As many of you may know, I was diagnosed with lupus nephritis 5 years ago. Through the tears and severe pain early on, along with the impending prognosis of “In 5 years you will most likely be on the kidney transplant list”, from my specialist at the time( that was 5 years ago), I have managed my symptoms which have allowed me to live a full and vibrant life. It was certainly a rocky time for me but today I do not suffer from fatigue, joint or muscle pain, or hair thinning.
At first, to be honest, it was so difficult to come to grips with a health care provider who had fallen into such a critical and devastating illness. Lupus nephritis with multi-organ involvement. I did not want to share it with anyone except my immediate family. I thought, ” Where did I fail, how could this happen to me, I’m a healthy, organic eater, I exercise, and so on and so on.
Why would anyone want to be my patient, look at me. Let’s not mention the depression and intense sadness at my supposed prognosis, my 30 lb weight gain from the fluid retention due to my kidneys, the whopping doses of prednisone, hair thinning, and moon face. I couldn’t even bare to look at myself in the mirror, I was unrecognizable.
I probably should have gone to therapy. But I didn’t. As soon as my foggy brain and pain resolved from becoming gluten free, I delved very deeply into the healing of my body using all the tools I learned as an integrative practitioner. I experimented with various supplements, vitamins, functional testing, you name it, I was my own science lab. I have never looked back nor have I looked or felt better.
My life today is full, I work out 4 days a week, lost all that weight and more, and barely have to maintain my weight today due to my diet. This consists of not only of being gluten free but I also have tested myself for other various food allergies that can silently or not so silently cause inflammation . My goal was to protect my kidneys, decrease all inflammation and eat whole, raw foods along with juicing and green smoothies in the morning.
Now, I won’t lie, it is not easy to think about every single thing that goes into my mouth, making sure I incorporated self care into my daily regimen, and trying not to slack in anything. That’s a huge request, but my body wouldn’t allow anything else.
Initially lupus was the enemy, but today I see it as my gift. I have the ability, desire, and on a mission to help others who are suffering.
If you suffer from lupus now, are you willing to do what it takes, whatever it takes to stay off that kidney transplant list?To be pain free? Tired of crying alone at night because of the pain?
How willing are you?
For me, it was a matter of life or death. Laughter or depression. Aliveness or lifeless.
As I finally rise up out of my mild hibernation (I’m not a cold weathered girl), I emerge with the desire to re-do my eating habits and finally start doing some things I have been soo resisting! I tend to just slightly overdo it with the indulgences in the winter!
As we head into the winter season, I have been contemplated my next few months. But here’s a recap of what’s been happening the past few weeks:
Appetite for Awareness in Philly. This amazing event featured food and drinks from various gluten free companies and restaurants in the area. I left fed, satisfied, and completely in awe of the crowds that flooded the concession stands.
Blog Talk Radio Interview: What is Lupus and do you Know Anyone That Has It, listen to the interview as I speak on the link between celiac disease and lupus. Listen Here
Surprisingly, I happen to not use this superfood at all, although long ago I used to buy Spiru-Tein shakes. So here is Superfood #2:
Spirulina: is a blue green algae and still exists in various lakes. Amazingly, contains about 70% protein, all essential amino acids, vitamins, and fatty acids.
easily absorbed, 4x more than beef
never cooked and should never be cooked
contains iron( just as much as in red meat) and chlorophyll
topically you can add spirulina with 50/50 raw coconut oil and raw cacao butter to create a topical antioxidant sunscreen
powerful immune booster
contains beta-carotene
relieves inflammation
Research study shows that beta-carotene from plant and algae inhibits cancer. Another study shows 1 gm of spirulina for 1 year led to remission in precancerous oral lesions in 45% of patients.
It also contains: GLA ( gamma linolenic acid) which is an essential fatty acid. Sulfur: amazingly this mineral can increase healing, improve immunity, and detoxifies the liver. The B12 found in spirulina does not actually reverse B12 deficiency but may alleviate symptoms associated with its deficiency.
