Photo credit: zharcos/ CC BY-SA
This week we have a success story from Claire Adams, who has been able to improve her Celiac Disease by following a Paleo diet. Using the Paleo diet for Celiac Disease has helped Claire get a handle on her health. We hope it helps inspire others looking for alternative ways to heal from Celiac’s Disease above and beyond switching to mainstream gluten free products.
We had a chance to catch up with Claire and ask her about her health transformation and her strategies for success:
We cover the following....
Can you describe what your health was like prior to starting on Paleo?
Well, I suffer from Celiac Disease, and its symptoms are absolutely dreadful, ranging from abdominal bloating, chronic diarrhea, constipation, gas, stomach pain, nausea to vomiting. I was mostly affected by abdominal bloating. I constantly felt gassy and uncomfortably full, and of course, it had an extremely negative effect on both my ability to work and social life. I took many sick days, and did not have time for friends, as I was visiting doctors quite often.
How is your health today? What’s changed?
Today I feel much better than ever before, I am full of energy and free of pain. Also, now I do not have to worry all the time about foods that may cause health problems, so I can say I have more freedom now. As a result, I now have the time to do all the things for which I used to say “I wish I could”.
How did you first find out about the Paleo diet?
I first heard about it from a friend of mine, afterwards I became really interested and started doing my own research during which I bumped into scdlifestyle.com. It is one of the sites where I found very useful information, as well as success stories of other people, which inspired me and motivated me to give the Paleo diet a go.
What convinced you to give it a try?
While I was reading other people’s experiences online, I also heard similar stories from people close to me. All of them managed to cure their illnesses and now they feel much better than before, so I decided to give it a try. There is more to gain than to lose.
How long did it take for you to see a benefit? What was it like during that initial stage?
It took me around 6 months to see an initial improvement. I can definitely say that it was difficult, especially psychologically, because I had already tried diets which did not prove to be successful, and left me with the same health issues. Moreover, it is quite complicated to prepare this type of food, as I cannot just walk into any store and buy a product. I have to scout, plan and search for the right stores and products.
Do you have any advice or tips for others in a similar health situation as you?
The Paleo diet can surely be beneficial for anyone, regardless of their health, so my advice is to try it. However, results cannot be achieved overnight, so it is important to be persistent. Once the results show up, they will be long lasting. Health is the most precious aspect of our lives, and it is crucial to take good care of it. There are many dangers out there that can ruin your health.
Are there any other practices along with diet that you credit with improving your health?
I definitely devote a lot of time to myself. I practice yoga, and spend time outdoors whenever I get the chance.
Any other personal discoveries or tips with the Paleo lifestyle that have been instrumental for you?
It is highly important for me to maintain and improve my mental health, and also to devote time to my spiritual side. Activities such as meditation, photography and reading work very well for me.
Any favorite go-to Paleo dishes?
Granola bars are one of my favorite Paleo dishes. It takes only 15 minutes to prepare so it is perfect if you do not have time to cook. It contains various nuts, coconut, dried fruit and cinnamon, which is my number one choice when it comes to spices. Every time I make them I change the type of dried fruit, it really depends on what I have in my kitchen at the moment.
For more info on Claire and where else you can see her writing see her bio below: