Lupus and Celiac Disease

I Tested Positive+ for Candida Yeast

2015-01-25T17:34:00.000-08:00

Since the Summer of 2013, I've been having these pains in my chest. Back then they said it was Gallstones. I thought to do the flush and everything would be fine. However, the pains never stop.

From 2013, the pains were approximately 2 times a month. Then in November 2014, around Thanksgiving until mid December, the pains were daily. Another sonagram was performed on Jan 6, 2015. The Doctor, relayed through a technician, there were more small stones and 1 large stone. I was sent home and told if the pains get worst to go the the Emergency room. I began vomiting on January 4, 2015. Then, on January 10, I had another attack, and another episode of vomiting. This attack was like the other ones. They started around 7:00 pm and lasted until 4:00 am in the morning.

On the January 13th, I went to the Emergency room. Another sonagram was performed. The Doctors stated, two of them, that my gallbladder was inflamed. However, in order to perform surgery, I needed a electrocardiogram of my heart. The electrocardiogram was performed on January 21, 2015. I haven't yet received the results.

On January 16, 2015, I was called for an impromptu appointment with my Primary Care Doctor. We went over the notes from the Emergency room visit and she checked my vitals. I told her, in my research, to find out what foods caused my attacks, I discovered that I have Candida Yeast. It was sugar that set off my attacks. Carbohydrates, fruits, refined or unrefined sugars. I showed her my tongue. She agreed. She prescribed Nystatin. I also, use grapeseed extract, colloidal silver and caprylic acid. Since starting an AntiCandida Diet, the pains has stopped. But, I am painfully aware, I've had Candida for years.

Also, I became aware, Candida Yeast grows with antibiotics, which I received in 2007 and 2011. Not only that, Candida Yeast is usually preceeded by autoimmune diseases, such as Lupus,
Scleroderma and Sjogren's disease. In my research, I found that people with mercury toxicity usually develops candida yeast.

The hardest thing I have ever done was to give up sugar. Please check yourself for this yeast. It maybe destroying your organs. This maybe the pathogen that causes damage to the organs once Lupus has been diagnosed. The cleanse only lasts a few months.

Clean Detox Program 30 - Day Meal Plan

2013-04-12T18:44:00.000-07:00

I just had to write about this Clean Detox Program. I was watching Dr. Oz, approximately 6 weeks ago, and someone by the name of Dr. Junger, presented his Clean Detox Program, developed by him and his Clean Team. Many people appeared on the show, talking about their weight loss. So, I decided to try the program. After about 5 weeks, I noticed no weight loss. According, to Dr. Junger, the foods in the program is suppose to clean your gut of all bad bacteria and replace with good bacteria. He provided a list of foods to avoid and a list of foods, you must consume daily. He also provided a 5 Week Meal Plan. I did not follow the meal plan. I concentrated on the foods to avoid and those to consume daily. As of my 6 weeks, into the program, I've noticed changes in my body; my skin has a brighter appearance, clothes a little looser, and full S-shaped bowel movements.

I have Scleroderma and Sjogrens Disease, as well as Lupus. Usually, at night, I place cocoa butter and vaseline on my face around my mouth. I do this because, my face was showing an unnatural dryness. This has changed. My natural oils sensors seems to have been stimulated. But the greatest effect, I've noticed, and I am very grateful, is my hair. Over the last 5 years, my hair turned dry, dulled, broken and receding. On the crown of my head is a thin spot, where the hair was shorter and refused to grow. In the 6 weeks, I've been on this diet, I admit not much weight has been lost, but my hair is growing. My hair is thicker, longer, has increased body, shine, lack of breaking. It has to be the diet, because nothing else I've done has work.

If your weight is not an issue, then the only reason to be on this diet is your overall health. I fall asleep normally, I am never exhausted, tired and hungry. I have heard good health begins in your gut. Believe me, you will not starve. I had to make my own sweets, like cake and cookies, because you are not allowed gluten enriched food.

If you want to find this Clean Detox Program and 5 Week Meal Plan, go to my.cleanprogram.com or Doctoroz.com.

Peace Out........ Bonita

The Importance of Iodine in your Diet

2011-12-18T15:27:00.000-08:00

"Iodine is detected in every organ and tissue in the body. It is found in high levels in the thyroid, breast, stomach, saliva, ovaries, liver, lung, heart, and adrenals. It is essential in pregnancy". (http://www.iodine4health.com/body/body.htm).

