I cannot tell you what a shift the past week has been in my health journey!
Let me back up... I have to start out by saying that in the past few years, I have done so much research and been my own biggest advocate in looking at all the pieces possible for creating better health. I use amazing supplements that are life-changing for the gut health and mood. I exercise, although I often struggle with the motivation (despite the gym being my stress-relief and happy place). I have been very intentional about my sleep habits and my nutrition is on par. (Meaning my sugar, carbs and processed foods intake is extremely low). I have regularly scheduled chiropractic appointments and massages. I have improved and eliminated some of my symptoms but there have been some lingering issues.
The symptoms that I have continued to struggle with most are:
*Weight not changing
*Inflammation, including swelling of joints and hives
*Brain Fog- not every day but often
*Lack of Energy
*Lack of Focus and Motivation
Well, anyway.... I have been doing WHOLE30 in hopes that it helps in some way with the inflammation. I feel that it has been decent and I feel a slight bit more clear minded. But what REALLY changed for me was that I noticed a post that caught my attention 2 weeks ago. The post was about the exact symptoms that I have continued to struggle with, despite all my efforts, and how they were relieved after the IUD was taken out of the body.
I cannot even tell you the impact that post had on me. I instantly started doing some more research about the Copper IUD and the Mayo Clinic description states:
The ParaGard device is a T-shaped plastic frame that's inserted into the uterus. Copper wire coiled around the device produces an inflammatory reaction that is toxic to sperm and eggs (ova), preventing pregnancy.
It was the words "Inflammatory reaction" that solidified my AH-HA moment. So, If all my symptoms are related to inflammation, and diet and all the other things I am working on or have been doing are not reaping the ultimate results, where is the inflammation coming from? I KNEW this information was life changing.
One week ago today I had my IUD removed. It was incredible to see how instantaneous my body responded. I felt clearer, less foggy and there was not a pain in my abdomen but it felt calmer and lighter after removal. (Maybe there was a dull pain that was "normal" until I noticed it was no longer there). Later that evening, an hour or so, I had more energy than usual for that time of day and still felt even more clear headed. The following days were equally telling with just more clarity and energy. It was a HUGE shift in my body and a definite improvement!
Three days later, my period was supposed to start and was a little delayed but all is as it should be (as far as I am aware of!). Even with the water weight that I am currently carrying, my body has shed weight. My tummy area (which has been my biggest struggle for MANY years) has shrunk! And, remember- toady is only 1 week post removal.
Now.. I feel like I need to get on my soap box for just a minute.
I know that I am educated and I do my research. I am not a medical professional but I have a lot of certifications and LOVE learning about natural and holistic health and remedies. I personally am shocked (and a bit disturbed!) that in all my years of researching and doctors, etc., I have yet to come across this IUD information! I have felt silly and dumb at times for this out-of-sight-out-of-mind object that may have been the cause of some, majority or ALL of my issues in previous years. I have had a copper IUD 2 times, after the birth of each of my girls, totaling approximately 17 years. All my symptoms started accumulating then... I can look back and see areas that I can line up perfectly. Not everything is accounted for under this IUD category but WOW. I have had a few moments of extreme grieving in 1) Me not discovering this information sooner and 2) living in a world where doctors and big pharma are running the show. (I could REALLY go on a tangent here but....Another time, perhaps.)
So.
(Big sigh here!)
Regardless, HERE I AM. I feel like I am exiting a suffocating space and can see clearly. Breathe deeper. Move faster. I feel like this removal will be a brand new shift in ME. I already feel more like ME and, Boy, have I missed her.
I cannot wait for her to fully emerge. <3
Stay tuned... More updates to come.
I am ready to see what the next few weeks hold for me.
------->Have you had an experience with any kind of birth control and a reduction in symptoms? Is this information new to you? (Please tell me I am not alone!) Feel free to message me and share your experience with me!
Ok friends.
I am trying something new. A challenge and this one could be very significant for me.
See, although I have done quite well with reversing my chronic fatigue and now my symptoms are mostly in remission (the fatigue is still a struggle some days), my biggest battle is to combat my weight and insulin resistance. Pretty much everything else is balanced in my body and there is no reason that we can pinpoint as to why my body is resisting shedding weight. Sleep has been a HUGE priority for the past 3 years so, while it is not perfect, it is much better. I really enjoy sleeping now! ;)
So, I am going to jump into doing a WHOLE30 for at least 30 days to see if this will create a bigger shift in my body. Perhaps I can finally bust through this plateau! *Crossing fingers*
Who has done the WHOLE30 diet? Did you have any success? I want to hear your experience!
Why Whole30?
I mean, if you know me, I am pretty solid on my eating. I do have some sugar here and there and the occasional dairy. but generally I stay away from most grains (pastas and breads) and I am minimal already on all the "bad" things. BUT... those small things may be enough to create a big enough impact.
What Exactly is Whole30?
Whole30 is a nutritional program that is designed to help you eat healthier by eliminating "trigger" foods. These are foods that may be causing an inflammatory or autoimmune response in the body. The goal is to go for 30 days, long enough for the body to respond, by cutting out all grains, legumes, soy, dairy, alcohol, added sugars, artificial sweeteners and processed foods.It is focusing on vegetables, fruits, eggs, quality meats and fish, nuts, seeds and healthy fats. When you rid your body of all the things that create cravings and inflammation in the body, our bodies respond as the junk is cleared out, helping us feel more energetic, less bloated, and more! (so we hope!)
Here is a great article to learn more:
My biggest challenge anytime I implement a change in eating, I sometimes have issues when I fail to plan. Seems obvious but I am not much of a planner. Especially with meal planning. This is one area that I have never done well and I envy the people who put together a weekly dinner plan! That is a skill I am not sure I will ever aquire!
Anywho... I am gearing up to get rolling! What tips do you have for me?
Below are two books that I am excited to check out to help me on my success... Maybe you could use them too! Any others you want to add to my list?
Give me your tips and tricks and feedback if you have done Whole30! Hit reply and let me know your successes.... and challenges. :) AND if you want to join me on this journey, message me! I would love to build an accountability group. <3
