Tag: chronic health issues

Today is Day 306 of my Daily Food Diary! 💓

Yesterday in my blog, I wrote about my yeast allergy and how it has affected my health.

I was born with three health issues – asthma (which I was diagnosed with in my thirties), allergies (I have been officially diagnosed with environmental allergies but have yet to be tested and officially diagnosed with food allergies), and a collagen disorder/deficiency.

Of the three health issues – the collagen issue has been the most detrimental when it comes to my quality of life.  For the first fifty some years of my life, I struggled with head to toe issues that affected me physically and emotionally.   The most difficult part being that I had absolutely no idea why I struggled so much  – just that I did!

Finally, in my fifties, my grandson was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome – Type 3  (a genetic mutation that affects the collagen in one’s body.   I started  searching reputable health sites on the internet and I discovered information regarding not only  the prevalence and importance of collagen in our bodies – but that the information described me and my long standing health issues perfectly.   During the past twenty years, others in my immediate and extended family have likewise been diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos 3 and/or with relative collagen issues. 

Doctors that I have seen have brushed me off EVERY time I have brought up the subject.  My respiratory therapist acknowledged the possibility that EDS could be affecting my respiratory system and my optometrist explained how it does affect my eyes.

Just having a solid lead as to the root of so many of my health issues has helped me immensely.  For the first time ever, I understand my body.  I have been able to make lifestyle changes that have helped me to live better.

This year, I began taking collagen supplements to see if they could possibly be of any benefit – particularly to my muscles and joints. While I had found a lot of information on collagen and Ehlers Danlos – I did not find much suggesting collagen supplements would be beneficial.

In the first two months, I noticed positive results  to my nails, hair, skin, muscles, and joints.  I was starting to notice an improvement to my sinuses.   Then I saw my respirologist who put me on a course of antibiotics and 50mg Prednisone per day for ten days.  (In a follow up visit, blood tests  and X-rays indicated a possible minor infection/inflammation – which my respirologist said was nothing but that I had extra prescriptions on file if I required them.  For an infection that I didn’t really have in the first place ?)

Within a few days of starting the antibiotics and Prednisone, I noticed that I was losing the benefits that I had been getting from the collagen supplements.  My nails were breaking, my hair was thinning and falling, I was feeling like a dishrag and struggling to exercise with 5 pound weights.

I went back to the medical sites on the internet and found evidence that Prednisone inhibits the synthesis of collagen.   The same Prednisone that doctors had been prescribing to me regularly (up to six times a year) for decades.

I continued to take the Collagen Supplements and once again (as the effects from the Prednisone wore off) began to see positive results.    Except, that four months in,  not only am I seeing an improvement to my nails, hair, skin, muscles, and joints, sinuses – I am feeling a notable improvement to the airways throughout my respiratory system.  Despite, having recent issues with a flare up of environmental allergies, I can breathe easily.   I can lay down or recline back in my chair without feeling like my airways are collapsing and that I am smothering.   And I have upped my weights to eight pounders because the five pounders just weren’t cutting it.  👍

Once again, my point being that it is up to us to be proactive when it comes to our health.  It is nothing against medical professionals – they save lives.  But – we each live in our own body, day in and day out.   And when it comes to resolving chronic health issues that matters – especially as we age. 

Daily Food Diary – Day 306

Breakfast:

(1) c coffee (2)

(2) potato patties (240)

(2) eggs (160)

(2) slices thick cut bacon (170)

(1) tsp butter (34)

(1) tomato (22)

Snacks:

(3) black licorice Twizzlers (68)

(1) tbsp local raw honey (40)

(48) oz water

Supper:

(2) c fried rice w/rice, pork, red onion, mushrooms, celery, red pepper, soya sauce, olive oil, butter (237)

(2) egg rolls (377)

(1) tsp plum sauce (12)

Total consumed calories: 1362

Total used calories: 110

(1) hr food prep/cooking/cleanup (110)

Total net calories: 1252

Net calories goal: 1208 – 1252 = 44 over 👎

That’s it for today.  Take care and have a great day! 💝🤗