In a previous post, I shared how listening to my body resulted in me feeling better 🙌🏽

Although I was able to narrow down some of the culprits, there were still some symptoms I couldn’t quite resolve. So last year, I decided it was time for me to meet with a naturopathic doctor (ND)👨🏽‍⚕️

Soon after arriving in the doctor’s office, I listed my symptoms one by one: Digestive issues, Sinus allergies, Headaches, Breakouts, Hair thinning, and a Cyst on my foot, of all places🤦🏽‍♀️

The doctor responded, “Your body is inflamed. All of your symptoms will go away once we get your inflammation down”.

Though it was shocking to hear that every single symptom was a result of inflammation, I was relieved to learn that I could resolve each one of these symptoms by reducing my body’s inflammation.

Next, the doctor said I needed to cut out inflammatory foods, some of which included:

The doctor also put me on several different supplements to get my body back in check.

After a year of being gluten-free and dairy-free (most of the time), and trying my best to avoid other inflammatory foods🤞🏽, especially sugar, I am happy to say that nearly all of my symptoms/issues have subsided 🙌🏽😁

What I learned

(1) While it remains important for me to listen to what my body is saying and make modifications as I see fit, it is equally as important for me to seek professional guidance, especially if my symptoms persist.

(2) Through this process, I learned that seeing a naturopathic professional (i.e., naturopathic doctor, holistic nutritionist) isn’t as expensive as I thought it would be. For me, it was less expensive than a regular medical doctor visit.

(3) Being gluten-free & dairy-free is not as easy as other diets I have tried, especially when going out to eat. But on this diet, I can still eat and enjoy so many things, without feeling like crap later🙃

(4) Making gluten-free & dairy-free versions of my favorite dishes are not only fun, but delicious too😋

(5) With gluten-free & dairy-free diets becoming more common, there are a lot more options today than there were yes, and I am hopeful there will be even more tomorrow🙏🏽

Challenge

If you haven’t already, join me in taking some time to listen to what your body is telling you.

Have you had aches, pains, or odd things (like cysts or hair thinning) happen to your body lately? If so, try listening and making notes of what you ate, drank or were exposed to (like smoke or fragrances) hours or even days before you experienced the pain. Using a food, consumption, or exposure journal for a week may be helpful.

Have you tried to eliminate or reduce different things that have been giving you issues, but can’t seem to narrow down the culprits? If so, I encourage you to:

(1) Schedule an appointment with a professional. You may even try going to a holistic nutritionist, naturopathic doctor or chiropractor.

(2) Make sure you are getting annual check-ups, routine blood work and screenings done, this includes visits to the dentist and eye doctor too 🙂

We are all different and unique, so it is important for YOU to listen to what YOUR BODY is telling YOU:)

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Thank you so much for reading this post! As always, if you have any tips, suggestions, questions and/or comments, please leave a comment below.

Sending lots of love & light your way 💗

Until next post😉

Xx,
Raina B ❤