Earlier this month on Facebook I asked the following question:
Have any of you (or someone you know) been able to stop taking some prescription meds after making a change to your diet? If so, I'd love to hear about it!
I was definitely expecting to hear some great success stories, but was completely taken aback by almost 800 comments sharing amazing and - in some cases - truly unbelievable transformations. I just had to recap some of the really amazing feedback here in an effort to inspire and help others. But as I've stated on our Terms of Use page, "This information on this blog is not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure any disease. Never dismiss any advice your health physician gives. The authors shall in no event be held liable for any loss or other damages bla bla bla." So now that our arses are covered please read these stories below and be inspired. And in all seriousness, it is advised that you not stop taking any of medications unless under the guidance of your doctor. If your doctor doesn't believe that it's possible to improve your health through a change in diet (instead of immediately resorting to pharmaceuticals) then - GET A SECOND OPINION! Just my two cents :)
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Reader Feedback...
"I stopped anti-depressants for depression and anxiety that i'd been on for 3 years (post natally) after I cut out sugar and processed foods."
"My husband had AWFUL eczema...topical and oral steroids to treat...couldn't get is hands wet for more than a few minutes, had to use special soap, etc. 6 weeks on a gluten free diet and the eczema is 100% GONE."
"My husband had to take Rx med for his acid reflux! We started eating clean 10 weeks ago and he has been off his medication for 4 weeks now!"
"I have a friend that does a Paleo diet and has not had to take meds for Rheumatoid Arthritis."
"My fibromyalgia pain is so much less since eating clean."
"After going unprocessed and mostly organic as well as using food for medicine- I stopped three meds for migraines. My daughter no longer has eczema, son's allergies and chronic sinusitis is gone and we've all lost weight!"
"Yes! My husband was on two allergy meds and an inhaler. He was using all three every day. His doctor was also telling him he needed to go on meds for cholesterol. He changed his diet and ditched all meds and lowered his cholesterol 76 points in only 4 months. Nothing short of amazing!"
"My daughters were able to stop their daily Miralax and I am off antidepressants for the first time in my adult life!"
"I have Crohn's disease and am medication free after giving up dairy, coffee, and limiting fried/processed foods."
"Pulled artificial dyes, flavors, sweeteners, and petro based presertives and was able to remove stimulants for my ADHD son. http://www.feingold.org/"
"After getting rid of processed food and soda, I was able to come off antidepressants."
"I did away with my asthma meds after going paleo."
"I had a RARE case of hives that were considered idiopathic. (No known cause) I had 12 vials of blood taken on me, and was on prednisone and Allegra every day for a year and a half. If I didn't take the meds, my throat would start to swell and I would have to be taken to the ER to get a shot of adrenaline. Starting January 1 of this year, I started juicing and clean eating and boom... Hives went away. People might think it was a food allergy, but I had hundreds of pricks in my back with my allergist and nothing! So today my hives are gone and I am medicine free! I also got off my high blood pressure meds and reversed type 2 diabetes!!!"
"After cutting out processed foods I got to cut asthma medicines and steroids."
"My husband was taken off his acid reflux medication once we went on a real food diet."
"I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and after eating clean and cutting out processed crap, I was able to conceive AND lose weight! Prior to eating clean I took Metformin to get pregnant with my oldest two...awful stuff!"
"My son quit eating dairy and hasn't needed a breathing treatment in quite some time and his ezcema is almost completely gone."
"My husband took out aspartame and other artificial sweeteners from his diet and his cluster headaches/migraines ended."
"After cutting out processed foods, I stopped taking Ambien for insomnia and the occasional round of Prednasone for bursitis. Funny how when you cut out things known to cause inflammation such as hydrogenated oils you don't have problems like that anymore. What is most surprising was how quickly my healthcare provider would write that script without even asking about my diet and offering suggestions."
"I suffer from stage 4 endometriosis. Have been on a number of pain prescriptions/ "natural" hormones for several yrs now...started clean eating about 8 weeks ago and stopped ALL prescriptions 2 weeks ago today. I am sleeping great and have been more active now than I ever was able to before!"
"My kids were on allergy and asthma meds for years... No longer the case. We also pretty much made my daughters ADD symptoms disappear.. Amazing stuff what real foods can do. Also cut a lot of gluten out as well."
" I'm off thyroid meds and Heart palpitation meds. Two years ago I was forced by another disease Meniere's onto a low sodium diet, the only way to do that is with real food. It was one of the best things that has happened to my body."
"Eliminating aspartame from my diet, eliminated my migraines."
"My daughter was on concerts for ADD. She went gluten free and stopped meds. Changed her life. No ADD symptoms for 2 years. She is 10"
"Yes! i am 18 years old and i have had asthma since i was 2 and would get very sick and be on tons of inhalers and steroids. Since eating clean and cutting out processed foods and food dyes I take no medicine at all and rarely get sick!"
