One of my doctors suggested I try a paleo diet because of my health issues, including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). That means lean meat and fish — preferably grass-fed, organic, wild caught, or free range — vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, and healthy fats. What I need to say no to is sugar (with the exception of small amounts of pure maple syrup or raw honey), unhealthy fats and oils, all grains, legumes, and dairy. In other words, giving up processed foods for whole, healthier foods.

It has been a transition! The first few days my body fought back with nausea and abdominal discomfort. I had headaches from cutting out sugar, and basically felt lousy. But I was determined to keep going because I believed this was going to help me in the long term. Because fibro is an inflammatory illness, it makes sense to eat this way as it eliminates a lot of the inflammation that I believe causes so many of my symptoms.

More than a diet, it’s truly a lifestyle change. I knew if I was going to be successful at this, my husband and I needed to do it together. We cleaned out our pantry and fridge and gave away a lot of food. Then we went shopping — only on the outside aisles of the grocery store — and bought healthy, whole foods.  

What have I noticed after a week:

1. My skin is not as dry.
2. My brain fog is practically nonexistent.
3. It no longer takes me hours to feel like a human when I wake up.
4. I’ve lost over 2 pounds.

An article I read says more people are trying paleo to help control chronic diseases. According to my doctor, many of his patients who switched to a paleo lifestyle had their fibro symptoms go away. Honestly, that’s what I’m hoping for. I feel so much better since cutting out processed foods. I’m determined never to go back to that way of eating. 

Update on going off gabapentin: I’m still not taking it and my pain levels are not any worse. 

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