Pregnancy Announcement

Wow, it's been over a year since I have posted on this blog and it's not because I have forgotten about it or too busy.  You can still follow my everyday on instagram @realfoodalways!

Here are my updates and they are huge:

1.  I went to my final infertility doctor in November of 2016 and he immediately suspected that I had endometriosis.  I had been asking about this for years from my other doctors, but it was always dismissed.

2.  I was referred by the above doc to an endometriosis specialist surgeon, who is my angel and she sent me to get a highly specific MRI (with contrast dye.)  Late December I was told that my MRI confirmed suspicions and I had two blocked fallopian tubes, extensive ovarian cysts, and stage 4 endometriosis.

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

3.  I spent the spring of 2016 getting 4 surgical opinions and ended up trusting my ovarian reserve to the angel above.  It was a great choice, and I went in for surgery on April 24, 2017.  I had insanely large ovarian endometriosis cysts and had to have my right fallopian tube removed.  I had to be out of work for almost 2 months.

4.  I returned to my lovely infertility doctor to start an IVF cycle.  I was a little nervous that it was so soon after my surgery, that I hadn't given my body enough time to recover.  He encouraged me to start an IVF cycle asap.

5.  The universe held on tight for me and I am now 5 months pregnant.  I am extremely grateful, my heart is full, and my husband and I are awaiting very patiently to hold onto my little girl on or around March 2nd, 2018!  For the first fall season in a very long time,  I am excited for the falling leaves, the dark of Winter, the long days.  For the first time in a long time, I feel content.  My spirit baby has found her way home.

Update: Treatment for Parasites

After six months, I no longer have to take the anti- parasitic medications that I was prescribed and I couldn't be happier.  It was a long six months- filled with ups and downs. 
Read more about my diagnosis here.

My Ups:

After two months, I started to feel significantly better, most noticeable was the improvements in my stomach.  I was consistently going days in a row with no stomach discomfort.  After years of having some sort of stomach ache or pain EVERY day, this is a huge feat!

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I passed a worm after four weeks on the protocol, proving that this is what my body needed and I was doing the right treatment for my body

My thyroid blood results became more stable after years of changing medication and dosage. 

Improved joint and muscle pain.  I have suffered with on and off lower back/SI pain as well as neck pain, both of which have improved tremendously.

Since my stomach was feeling better and not so inconsistent with its symptoms, I was able to start introducing foods that I had avoided for a long time. This decreased stress in so many ways. It made procuring food, preparing food, and eating food so much less stressful. I realized that because I had been stressed about food hurting my stomach, food itself was becoming a stressor.  I was now able to start eating out more, which brought lots of joy back into my life.  It made it easier to enjoy my social life, go on trips, be on vacation, etc. I hadn't realized how restricted my diet had become. When you become fearful of food, and cannot trust your body (because of the harmful effects of the parasites), this caused so much stress itself.  Currently, I still find myself questioning whether a food I am eating will cause pain or issues. I have to remind myself that my stomach and my body is healthier now and I can handle it, if I want it.  I realize I now have to relearn what works and doesn't work for my body.  I discussed more about my diet in this last post. 

Releasing Perfection.  You cannot be perfect on the complicated parasite protocol that I was on, you can only do your best. And this may change day by day.  Some weeks I ate too much sugar, some days I forgot supplements, some moments I was too tired for the self care aspects (detox bath.)  I had to keep reminding myself that I don't have to be perfect at the protocol. 

Improved sleep.  Although I am still working on this, my sleep has definitely improved. I notice that even when I sleep a small amount of hours, the quality is overall much better. 

Given the go ahead to try to conceive (ttc.)  Since I'm done with the anti-parasitic meds, I can now return to my very initial goal of having a baby.  At first I was super excited about this but I now realize that it was nice to have a true break from the madness of becoming a mother, after years of trying without success.  I am trying to embrace the fact that I am a different woman now, with a different body, going back into this with a whole different chemistry.  My doctor is sure that I can conceive naturally.  I have to trust that she is right. I have to trust my body.  That's a lot of pressure! 