"I started eating healthy (after eating terrible my whole life) at the age of 24 and I was able to get off my acid reflux medicine as well as medicine for IBS"
"Stopped taking Zoloft after almost 10 years! Eating clean and exercising. Never been happier!"
"My 5 year old daughter was constantly on antibiotics for various things in the winter. She also took Miralax daily for digestive issues and had really bad eczema. I took her off of gluten and dairy 5 months ago. She hasn't been on a single antibiotic, her eczema has drastically improved, and she hasn't needed any Miralax. We've noticed major improvement in her mood and behavior as well. I'm a believer!"
"After 14 years of Ulcerative Colitis and taking cortisone, prednisone and corticosteroids I was diagnosed with genetic allergies to beef and dairy as well as sensitivities to gluten. I completely removed them from my diet and added whole foods and non processed foods. I've now gone 15 months without taking any prescription medications at all! I have no symptoms at all of Ulcerative Colitis at all!"
"Yes! Husband quit taking two kinds of blood pressure medicine, cholesterol medicine (neither could be controlled very well, even with meds), and narcolepsy medicine. Turns out, ALL of those things were caused by diet. Switching to clean eating for 30 days cured ALL of those things!"
"Yes son who had been diagnosed with ADHD came off meds after finding intolerances to amines, salicylate & preservatives/colours. Made a huge difference."
"I was on a host of anxiety medications for years and years. I also ate a lot of processed food and sugar, drank a lot of caffeine and energy drinks. After meeting my husband, who owns a local wellness business here in California, I was persuaded to eat real, unprocessed foods, exercise regularly, avoid my nasty caffeine habit and learn cognitive methods of coping instead of popping a pill and being a zombie. He was the first person who had natural, sustainable, holistic answers instead of pills and gimmicks. It's why I am such a big believer in the unconventional methods he uses that WORK and change lives (and not just because I'm his wife). I have never felt better in my entire life. It's like I'm actually ME again instead of a shell. I am such a big believer that we have the power to heal ourselves with food. It can be a potent healing agent or send us into a state of suffering, and it is ultimately our choice. We have no one to blame but ourselves if we know what foods can do to our bodies and mental state and still choose to consume them. I am proud and happy to say I have been med free for over 2 years now."
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All, I have to say is...wow! If you have a story you'd like to share please do so in the comments.
Lana says
When I was in college, I worked in a doctor's office full time. I witnessed drug reps coming in with tasty treats, outrageous lunches, and even joined them for completely paid for happy hours. I became friends with quite a few of them and entertained the thought of becoming a pharmaceutical rep myself. After all, they make great money and most of them seemed to really love their jobs.
Today, armed with the knowledge that I know have, I am so thankful I went down a different path. I honestly do not know how I could have lived with myself, knowing I was bribing doctors and endorsing the "Pill for Every Ill" phenomenon. Food IS medicine. I love this post, and I love you ladies for constantly campaigning to make a difference.
Lana
http://www.mondaysnugget.com/
Angel says
My daughter has a condition called pseudotumor cerebri. Her body "thinks" she has a brain tumor but there is not one there. We've spent a lot of time n the hospital and she's had multiple spinal taps to relieve the pressure from the excess fluid PTC causes to pool in her frontal love. I had her tested for celiac (her brother is a confirmed celiac) when she was younger but tests were all negative including genetic test. After one of her spinal taps, I woke up @ 4am with the diet revelation... Start feeding her real food with no gluten, raw dairy in place of pasteurized dairy, probiotics, organic veggies, and have minimized the rest of her grains as much as I can. 95% of sugars have been removed wirh minimal natural sugars coming from honey & fruit. Her condition is gone. It returned once when school began & we let diet slip for a few months. As soon as we removed the processed garbage, it went away again. Every time she is tempted to eat something containing gluten, we talk about the headaches & she's able to make the right choice on her own.
Heather says
Angel, I had a pseudotumor when I was about 12. It turns out it was a reaction to a medicine in the tetracycline family. Just thought I'd put that out there if she's been on any type of antibiotic. I'm glad the diet change is helping though!
Angel says
Thank you for responding! Ever since my son was diagnosed with celiac disease 3.5 yrs ago no one has been on antibiotics in our home. So as for the PTC , they ruled out all infectious disease, hormone & thyroid issues, she's NOT overweight @ all, and basically said they don't know why she has it. She had 'migraine' symptoms for months that were progressively getting worse. The headaches return when she loads up on improperly prepared grains and gluten, garbage from boxes, things thst contain artificial colors, etc. The neurologist wants her on Diamox if she starts having symptoms again. When I shared with him that real food/no gluten/no white sugar seems to be working & that its making a huge difference, he was actually pretty receptive. He said then by all means keep doing what you are doing. (The same neuro ran a gluten & casein sensitivity test on my son). I have a family member who's a physician who thinks I'm COMPLETELY CRAZY so we don't talk much about it anymore. He has a family member who works for the FDA so I have to be very careful what Subjects come up @ holidays etc. Once school gets out in May, my daughter will be back on Full GAPS and prayerfully my son will follow because he desperately needs to heal his gut. (He's older & there's more that factors into getting him to do it)! Thanks again for your blog- I'm so encouraged by the stories I am reading!
