Success story: Dawna, IBS and a thyroid condition
What conditions and/or symptoms were you addressing when going on the diet?
About a year ago, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease; a thyroid condition which can be extremely debilitating and affect all areas of health. I had over 20 symptoms including extreme fatigue, abnormal skin and hair texture, chronic stomachaches, high blood pressure, swollen eye (twitching), as well as severe menstrual cycles. I was also 30 pounds overweight. I basically felt like a sick person all the time.
Has the diet helped you to feel better?
Yes, the diet has helped to eliminate all my symptoms and restore my health back to perfect condition. I feel wonderful every day and I feel that I am healthier than I have been in over 20 years.
Had you been restricting any foods from your diet prior to going on the diet?
Yes, I tried reducing lactose, not eating any fried foods and generally eating more healthy items; but nothing helped until I went on the anti-inflammatory diet.
How would you describe your daily eating habits prior to going on the diet?
Although I ate very little, I could not even lose a pound. I also ate pre-packaged junk frozen food a lot.
How long before you felt any improvements?
About 3 weeks into the diet, I noticed that my stomach issues were greatly reduced and my skin and hair looked more normal. About 6 weeks into the diet, I noticed that I was starting to lose weight and had more energy. I would say the full transformation took around 6 months.
Did you find the explanation of the diet and the recipes helpful in implementing the diet?
Yes, it was structured and well thought out and easy to incorporate into my life. I keep the
Recipes for Repair cookbook on my counter and I use it every, single day.
What type of improvement have you seen since implementing the diet?
I have experienced a complete remission of my disease. I have absolutely no symptoms at all. I have lost over 30 pounds and continue to lose weight in a healthy manner. I feel strong, energetic and I feel better than when I was in my twenties.
Will you ever go back to eating refined/processed foods or foods that you feel you're sensitive to?
No, for me it is not worth the risk. I have adapted most of my favorite recipes to anti-inflammatory/gluten-free versions and do not need to eat foods, which cause me to experience symptoms. I never want to feel that way I did prior to this diet. I am so much happier being healthy every day and I am grateful to Laura Piazza and Gail Piazza for their cookbook, which opened my eyes and changed my life.
Did you discover any food intolerance's while on the diet?
Yes, I did. I actually noticed that I have a low-tolerance for raw tomatoes and some pesto sauces. They cause a lot of stomach irritation. I am keeping a food diary so that even with my good, clean diet, I can identify and cut out any foods which cause symptoms.
Success Story: Paul, chronic Lyme Disease
What conditions and/or symptoms were you addressing by going on the diet?
I was nearing the end of 30+ months of antibiotic treatment for chronic Lyme disease, which had mostly cognitive/neurologic symptoms. I also had Type II Diabetes, with marginal glucose control the previous two to three years.
Had you been restricting any foods from your diet prior to going on the diet?
Yes, I had stopped aspartame a year before (had been heavy diet cola drinker). Generally low on sugar (due to Diabetes). Low on salt (due to serious cardiomyopathy in 1997).
How would you describe your daily eating habits prior to going on the diet?
Typically I'd eat three light meals and one or two snacks, using perhaps 60% convenience/packaged and 40% natural/fresh foods. Fast food pizza, burgers, etc. two to four times per month.
Has the diet helped you to feel better and if so, how long before you felt any improvements?
Yes, significantly. But the all-natural diet required significantly more time and energy for organizing, shopping, cooking, and clean up, and it was roughly three months before the health benefits began to outweigh the additional stress and fatigue.
Did you find the explanation of the diet and the recipes helpful in implementing the diet?
Yes, tremendously. I found the science and mechanics still difficult to understand, but the book's background on preparation and food details, the presentation of the phases, and the delicious recipes made following the diet possible.
What type of improvement have you seen since implementing the diet?
Cold-like allergic reaction to cashews.
Mild throat sweeping with pineapple/coconut combo.
Diarrhea apparently from chemicals on processed dried fruits.
Will you ever go back to eating refined/processed foods or foods that you feel you're sensitive to?
No.