Chapter 1: My Journey to Wellness

In the face of dire predictions from my healthcare providers, who believed I would either be disabled or worse by now, I emerged healthier, happier, and more accomplished than ever. While knowledge is essential, the wisdom to apply that knowledge is even more potent.

The words from my rheumatologist still resonate with me; he firmly stated that my arthritis was a lifelong ailment with no available cure. He encouraged me to accept my condition and manage it with pain relief medications. Initially, I accepted this notion, but eventually, I took charge of my health and debunked that belief.

I have come to understand the incredible healing potential inherent within my genes, mind, and spirit. My medical examinations, including advanced MRI scans, revealed severe degeneration in my joints caused by arthritis.

According to arthritis.org:

“Arthritis is prevalent yet poorly understood. It is not a singular disease but a general term for joint pain or diseases. There are over 100 types of arthritis and related conditions affecting individuals of various ages, genders, and races, making it the leading cause of disability in the U.S., with over 50 million adults and 300,000 children impacted. It is more common in women and tends to increase with age.”

I faced numerous symptoms, including stiffness, excruciating joint pain, and limited mobility. Walking was a challenge, and climbing stairs became nearly impossible. The shame of limping eroded my self-esteem.

Let me share some lifestyle modifications that significantly lessened my arthritic degeneration and inflammation, alleviating my symptoms.

Reducing Chronic Inflammation: The Key to Overcoming Arthritis

Here’s How I Conquered Chronic Inflammation through Nine Lifestyle Changes.

Integrating these changes created a powerful ripple effect, allowing me to sustainably combat chronic inflammation.

One critical aspect was optimizing my vitamin D levels. My rheumatologist warned that while my vitamin D levels were high, they weren't sustainable. I understand that excessive vitamin D can be harmful, but maintaining my levels at the higher end has been crucial in managing my arthritis.

Vitamin D3 aids in calcium absorption, and I also enriched my diet with minerals from homemade bone broth. While I know the risks of sun exposure, I embrace it cautiously. Spending 20–30 minutes in the sun daily, with a significant portion of my body exposed, has boosted my vitamin D reserves without using sunscreen. During winter months, I rely on high-quality vitamin D3 supplements, regularly monitoring my levels through blood tests.

Description: In this insightful video, Dr. Monica Aggarwal discusses how dietary changes can significantly alleviate rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, providing a roadmap for those seeking relief through nutrition.

I acquire my calcium from natural sources. As mentioned in a previous post, I prepare bone broth using cow and sheep bones, which are rich in glycine and gelatin. Cooking the bones for 24–48 hours in a slow cooker softens them, allowing me to consume them daily. I don’t rely on calcium supplements.

I significantly increased my magnesium intake, utilizing smart methods to ensure adequate levels. One effective strategy has been transdermal absorption through my skin. I also supplement with 400 mg of high-quality magnesium, especially since I follow a ketogenic diet that limits plant-based foods.

Description: This video focuses on lifestyle management strategies for inflammatory arthritis, emphasizing the importance of holistic approaches to health.

Regular sessions in a dry sauna have offered numerous benefits, including inflammation reduction and toxin elimination from my body. The advantages of using a sauna regularly are highlighted in this article:

7 Health and Fitness Reasons to Use Dry Saunas Regularly

This piece explores the health benefits of incorporating sauna sessions into your routine based on extensive research and personal observations.

By eliminating plant-based foods from my diet, my allergies and food intolerances disappeared. Previously, I consumed excessive amounts of green vegetables and drank juices made from celery, carrots, and spinach. Addressing my digestive issues and enhancing my gut health had a profound impact on my overall well-being.

Additionally, optimizing my hormones played a vital role in my recovery. By keeping my glucose levels within a healthy range, I was able to effectively manage my insulin levels. When insulin is regulated, it positively influences various bodily functions. Intermittent fasting, specifically one meal a day, has been my secret weapon in maintaining insulin control.

Exercise has been crucial in my journey. I tailored my fitness routine to align with my unique biology and genetics. As I aged, I adapted my workouts to fit my lifestyle, transforming exercise from a chore into a source of joy.

Achieving restorative sleep also became one of my best remedies for improving my health. Once I mastered the art of quality sleep, particularly long and deep REM sleep, I felt rejuvenated.

The Impact of Simple Lifestyle Changes

Simple practices, such as walking barefoot on grass, have helped me balance my energy levels. Understanding the role of mitochondria was another significant breakthrough in my recovery.

Daily cold showers have become part of my regimen, strengthening my mitochondria. Learning about autophagy—the process where the body cleanses itself of damaged cells—was enlightening. I witnessed its effects firsthand, particularly in how it helped me naturally shed excess loose skin.

Genetic testing also enhanced my health awareness by providing valuable insights into my body. Although my medical advisors labeled these tests as unnecessary expenses, I have no regrets about my investment and wish I had undertaken them sooner.

I explored the benefits of DNA testing in a separate article:

DNA Tests: What You Need to Know Before Committing

This piece discusses the potential health benefits of genetic testing and its growing accessibility.

I learned to manage my stress and anxiety, letting go of my irrational fear of salt. Ironically, what I once feared has now become a vital component of my health. I’ve also embraced mindfulness and spirituality.

These are just a few examples of how I transformed my life, overcoming debilitating arthritis and becoming a healthier individual. The combination of these lifestyle adjustments significantly diminished my arthritis symptoms and inflammation.

When I shared my progress with my functional medicine doctor and naturopaths, they were impressed with my achievements. They encouraged me to continue with my personalized approach, which diverged from conventional population-based health assessments.

While I hold great respect for medical professionals, particularly specialists dedicated to understanding human health, I recognize that the field is still evolving, with many unknowns remaining.

Each of us is unique, and what works for me may not work for someone else. The more options we have, the better informed we become.

Having an open mind and a growth mindset has been crucial in my journey. I maintain an optimistic outlook on life and hope my story inspires others on their healing journeys.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my experiences. I wish you a healthy and fulfilling life.

Additional Resources

• What Happened When I Replaced Carbs with Healthy Fats for Two Decades

  This article outlines ten remarkable health benefits of utilizing healthy fats as a primary energy source based on my personal experiences.

• After Defeating Arthritis Pain, Shane Lost Visceral Fat and Gained Lean Muscles in Five Steps

  This account details a friend's journey of significant fat loss, muscle gain, and improved personal relationships after overcoming arthritis pain.

I aim to raise awareness about the underlying causes and risk factors associated with common diseases that can lead to widespread suffering. My commitment to educating others is reflected in my articles on various health-related topics, including:

• Metabolic Syndrome
• Type II Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Autoimmune Disorders
• Chronic Inflammation

I have also written extensively on valuable nutrients and their benefits, including:

• Magnesium
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids
• Vitamin D

Disclaimer: The content of my posts is not intended as professional or medical advice. I share my observations, experiences, and insights to inform and raise awareness.

I publish stories focused on health and well-being on EUPHORIA, concentrating on metabolic, cellular, mitochondrial, and mental health. If you enjoy writing, consider joining platforms like Medium or NewsBreak to share your voice and reach a broader audience.