Michon says
My husband had minor attacks of gout, finalizing in gout in 4 joints. He had been taking prescription meds off and on for it but he didn't like the side effects. He was off work for a month. He immediately cut out fast food and we have switched to real food, about 90% so far. He hasn't had 1 episode since then and no meds since then either.
Angela says
I used to have debilitating migraines. One doc kept prescribing me heavy meds that me feel fuzzy and I would still get headaches that just knocked me out. I would lie in a dark room with tears streaming down my eyes holding my head from the pain. The meds also cause birth defects, so I couldn't have kids if I continued taking them. I found another doc, also a neurologist, but with a very different attitude. He had me read a book called Heal Your Headache and made immediate changes to my diet. The biggest things were avoiding MSG, aspartame, sulfites, lunch meats, hamburger, pizza, nuts, and a few other things. The main gist of the diet it to eat whole foods that have little or no processing. Meat was ok as long as it was whole cut: a baked chicken breast versus a fried chicken nugget, a steak rather than a hot dog, etc. It absolutely worked! I have continued to avoid "trigger" foods and haven't had a knockout migraine in years. I also have two lovely, healthy children.
macey says
I had dishydrotic eczema on my right foot which I believed may have been caused by excessive drugs given during childbirth based on my research(had a C-section). I suffered with this for a year and it was starting to plague my left foot as well. I noticed that when I ate canned goods, the eczema flared up and caused cracks on my skin, leaving me with painful wounds on my toes and feet. I stopped eating canned goods and read that cleansing may help this condition, as technically it had no cure. So besides avoiding canned goods, I decided to do a one day juice cleanse and I was so surprised that the eczema cleared! And it never came back!!! And it's been a year already. I've been drinking fruit and vegetable juices regularly now and changing my diet gradually to real foods!
Angie N says
I had the "worst case" of endometriosis my doctor had ever seen; was scheduled to have a third of my colon removed; my husband and I started eating clean and juicing carrots(three months before the surgery); I had the surgery but there was no endometriosis there! A surgery that normally lasts close to 2 hours lasted only 30 minutes.
Robin Jingjit says
I have shared this as a comment before but it's so amazing I want to share with anyone that will listen. My son has reflex anoxic syncope had daily seizures- up to six or seven a day. We cut out artifical additives and he now sometimes goes weeks and months without a seizure.
When he was diagnosed I asked my doctor if it could be regulated by diet and he said no! Back then i didn't even really know about clean eating, but it was just grasping at straws because I'd heard of the ketogenic diet working for epilepsy. We started cutting out additives to help my other son with self control and the seizures let up on their own.
Melissa Powell says
We got custody of my step-son two and a half years ago. He used to get sick multiple times a year, miss tons of school and be on antibiotics regularly. He was also diagnosed with expertise exercise induced asthma. He loved basketball but could barely run down the cort without being out of breath.
Since living with us and eating organic, non-processed real food he has not missed a day of school or been on antibiotics for 2 years. He also no longer has any type of asthma and has the best endurance of any kid on the court.
Monnia Oropeza says
Hi, Lisa,
I really enjoy following you on facebook. I've been eating real food since 2010. 3 years!
Since I pulled all preservatives/dyes/artificial flavors/chemicals from my family's diet (as well as corn and gluten), my ADHD son does not require medication and is no longer aggressive/hyperactive/inattentive.
My other son is no longer grumpy and sick a lot and his eczema is greatly reduced.
Monnia
Amber says
@Amanda -- have you seen a surgeon? It sounds like it could be something along the lines of a hiatal hernia which unfortunately is not something that can be fixed with diet or medication long term.
Amanda says
I have, there is no hernia. I was actually disappointed about that since then I would have an obvious cause and solution.
Surgery is still an option but it's far from a perfect solution so for now my doctor (that I really like and trust) and I have decided to stick with the medicine. Not ruling out surgery in the future though.
Shannon says
Amanda, Have you tried food sensitivity testing - not allergy testing - and the consideration of leaky gut and healing your gut and possible inflammatory issues? I am not trying to selling anything but MRT is a great blood test you can take to find your sensitivity to foods - even foods that are beyond healthy could be a culprit for you at this point. Going through the LEAP Immunocalm Diet can reduce inflammation and get you to a place where you may actually be free of pain. It works very well for GI issues, migraine, fibromyalgia and even weight loss. Good luck!