There are five minerals needed for good hair growth; Iodine, Silica, Selenium, Zinc and Iron.

"An excess of iodine in the body can adversely affect the thyroid. The lack of iodine can cause
hypothyroidism. In hypothyroidism, your cell metabolism slows down and body cells and hair cells don't receive the energy they need to function properly. When you lack iodine, you will lose more hair than normal and may even lose eyebrow hair". (http://www.desktoprating.com/Hair-Loss/Lack-of-Iodine-and-Silica-Can-Create-Hair-Loss.htm).

You need Iodine for energy, proper body temperature, manages healthy weight, for growth and development, healthy brain functions, maintain emotional responses, cholesterol and heart health, for healthy skin, hair and nails and manages our blood sugar levels.

Deficiencies of Iodine are extreme fatigue, goiter, mental slowing, depression, weight gain, hair loss, impaired immune system function, during pregnancy can lead to miscarriages and reduced IQ in surviving offspring, and low basal body temperatures.

Iodine detoxifies the body by removing mercury, fluorides, chlorides, and bromides.

If you have hair loss, and wish to regrow it back, consider eating Dulse Seaweed. About 7 grams of this seaweed has 780% of Iodine. I would eat about 3 grams, every two days or so, or have your Doctor check you Iodine levels. I soak it in water, then added to my salad, greens or just simply eat it with a meal.

To increase Silica, eat oatmeal, granola or cucumbers daily. Not all, just one of the three each day. To increase Selenium, eat one brazil nut a day.

For Iron and Zinc, try these foods:

Red meat
Egg yolks
Dark, leafy greens (spinach, collards)
Dried fruit (prunes, raisins)
Iron-enriched cereals and grains (check the labels)
Mollusks (oysters, clams, scallops)
Turkey or chicken giblets
Beans, lentils, chick peas and soybeans
Liver
Artichokes

Drink a cup of orange juice, eat an orange or some Vitamin C, with these foods, your body can better absorb the iron and zinc.

Calcinosis Cutis

2011-09-16T20:08:00.000-07:00

For years, I've noticed these skin eruptions (bumps) under my skin, on my butt. I had been researching for years trying to find out what this could be. I just found out a couple of days ago, that it is called Calcinosis Cutis. Calcinosis Cutis is an imbalance of calcium deposits underneath the skin. It is a condition common to people with connective tissue diseases, such as Scleroderma, Lupus and Sjogrens syndrome.

There are a number of drugs being tested for this disorder, as well as surgical procedures.

According to my readings, the best way to get rid of Calcinosis, is to take Vitamin K2, Chanca Piedra tea (Ebay.com) and Essaic tea.

I really hope this helps. I myself, thinks I am too young for these bodily destructions. So, I make it a point to eradicate them.

I came across some information, that states if you increase your magnesium level to 320 mg for women and 420 mg for men, as well as increase your vitamin B6, the gallstones and carbonate stones will subside by 92%.

One good way, is to eat Kellogg's All Bran Cereal (1 cup). It has Vitamin B6 as well, and 1 cup equals 218 mg of Magnesium. Also, eat beans (Lima, chickpeas, Lentils, Refried beans. Make a bean dip, and eat casually. Other foods are, haddock, flounder, sole, spinach, beet grass, brazil nuts, almonds and cashews.

Yerba Mate Tea

2011-08-12T12:18:00.000-07:00

I had mentioned to a friend, that I would write something about Yerba Mate Tea. In Spanish it is pronounced,[ˈʝerβa ˈmate]. I drink this tea everyday. However, I add it to my coffee grains, along with dried cilantro and tarragon. This may sound gross, but, coffee is so strong, I cannot taste anything but the coffee. Well, Yerba Mate tea, has 196 volatile chemical compounds. The tea contains 11 polyphenols (antioxidants), inositol, trace minerals, tannins. It has 90% more metabolism boosting nutrients than green tea, 24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids. The minerals; aluminum, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, potassium, and zinc. Vitamin; A, C, E, B1, B2, niacin(B3), B5, B- Complex. Additional compounds; fatty acids, chlorophyll, flavonols, polyphenols, trace minerals, pantothenic acid, carotene.

