This is a rundown of my dietary/nutrition habits, including supplements, that are part of my daily routine. If you don’t know, I was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease in December, 2017. Since then, after lengthy research and consideration, I declined medical/pharmaceutical intervention and have taken my wellness into my own hands. I’ve had a few people ask me what I’m doing, so I decided to write it all down so I can share it with others in hopes of helping someone else.

I do my regimen 5 days on, 2 days off with my work week. I do this for a couple of reasons. One, my work schedule (normally) is pretty regular so it helps keeps me on track and two, I almost always smell vitamins in my urine, so I’m guessing I’m not absorbing all I’m taking, and lastly, its more cost effective. Legit reasons, probably nah, but works it for me and they are SUPPLEMENTS, so technically I want to work on getting a lot of my nutrients from my diet. I ALWAYS recommend consulting with your health care professional and doing adequate research before making any adjustments to your own regimen. Because I went through an array of diagnostic procedures/tests and plenty of blood work, I had a good “starting point”, when I introduced the newer supplements (list below) to my daily routine.

I’ve been doing the basic part of my wellness routine for more than 15 years, although my diagnosis certainly played a role in me kicking my own ass to get more consistent. I still slack from time to time, but my body lets me know loud and clear when I’ve pushed it too far. If you’re not already very “self-aware” of your nutrition requirements and sensitivities, I recommend food/mood journaling to learn your needs and triggers.

My number one goal is proper HYDRATION and the target is 1/2 of my body weight in ounces, plus another 8 oz for every 8 oz of caffeine consumed, and another 8 oz for every 30 minutes of exertion/sweating. Admittedly, I don’t always get it down, but again, I can absolutely feel when I haven’t had enough water. I like to add lemon or lime, fresh herbs and/or rose water to my water, for fun, for added alkalinity /absorption and for other random benefits.

First thing every morning I have about 8 oz. of lemon-ginger tea and finish whatever is left of my water (40 oz hydro-flask) that I take to bed with me at night. I made this little agreement with myself several years ago (before I can have my coffee, I have to finish my ginger tea and water) and that agreement has stuck and served me well. See my blog: Lemon/Ginger Tea https://holisticwellnesswithcindy.com/2018/03/01/lemon-ginger-tea/ and all the benefits it provides.

The following list of supplements are those I have added since my diagnosis, with the intention of preserving and promoting brain and nervous system health, and (hopefully) reverse and repair damage. I have not had another MRI since my diagnosis, so I don’t know whether my damage has been reversed, but what I DO know is that my symptoms have subsided (for a couple years now) and my energy and health have never felt better. Here’s the list, and again, MY goal is to preserve and repair brain and nervous system tissue and reduce inflammation throughout the body:

• alpha lipoic acid (500 mg/day) to aid in brain health and in reducing inflammation
• coq10 (100 mg/day) helps with fatigue and depression among many other benefits
• lions mane mushroom (I take this in a powder form and add it to my coffee) – many benefits, however this was recommended to me for nervous system repair and cognitive function, and adaptogenic properties
• c, d3 & Zinc (just since covid – for extra immune support)

In addition to the above I also take a Multivitamin, Omegas and an Essential oil blend (doTerra’s vitality pack), Turmeric, Copaiba, a complete B complex, spirulina and chlorella, and I just recently restarted a peptide/collagen supplement, which I had taken a break from. I’ve been without it for a couple of months and I’m seeing the difference – so back on the collagen in my coffee. I have to do that sometimes, to make sure I’m feeling what I’m expecting from my supplements.

I try to maintain an anti-inflammatory/alkaline diet. My goal is about 80% plants (I try to keep it as colorful as I can) and I avoid processed foods. I use organic grass-fed meats, eggs and dairy and when I use animal products and I keep wheat products and sugar to a minimum. Avoiding them all together heeds the best results, but I haven’t gotten that disciplined yet.

I aim to do a detox/cleanse 4 times per year with the change of seasons and I also do intermittent fasting, as needed (when my body is askin’ for it).

It’s also important to pay attention to your gut health, so I have Kombucha and greek yogurt regularly for probiotics (3-4 times a week)

I think that’s the extent of it. Of course, I’m constantly evaluating and watching my progress and continue to make adjustments, as needed. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions and I”l be glad to find you the answers if I don’t have one. I hope this helps someone who may be fighting an autoimmune disorder or some other inflammatory disease/disorder.

NOTE: Exercise, proper sleep and stress management are all necessary for optimal healing and health.