Whole30 Review - part2

Dairy reintroduction

I love cheese. Really, I LOVE cheese.  On dairy day, I only tried two items - butter and cheese.  I wanted to make certain I had no reaction to those before trying regular milk or egg nog or other more problematic dairy items. However, butter and cheese made me nauseous and even dizzy, as well as a slight headache.  I became stuffy the next day with itchy ears and all my skin issues returned with a vengeance.

Gluten reintroduction

So as not to contaminate my results with dairy, I chose cream of wheat, cooked in water and served with raisins as my gluten test, followed by a cup of Dandy blend (a coffee substitute with chicory, dandelion, beets, and BARLEY.). Within minutes of eating gluten my cheeks turned red and hot.  That evening, the headache began, followed by serious nausea and vomiting.  When I woke the next morning, I had terrible bad breath, neck ache, and headache.  

Now I am armed with new information regarding my body and the foods I choose to consume.  What I thought would be a month long experiment, one that I began on a whim in the doctor's office, is now the new normal.  I like feeling good.  I like knowing that my headaches are not a random, unavoidable occurrence which can steal away my days.  Christmas is coming, and with his new information, I can decide whether it is worth it to indulge at parties, or whether I want to feel great the next next day.  I may choose cookies at an event because I decide that I can lay low the next day, but I won't be shocked when I feel terrible.  I know to avoid the hummus if I don't want my knees to scream in pain.

Going forward, I plan to adopt a whole30-like Paleo diet full time, but make exceptions for extra special events such as our Super Bowl party.  But even then, I reserve the right to decide whether a favorite treat is worth the consequences.  Hopefully, with some herbal support and nourishing foods and lifestyle, my gut will heal and the next time I do a formal reintroduction, the consequences will be less or even non-existent.  But that takes time, and for now, I choose to avoid my food triggers and feel good!