Shannon Le Mintier, RD, LD, CLT
[email protected]
Christina says
My fiance took the MRT test and eliminated the foods he had sensitivities to for a year. He has tried reintroducing some of them and can almost instantly pinpoint a reaction, especially foods on his red list. He has had Crohn's disease for 17 years and has been on a viscous cycle of flare ups, steroids and then hernia surgery. We found an amazing doctor who suggested the testing and offers Myer's cocktails and ozone therapy. The treatments combined with a changed diet has meant no Crohn's flare up for over a year! He is off of all of his meds except 1 last one that we are working towards getting him off of. We've recently adopted the whole food, no dyes, no chemicals and all organic diet. We are not taking any more chances!
Heather says
Christina, what type of Dr. can prescribe the MRT test? Does it have be an allergist or would this be through a Naturopathic doctor? Thanks.
Christina says
A Naturopathic doctor should be able to. We see an M.D. who is a full service primary care physician. He is amazing. His practice is mostly alternative and nutrition based. This is his website:
http://www.youngfoundationalhealth.com/index.html
Amy says
Amanda- I am not a weirdo, although i would've called myself that a few months ago for writing this or thinking this BUT have you looked into energy healing and your chakras? Google Carol Tuttle. She may have some answers.
Jenifer says
I've known since I was a teenager that I had a salicylate sensitivity. Never did I know it was also naturally occurring in fruits and vegetables, as well as being chemically related to artificial dyes, flavorings, and preservatives. Since stumbling onto the Feingold program and following it's protocol, my life has changed. My daughter also inherited this sensitivity and after years on anti-anxiety meds and stimulants for ADHD and PDD, she now only takes one anti-anxiety because we discovered her behavior is triggered by all the junk in processed foods in the Feingold listings. I bake from scratch, can several hundred jars of fruit and vegetables, drink raw milk, get farm fresh chicken eggs, and we eat organic when possible. I have not suffered one sinus infection in several years (after two surgeries), was able to get off steroids, and have lost 40 pounds in two years. I cringe whenever I grocery shop and I see someone purchasing piles of junk and processed food at the checkout. It's been life-changing for us as a family to eat healthy and become aware of the unnecessary additives in our food.
Elvina says
What does mean eat clean? What exactly I have to avoid? I have pains, some doctors say it is fibromialgia, some say stress/nerves, but I quit cold turkey all pain meds, because i got addicted really bad and was scared of it. but pain is still there, I just suffer quietly, stopped working full time, if there is something I can change in my diet, I am willing to try.
Sandi B says
Hi Elvina... Eating "clean" basically means avoiding any food that is processed, eating organic, sustainable food when possible and avoiding foods like wheat and sugar.
There is a decent definition here: http://www.fearlessfatloss.com/healthy-lifestyle/what-does-eating-clean-really-mean/
I started eating clean in August 2011. I lost 111 pounds, got rid of my aches and pains, no longer have migraines or allergy problems, n longer take meds for GERD, my cholesterol went from 204 to 138. I started on the Dukan diet and I've maintained on a Paleo diet. I now run, hike, swim and walk everywhere... Life changing!
Jessie says
Side note: is it possible to add a "like" feature to others' comments? I'd love to give a quick "way to go!" without having to comment. I've seen it offered in other blogs. Thanks!
Amanda says
This just depresses me. I eat better than anybody I know, never been overweight, don't smoke, don't drink, exercise religiously, I could go on. I've done everything and avoided everything my doctor has suggested and I still have GERD and require medicine. I have stopped the medicine many times and tried to take digestive enzymes, DGL, apple cider vinegar, etc, etc, etc... I've tried accupuncture, chiropractice, allergy testing, gluten free, dairy free.
And nothing works to stop the heartburn after every single meal except Prilosec. :( I even get heartburn from water.
Jennifer says
Amanda - I feel the same. I have asthma and use a steroid inhaler twice a day. If I miss it, I wheeze. I have crazy allergies and overall itching if I don't take allergy meds every other day. I have always eaten healthy. I think the only packed goods we own is cereal, and we don't even eat much.
I tried chinese herbals and acupuncture with mixed success but then it became unsustainable financially for me. I have insurance that will cover the world under western meds....but not 'alternative'. Was thinking homeopathy might be the next path.
Amanda says
Yes, the alternative medicine does get expensive...which would be less of a problem if it was working.
ï¼ï½ï½Žï½„ï½™ says
I've read that using chemical cleaners also contributes to asthma. Now that you are eating clean have you tried using natural cleaners as well?
Amanda says
Chiropractic! I hate it when I can't edit. :)
Kristen says
Amanda, I went through a similar experience several years ago. I was on two prescription antacids and had the scope down my throat, but they found nothing. I also ate well and exercised regularly. I found a great Naturapathic Doctor (ND) and found out it was just food intolerances that was causing my GERD. Not food allergies, just intolerances. Peanuts were the worst, even if I eat them today in any form I get GERD. I eliminated the foods that cause intolerance and I haven't had any problems since! Find a good ND! :)
Jenna says
I've done two sessions of osteopathy in the last six weeks and my heartburn / reflux has never been better. This is after multiple drugs, dietary changes and rounds of acupuncture.
