Proof is in the Plant Based Puddin’
I began my Plant Based Diet journey in January 2019 after a struggle with multiple autoimmune diseases.
After the birth of my first child my body was spiraling out of control. I was experiencing joint swelling, extreme fatigue, horrible abdominal pain, and blood loss.
I visited my primary care for months and they assured me that nothing was wrong. I changed to another primary care physician, and he listened and cared about my concerns. After more testing we finally had a diagnosis: Crohn’s Disease. I was told by a GI that there was nothing that I could do to get rid of it, I would be on medication for the rest of my life, and I had an 80% chance of having a bowel resection during my lifetime. I was handed a life sentence. Over the next couple of years I began collecting auto immune diseases like trophies. I had been formally diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
I spent approximately 10 years listening to my GI; taking all the steroids, taking all the prescriptions. At one point I was taking 13 pills a day!
During my second pregnancy I was hospitalized for several days due to Crohn’s flare.
Despite following all the doctor’s orders and medication routines, in late 2018 I ended up nearly having to have a bowel resection due to my bowels being so inflamed that they were completely swollen shut. Fortunately, after an aggressive round of steroids I was able to avoid surgery. My GI wanted me to start on injectable biologics immediately. Frankly, the side effects scared the hell out of me. When I began asking questions of alternatives my GI became so irritated with me! She said, “You’ll be back! There is NO other way!” I was in shock! I had never been spoken to by a medical professional like this before.
This began my healing journey and made me question everything and educate myself so that I could be my own advocate! Medications treat symptoms they do not heal. You must heal the root cause of your inflammation, you must heal from the inside, and it’s completely possible!
I’m proud to say that I have been pharmaceutical free for over 4 years!
My personal proof is below:
Cholesterols
Since October 2021 my total cholesterol levels have decreased 17mg.
HDL decreased 3 mg, triglycerides decreased 6mg, LDL (the bad cholesterol) decreased 14mg.
Blood Cell Counts
At the beginning of my journey my white blood cell count was counted at 14.1! Leukocytosis, or high white blood cell count, can indicate a range of conditions, including infections, inflammation, injury and immune system disorders. I have been diagnosed with 3!
As of my latest testing, my white blood cell count is 6.0! Completely within the normal range and indicative of no inflammation and no autoimmune disorders!
The testing for the red blood cell count was improved as well. If you are not showing enough red blood cells it is an indication that you are anemic. Since starting the plant-based diet my red blood cell count continues to increase!
As a matter of fact, my iron, potassium, calcium, protein, and creatine (kidneys functioning better), levels have all increased.
Heart Function
My EKG testing was phenomenal as well. The Doctor looked at it twice to see if she read it correctly. She stated, “Your heart is in great health. It tests as one that is a trained athlete.”
Thyroid Function
Once diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis my thyroid is now testing withing the normal range. In 2020 I was still considered within the normal range, but you can see that the tests have shown thyroid function improvement.
Physically
My physical body has shown vast improvements as well. I have more energy now than ever! I take part in regular physical activities such as Yoga and walking. I may look thin, but I assure you that this body is strong and healthy! I weight approximately 135 lbs. and almost 100 lbs. is muscle mass.
The following chart below is specific to my body based upon my weight and height. Please note that everyone has different standard measurements due to their own body compositions.
In a nutshell (pun intended) you can clearly see that a plant-based lifestyle does not leave you lacking. Internally my body is functioning at optimal levels, physically my body is healthy and strong. The removal of animal products and gluten from my diet has been transformational for me. I’m eternally grateful to have found this path of healing and to help others heal as well.
Namaste,
Stacey