Better Health in 3 Weeks

I have had it, I cannot take it anymore.

I need to do something drastic and do it ASAP, no not "as soon..." but NOW!

What the heck am I talking about?

It's all about my health.

Ever since moving to Copenhagen, Denmark this past August (2009) I have been stricken with fatigue. Not all the time but more time then I would like. There have been times when I have had a low grade cold for 2 weeks before being able to shake it.

That is just nonsense.

So to get back on top of my health for the next 3 weeks starting Dec 1, 2009 (yes, that was yesterday) I will be on a very strict elimination diet. I believe many of my "problems" are gastrointestinal (GI) related and after all 70-80% of your immune system is located in your GI so if it is not functioning optimally then it is no wonder I have fatigue and illness.

Here is what I am eliminating from my diet, although some of the items have been out for a long time.

My Elimination Diet with some short notes

• Gluten (bread, pasta, ...) - I have been avoiding this for several years now, no big deal.

• Soy

• All Dairy - I say all dairy because the only dairy I have been using regularly is butter which is now eliminated. By the way, I love butter!

• Corn - non issue, don't eat it much anyway.

• Citrus - I like it but can go with out.

• Nightshade Vegetables (Onions, Peppers, Potatoes, Tomatoes, Eggplant, Beets) - I am taking these out because of their association with Arthritis and general joint pain. My elbow joints are constantly cracking and often lock up, my shoulders make crunching sounds all the time and I am incredibly stiff in the morning which kind of sucks because this would be a great time to train but I can barely move so I must wait for till at least late morning or later.

• Pork - my family eats lots of pork; this will only be an issue of convenience since sausages is one of the only processed foods I eat regularly.

• Eggs - Convenience, easy and quick to make is what I will miss about eggs.

• Peanuts - I love peanut butter but will substitute with other nut butters like almond or cashew.

• Coffee - probably the biggest challenge of all the foods. I have a serious caffeine addiction but i have gone off coffee before. I am allowing my self to drink green and black teas which is a small consolation.

My goal is to completely avoid all these foods for the next 3 weeks (Dec 1 - Dec 21, 2009). The dates actually work out perfectly because on Dec 21 my family and I are going to Hungary for holidays. When in Hungary, you eat pork, tomatoes and peppers (paprika) every day.

During this 3 week experiment, I am particularly interested in my bodies response to no nightshade vegetables and pork.

I will check back in every few days to give updates on how I am doing.

Be Well,

Mike Reid

www.michaelreid.ca

www.WaterPoloTraining.net

"The most important thing about goals is... having one." -- Geoffry F. Abert