Transforming My Well-being: The Journey to a Healthier Diet and Its Impact

My journey to a healthier diet has had profound physical and mental impacts, particularly in managing my Crohn's disease. By making conscious changes to my diet and lifestyle, I have noticed significant improvements in terms of energy, mental resilience, and overall health. This article explores the journey I undertook and the benefits I experienced as a result.

Physical and Mental Changes

The shift towards a healthier diet has brought about considerable physical and mental transformations. Firstly, there has been a notable increase in my energy levels, which has been immense. Adopting a diet devoid of unhealthy foods and habits has not only provided me with a heightened sense of vitality but also a feeling of empowerment that comes with greater self-control.

Mentally, I have developed a robust sense of confidence and motivation. This is especially true despite my ongoing medical conditions, including Crohn's disease. Each time I am diagnosed with something, I feel equipped to overcome it due to the mental strength gained from following healthy habits. Regular exercise and dietary changes have played a crucial role in boosting my confidence and resilience.

Managing Crohn's Disease with Diet

My journey started in 1985 when I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Back then, I was asymptomatic, and the disease was detected through unrelated medical tests. I managed to avoid seeking emergency care and strong medications with unpleasant side effects. Over the past three decades, I have largely managed my Crohn's condition using a combination of dietary adjustments, exercise, and alternative herbal treatments.

Few years ago, I adopted a "primal" diet for weight loss, and immediately noticed an improvement in my Crohn's symptoms. Straddling the line between adherence and non-adherence to a keto diet, I have observed how my digestive symptoms fluctuate. Adhering to a healthy diet, free from processed foods, added sugars, dairy, and alcohol, has normalized my energy levels, cognitive function, and even addressed issues such as anxiety and depression.

However, maintaining a purely healthy diet can be a challenge. A couple of days of strict keto followed by a sugar-laden diet can send my system into a state of discomfort, much like a hangover. Recently, a slip into high-sugar foods led to digestive upset and visible skin rashes, specifically after consuming corn products. This serves as a reminder of the importance of consistency in my diet and the body's responsiveness to what we put into it.

Initial Transition and Adaptation

Adopting a cleaner diet was not without its challenges. For the first three months, I felt physically and mentally unwell, often experiencing mental confusion. This was a phase of my body fighting against the changes. As the pounds started to come off, my health gradually improved, although it was a gradual process rather than an overnight miracle. My experience underscores the importance of perseverance in dietary changes and the body's healing process.

Benefits of a Clean Diet

Today, my diet includes no processed foods, no added sugars, no dairy, and no alcohol. As a result, I experience more energy, better cognitive function, no depression or anxiety, and fewer skin issues. I also sleep well, all of which contribute to an overall sense of wellness and mental clarity.

Thank you, Kirsty, for sharing your similar journey and insights. If you have any questions or would like to share your experiences, feel free to leave a comment below. Your stories can inspire others to make positive changes in their lives.