An Honest Look at Autoimmune Disease on World Arthritis Day

Today seems an appropriate day for me to add a blog post.  It is World Arthritis Day and I have Rheumatoid Arthritis which is an autoimmune disease.

 

An autoimmune disorder occurs when the immune system begins attacking cells and destroying healthy tissue.  There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases.  Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Osteo-Arthritis are well known autoimmune diseases.  Chronic inflammation plays a large role in these types of arthritis and may lead to irreversible damage if not controlled. 

 

Not all inflammation is bad.  Bodies need some inflammation to fight viruses, infections and help repair itself.  The problem comes when there is too much inflammation leading to pain, swelling, and damage.  It is imperative to get the inflammation under control right away to prevent future damage to joints and organs.   In the past I have been able to control many of these symptoms with an anti-inflammatory diet.  Not so much anymore. 

 

 

I have looked back at this blog noticing the changes in my body and life because of my disease. What started out as an anti-inflammatory eating blog that would control my RA is now changing.  Of course, isn't that the way of life?  Always changing. 

 

In the beginning I could eat whole grain pasta, bread and cereal.                    Now I cannot. In the beginning I could enjoy cheese, sour cream, and yogurt.                    Now I cannot. In the beginning I could bake and enjoy the sugary delicious treats.                   Now I cannot. Most things that I eat cause pain and swelling to the point that I am unable to function.  

 

Once upon a time I believed the way I ate could help heal all who suffered an auto-immune disease.  I wanted to share it with the world.  Time and pain are such great teachers.  

 

I am not sure what caused these changes and I'm not happy about it.  Two weeks ago I made the decision to start Enbrel Injections.  My decision has been frowned upon by many (not all) of my natural and holistic friends.  I understand their concern.  I have the same concern.  The choice I faced was to watch and feel my body crippling before my eyes or start the injections and pray they would work, with minimal side effects.  I've missed out on so many moments because of pain and am ready to get back to the business of life.  

 

 

So, on this World Arthritis Day, if you or someone you knows suffers with chronic pain, stiffness, or sickness, think seriously about it.  Now may be the time to see a doctor and get some relief.  Please don't wait until your symptoms cripple you.  Go now.    

Oodles of Zoodles During Zucchini Season

Spiralizer's are all the rage right now and I am a fan.  I have recently purchased one and it has truly saved me.  

Why?  

Well, let me tell you.  I love pasta!  I miss pasta!  I crave pasta dishes! Since I have had to stop eating gluten, I have been trying other options.  The gluten-free versions of pasta just don't cut it for me.  However, zoodles are cutting it!  A zoodle is a spiralized zucchini noodle.  It's actually very cool how these work.  If you have never seen one, insert the word "spiralizer" into your search engine and many cool images will appear.

 My spiralizer is a pencil sharpener style.

You insert the zucchini in one end and turn as if sharpening a pencil.  Spirals of zucchini noodles come out the other end.  It is truly genius!  

 Then you take the zoodles and blanch them in boiling water for 30-60 seconds.  I do 30 seconds because I prefer al dente.  

Today my neighbor, Rachel, brought me over oodles of zoodles and I adore her for doing so and am putting them to good use :)

Here is a super easy idea for creating a delicious meal with your zoodles: 

First, heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

Then, add a heaping teaspoon of garlic and sauté for just a couple of seconds.

Add about a tablespoon of bacon crumbles and sauté until caramelized. 

Add a teaspoon of capers and a large handful of blanched zoodles.  Stir quickly just until warm so that you don't make the zoodles mushy.  

Serve warm and if so inclined, sprinkle with a little Parmesan cheese.  It is delicious without the cheese also. Even though I am trying to maintain a Paleo diet, I enjoy a little Parmesan occasionally.  

Next, I am going to try spiralizing sweet potatoes.  I wonder if they are called spoodles :)  I would love your feedback on your spiralizing experiences.  For now though, enjoy zucchini season my friends!