How to purchase: Make sure its certified organic, avoid “tableting agents” and any rancid smells. It should normally smell like fish and be a deep-green,slightly blue dry algae powder. It can be added to smoothies, juices, dressings or sprinkled on food. Dosage: beginner or child: 3-5 gms per day, normal consumption: 6-10 gms per day, therapeutic dose: 11-20 gms per day, and super athlete 30+ gms per day. There is 4 calories per gram of spirulina.
Recipes: Mixture of 1 cup Hempseed ( or seed of your choice), 2 tbsp Spirulina, and 1 tsp sea salt. Shake and keep in a jar and snack often!
Also try adding 1tbsp of spirulina to your next batch of guacamole. I am going to start incorporating this superfood in my am green juice!
Information derived from Superfoods by David Wolfe.
I have become more and more interested in superfoods. It seems that it’s the new catchy, hot term in health and wellness these days. So I will be discussing each and every one of them in detail for you to explore and try for yourself!
Cacao: All chocolate is made from cacoa, which is a nut. It does not contain sugar, dairy, or chemicals. It contains the highest amount of antioxidants, more than blueberries, acai, and goji berries combined! It contains:
Magnesium- helps to relax muscles and increases alkalinity
Iron-about 300% of the RDA and fights anemia
Chromium- keeps your blood sugar in check
Manganese-helps iron and forms hemooglobin
Zinc- to boost immunity
Vitamin C- cacoa must be raw , the cooked form will lose it
Omega 3 Fatty Acids- great for inflammation but it must be raw!
Phenylethylamine (PEA)- increases focus and alertness.
Anandamide- is an endorphin that gives us that good feeling along with tryptophan and serotonin.
You can purchase cacoa in many different forms: Nibs, powder, butter, paste, raw chocolate bars, and in trail mixes.
Fly High Goji Berry Bonanza:
4 cups of water, or hot/cold tea, coconut water, or any nut milk
3 tbsp cacao powder
1 tbsp cacao nibs
1 tbsp maca
3 tbsp goji berries
1-2 tbsp sweetener of your choice( agave, yacon, or raw honey)
I know, I know these muffins have been around a while. But ever since Whole Foods finally starting stocking Udi’s, I’ve just had to try these buns. Not only are they gluten free, but soy, dairy, and nut free! It comes with a packet of cinnamon icing that tastes sinful! 300 calories per bun, assuming this includes the icing as well, but who’s counting! Warm these tasty buns in the microwave for 15 seconds and place icing generously and stick back in microwave for 5 more seconds. Indulge in these with your favorite cup of latte or tea.
I am so looking forward to speaking for the Lupus Foundation in NYC, see events for further details. My passion is to truly empower these women and not allow the diagnosis to alter or blemish who they are or affect the fulfillment of their desires.
Here is a video of a young woman told she would not be able to play basketball.
This picture conveys so much to me. Being away, the ocean, alone time, and a cat quietly watching!
As I sat enjoying a beautiful Sunday, I decided to write down some of things that I do or at least try to do that makes me feel whole, the small things that can make a not so good day into a great one.
Here is a glimpse into that I call my self nurturing acts :
restorative yoga
walking through Central Park
aromatherapy massages
pedicures
cooking
taking long bubble baths with beautifully scented salts and scrubs
reading spiritual books
planting herbs
comfort foods like baked ziti
swimming in the ocean
listening and chanting to kirtan
deep breathing
eating raw foods
a succulent gluten free dessert
journaling
buying a new lipstick
gratitude list
dancing around to I’m Coming Out by Diana Ross!! This one always gets me into a great mood, I highly recommend it before a date!
I hope this list has inspired you a bit to make your own list of self nurturing acts, have a beautiful Sunday evening! Until next time.
This picture conveys so much to me. Being away, the ocean, alone time, and a cat quietly watching!
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