HEALING MY OWN GUT KETO STYLE

Ma Belly

This is what my belly was doing on March 1.
Those of you who know me understand that I like to try different ways to heal.
I am slim but look like I have swallowed a football.
Last year I had chronic pain, low energy and drive, zero clarity on where I was going so I went on a healing crusade for Lent.
No reason apart from giving mycellf a time frame.
This year I am wayyyyy better but still not 100% back to where I was say 5 years ago.
Lower back is still a bit achey at times, no biggy, but not right I know that.
Low level sensations of pressure round my sinuses which I can easily ignore, but when I really listen in to the body, I know that sensation can and will go when I figure it out..
But this distended belly aint right. And I am needing more sleep again, a sure sign that my gut is not happy.

Candida
I have suffered from candida on and off for years.
It all started with a barbaric dentist drilling into my teeth and causing a series of tooth abcesses.
Then antibiotics.
I spent years in my childhood literally terrified of the dentist (turns out for very good reason) as they started the decline of my healthy gut flora which led me to chronic fatigue and depression, caused by candida, years later.
Recurrent sinus infections, constant headaches that tbh I got used to.
Extreme fatigue, itchy scalp, throat and ears, hayfever and allergies to cats all symptoms of fungus in my gut.
I was in a depressive fog for years and had absolutely no idea about any of that at the time.

Doctors
When I went to the doctors I got more antibiotics for the recurring infections and also got an operation on my nose!!!!!!
Clearly not their fault, nobody has taught them about the critical importance of our gut health, so ironically they usually make it worse.
Plus there can be a feeling that you are wasting their time and are a bit of a hyphchondriac, this only adds to the depression.
I had a Doctor in Glasgow who sent her patients to me when she suspected candida. A very forward thinking lady she was, there are defo some out there, but most of the time this condition goes undiagnosed.

Healthy Gut
In January I drove a healthy gut drive and encouraged everyone to cut out alcohol, sugar and gluten for 4 weeks.
Sugar addiction is a massive problem in the West and feeds auto immune disease, cancer and who know what else it does.
In small amounts a healthy person will have not problem with sugar or gluten, but if your gut is compromised then is is the fuel to your fire.
High inflammation, the fire in your belly that is caused by antibiotics, the birth control pill and most others drugs feeds the fungus too when you are compromised.
Then add in some wine, beer, sugar laden foods, some stress and bobs your uncle you are running on 50% power.
This is a slow process so it can sneak up on you.
Fatigue is usually my signal but this time it was accompanied by chronic pain.
The pain has mainly gone, but I know I am not on full, full power, the way I enjoy.
So 2 months into the year my belly is sticking out and I know its high inflammation. That gives my discomfort like a period pain with the achey lower back.

Which Diet?
I have been pouring in the good stuff from a raw vegan perspective but I am still suffering this bloating?
I am doing everything I know to douse the fire but I am not putting it right out.
Then I wondered if because I am blood group O maybe I need to eat meat to heal?
I ask the question.
Would everyone heal on a vegan diet?
Or do some of us NEED meat to regain full health.
The Keto diet comes into my awareness again.
I have known about it for years as my friend Donal is currently on his 3rd documentary about it! But I was happy with my diet.
Until now.
Then I researched  the Ketogenic diet and how it douses the fire.
Well that's what the research is showing, and that is what happened to Donal when he did it, his inflammation markets went way down.
This is not what we have been told meat does. The complete opposite.
NB. This does not work for everyone, but I felt compelled to give it a try.

I started it on March 1st but then cheated so really I only began in earnest on Match 11th.
Going into Ketosis means you run on fat instead of carbs. Simple.
If you eat carbs the body will use that for fuel instead and you will be out of ketosis.
It is a very low carb diet and very high fat.
This is the first time I have eaten like this and it is a bit of a challenge but I am also enjoying it now I am starting to feel the benefits.
I still have the pot belly but it is defo a bit better.
I have researched for days watching every video on you tube so I now fully understand what I am doing.
Running on fat, what Donal has been saying for years.
It is early days yet for me but the science is overwhelming.
We need to be careful of is blindly following yet another idea that is only starting to unfold.
But the results are persuasive as is the science.
My body needs healing, when it is fully healed, no creaks, no pain, no bloating then I will go on a maintenance plan.
Watch this space for the 6 pack!
Watch this video for the healing and weight loss info.