The detox baths (goal of 3 times per week.)  I have grown to love these even though I still find them difficult to schedule in my day.  I add six cups of hydrogen peroxide and two cups salt to the water, some lavender essential oil, and soak in the dark for twenty minutes. I find it so meditative and relaxing.  My stressful brain resists though, so I'm still working on this. 

My Downs:

Colonics.  I hate them! But that means I may need these the most.  I have had horrible experience with these sessions including one time which I literally pooped my pants afterwards on the way home.  The good new is that my recent experience wasn't bad!

Fatigue.  The protocol was super exhausting itself.  Now that I know other patients that are also just starting this protocol, they describe to me the tremendous stress that the protocol places on them due to the time commitment and fear of the protocol not working.  After the first couple of weeks, the stress began to take its toll. I realized that I needed to allow myself more time to rest and take care of myself. 

Second guessing.  I constantly wondered if I was doing the right thing by being on this protocol. Even when I passed the worm(s), even when I started to feel better, the "negative Nilly" came back.  I have done so much in the past for my health.  The majority of which did NOT work because my root issues were not being addressed. Acupuncture, chiropractic, countless diets, IV's, naturopathic medicine, countless supplements, Sibo treatment, etc etc all did not lead to me gaining health. Of course, since all of these prior didn't work, my brain was wondering why this new protocol would work.  

Menstrual issues.  I was hoping that this protocol would improve my period. My insanely sore breasts 1.5 weeks prior to my period, my heavy flow, and my bad cramps remain.  I'm hoping that as I continue my healing this will all improve. 

I may have to go back on the anti-parasitic meds in the future.  As things continue to heal, as my body gets shook up, as I live my life in a world with lots of parasites, and because of my susceptibility to parasites, I may in the future have to go back on the meds.  This is not fun to think about, but the good thing is that I won't be surprised about it if it happens and next time I will be armed and prepared....!

When the Paleo Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) Diet Does Not Work for You (insert frowny face)

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Have you read countless blogs and posts where the author dishes on how fabulous the AIP diet has been for them, only to frustrate you more because this hasn't happened for you? 

Have you followed the AIP diet and then further restricted your diet even more (low FODMAPS, GAPS, SCD) only to realize that this diet plan is truly not working for you either?

There are lots of resources out there pointing to why the AIP diet is not working for you. 

These direct you to ideas that you may not be eating enough seafood, liver, bone broth, or vegetables.  Have you tried all of this stuff only to become even more upset with your lack of progress?  How many more expectations can you place on yourself?

The AIP diet prides itself on not being just a food focused diet.  Exercise, self care, meditation, and self love all are important elements of this diet.  Have you dedicated a potion of your life towards this, with some progress mentally but still not feeling like your belly is happy?  Did you reduce your work hours, eliminate stressors, add more meditation, and read countless books about self care and/or love?

I am a recovering perfectionist, much similar to many others out there who are suffering from autoimmune diseases.  I jumped right in to the AIP diet, excited for a new "cure," because it really seemed to make sense. 

(Take this survey on the relationship between personality and autoimmune disease.) 

Other AIP-ers discuss how they see progress right away (don't you wish) or how it took several months (wouldn't that be nice!)

I had been on a long health highway prior to going AIP/paleo. Many years ago, I initially began incorporating a whole foods/clean eating style diet, then I moved on to dairy free/soy free/ wheat(gluten) free world.   Then my lifestyle transitioned to grain free, to legume free, and finally ended on the AIP diet, somewhat combined with low fodmaps.

Where I unfortunately landed was feeling somewhat more bloated, which then lead me to being diagnosed with SIBO.  Along with this I was given several other diagnoses on top of my Hashimoto's, including high in heavy metals, MTHFR mutation, and I'm sure I'm forgetting something else as well.

I was losing weight, which was nice, but I was not gaining health.  I wish I stopped listening to the nutritionist and listened more to my own gut, which was getting more and more unruly.

