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HOW TO CHANGE ACROMEGALY
Health is an integral part of taking care of yourself and your body. But the truth is, we sometimes put health on the lower priority list. After all, health is a topic we dodge from discussing. I think you’ll agree when I say that we struggle and feel awkward, but what’s in that feeling inspires others
I aspire to break the silence and bring public awareness to a rare disease called Acromegaly. The exciting part: On May 28, 2019, The Honourable Andrew Leslie, Liberal for Orleans, Ontario, raised awareness about the disease in the House of Commons.
So that’s when I was inspired to share my story, although I was unaware of this disorder before being diagnosed. Furthermore, could I say one thing: Why are hormones always in the way of living our best life? Okay, without further adieu, let us get into this.
WHAT ACROMEGALY MEAN?
Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder resulting from too much growth hormone (GH) in the body. It produces excess GH in the pituitary gland, causing a single abnormal cell to multiply into many abnormal cells and imbalance hormone levels. Imbalanced hormones result from too much or too little hormone in the bloodstream.
ACROMEGALY, WHO DOES IT AFFECT?
Acromegaly is often diagnosed in middle-aged adults, although the symptoms can appear at any age. Some people experience an overproduction of IGF—1, enlargement of hands, feet, and other body parts, facial changes, a full jaw, and increased forehead, lips, tongue, and others. For more, click here. But wait, there’s more!
I believe we don’t choose diseases; I think they choose us and make us all unique individuals with unique situations.
WHICH HORMONE CAUSES ACROMEGALY?
Hormones are essential to the function of the endocrine glands. They direct chemical substances into the bloodstream. Hormones are messengers controlling activities throughout the body.
The Growth Hormone (GH) is responsible for acromegaly. It is located in the pituitary gland.
My Journey
Guess what happened precisely twelve (12) years ago battling with Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? As a result of additional issues, my PCOS persisted in 2017, followed by a blood test and MRI scan. More importantly, the results showed an abnormal growth in my pituitary gland that required immediate treatment – nerve-racking! It might sound too simple, but I live in gratitude because my recovery was a miracle and all the praises to my Heavenly Abba.
Related Post: HOW TO BETTER PCOS DIAGNOSIS WITH A PLANT-BASED DIET
WHAT IS THE BEST DIET OPTION FOR ACROMEGALY?
My approach changed when I realized I had the power to create a healthier option. So, I decided to try a holistic and natural remedy to help my body feel as healthy as possible. Side note: I am not a medical doctor or a licenced nutritionist. I researched and consulted with a naturopath and doctors to oversee my decision about my well-being. Anyhoo, it’s your choice to be aware.
With this in mind, I’m sharing my options with a plant-based diet. But, guess what: There is “no one diet fits all.” You have to do your research and alter your own health.
HOW TO START A PLANT-BASED DIET
Knowledge brings awareness, but it should be practiced. So, when the change came, I decided to fix my love relationship with food. But guess what I realized with plants? Plants are a game-changer. Yes! I finessed a plant-based diet and adjusted my hormone levels. And now, you must be wondering what a plant-based diet is. It’s a diet that focuses on foods derived from plant sources.
It is simple: fruit, vegetables, grains, pulses, legumes, nuts and meat substitutes such as soy products.
Here’s the interesting part: I removed animal products—animals have GH and can elevate your GH hormones. I added organic fruit and vegetables—some fruits and vegetables I omitted related to my condition; *Plant-based protein—the difference between plant-based and vegan; sugar—sugar adds no nutrition; it only affects my IGF-I; processed food and soy-free.
RELATED POST: HOW TO STOCK THE ESSENTIALS FOR A PLANT-BASED PANTRY
CONCLUSION
In the final analysis, the best part is that after five months on a structured health plan, my hormones were more under control. While the GH value was 5.9, it’s currently 1.5, the same as my IGF-1 value from 708 to 355. Not to mention, I dropped a few sizes and fifteen pounds and had more energy — all of which I did in five months.
Now, my PCOS was under control, and my hormonal acne cleared up. So, what’s my point? Food has POWER. All to say, our food choices impact our health and add nutrition to our bodies. The problem is dedication and consistency.
Conditions exceed our control, but we can change things in our hands. This disorder has changed my life in many ways, but I am determined to soar and bring awareness to others in the community.
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