Loren Halifax: How I Transformed My Health from Just Alleviating Symptoms to a Better Life
Have you ever heard the saying “sick and tired of feeling sick and tired”? I sure have. As I’m getting older, it seems like my health is deteriorating every year. I’ve been struggling with minor chronic health issues like a slowing metabolism, joint pain, allergy and sinus problems, headaches, weight gain, fatigue, stress, sleep issues, brain fog, poor memory, and constantly catching cold and flu viruses every winter. But all of that changed when I lost a dear team member and my health took a turn for the worse. I sought help from doctors and they prescribed medication that alleviated my symptoms, but it didn’t fix the root of the problem. I wanted to get better, not just take a pill for the rest of my life.
That’s when I started looking for other solutions and came across the concept of inflammation as the underlying cause of many chronic diseases. Inflammation occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy cells and tissues. According to the National Institutes of Health, there are over 80 different types of autoimmune disorders. Fatigue and a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or lack of well-being are usually the first symptoms.
Discovering the Wahls Protocol
A friend sent me a link to a TED talk by Dr. Terry Wahls, where she discussed how she reversed her multiple sclerosis (an autoimmune disease) through nutrition and functional medicine. She followed a diet of nine cups of fruits and vegetables per day, divided into three categories: leafy greens, sulfur-rich veggies, and brightly-colored fruits and veggies. She also consumed grass-fed meat, wild-caught fish, seaweed, and organ meat. On the other hand, she avoided foods that cause inflammation such as grains, eggs, dairy, and processed foods.
Within a year, she went from being confined to a wheelchair to riding bikes with her family. Impressed by her results, she raised enough money to start clinical trials for MS patients on her protocol, and the results were published in February of this year, with every single patient in the trial showing improvement to some degree.
My Personal Journey with the Wahls Protocol
I was initially overwhelmed by the concept of the Wahls Protocol, but I decided to start with the eating plan. I started on Christmas Day, four months ago, with the intention of giving it a week. By the end of the first week, I already had more energy and had lost a few pounds, even though I was eating a lot of food. I continued with the plan and by the end of the first month, the changes were significant. My joints stopped aching, I had plenty of energy, I lost seven pounds effortlessly, I didn’t catch any contagious diseases this winter, and for the first time in my adult life, I didn’t have any allergy problems this spring.
The Wahls Protocol does require some planning and cooking, but it’s not difficult. All the ingredients can be found at local grocery stores or Costco, and the cost evened out when I stopped buying snacks and processed foods. I buy organic when I can, but it’s not necessary. Dr. Wahls encourages adding more inflammatory foods back into your diet one at a time to see how they affect you. I was initially hesitant to make such a drastic change, but I am so glad I did because it has transformed my health for theicioui
I did because it has transformed my health for the better. I highly recommend the Wahls Protocol for anyone struggling with autoimmune problems or just not feeling their best. I know it takes some effort and a change in habits, but trust me, it’s worth it. Taking care of your health is the best investment you can make in yourself.
FAQ
1. What is the Wahls Protocol?
The Wahls Protocol is a diet and lifestyle program developed by Dr. Terry Wahls to reverse autoimmune diseases through nutrition and functional medicine. It involves consuming nine cups of fruits and vegetables per day, divided into three categories: leafy greens, sulfur-rich veggies, and brightly-colored fruits and veggies. It also involves consuming grass-fed meat, wild-caught fish, seaweed, and organ meat, and avoiding foods that cause inflammation such as grains, eggs, dairy, and processed foods.
2. What are the benefits of following the Wahls Protocol?
Following the Wahls Protocol can result in improved energy levels, weight loss, reduced joint pain, improved immune system, reduced allergy symptoms, and improved overall health and well-being. It can also help reverse autoimmune diseases and improve symptoms associated with autoimmune disorders.
3. How long does it take to see results with the Wahls Protocol?
The amount of time it takes to see results with the Wahls Protocol varies from person to person, but many people report seeing significant changes within the first month. Dr. Wahls herself saw dramatic improvements within a year.
4. Is the Wahls Protocol only for people with autoimmune disorders?
No, the Wahls Protocol is not just for people with autoimmune disorders. It can benefit anyone looking to improve their health and well-being, regardless of their current health status.
5. How can I learn more about the Wahls Protocol?
To learn more about the Wahls Protocol, you can visit Dr. Terry Wahls’ website at
www.terrywahls.com
, watch her TED talk on
YouTube
, or attend a book signing and Q&A with Dr. Wahls. You can also speak with your doctor or contact the KU Center for Integrative Medicine for medical supervision.
In conclusion, I hope my experience with the Wahls Protocol inspires you to take control of your health and well-being. Don’t settle for just alleviating symptoms, strive for better health. You’re worth it!
XDFINISH
