My Plant-Based Lifestyle

In August 2024, I faced a pivotal choice: continue on my current path or take a bold, life-changing step. True to my nature, when I commit to something, I give it my all. So, without hesitation, I chose the radical route. In a single day, I eliminated gluten, dairy, sugar, oil, and meat from my diet, determined to reclaim my health through a fresh start.

If you don't make time for your wellness you'll be forced to make time for your illness.

It all begins with a single decision...

Have you ever been sick and tired of just being sick and tired? I understand girl, because that was me. Here is a snippet of something I wrote recently after yet another hospital stay.

"Four days ago I told the ER doctor if anything happened do not resuscitate me, that was a gut-wrenching decision. I was simply tired of battling, dying seemed easier than living. I was admitted to the hospital and then I was put through a barrage of tests: Chest x-ray, tons of blood work, CT of my heart, ultrasound of my heart, ultrasound of my leg (I flagged high for a blood clot), and finished with a 3 hour MRI of my brain and spine. Yup, three hours in the tube!

I am a 62-year-old woman, I look great on the outside but in reality, I am falling apart physically.

I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) 35 years ago, I was 28, married, and had three children. Did I take that diagnosis seriously, NOPE.

It didn't take long before all the side effects of this nasty disease started presenting symptoms. With every symptom was a new doctor and new medicine. This has been my cycle for 35 years. From, iritis, to psoriasis, gum disease, chronic venous insufficiency, ruptured tendons, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, spinal fusion, chronic inflammation, sinus issues, neurological episodes, diverticulitis which resulted in a colon resection, and gallbladder removal. I suppose this is enough for now to give you the reason why I would say if anything happens just let me go.

In the last three days, I have had to look this disease in the eye and realize this was always coming but now I must face it.

A dear friend has encouraged me to go all in, to rethink EVERYTHING I have ever thought about food. The reality is, that my body is killing me! I have decided to go ALL IN. In the last 24 hours, I have decided to fight for my health by giving up gluten, sugar, dairy, oils, and meat. This is radical, but radical is now the only way.

My mother died at 69 from this disease and took all those meds, she did whatever the docs said to do. I will NOT repeat that cycle."

The journey has begun...

-vk

"Embrace the power of plants; every meal is a step toward vitality and a healthier you."

This is what full body inflammation looks like, bottom line, I was FAT and very unhealthy.

Chronic inflammation is like a slow-burning fire inside your body that, over time, can cause damage on a cellular level. When your body is constantly in a state of defense, it disrupts normal functions, leading to pain, fatigue, digestive issues, and even anxiety or depression. Long-term, chronic inflammation is linked to serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and autoimmune disorders. It can also speed up the aging process, both inside and out, making you feel and look older than you are. Left unchecked, this silent enemy will wear down your body, potentially leading to irreversible damage.

Here are 10 suggestions to lower your inflammation:

Eat anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, and fatty fish.
Cut out processed foods that are high in sugar and unhealthy fats.
Get plenty of sleep—your body heals while you rest.
Manage stress through prayer, meditation, or journaling.
Stay hydrated with plenty of water to help flush out toxins.
Exercise regularly, but don't overdo it—find a balance that works for your body.
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol—both can fuel inflammation.
Add spices like turmeric and ginger to your meals; they have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Keep your gut healthy by eating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or taking a quality probiotic supplement.
Limit your exposure to toxins in cleaning products, beauty items, and your environment by choosing natural alternatives.

In the end, managing chronic inflammation is all about being intentional with your daily choices. By nourishing your body, reducing stress, and making small lifestyle changes, you can take control of your health and prevent inflammation from wreaking havoc. Remember, it’s a journey—one step at a time can make all the difference for your future well-being.

Taking control of your health means stepping into the power God gave you—choosing to nourish your body with the goodness of His creation. Eating clean and healthy is more than a diet; it’s a way of honoring the vessel you've been blessed with.