I am not at all blaming the AIP diet for my poor health, or the AIP bloggers that I still follow on Instagram today, nor my nutritionist, nor myself for that matter.  I still follow a majority of the principles of the diet today as I am trying to become more in tune with what my body needs (still to be determined.)

Once I received the diagnosis of having a co-infection of parasites, I realized that it wasn't just about my diet any longer.  I was able to release the heavy burden on my body that it was my fault that I wasn't getting better, that I wasn't doing the diet "good enough", that I wasn't doing the lifestyle piece "hard enough."  I realized the reason why I couldn't listen to my body prior to this was because I wasn't able to hear the messages my body was trying to give me.  Those excess parasites were blocking the messages!

When I was on the AIP diet, my body never even started feeling near right enough, to even start a re-introduction, and when I thought it was ready, it would freak out on foods that had never given me trouble before.  I started thinking that everything I was eating was giving me some sort of reaction.  Since I was blessed with the co-infection, my body could not send me the appropriate signals that maybe I shouldn't eat this or that, because those darn parasites never allowed me to feel nice!

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It's been a total of 4 months since starting my Parasite Protocol and I am amazed with how different I feel compared to even 2 months ago.  Of course, I still have my ups and downs, but I know now that I am truly healing. For the first time in years, my thyroid panel is looking close to normal (still with natural thryroid medication), I am sleeping more soundly, and the biggest news is that my stomach no longer aches or pains on a daily basis. This is huge and I was starting to have little hope that this would be possible.  

So, I hope that all you AIP or Paleo dieters out there, who have been immersed in the lifestyle for awhile, but who are still struggling to feel better, stop blaming yourself and start investigating the root cause. 

Need more resources?  AIP Lifestyle

When You Find Worms in Your Toilet and other Office Water Cooler Chit Chat.

I couldn't think of any other good titles for this post.  I mean, I kinda wanted to get right to the point. Why "beat around the bush," right?

It's been kind of hard for me to deal with this new "diagnosis."  Okay, let's set the stage.  You walk into your office and are getting settled for another day at your job.  Your colleague walks in and you start chatting about the weather.  Then they ask you how your weekend was.  "Oh, you know, I went to a birthday party, finished painting the bathroom, and oh yeah, I started this parasite protocol to kill the tape worms that I have, then I started seeing them in my poop."

Being diagnosed with parasites is pretty icky.  My close friends and family already are medically challenged with my other diagnoses.  First there was Hashimotos, "isn't that when you have a big goiter, I think my grandma had that and took lots of salt?"  Then there was SIBO, "C-Bow? Oh, I've never even heard of that, is it like IBS, maybe you should get tested for an ulcer?"  Then there was "heavy metal toxicity."  "Oh, you should cut down on eating tuna!"  Recently there's been the newer one of lyme disease.  "When did you get bit by a tick?"  And now parasites?  Bly me....

Infertility has already been a pretty shameful diagnosis.  That was the first diagnosis that I carried like baggage behind me for quite some time.  The other diagnoses have made their debut one at a time, slowly adding to the weight of my luggage. Parasites was the final piece of baggage, which I hope will finally be the straw that breaks the camel's back. How do you politely discuss your diagnosis of parasites over lunch with a friend?  Or while they're making dinner during a phone conversation.  You just don't, cause it's freakin' gross.

When I received this last Parasite diagnosis, I didn't really believe it. I mean, it sort of made sense to me, but I couldn't really process it.  This is not your average diagnosis like diabetes or a herniated disc.  I started a Parasite Protocol, because why the hell not?  I had nothing else to lose.

Brene Brown discusses shame in this infamous Ted Talk.  Shame in itself may be the parasite that is eating me alive.  Dragged behind me these past years have been suitcases labeled with their differing diagnoses, but inside they are filled to the brim with shame.  The last suitcase with the ugly label of "Parasite" is just another box overfilled with vulnerability.