Jenny says
Have you seen the British show "Food Hospital" that is also airing on America's Cooking Network? They treat a huge variety of medical conditions via diet. It's fascinating to watch. I wish America would start a Food Hospital, too!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Thanks Jenny. We'll check it out. ~Amy
Elle says
My husband drives for a living and had awful hemerhoids which are all but gone now - and I was able to get off the three different medications I was taking for acne.
Johanna says
Love reading these testimonials!! Since I started eating organic, whole foods a few months ago, I have cut out the antacids for my GERD! I would really love to hear if someone with mild hypothyroidism was able to go off meds and see their levels become stable through diet, etc.!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/DesignersGoldenTouch
Barb says
I’ve went almost entirely off my Synthroid by eating a clean healthy diet.I have Hashimotos. Noticed biggest change when I went off sugar, dropped Synthroid from 100 to 50 to 12.5 and now only occasionally if I feel achy. My enlarged thyroid was always sensitive to touch and tight necked shirts, that has gone away and I can wear regular shirts again. Adding lots of fiber to my diet, especially beans and legumes has gave me even more energy and no cravings and put blood glucose readings in the 70′s. My lifelong acne went away, no snoring, more energy, no cravings, no thyroid medicine, no heartburn/reflux. I have salicylate intolerance so I can’t go overboard on fruits and veggies or I get symptoms. Also, my lipid blood panel is great, no sugar really takes the triglycerides down.
carol says
My husband and I started your healthy way of eating and watching what actually was in our food.It was after my husband was diagnosed with cancer and possible border line diabetic.It's been one year,he has lost about 30 lbs and I 25lbs.He no longer takes a med for pre-diabetics and his cancer is gone.Now the diet change did not cure the cancer but it certainly did the other issues of weight and diabetes.We have kept it up alittle at a time and before I knew it my pantry was void of processed foods except for organic items,like his corn/wheat chips.Fresh vegies, raw and frozen only.Always always read the labels no matter what..no sugars and have really cut back on salt.I use a lot of fresh spicy peppers as we like the taste.If I bake I use organic applesauce,wheat flour,and honey.I've found that honey in my stir fry and salsa recipes is a great addition.I could go on and on about all the changes that we have done,but I must say Thank You so much for the great education on healthy eating.We have really enjoyed and still enjoy finding new ways to cook healthy.
Leanna says
Suffered from pain and inlammation in joints and muscles, stiff muscles, poor sleep quality, extreme fatigue, low energy, anxiety, brutal PMS, fibroids, ovarian cysts, acne, severe rashes, abdominal pain, sinusitis, seasonal allergies, etc. Removed gluten after being diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Everything improved about 50%. Then did a lot of research and went further to remove sugars, dairy, all grains, nightshades and everything processed. Now all symptoms have improved 80 - 85%. Once I went on a whole food Paleo-type diet it took only about three months to get to 80% better. I happens quickly so hang in there for the first 4-6 weeks!! Then you will be sailing!! Keep the protein high at every meal so you don't get hungry when you're not prepared - this is soooo important. This will keep your blood sugar stable and get inflammation under control. I didn't worry about fat - just let myself eat meat as needed until I was comfortable with the new way of eating.
Melissa @ My Whole Food Life says
I love hearing these stories. They are great words of encouragement for anyone who is on the brink of quitting processed foods. I hope this post inspires others to take the plunge. Thanks for sharing!
Patricia says
i eat mostly clean and resolve to be 100% clean very, very soon. One year ago, I changed all of my cooking oils to pure, organic, cold pressed coconut oil and my cholesterol dropped from a dangerous 339 down to a respectable 209; which is something that decades of statins haven't been able to do. (Yes, I got off statin drugs a year ago and am working to make my liver more healthy.)
Justine says
I was on heavy meds for fibromyalgia for 2 years. Within 16 weeks of a gluten, dairy, caffeine & refined sugar free diet, cut all meds & am pain free. I sleep well & feel so emotionally balanced now- to me this is truly amazing, my pain before was unbearable. Also notice how my 'lively' 9 year old daughter is calm and happy. It's a lot of work but it is satisfying feeding my family whole foods.
Johanna @ Designer's Golden Touch says
That is amazing! I have a friend who suffers from fibromyalgia. So glad for you.
Melissa says
I was diagnosed with an ulcer and placed on lifetime Nexium for major acid reflux in 2008, I knew I was too young to be on medication for life so in 2010 I finally found a nutritionist and naturopath doctor who explained the importance of eating whole, real foods. I haven't taken (or had to take) Nexium or any other acid reducer since. I'm not sure where our country went wrong and why people don't eat food anymore. Sure we stuff our pie holes with food like substances but what happened to real, honest, from the earth food?
