What is AIP? Is it for Me?
I was diagnosed six years ago with Hashimoto's Disease. It is an autoimmune disease where my immune system produces antibodies that attack my thyroid. This condition makes me feel tired, gain weight, lose hair, have pale skin, brittle nails, joint pain, brain fog, trouble with memory, long menstrual periods, depression, extreme thirst, sensitivity to cold, stiffness, and a sore throat that has never gone away. I have been on medication to treat hypothyroidism, but my levels have never been actually in the hypothyroid range. I seem to feel best when my TSH numbers are close to 1 or on the hyperthyroid side. It appears the cause of Hashimoto's is unknown but it could be from a combination of factors including genetics, a virus, a bacterium, stress, pregnancy , etc.
I have days that are better than others, but most of the time am totally doing my best to fake that I am feeling fine. I have been "too busy" for the past six years to focus on my own health. Well... 2017 is here and this is the year I am going to, "Get it Girl!" I am starting this voyage because I actually want to feel fine.
Reading and connecting with others on-line has led me to the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP). In my adult life, I have always believed in feeding my body and staying healthy from the inside out. Choosing to feed my body with as much "real food" as possible. So why not try another solution to potentially heal my body from the inside out with my autoimmune disease? Through AIP I am hoping for reduced inflammation in my body and improved gut health.
So what is AIP? Basically Paleo... but more strict. No grains, dairy, eggs, nightshades, legumes, nuts, seeds, soy, vegetable oils, alcohol, and no food additives like guar gum, nitrates, etc. While this list is overwhelming, I needed to stay positive and focus on what I CAN eat... not what I can't. So to help myself shop and meal plan I made a list of food I can eat - and I stick to those. This REALLY helped me stay positive! If I don't have time to meal plan... I run to the store and stick to these foods and it is fairly simple.
I also know as a part of AIP, I need to work on my wellness. This means reduced stress, connecting with others, staying active, and being more in the moment. I am excited about this voyage and can't wait to see what 2017 brings!
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