I may not be able, at the moment, to talk to my friends and colleagues about my boxes of shame, but I can open up to those that need to read about it.  Those that are disheartened by their current medical diagnoses, feel shame toward their own diagnoses, or looking for the diagnosis that makes most sense to them.   I have been perusing the world wide web and have found some solace in others' journeys with parasites.  Hopefully, I can bring my own love and insight to those looking for guidance, helping others release their own packages of shame.

In future posts, I will hope to share my progress.

Paleo, Parasite Protocol, and more Problems....

It's been awhile since I've written a post.  I'm sure many of you get tired of your healing journey and just want to pretend it's not happening for awhile.  This for sure is what's been going on with me, especially over the holidays.

Here are some updates:

After being diagnosed high in "heavy metals" (lead and mercury), I decided to try IV chelation to help my body detox from these.  I recently received my test results from a second urine provocation test and with great disappointment, I found out that this 10 week gruesomely long protocol did not help my situation.  (Repetitive sad face symbols.)

My integrative doctor started wondering if my gut is infected by parasites, which may be creating nasty biofilms in my gut, which collectively hold heavy metals and other bacteria/viruses inside. Since I didn't truly seem to improve after being treated with SIBO, we felt that something else was going on (read here about SIBO.)  Because nothing has been easy with my health journey, and I am "stumping" her with my difficult case, she recommended me to see an Applied Kinesiologist that she sends more difficult cases to.  I've never heard of Applied Kinesiology.  Basically, the technician (who can be a naturopath, MD, chiropractor, or physical therapist) does lots of muscle testing, which helps to determine what your body is responding well to in terms of medications and supplements. This sounded a little "woo woo," even for me and my doctor nodded her head in agreement with me. But, she still highly recommended a woman (whom I had to truck to Staten Island to see.)  After being evaluated by this woman, who herself recovered from being bedbound and legally blind by, I was newly diagnosed with several parasites as well as lyme viruses.  Seriously, really???!!!!!


Meanwhile, I started the Eat Feel Live Love Challenge, to provide me with some mental support for the New Year.  My unbiased review is that it's been a nice experience thus far, but with these new diagnoses and knowing that I have to start a whole new protocol, I've been a slacker.  Which, in the past I would beat myself up over, but the new me is embracing my non-Type A, imperfectionist attitude!  I haven't exactly learned anything new with the challenge, but it's reminded me about embracing certain rituals or habits, such as drinking warm lemon water in the morning and writing in a gratitude journal.

I now will be starting this long parasite protocol, which my husband has to do with me as well. Because, if one of you have parasites, then the other one supposedly does too.  Is this the answer to my digestive ills, my Hashimotos diagnosis,  and my infertility?  We will see.  As my husband says, I certainly have more than enough material to write a book about the subject.  Would you read it?

There's very little information about Applied Kinesiology and parasites on the web.  Anything you'd like to share or tell me about, I would accept with open arms.
Comment below or reach out to RealFoodAlways@gmail.com

The Best New Podcasts (AIP, Paleo)

I write this post as I polish off a bag of Pork Clouds and listen to Louise L. Hay's "101 Power Thoughts."  You may wonder what these two things have to do with Podcasts.  Well, firstly the pork clouds don't really have anything to do with podcasts, but they are a fun, salty/crunchy AIP/Paleo approved snack that you can mindlessly munch on while listening to your favorite podcast.

Occasionally, as I devour a podcast, especially the self-improvement or nutrition focused ones, I tend to feel a bit overwhelmed about trying to "change myself" or "make myself more perfect".  As I listen to the podcast, I may find myself thinking "Oh, I have to try that", "I have to start doing that" or "I have to buy that."  These thoughts can make you feel like you are not enough, and Louise Hay definitely helps you take your life back and reframe your perceptions about yourself.  She is the original "self love" guru.