Brandi says
After cutting out all caffeine and processed sugars the bleeding in my colon (lots of testing, no specific cause) completely stopped within one week.
Karin says
Hi Brandi . How did you compensate for no more caffeine?
Brandi says
Short answer - cold turkey, replaced with water.
Long answer - we have two boys under three so I had been drinking two or three cups of coffee a day for a couple of years. We normally ate healthy with the biggest issue being sugary dessert at night.
My husband and I decided on a Friday to completely remove all coffee and sugar the next Monday but gave ourselves the weekend to get ready for the change. We went to Starbucks four or five times over the- weekend, had multiple desserts... It was a psychological thing where I knew on Monday it would all be gone and by the time Monday had arrived my mindset had completely changed to a point of not really wanting any of it.
It took almost three days before the brain fog lifted without the coffee and sugar but I felt so much better nothing in me wanted any more of either.
You can do it too even if it takes a few tries.
Jennifer says
My 10 year old had repeated ear infections as a baby and child - until age 7. He was on antibiotics almost constantly and also had lots of digestive problems and was on medicine for that as well. Once I really started paying attention to our diet and got rid of HFCS, artificial colors, and processed foods it all improved. He hasn't had bowel issues in years and it has been 2 years since his last ear infection.
Karin says
Along with all of this great info, may I ask if anyone has ideas about how to replace caffeine/workout pills with something else healthier? I feel that in"need" them to get through a day, and I do not like that feeling. Seriously, I feel like a new person with them...they do something psychologically. Without them I just draaaaaaggggggg! I never take as much as the dosage calls for and never ever take more than the dosage.
Everything else I do in my life is healthy...this one nagging thing is controlling me...there has to be an alternative. Please help! Thanks in advance.
Shallon says
1st make sure you are getting enough restful sleep. No diet in the world will replace lack of sleep (as I write this at 11pm :-). 2nd, consult a doctor. You could have something like Anemia, Hypothyroidism, or other condition that may take some special changes to your diet (or even a medication, after all diet helps much but can't cure everything) 3rd - if you think it is just a psychological thing, then just stop taking them, do something else that helps you to wake up (eating somthing crunchy, like an apple helps). Consider drinking an herbal tea. No caffeine but may give you that "psycological" boost you need.
Karin says
Thank you for rending. I do have hypo...on lowest dose synthroid which is a new prescription as of 5months ago. My moods have improved with it...on next step to find proper dose. All that said, I feel it is psychological but have researched it at length, it being caffeine, and there is evidence to support that caffeine helps with clarity and something else in the brain that it helps...name escapes me. I have even read that kids with sensory issues and ADD benefit from small amounts of soda, I don't support this, but also green tea...naturally caffeinated . So, my hope is to find something to give me that clarity and mood boosting brain function....give me your opinion, but I feel deep down that everyday use of anhydrous caffeine may not be the best for me long term...can't be healthy can it? Thanks for reading.
Alison says
I gave up caffeine recently, and although I didn't drink much daily, I felt like I was needing more and more and more. I felt awful for a week after cutting it, but now I have more energy and mental clarity than I did after a cup of coffee or tea! I'd say cut it cold turkey and be prepared for horrid withdrawal symptoms (do it when you can take naps during the day). You'll feel like a different person afterward.
Chelsea says
I'm 24 years old. I was on adderall for ADHD for the last 3-4 years (though I was diagnosed with it when I was around 8 or 9) and also on anti-depressants for the last 1.5 years. Over that time I also developed cystic acne that was so severe I had to start seeing a dermatologist. Nothing he prescribed was helping (including various creams and antibiotics), so I almost got to the point where I had to start taking accutane. I started eating clean and cut out almost all processed foods and I'm now off ALL meds and my acne has *completely* cleared up. My face has never been so clear, it's amazing! My depression is also gone. I still struggle a bit with ADHD but I've noticed how I can certain foods and natural vitamins/supplements can help (like green smoothies, chia seeds, B-12, etc). It's totally changed my life (and not to mention my wallet!!)
Sandy Szczepanski says
My mom has had arthritis since she was a child and was on medication for many years. She had been having trouble walking up and down stairs and it took her a while to get moving in the mornings. I introduced her to taking a tablespoon of honey with cinnamon (equal parts mixed together) twice a day and within a week she was walking and moving with no problems. She has been doing this since December 2012 and has not taken a pill since!
Nancy says
Is that 1/2 tablespoon each of honey and cinnamon, or 1 tablespoon each. Do you make it like a tea, or, gasp, straight up?
Cindy says
I have been on real food for quite a while and although I have know it's the best way and I feel so much better overall, I still have thyroid issues...has anyone had their thyroid healed from eating real food? My doctor fed me the line that it will never get better with real food.
