet could help me. I just didn't listen until recently, when psoriasis wasn't the only symptom I was experiencing. I starting having big problems with my energy levels, I was tired all the time, gained a large amount of weight in a very short time, had problems with my fingernails (a sign of malnutrition) and began having signs of anxiety such as chest pains and heart palpitations.
So after encouragement and support from my husband and family, I made an appointment with a Naturopathic Doctor/Nutritionist. A few weeks ago, I met with Rhonda Ehrgood from Tree of Life Health Ministries in Gap, Pennsylvania. She ran a lot of tests and found out that my kidney and liver functions were congested, and there was protein in my urine (sorry that's gross) which means I'm not digesting my food properly.
She put me on a 2-3 month dairy, sugar and grain-free detoxification program, with a 7-day intensive detox called Core Restore, focusing on the liver (I start that in about a week). I can only eat organic fruit and as many vegetables as I want, and grass-fed hormone free meats and eggs. The goal is to totally clean my body out of all processed food and make it healthy again. She suspects that I have some food allergies or intolerances, so after the 2-3 month detox, she wants to slowly introduce some foods (like milk) back into my diet to see how I react to them. From there (with a lot of patience and work) we should be able to pinpoint the foods I can't eat.
It's difficult, because I'm not sure what the rest of my life is going to look like in terms of what I can eat. It's hard for me to live in the unknown, but I also think right now it would be overwhelming for me to think I can never eat bread or ice cream again. It's comforting to know that I'm working with a professional, and we're taking this day by day, trying to give my body the nutrients it needs to heal itself.
I'm on Day 3 of the new grain-free dairy-free eating plan, and I can't say it's been easy. It's been a struggle, and I will elaborate in future posts. I like the idea of journaling/blogging this experience. I think it will help keep me accountable, hopefully help someone else, and also be encouraging to look back someday and see how far I've come.
I am so thankful for everyone's support. I have an incredible husband that doesn't care how much money all this costs, or what we have to do. He just wants me to get better. He has been helping me with food prep, cleaning the mountains of dishes and general calming of nerves and anxiety. His encouragement has been my strength when I have none, and for that I am so thankful. My parents have been a strong support system for me. My sister sat down with me for hours to help me plan meals and make a grocery list. She helped me clean out my kitchen and go grocery shopping. She has been amazing. My boss sat with me for an hour while he listened to everything about what's going on, and has been supportive of me missing work to drive 2 hours to my nutritionist appointments. Everywhere I look, I have support. And it's a bigger blessing than I can even write into words.
Thank you for coming on this journey with me!
You're off to an amazing start. Your writing is so heartfelt and easy to read! You have a great talent and a great motivation...and I'm sure you'll be a motivating force for many. You go, girl! You will surely help yourself -- but just as surely you will help many others. :-)
ReplyDeleteGood luck Jenna! I'm interested to hear what you try, I've had a lot of the same symptoms developing slowly including hypothyroid and I've really started to wonder if cutting out wheat/dairy/sugar and processed foods would help, of course I'm half hoping they don't because I don't want to give up those foods;) I hope you are able to find a healthy balance for yourself! xo
ReplyDeleteJenna, I am constantly amazed at your strength and wisdom. I am so proud of you and I vow to support you in these lifestyle changes. You and Ashley have encouraged me and Daddy to think differently about food and family celebrations. We can enjoy being together and have healthy, life giving food at our get togethers. I know you can do it because you know where your strength comes from. I love you more than you can imagine and look forward to walking this walk with you! <3
ReplyDeleteHi Jenna!! Just read all of this post and I am wondering where you are in this journey? I hope and pray that this finds your healthier and burning up the learning curve.
ReplyDeleteRather than renting a pressure washer and not being entirely familiar with how to fully operate it, owning one allows you to gain a high level of familiarity with how to use your pressure washer so you get it exactly how you like it every time.
ReplyDeletefind out more
christian louboutin pas cher
ReplyDeletepatriots jerseys
ugg sale
cheap ray ban sunglasses
true religion outlet
christian louboutin outlet
ugg outlet
sac louis vuitton
abercrombie outlet
michael kors handbags
2016.10.10xukaimin
kd 8 shoes
ReplyDeletenorth face outlet
pandora bracelet
polo ralph lauren outlet
gucci
michael kors outlet clearance
pandora charms sale
canada goose jackets
tory burch outlet online
converse uk
20161124yuanyuan
celine handbags
ReplyDeletecanada goose jackets
ray ban pas cher
kate spade outlet
michael kors handbags
scarpe hogan
ugg uk
polo ralph lauren
abercrombie & fitch
coach outlet
20171.10wengdongdong
birkenstock sandals
ReplyDeletechaussure louboutin
coach canada
fitflops
ralph lauren outlet
oakley sunglasses
coach outlet
coach outlet store online clearances
michael kors outlet online
red bottoms shoes
jianbin0915
ReplyDeletechristian louboutin outlet
cheap mlb jerseys
nike trainers
adidas wings shoes
kate spade
bottega veneta outlet online
prada outlet
cheap jordans for sale
nike outlet
cleveland cavaliers jerseys
longchamp outlet store
ReplyDeletemichael kors handbags
prada handbags
ray ban sunglasses uk
uggs uk
oakley sunglasses
polo ralph lauren
oakley sunglasses
ray ban sunglasses
ugg outlet
chenlina20171030
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for keep this information.
