How I Healed My Gut And Stopped Autoimmune Disease
My healing story
At 16 years old, I knew something wasn’t right. I was suffering with constant stomach issues and pain. I also suffered with depression, anxiety, joint pain, etc. I couldn’t even eat healthy foods like lettuce or berries because my digestive system couldn’t handle it. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age 18.
After years of “normal” medical care and treatment with steroids and immunosuppressants, my quality of life was not great and I was not okay with the long term plan for my health.
I sought out the help of a functional medicine doctor at age 21—days before my wedding and I started a complete lifestyle change. I got off of birth control, changed my diet, became more active, etc. With her guidance, along with the support of a health coach, I drastically changed my diet. I cut out gluten, dairy, refined sugar, corn, soy, and nightshades. I was so strict I wouldn’t even eat high sugar fruit for a few months until my gut was healed enough.
A non-toxic lifestyle is also important for those with autoimmune disease because the immune system can overreact to toxins and then trigger an autoimmune response. I knew I couldn’t completely remove all toxins from my life since I work in a hair salon so I went on a mission to make my home 100% non-toxic. I started making everything myself from scratch and after lots of trial and error I learned what works and what doesn’t. Now, I’ve been able to find some store bought swaps that are non-toxic and work well. Check out my Non-Toxic Guides if you’re looking for an easy start!
Now, I’ve been off of medicine and in remission for years and feel great. I think of food as medicine and don’t eat anything I don’t understand. I read ingredients not nutrition facts! I still eat completely gluten free and 99% dairy free (I’m able to be a little more leanant if I’m at a restaurant with dairy) and feel amazing.
Keeping stress down is also a very important part of a healthy lifestyle. Yoga, meditation, and more physical activity followed in my journey. Most recently, I’ve explored spirituality and enlightenment. If this is all new to you, I highly recommend reading The Microbiome Diet and The Power of Now.
I hope this story helps someone and please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’m currently studying to become a health coach at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition so that I can help others take their health into their own hands!
Note: I understand we are all different and am not completely against medication when needed. However, I think there is so much more healing power in food and lifestyle than we realize.
With love, Amanda