Melissa says
The best way to heal your thyroid is to go gluten free. My daughter was able to put her Hasimotos Thyroidi into remission. Read more about it at http://www.thyroidbook.com
Barb says
I've went almost entirely off my Synthroid by eating a clean healthy diet. Noticed biggest change when I went off sugar, dropped Synthroid from 100 to 50 to 12.5 and now only occasionally if I feel achy. My enlarged thyroid was always sensitive to touch and tight necked shirts, that has gone away and I can wear regular shirts again. Adding lots of fiber to my diet, especially beans and legumes has gave me even more energy and no cravings and put blood glucose readings in the 70's. My lifelong acne went away, no snoring, more energy, no cravings, no thyroid medicine, no heartburn/reflux. I have salicylate intolerance so I can't go overboard on fruits and veggies or I get symptoms.
Nicole Donaldson says
Yes, our family has had their share of great success stories as well.
But we also always keep in mind that if it is between life and possible death, delaying medication or surgery can be devastating. My husband has graduated from medical school and residency and on one of his rotations he saw a man with genetic hypertension that was not being cured with his wife's insistence on beans and whole foods. Because it was genetic he needed meds quickly but his wife wouldn't have it and he ended up dying. This is true with a lot of Type 1 diabetes and other things that are urgent in nature.
Though as a nutritional science major, I totally understand how eating a real food diet is only going to help! And hopefully over time cure some of societies biggest health issues! It is a delicate balance.
Kristen says
I suffered from migraines for 7 years and had been seeing a neurologist and was on 3 meds - things improved to 2 awful migraines and 15 headache days a month with those meds. Did an elimination diet (all real food, no preservatives, no gluten, no dairy, no sugar) and worked with a chiropractor with vitamins and such and was migraine/headache free in 2 months off meds. I get an occasional migraine/headache now, but it's usually because I eat something I'm not supposed to. I am gluten, dairy, grapefruit, banana, prune, MSG, sugar, preservative sensitive. :)
Teresa says
My husband and I started to slowly phase out processed foods. With two older teenagers and a toddler, not an easy feat. My husband was prescribed a medication for colitis - horrible stuff. Since adjusting our diet and portions, he only takes the medication every few days and has lost 18 pounds in just shy of a month. I have lost 5 pounds and havent had to take migraine meds since we started. We still have a lot of work to do but this minor success is a great motivator. Thank you Lisa for starting this blog. =)
Haunani says
I have felt like diet was the cause of so many of the allergies, mood swings, ridiculous PMS, and complexion issues in my family. My sons teacher recently recommended that he be tested for ADHD and when I asked the psychologist if diet would make any difference he said "absolutely none" as if I was insane to even ask. So...how do we start? Just go cold turkey? Just throw everything away and start from scratch? I need a plan! I have great intentions in the morning but by 3:00 every bone in my body is craving carbs and sugar!! How long does that last? And is there anyway around the detox side effects? Help!
Sandy Szczepanski says
I'm not an expert but I am an elementary school teacher and I can tell you from experience that simply cutting out candy, any liquid that is not water, and limiting salt will help a lot.
Start slow, you don't want to drive your family crazy by getting rid of everything all at once. For example, one week eliminate all liquids that are not water, the next week instead of a granola bar from the store, make some homemade ones together with your family so everyone can make their own flavours, replace a sweet with a fruit.
One thing I highly recommend is to include your kids in the changes, give them a voice. Don't force feed them. It will be trial and error for a while but hopefully in the end you will have a happier, healthier family.
Same deal for yourself, use baby steps. If you try to go from pasta every night to never having it of course your body will go nuts, eliminate slowly, find substitutions that work for you. Maybe try using a low carb flour and make your own pasta, or bread if you don't want to give them up completely.
I have heard that one month is the average for your body to adjust to a new diet. If you feel like breaking down get up and go for a walk or make yourself do something you dislike (dishes, exercise, cleaning) for 10 minutes before you are allowed to eat something 'bad' if you really don't wanna do the dishes then you can't eat the junk!
I hope this helps you! Best of luck!!
cindi says
Start by cutting out high fructose corn syrup and white food...just doing that will make a huge difference. Only shop the perimeters of the grocery, not the middle. Don't eat out make it at home it's easy to find recipes online. Just those few changes will totally alter how you feel physically hugely
Deidre says
To get started, we used Feingold.org, and their helpful food guide. While we don't need it, now, it helped us transition to a real food diet. It meant cleaning out the cupboards of everything that had artificial ingredients/preservatives. The food guide helps you buy "safe" processed food...but a real food diet is better...Feingold is just a good stepping stone if your diet is really bad, and you aren't ready for a complete lifestyle overhaul. Now, we use the menus on this website...but back then we ate out a lot, and used a lot of processed ingredients. I think Feingold is good about teaching you what to look for on the labels, too...a good starting point. We got our child off meds with mostly just real food (and fish oil & supplements.) As for the psychologist saying diet has NO effect...yeah...several years ago our pediatrician and psychiatrist both told us red dye was not causing my son's rages...but I could prove it if they'd give me 4 hours in their office and some red licorice!! (Now, studies confirmed the behavioral effects...and the pediatrician renounced her stand when her own child had the same difficulties. Never went back to the psychiatrist...but sorry...sometimes Mom knows best!!!) It was harder to see the effects of MSG, because its hidden in so much....but that was another major trigger for my child. I hope you find the same success with a clean diet...(it didn't help one of my other children as much, so there's probably more going on there.)