I will tell you what I do each day. I buy something called Marmite Yeast Extract. It is a 4.4 oz jar of brewers yeast. I eat a teaspoon each day, a clove of garlic and some red pepper flakes. The garlic and red peppers, I take for my heart. You don't need to do this, unless you have heart issues. The Brewers Yeast, has the B-Complex. Good for hair growth, hormones. You can find it at Whole Foods. I pay $6.00 a jar. If you eat each day, for one month, you would need 2 to 3 jars. Only buy, if you really feel you need it. You can buy brewers yeast in larger packages than this one. In addition, I take my high blood pressure pills, and my supplements each day. This daily ritual, keeps me afloat. So far, no arthritic pain, no chronic fatigue, no heart issues, and good hair growth.

What to do If you are losing your hair!

2011-07-22T16:45:00.001-07:00

For healthy growth, hair needs the following nutrients; Silica, Calcium, Iron, Selenium, Vitamin C, and L-Lysine. I've noticed, when I increased my Calcium, Lysine and Vitamin C, my hair began to grow. However, the growth was slow, until I concentrated on my Silica, Selenium intake.

Try eating natural foods, in lieu of supplements. Such as cucumber and oatmeal for Silica. Red and Green Peppers (also Vitamin C), and Spinach for Calcium. Brazil nuts, Sunflower seeds and Tuna for Selenium. Humus for Iron and Walnuts for L-Lysine. Vitamin C, can also be increased by Orange juice (drink squeezed juice in lieu of concentrate), oranges, tangerines, etc.

I myself, usually eat cucumbers daily. If I run out, I supplement with oats of some kind. I eat some type of green food daily. For your salad dressing, which has L-Lysine, use "Braggs Liquid Aminos". I eat fruit, and yogurt, sprinkled with flax seed meal every morning. I eat one brazil nut a day (3.8 grams of fat and plenty of selenium). I eat tuna as well, but not daily, and only when I have an appetite for tuna. I do supplement myself with a L-Lysine tablet.

My hair is really growing back. I really think Silica, Calcium, Iron and Selenium is the key.

If You Have Lupus, You May Develop Alzheimer's

2011-04-13T15:27:00.000-07:00

If you have Lupus, you may develop Alzheimer's.  The medical community, believes the large cases of Lupus and Alzheimers, are due to Mercury amalgams fillings. Now you have Lupus! How to work on prevention of Alzheimer's?

1. You may need to remove the Mercury Amalgams Fillings. If not possible,

2. Began detoxing on Cilantro; make a tea, salsa or use in foods.

3. Beef up on Antioxidants, such Alpha Lipoic Acids (In flax seed meal). Alpha-lipoic acid can lower blood sugar levels. It has the ability to kill free radicals, which may reduce pain, burning, itching, tingling, and numbness, similar to peripheral neuropathy. Other antioxidants are chocolate, goji berries, papaya, broccoli, oranges, bean sprouts, tofu, kale, and blueberries. Read more at Wholeliving.com: Healthy Antioxidants Menu.

4. You need to ingest foods and supplements high in in chlorophyll, enzymes and   antioxidants. These foods and supplements will cleanse the liver and kidneys. The food richest in all of these substances is Blue-Green Algae.

5.  Drink teas made with other herbs that support detoxification; includes, yellow dock, milk thistle, dandelion, red clover, burdock, cleavers, marshmallow, licorice, enzymes, acidophilus, and bifidus. Try a brand of teas, called Yogi Skin Tea. It has mostly all these herbs.

6. I read, you should switch back and forth, from left to right brain. For instance, use your left hand to brush you hair, your teeth or write. That is, if you are right-handed and vice versa, if you are left-handed. Learn a language, engage in learning crafts, etc.

These changes won't cure you, but they will make life easier and liveable.

Mercury, Metals and Lupus

2010-09-21T16:25:00.000-07:00

On September 20, 2010, I was surfing the internet on the topic of "Super Antioxidant Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)". I was interested in finding out the grains and foods which contains these super enzymes. Quite uncanny, but I came across a site that discussed SODs in relation to "Mercury Poisoning".

