Food Fight – Taking Charge of Your Health

My husband and I have been on a health-seeking journey for the past couple of years. The older we get (we’re both in our early 70s), the greater the need seems. We lament that we didn’t see the need to take these steps far earlier in our marriage.

With anyone our age, the old body simply isn’t what it once was. Organs begin to break down. Systems we once relied on to be as regular as the clock have slowed to a snail’s pace. I don’t know too many snails who pay attention to any kind of clock.

VEGETARIAN/VEGAN

I was told I have CKD (chronic kidney disease) about eighteen months ago. It has been at stage 3 and is holding steady with some improvements noticed along the way. For the past fifteen months, we’ve followed a strict vegetarian/vegan diet because of my need to limit my protein intake.

This transformation of our diet wasn’t as difficult as one would think. We’re both veggie lovers, as long as you don’t put mushrooms or brussels sprouts on my plate. Hubby eats anything I prepare. Yes, I know how blessed I am. My cousin has a neighbor whose husband wants three different kinds of meat and a ton of veggies at each meal—but he won’t eat the leftovers. Good gravy! (A Southern expression akin to good grief.).

One result of this program is that my endocrinologist removed my diagnosis of being pre-diabetic. I hadn’t expected that, but I’m thankful for it.

QUESTIONING VEGETARIAN DIETS

Healthy eating? I’m not convinced. Many parents put their children on vegan diets from the very beginning of life. I’ve done enough research to know this may not be the best choice for developing bodies, especially for proper brain function. But, I know parents must do what they feel is best for their children.

I have two granddaughters. The elder has been a vegan since the crib. At almost 19, she’s never had meat or real eggs or anything other than soy milk. She seems to be okay. Her little sister, who just turned 13 has eaten an omnivore diet until the past few months. She was influenced by her big sister to become vegan. But, like her dad, just because she declares she is vegan, she doesn’t turn down non-vegan foods if it happens to be a favorite. A reasonable compromise if you ask me.

ANOTHER APPROACH – MODIFIED KETO

We have a lifelong family friend who has had some off-and-on health issues her entire life. She recently took control of her own health and found a functional medicine doctor. Pounds began to fall off, and her numbers look fabulous on the Keto diet. Hers is modified to fit her needs, both mentally and physically. Our friend stands up to her doctor, who understands when she gives her the research behind her reasoning. I like that.

To that end, hubby and I are trying a modified Keto diet, too. Ours doesn’t include some of the foods our friend incorporates into her diet. Due to my CKD, I still must monitor my protein intake. I love veggies and salads so I include a lot of those things in our daily meals. And we simply do not get close to 70% of our daily food intake coming from fats such as butter, ghee, or EVOO. Weight-bearing exercises such as good old-fashioned walking are imperative for rebuilding bones and muscles. If you have osteoporosis or even osteopenia, walking is one of the best things you can do to help.

THESE DRY BONES

I originally saw the endocrinologist because I have a serious case of osteoporosis. My lumbar spine shows alarming negative levels. My doctor and I are working together to do our best to increase my bone density levels over the next few months. A dear friend shared her routine with me. Her bone density increased by 18% this past year. Amazing!

I’ve tried traditional medicines for osteoporosis in the past with not-so-good side effects. I even took the newest drug, Evenity, an injection given once a month in the upper fatty tissues of the arm. It’s my understanding that this is the only one of the drugs on the market to work on the spine. The others cover the hips and other bones. I could be wrong, but this is what I’ve been told.

Not surprisingly, I had a horrible allergic reaction to that “miracle” drug. It required a trip to the ER where I was given antihistamines to combat the allergic symptoms. So, no more injections of that one.

Food Fight - Taking Charge of Your Health @DDuPreeWilliams #health #foodasmedicine Share on X

FOOD FIGHT

For now, I’m choosing to battle most of my health issues with the foods I eat and with carefully selected supplements. I feel good about the path my husband and I are on. You know me well enough by now to know that prayer tops the list of things we’re doing for our health. We’re looking forward to our next blood work results, but more importantly, to many more years together.

Have you taken steps to take charge of your health? Share what you’ve done. We’re all in this together and your words of wisdom could encourage or help someone.

Blessings, y’all!

I hope you’ve found all of Paul Wilbur’s music on YouTube. He is so good. Forgive me if I’ve posted this one before. This particular song has deep meaning for me as I battle osteoporosis. Yes, I know that isn’t what this Scripture is about, but for me, it’s rather personal. I covet your prayers. Blessings, y’all!