A self proclaimed Type A nutjob like myself can get overwhelmed with suggestions and other things to worry about.  For example, after a week of listening to podcasts, I had added the following to my "must do" list:
1) Dry brushing to stimulate my lymphatic system
2) Detox bath
3) Eat more liver
4) Listen to 5 other podcasts recommended by other podcasters
5) Try a different type of magnesium supplement
6) Make a different noatmeal bowl instead of my go to ones.  Read here and here for my faves.
7) Research more about Low Dose Naltrexone
8) Check out US Wellness Meats for their sugar free bacon.
9, 10, 11, .........the list is endless.

I recently read Jessica Flanigan's "The Loving Diet", which is again reminding me that I must love myself, every freakin' bit.  Love the fact that I have frantically taken notes of all the things I want to try/buy/do into my iphone notepad.  Love the fact that even if I don't do everything, I'm still awesome and loveable, no matter what.  Beyond this simple message, the book delves into truly loving your disease.  How do you love Hashimotos, Infertility, SIBO, heavy metal toxicity, MTHFR/CBS mutations, food sensitivities, migraines, or whatever else ails you?!  Crazy you may say!  I highly recommend this interesting and thoughtful read.

So, back to podcasts.  There are now so many out there in cyberspace, which is awesome.  I love to put my buds in for my commute on the path/MTA, and absorb myself into the digital world of other people's conversations.  I'm obsessed with podcasts (just a little) and wrote about some of my favorite podcasts before. Recently, I've stumbled upon some new favorites, all discovered on the good old Instagram.

Listening to The Nourished Podcast, you will be introduced to the lovely ladies Meg and Shawn. They talk about all things Paleo, but they have a somewhat different twist.  While their focus tends to be on nutrition, food, and exercise, they both lend a great perspective on the mental aspect of self and how this affects our physical being. They discuss perception, love, and forgiveness, all of which are an important part of our "diets."  When listening to these podcast friends, I sense the compassion and emotional support that they wish to offer their listeners.  They recreate a feeling that you're out for tea, chatting about life.  There's not much exact science, so if you're looking for that, this may not be for you. 

Love and Heal Podcast, is a twice monthly podcast that recently came upon the podcast marketplace. I was so inspired by this podcast that I purchased Jessica's book (which I've already gushed about above) and am still re-reading it as we speak.   As you've probably realized, I'm super into self love and forgiveness at the moment, so this podcast is really appealing to me. Jessica has a calming voice and thus far I've really enjoyed the interviews. It's not just a straight "how to eat paleo" guide and is a little more "alternative" but I've really enjoyed the episodes thus far. 

I recently came across Wellness Beets Podcast and have been digging these two down to earth podcasters.   I really appreciate Brittany and Alex's practical information/advice about a variety of topics.  This podcast also isn't bogged down by so much science, which I am appreciative of as of late.  Sometimes, I just want to feel like I'm eavesdropping on an interesting conversation, not being reprimanded with science.  The quality (technical stuff) still needs to be worked out, but it's a fun podcast to add to your "to do list."

Low fodmap N'Oatmeal (AIP, Paleo, low starch)

I'm currently on day 15 (out of 90?) of a low fodmap/Paleo/low starch diet and I am definitely having my ups and downs with all of these new restrictions.  It's not as bad as I thought it would be, but it's really, really hard.  Read my recent post on how I'm working on releasing control while embarking on this new low fodmap journey.

I have been obsessed with N'oatmeals, Notmeal or Norridge for a while now.  I wrote about one of my favorites a while ago and would highly recommend trying this for your first experience with notmeals.  But, if you're on a low/no fodmap diet than you will find a harder time finding notmeals that are "allowed."

Enter "Instant Oatmeal" from Grazed and Enthused.  I oftentimes hit up Alaena's website when I'm in the mood to peruse recipes and JACKPOT, I came across this low fodmap sparkler!  That being said, you have to understand that since this one is made from blended yellow squash, the flavor is going to be much not like oatmeal.  Once you go in knowing that, then you can appreciate how "oatmealy" it is.  I find that a teeny bit of honey, lots of cinnamon, coconut butter, and some fruit (pictured are Kiwi Berries) round the whole dish into a breakfasty delight.