According to this site, In Britain, between 1600 and 1800s, mercury nitrate were made into felt hats. Hence the phrase "Mad Hatter". It was used in medications and "worse, many dentists continue to use mercury amalgam fillings today, even though negative effects of mercury are well documented. What does mercury do to the body? Here's a short list:

* generates free radical cell damage and cell death
* inhibits many antioxidants, including super oxide dismutase (SOD)
* retards brain development
* speeds the development of diabetes, hypertension, strokes, and cardiovascular disease
* causes muscle weakness, include chronic fatigue syndrome

... and that's only the short list! Mercury poisoning can also lead to arthritis, depression, dermatitis, dizziness, gum disease, hair loss, and insomnia". (http://www.squidoo.com/superoxidedismutase)

As I was reading the symptoms, they became familiar to me, to be similar to those of Lupus. I am now convinced, that Mercury Poisoning is the cause of Lupus and many other Auto-immune Diseases, coupled with some biological susceptibilities.

Think about the increase of autoimmune diseases and diabetes. We ask ourselves why? Well, outside the invention of Coca Cola and processed foods, maybe metals are in our food supply.

This explains why Asian Women or Asians have a high number of Lupus diagnoses. Asians consumes most of the world's seafoods. Lupus is also high among African Americans, who has for years, consumed most of the nation's low quality foods.

I read an article about a women who received one filling which contained Mercury. She lost motor function in her face. After the filling was removed, in time, her condition returned to normal.

The first time I received a filing, I was 23 years old. I was in the United States Air Force. Most of the filings in my mouth, maybe minus 4 or 5, I received during my military tour. Now, that I have lost most of my teeth, I've noticed my health is not as detrimental. I've stopped eating Gluten, and Wheat and, I realize now, fish might be a limitation too. If you eat Fish Oil, maybe a "Purified Organic Brand, such as Barlean's", should be considered.

Your first step is to remove any possible sources of mercury poisoning, including excess seafood and dental fillings made of mercury amalgam. (http://www.squidoo.com/superoxidedismutase)

But this doesn't explain why Wheat and Gluten affects me. Is there something farmers do to wheat, that may have a build-up of Mercury or Mercury-like metals. Most importantly, are there METALS in our wheat?

To rid the body of of mercury, you need to ingest foods and supplements high in in chlorophyll, enzymes and antioxidants. These food and supplements will cleanse the liver and kidneys. The foods richest in all of these substances is Blue-Green Algae.(http://www.squidoo.com/superoxidedismutase)

Other herbs that support detoxification of mercury include cilantro, yellow dock, milk thistle, dandelion, red clover, burdock, cleavers, marshmallow, licorice, enzymes, acidophilus, and bifidus. (http://www.squidoo.com/superoxidedismutase).

I decided to purchase myself some Blue-Green Algae.

Update!

2010-04-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

Years ago, I noticed my body hair was receding. I would go days without having to shave my legs or underarms. My hair wasn't growing. I thought this was the result of aging. I realize now, it was lack of blood flow. My skin is not so dry, and I can cross and bend my legs. I still have problems turning my neck, but I try each day. The swelling in my fingers and feet are no longer.

I used to have a ball spot in the middle of my head. This is no longer. I had my hair cut down to less than an inch in length, so as to regrow evenly. I massage my head daily and ensure moisturizing and conditioning of my hair.

A year ago, I walked my dog four times a day. I was exhausted then, but I did it. As time went by, I couldn't do it more than once a day. So, I would put him outside on his own. Now, we walk three times a day. He is very happy and so am I.

Results of my Gluten-free/Milk-Free Plan

2010-04-17T12:04:00.000-07:00

You noticed, I didn't say "Diet Plan". Because, it is not a diet, but a plan to eat healthier and to extend my life and improve my health. It has been over six weeks now and here are my results. I've lost about 25 lbs. I feel clearer in my thoughts and my nerves are better. Before, I used to tremble as though I was nervous and scared of something. I didn't understand this feeling. I thought it was just anxieties, or that I would have to start taking antidepressants to stop this feeling. Now, I think it was probably allergies to the foods I was eating.

In 2007, just before I ended up in the hospital, I was diagnosed with Sjorgrens Disease. "Sjorgrens Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which immune cells attack and destroy the exocrine glands that produce tears and saliva", (Righthealth.com). This results in dry eyes and dry mouth.

