Meet Ruth
I am 59 years old and started the paleo diet 2 months ago in order to control the symptoms of my ulcerative proctitis and, hopefully, reduce or come off altogether the immunosuppressant drug I am on. The diet I am following is loosely related to what I think is called the autoimmune protocol. I say 'loosely' because I found it just too restrictive, especially when eating out or at friends' houses. It excludes all the nightshade vegetables - chilis, bell peppers, tomatoes, eggplant as well as potatoes; eggs and nuts. Except for potatoes, I've eaten all the other foods on occasion. I am by no means cured of my condition, but (I'll spare the details!) the symptoms are markedly reduced. I remain hopeful that my symptoms will continue to improve.
Another great benefit has been a drop in my blood pressure. I was diagnosed as high normal,and it is now down considerably.
It took me a few weeks to get used to the diet - I felt lacking in energy for a while, and my head was foggy. Now I just feel great - I can barely sit still to write this! I want to move all the time. I've also discovered CrossFit and have noticed a remarkable increase in strength and mobility in just the 3 weeks I've been doing it.
I wish I had discovered this lifestyle decades ago.
Another great benefit has been a drop in my blood pressure. I was diagnosed as high normal,and it is now down considerably.
It took me a few weeks to get used to the diet - I felt lacking in energy for a while, and my head was foggy. Now I just feel great - I can barely sit still to write this! I want to move all the time. I've also discovered CrossFit and have noticed a remarkable increase in strength and mobility in just the 3 weeks I've been doing it.
I wish I had discovered this lifestyle decades ago.
Meet the new Ruth
CHALLENGES:
Explaining ot others what I was doing. Many of my friends and family are health professionals (as was I) and they think it's largely madness to stop grains and dairy. They worry about where I'm getting fibre, calcium and B vitamins
ADVICE:
I wholeheartedly recommend a paleo diet. When I explain my choices to others, I refer to the peer-reviewed research about anti-nutrients in grains and their role in preventing the uptake of vitmins and minerals. Most are not familiar with this research and so tend to drop the subject.
Explaining ot others what I was doing. Many of my friends and family are health professionals (as was I) and they think it's largely madness to stop grains and dairy. They worry about where I'm getting fibre, calcium and B vitamins
ADVICE:
I wholeheartedly recommend a paleo diet. When I explain my choices to others, I refer to the peer-reviewed research about anti-nutrients in grains and their role in preventing the uptake of vitmins and minerals. Most are not familiar with this research and so tend to drop the subject.