Shallon says
Start by taking the 100 days of mini pledges. Except when you are done with each week of pledges, https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/original-100-day-pledge/ instead of going back to the old ways, keep going (of course only with the reasonable weeks - cutting out ALL sweetners as one week suggests is not really reasonable for most, but it is an eye opener for a trial period).
Alison says
The first thing I would do in your shoes, knowing what I know now, is to cut out food dyes. It is relatively easy to do, and then, because you are already reading labels, other changes will follow. If my son has food dye, he cannot focus for days!
Mary says
I also found out 2 years ago that I had pcos, I have done everything under the moon to lose weight. Until about 2-3 months ago I found this site on Fb 100 days of real food. I did start changing what and how my family ate but I didn't know there was more to it, until I found this site! How ever wih all of my struggles and ups and downs in December I started taking metformin to help me, and as much as I hate taking it, I did see a difference along with eating clean and natural/organic. I just found out that I am 6 wks pregnant and I am currently still taking the metformin, I asked my doctor and they told me to continue to take it till I see my doc next week. I get nervous and panic, because I had one healthy pregnancy before I ever found out I had pcos. But now I am still over weight and I am just at a loss with pcos and metformin... I am just glad to eat clean and healthy! I follow all of this sites recipes and menus.... My whole family loves it all!!! Tha I you for keeping us informed!
Dot says
I came across this website shortly after going through 3 surgeries, 12 rounds of chemotherapy and 5 & 1/2 weeks of daily radiation to treat cancer. Needless to say I felt awful! I started the 100 day challenge and cut out all processed foods. Within the first month I could tell a difference. The neuropathy in my hands and feet was relived enough so that I could wear tennis shoes without pain and is almost completely gone. Panic attacks, anxiety, and depression is gone. I have energy. I reached 2 years of being cancer free in December. My doctors are
Tori says
I don't have as amazing story as the others, but after eating mostly clean for over an year now, my cholesterol is almost normal (I wasn't on meds) and my eyesight improved by .25. I hope it keeps improving.
Lori B. says
YES! My 13 year old's ADD is gone off of meds, no signs of it! His grades exploded and he is finally happy! My 7year old son's asthma & eczema is GONE and he had both really bad since birth!! The albuterol nebulizer & inhaler was always out in our house. Now it is packed up! Not one single doctor even mentioned a diet change! My morning abdominal cramping in the bathroom is over! My son just wanted a snack and I offered some fresh baked homemade cookies. He said, "Can you just make me a green smoothie and I will grab some fruit/nut balls from the fridge." OMG!!!!
Megan says
Very encouraging to hear! My daughter has asthma and has been on pulmicort for the past school year. She tends to get pneumonia a few times per winter. I have made many improvements and the amount of processed foods that she eats. I am going to talk to her pediatrician at our next visit about discontinuing the pulmicort. I truly believe that her diet has a lot to do with her good health this year, not just the medication, and I would really like for her to be off the meds permanently.
Susan says
I went real food just over a year ago and, without exercise (which is more than a little difficult because of severely arthritic knees), am down 80 pounds, am able to walk further than I have been able to in years and, for the first time in more than 30 years, am completely off BP medication (went off the BP meds within the first month)! I continue to pray that slowly increasing my walking while maintaining a healthy, real food diet, will aid in keeping those knee joints working without the need for surgery.
DaNelle Wolford says
Yes, me too! I was able to lose 30 lbs., reverse my son's asthma, reverse my degenerative diseases...and now we have an urban farm and teach other's how to eat real food too!
Weed 'em & Reap: A blog about urban farming, and true healing with REAL FOOD!
Erin says
Similar to the woman who posted about PCOS--I have been battling that along with endometriosis and way out of whack hormones for over a decade. I've tried all sorts of supplements, diet changes, medications that made me lose my hair and not even the surgery I had 14 months ago made even a difference in my cycles and charting. There would have been no way I could get pregnant if I had been trying.
I already ate (mostly) clean, but decided to give up gluten for Lent. While it's been tough going gluten free, my charting and cycles have cleared up within 3 weeks and look almost perfect! It's been less than a month, folks!! I no longer have to take the horrible medications and I can feel my body working the way its supposed to!