Lately, I had been developing dry patches on my left thigh and back. I knew it was the result of the Sjorgrens, because everytime I moistened my body with oils or creams, my skin would drink these emoillents like water. Then, my skin would appear to have a dry ash look, minutes from the initial application.

Since, my new eating habits, the patches have disappeared. I also, add oils to my shampoo as well. I use my shampoos as body wash, because with all the added oils, it is better than soap. The most important result, is my hair is growing back. My skin is softer and the dark areas on my skin appears to blend with my normal skin tone. Oh! I can bend my knees now. Before, I couldn't bend my knees.

I eat a piece of 100% dark chocolate a day. I said a piece! No more than 17-20 grams of Fat a day. This is for my heart. I take two multivitamins, eight cod-liver oil softgels and two calcium tablets a day. I do not take any other medicines. I sleep very well. I don't wake up looking at the television, waiting to drift off. The most important of all, I have more energy than I had in the last 3-4 years.

I am not saying all is well, or that I am in remission. But, I feel better. I feel good.

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How Wheat Harms Your Brain

2010-04-12T13:43:00.000-07:00

Lupus and Celiac Disease

2010-03-18T21:01:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Lupus and Celiac Disease

In December 1994, I was discharged from the US Air Force. Before my departure, I failed to get the overall physical, because I assumed I was in good health. I was living in Papillion Nebraska at the time. Three years later, in March 1998, I moved to Beaverton Oregon. I got a job at a store, similar to that of Bed Bath and Beyond. In August of 1998, I called in sick, because I noticed both my arms and legs were swollen, and I felt sick on my stomach. I went to a nearby clinic, and they checked me for sickle cell anemia. Well, I didn’t have sickle cell. They did notice I was anemic. They didn’t arrive at a diagnosis, but suggested I go to the Veterans Administration Hospital for a full physical. I did.

My Doctor at the time was name, Campbell. He told me about an ANA test (Antinuclear Antibody Test). He said I am positive for Lupus. I really didn’t know how to respond, because I knew nothing of Lupus. He gave me two pamphlets to read. Of course, I threw them in a corner somewhere until I had a flare up. This was in 1998. Thereafter, I saw him every 4 to 6 months.

In September 1999, I began working with the Social Security Administration. For a time, I had no symptoms. Dr. Campbell even said, “I’m not sure if you have Lupus, because you’re the healthiest Lupus patient I’ve ever seen”. Every other year, I had flare-ups. I had pleurisy, loss of teeth, ulcers on my body and in my mouth, weight loss, weight gain, countless amounts of drugs. In 2003, my feet swelled so much, I didn’t wear regular shoes until 2008. In 2004, Dr. Campbell had to place me on Prednisone and hydroxychloroquine sulfate, because I had problems walking and maintaining stamina and in constant fatigue. Around this time I began getting Raynaud’s Disease. Raynaud’s is a disorder in which the blood vessels spasms causing discoloration of the fingers and toes, and occasionally other extremities. In my case, it was my fingers, my breasts and my ankles. From 2005 on, I quite frequency took sick leave. I am sure my employer found it quite annoying, but I was honestly in miserable pain and maybe some depression. Around this time, I lost the will to continue.

I knew I had to go on, so I persevered. I continued to work daily for the next two years, occasionally taking Wednesdays in sick leave. This concerned my employer so much, that I was asked to limit my hours to 32 a week. The problem there, 32 hours a week, would have decreased my benefits. I struggled with this idea, still taking sick leave. I told Randy, my Branch Manager, that I was considering filing for disability in a couple of years. But that two years never arrived. One day in June of 2007, I called in sick. That day was the second day of my sick leave. Randy said, my phone message wasn’t clear, jumbled. My girlfriend, Avis, apparently had been trying to reach me. Now, Avis and I talked daily, sometimes two to three times a day. So, this particular day, I didn’t answer the phone. Avis called my Job, told them something was wrong, because I always answer the phone and she couldn’t reach me. A co-worker, Rebecca, overheard Avis speaking to another co-worker taking the call. She asked Randy, if she could go by my house. With a lot of begging, Randy allowed her to go to my place. When she arrived, she knocked, and knocked. I wouldn’t get up or answer. So, she called the Police Department and they entered my house. Rebecca convinced me to go the hospital. So, I showered and we drove to Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, in Beaverton Oregon.