water damage repair topanga
This is standard and obviously could differ contingent upon the state of the grout or if there are existing sealers that must be expelled first. So by and large, a 400 square foot kitchen would cost you between $300-$600 relying upon your territory of the nation.eco-dumpster
ReplyDeleteCoach Outlet Coach Outlet Coach Outlet Cheap NBA Jerseys Cheap Jordans Coach Outlet Online Coach Factory Outlet Coach Outlet .Coach Outlet Store UGG Outlet
ReplyDeleteYou have done a great job on this article. It’s very readable and highly intelligent. You have even managed to make it understandable and easy to read. You have some real writing talent. Thank you. visit this site
ReplyDeleteAir Jordan
ReplyDeleteJordan 4
Pandora Jewelry Outlet
Red Bottom Shoes For Women
Jordan 11 For Sale
Yeezy boost 350 v2
Nike Air Max 270
Jordan Retro 11
Kyrie Irving Shoes
Air Jordan 9
Rodney20181010
An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
ReplyDeletePressure Washer Buying guide
It is imperative that we read blog post very carefully. I am already done it and find that this post is really amazing. The Top Cleaner
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe target or objective of any great cover cleaning strategy, is dependably, to expel however much soil or remote material as could reasonably be expected, from the cover strands. carpet cleaning Brooklyn NY
ReplyDeleteShop for Halter prom dresses at Prom Dress. Black lace dresses, lace prom Dresses, Halter prom dresses, and cocktail party dresses with lace details.
ReplyDeleteOnly aspire to mention ones content can be as incredible. This clarity with your post is superb and that i may think you’re a guru for this issue. High-quality along with your concur permit me to to seize your current give to keep modified by using approaching blog post. Thanks a lot hundreds of along with you should go on the pleasurable get the job done.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to learn more about Best Massage Machine, you visit now
I really appreciate this article Thanks For Sharing People also like this Awesome post
ReplyDeleteI have also gone through your other posts too and they are also very much appreciate able and I’m just waiting for your next update to come as I like all your posts.
If you want to learn more about Massage Machine Reviews, you visit now
This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work
ReplyDeleteIf you want to learn more about Massage Machine Reviews, you visit now
I finally found magnificent post here.I will get back here. I just added your blog to my bookmark regions. thanks.Quality presents is the fundamental on welcome the visitors to visit the webpage page, that is the thing that this site page is giving.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to learn more about 10 Best Massage Machine Reviews, you visit now
That was a great and comprehensive article…all the tips enumerated and explained will be helpful for those who are wise enough to tap from it. Any business nowadays without social media signals and presence may not make it to the outermost, and investment too is part of the key to success in business. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to learn more about 10 Best Massage Machine Reviews, you visit now
The subsequent time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as a lot as this one. I imply, I do know it was my choice to learn, however I actually thought youd have something attention-grabbing to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could repair in the event you werent too busy in search of attention.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to learn more about Foot Massagers Review, you visit now
Nice article, thanks has been sharing this information. Do not forget to visit our website to share information and knowledge about health.
ReplyDeleteWant to learn more about Fitness Tools Review you visit now
Exceptionally useful post ! There is a considerable measure of data here that can enable any business to begin with a fruitful long range informal communication campaign!
ReplyDeleteWant to learn more about Fitness Tools Guide you visit now
Considerably, the story is in reality the greatest on this noteworthy topic. I agree with your conclusions and will eagerly watch forward to your next updates. Saying nice one will not just be sufficient, for the wonderful clarity in your writing. I will immediately grab your rss feed to stay privy of any updates
ReplyDeleteIf you want to learn more about Best Cordless Massager, you visit now
Just pure brilliance from you here. I have never expected something less than this from you and you have not disappointed me at all. I suppose you will keep the quality work going on.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to learn more about Best Calf Massager, you visit now
Only aspire to mention ones content can be as incredible. This clarity with your post is superb and that i may think you’re a guru for this issue. High-quality along with your concur permit me to to seize your current give to keep modified by using approaching blog post. Thanks a lot hundreds of along with you should go on the pleasurable get the job done.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to learn more about Best Back Massage, you visit now
This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work
ReplyDeleteIf you want to learn more about Best Back Massage Machine, you visit now
The website loading speed is amazing. It kind of feels that you’re doing any distinctive trick. Moreover, The contents are masterpiece. you have done a fantastic activity on this subject!
ReplyDeleteIf you want to learn more about Kitchen and Dining, you visit now
This is really a nice and informative, containing all information and also has a great impact on the new technology. Thanks for sharing it fantastic website, where did u come up with the records on this posting? i am thrilled i discovered it though, unwell be checking returned soon to discover what additional posts you include.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to learn more about Kitchen and Dining, you visit now
Exceptionally useful post ! There is a considerable measure of data here that can enable any business to begin with a fruitful long range informal communication campaign!If you want to learn more about Kitchen and Dining, you visit now
ReplyDeleteIf more people that write articles really concerned themselves with writing great content like you, more readers would be interested in their writings. Thank you for caring about your content. commercial cleaning services perth
ReplyDeletethis is really nice to read..informative post is very good to read..thanks a lot! source
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this very informative article. I have been trying to determine when large, flat concrete gravestones were first used in New Orleans cemeteries. I have found two for 1905 burials but I don't know if the stones were laid at the time of burial. They are slab-like with small marble name plaques attached. Have you run across any similar gravestones in your New Orleans research?
ReplyDeletetekken 3 game play online
Great job for publishing such a beneficial web site. Your web log isn’t only useful but it is additionally really creative too. There tend to be not many people who can certainly write not so simple posts that artistically. Continue the nice writing Carpet Cleaning Fayetteville NC
ReplyDeleteYou should also ask them what cleaning supplies they bring when they are hired, and you should be very clear about which areas you want them to clean and which ones they shouldn't. House cleaning app
ReplyDelete