After I was checked-in and examined, the Doctor told Rebecca, two more days at home, I would have died from dehydration and lack of blood flow. Of course, my medications increased to more than 30 pills daily. At this time, they noticed I had an ulcer on each ankle, and mostly all my fingers were inflamed with Raynaurd’s. My diagnosis was Lupus, Connective tissue disease and Septicemia. After they fixed me up and taught me to care for myself, I was released.

Approximately a month later, I awaken the next morning to find that I lost my right pinky finger to gangrene. After I got over the shock, I tried to make an appointment the next day to let the doctor know what had happened. I couldn’t get in within the week, so I took the MAX train to the N. Interstate Kaiser Permanente Clinic’s emergency room. They appeared more shocked than I when I showed them my finger. They told me to go back to Providence St. Vincent Medical Center. They were willing to send me by ambulance. I said no, I’ll find a way there myself. So, I called Randy and told him what had occurred. He said he would ask Brenda, one of my managers at the Social Security Administration office, to pick me up to drive me to Providence St. Vincent.

She picked me up and we arrived at the hospital. The Kaiser Clinic called ahead. So, they knew I was on my way. They saw the finger, checked me in to the same hospital room I had in June 2007. I believe I was only there a couple of days. The Doctors told me they couldn’t amputate the pinky, because my body wasn’t healing at the time. If they cut the pinky, then what if more of my finger or nub turned black and continued onto my arm. So, I had to wait until the finger fell off. I had that rotten finger attached to my hand for close to a year. I also lost the tips, just under the nail, of five other fingers.

This is how I finally lost the finger. I was shopping at Walmart. I wanted some ice cream. So, I reached for the handle on the freezer, too quickly, and the finger snapped. I yelled, cursed and cried.

In August, I filed for Disability with Social Security Administration. The SSA office only assisted in helping with the paperwork. I didn’t receive any special attention or expedience in the approval. I still had to wait the 4 to 6 months just like everyone else. But, my situation was most different than anyone else with Lupus. I almost died and lost a part of a limb. I know you’re asking yourself, why didn’t I file with the Veterans Affairs Office? I did in 2006. I was denied. They felt my Disability was not military related. But, I fully believe it was. I didn’t appeal, because I was too weak and exhausted to deal with the process. I had to deal with a lot of PTSD feelings. I am still not emotionally over some of the things I went through in the military. I read it is possible the flu vaccine may have some involvement with the Lupus epidemic. I do not know, like everyone else, I wonder.

While at home waiting to see what happens, my sister called a few times, begging me to return to Alabama. She said, I’ll take you to the University of Alabama in Birmingham. She thought if I stayed in Portland, I would die. In the back of my mind, I believed I would die. After constant requests, I decided to visit Alabama. I still wasn’t sure I would move. My sister’s ex-husband, Ronald, arrived in late July to pick me up. We took a plane out on July 31, 2007 to Alabama. One week in Alabama, we went to the emergency room at the VA clinic. I didn’t know in the South, they go see the doctor in the late afternoon. All my life, I always went in the mornings or around noon.

They checked me in and took my vitals. The top part of my blood pressure was 185. I remember the doctor saying, “You don’t look sick”. Five minutes after she left, I vomited in a plastic bag. I had to take plastic bags everywhere, because I never could hold down my food . I went through one week, everything I ate came up, even water.

They admitted me. I had close to 5 or 6 doctors and more training physicians looking after me. I told my attending physician to do whatever they must do. I spoke to soon and openly. I had a couple of doctors who did not care how much pain they caused. They just performed their job.

I had nurses who every other day, changed my bandages. Remember, the ulcers on my legs (ankles). At one point, they weren’t sure they could save the left leg. I had one technician who came in to do a special cleanse of my left leg wound. She gave me morphine, and she dug inside the wound to clean it out. The pain was awful! All morphine does is makes me sick. It did nothing for pain. But, the process saved my leg.

Both my parents are deceased. On my mother’s side, my uncle and one aunt has survived. My uncle, Dave came to visit me at the VA Clinic. He asked the nurse, if my leg was in danger. I interrupted him, and said the leg is fine. I am not going to lose my leg. Can you imagine how I felt telling him I was not going to lose my leg? I told my sister Gail, if I lost my leg, I did not want to live. I am glad I did not have that choice.

So, they bandaged me, performed tests daily, cleaned my blood with fluids and antibiotics. After about 7-8 days, they released me.

My sister set me up in one of her bedrooms in her home. She awakened me every day at 7:00 am to ensure I took my medications, and she brought me coffee.

While recuperating at my sister’s house, I decided if I wanted to live, I should move to Alabama. Mostly, because UAB (University of Alabama in Birmingham) was willing to work at my survival. I didn’t really think Providence St. Vincent had a concern one way or the other. They kept asking me, "How old are you?" As though my age and race was a factor in saving my life.

In September, I went back to Beaverton Oregon to prepare the move. My sister’s husband and ex-husband flew in to assist me in packing and moving. I think it took them 4 days to pack me up. They drove my household items and I flew back.

When I arrived at the Birmingham Airport, I noticed there were blisters on my left thigh. My sister came to pick me up. I asked her to drop me off at the VA Clinic. I was diagnosed with Shingles. This was my second bout with Shingles. I didn’t understand why this happened, because I didn’t feel stressed.

In October 2007, the butterfly rash appeared on my face. I have had Lupus since August 1998, and this is the first time I’ve had the butterfly rash to appear. I felt so scarred. I couldn’t understand why this happened, now! I had been taking my medicine religiously.

Well, I’m living with my sister. I knew that couldn’t go on for long. I had to wait until my disability came in before I could move into my own place. Also, I was still recuperating. Late December, the money came in. However, I didn’t realize this until early January 2008.

Through a disagreement with my sister, I moved out. Moved in and moved out again. Now I’m on my own.

My Lifestyle Change

One day, I was surfing the internet. Looking for thoughts on loosing weight. I came across an excel file, http://www.brianmac.co.uk/nutrit.htm. In this file, you can post your weight and it will tell you the amount of carbohydrates, fats and proteins you should eat daily. I put in my current weight. I didn’t like the amount of grams the site presented. So, I thought if I wanted to be 120 pounds, I should eat the amount of carbohydrates, fats and proteins for a 120 lb. person.

On February 3, 2010, I began charting my scale at 275 grams of carbohydrates, 65 grams of fats and 65 grams of proteins. Guess what, within one week, I began to lose inches. I don’t have a weight scale, so I don’t know how much weight I have lost. But the weight was coming off slowly. I wasn’t hungry and I ate what I wanted as long I stayed within my scale. Yes! The stomach went first.

I created my own excel file to chart what I ate and the number of grams. I just printed the sheet and wrote down the items, for instance;

Name      Carbohydrates      Fats    Proteins
Grits         35.00                  0.05      4.00
Cream       0.00                  10.0      18.0
Coffee       0.00                    0.00      0.00
1 Egg         0.00                    5.00      3.00
Total ?

Today I am still on my diet.

One evening, I picked up my remote, scanning through the channels on the DVR. I came across a Live Concert with Daryl Hall & John Oates to appear in a future showing. I set the DVR to record the show.

Later, I went to play the recording and it was something else. I was about to delete it, but I decided to watch it for while. Some of what I heard interested me.

The show was called “Change Your Brain Change Your Body”, by Dr. Daniel Amen. You can buy his book, by the same title. His briefing focused on weight loss. He believes to have a healthy brain, requires a healthy body. To do this, you need to change the way you think about foods and your eating habits.

Dr. Amen said, fish oil and exercising simultaneously, results in substantial weight loss. According to him and Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health, having low levels of Omega-3 fatty acids is one of the leading preventable causes of death. Also, low levels of Vitamin D, tells the brain you’re still hungry. To remedy this, take Vitamin D3, or SaMe and Fish oil. Just like the commercial about "High Fructose Corn Syrup". High Fructose Corn Syrup, contains an enzyme that tells the brain, you are still hungry, as well as, causes huge spikes and drops in your blood sugar. "HFCS has been linked to insulin resistance and elevated triglyceride levels (a heart disease marker)". (Sports Drinks - Are They Safe?' by Dr. William von Peters N.M.D. Ph.D, 2004).

The reason I decided to write this paper, because Dr. Amen discussed "Hidden Food Allergies," and this created some thoughts into Celiac Disease.

He said food allergies to milk (casein) and wheat gluten can lower the flow of blood to the brain and judgement. Not that I’ve ever been clear thinking, but I wondered about my immune system and Lupus. Food allergies and Celiac Disease affects the immune system.

Years ago, I remember telling Randy, my SSA Branch Manager, that for some reasons, the nutrients from my foods wasn’t getting to my body. He said, “Why do think that is?” I said, I do not know. Because of Dr. Amen's broadcast, my curiosity peaked.

Celiac and Lupus Commonalities

I went to the internet to find symptoms of celiac disease. I found a site, http://www.celiac.com. Most of the symptoms named were gastrointestinal. Other symptoms were anemia, Crohns disease, neuropathy, skin rashes, joint pains, muscle aches, fatigue and vitamin deficiencies. One thing that prompted my amazement was that Celiac Disease can result in the malabsorption of nutrients in your blood stream. This is exactly what I was experiencing, exactly!

With Lupus, my symptoms are neuropathy, skin rashes, joint pain, muscle aches, fatigue, anemia, and vitamin deficiencies.

I don’t think Lupus is Celiac Disease, but I do think Lupus is the result of Mercury Toxicity from dental fillings or mercury handling.

I have this girlfriend, named Rebecca. She worked with me at Social Security Administration. She purchased this book, “Eat Right For Your Blood Type”. She is also a health nut. She told me years ago, to stop eating Gluten. Of course, I did not listen.

I realize, in order to live with Lupus, I must alter my eating habits, my lifestyle.

So, a week ago, I decided to stop eating Gluten. Also, I have discontinued eating sugar, milk (casein), caffeinated coffee, soda (pop), and alcohol. I read red wine is good for you. I will continue to eat eggs and meats, but I will purchase meats without vaccines and hormones. I would also avoid foods with ingredients you cannot pronounce. In lieu of sugar, I will eat raw honey, maple syrup, homemade root syrups, ghee, decaffeinated coffees and I will make my own ginger ale. Did you noticed, I said ghee? Well ghee is butter, but clarified butter. In ghee, the casein proteins are boiled out. I now drink almond milk, almond cheeses and nut butters. Also, you can buy a bread maker and buy your Gluten Free flour mixes from “Bobs Red Mill,” in Portland Oregon.

I thought the change would be hard. It was not. I am happy and in a better mood than I’ve been in a while. Before, I didn’t have the stamina to sit down and write anything. I was too exhausted to make the effort. Dr. Amen says we should eat right to promote a healthy brain. If you have no other reason to eat right, other than weight, consider what your brain must look like. Think! If I can re-grow my hair, my skin is softer and less dry, I can walk straight without pain in my joints, I can walk one mile, Ace that exam, exercise and live! If my body was failing me, then my brain was getting toxic messages. I now know I must change my body to change my brain, to change my life.

"Bad Brain Foods

Alcohol
Artificial food colorings
Artificial sweeteners
Colas
Corn syrup
Frostings
High-sugar "drinks"
Hydrogenated fats
Junk sugars
Nicotine
Overeating
White bread" (http://www.increasebrainpower.com/brainfoods.html, 2009)

Search Engine Submission - AddMe

Bonita Steele

==> http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=KmsVh&m=1bEL2.VYbLvrf8&b=kv5KMZzet2CglHQsQuKSWQ

Lupus and Celiac Disease

I Tested Positive+ for Candida Yeast

Clean Detox Program 30 - Day Meal Plan

The Importance of Iodine in your Diet

Calcinosis Cutis

Yerba Mate Tea

What to do If you are losing your hair!

If You Have Lupus, You May Develop Alzheimer's

Mercury, Metals and Lupus

Update!

Results of my Gluten-free/Milk-Free Plan

How Wheat Harms Your Brain

Lupus and Celiac Disease

"Bad Brain Foods

Alcohol Artificial food colorings Artificial sweeteners Colas Corn syrup Frostings High-sugar "drinks" Hydrogenated fats Junk sugars Nicotine Overeating White bread" (http://www.increasebrainpower.com/brainfoods.html, 2009)

Alcohol
Artificial food colorings
Artificial sweeteners
Colas
Corn syrup
Frostings
High-sugar "drinks"
Hydrogenated fats
Junk sugars
Nicotine
Overeating
White bread" (http://www.increasebrainpower.com/brainfoods.html, 2009)