The internet is full of articles about diet and exercise. We are pulled in just about one thousand directions about what really works, but lately, people have not been dieting but making lifestyle changes in what they eat. They cut out specific foods to make them feel better. Some people it is just one food like dairy - or going lactose-free. For others, they become Vegetarians or Vegans, which some people say is "extreme" but there is evidence to support otherwise.
Recently I had gone to the doctor and was asked to do some "homework". They asked me to watch the documentary Forks Over Knives. Well, months later I finally got around to it. The point of the documentary is to show people scientific evidence and personal triumphs of switching to a Whole Food Plant Based diet - otherwise known as a Vegan.
Prior to watching the film, I had already been experimenting with cutting out animal products. I was already down to chicken, fish and eggs and believe it or not there was a big difference. On the mental health side, I was able to stop taking antidepressants because I was sleeping better and had little to no anxiety or depression. With my Arthritis, I was barely taking my anti-inflammatory medicine and was exercising regularly since I had no pain.
Then the "not fun" part of my little experiment took place. I started slowly adding in the animal products I eliminated. My mental health has declined, not enough to need medicine but it is certainly a big change. Headaches have gotten significantly worse and so has my Arthritis. I have had more pain and needed my medication, I have gained weight and my energy level is basically that of a lazy cat. This is what made me decide to watch Forks Over Knives, I thought my doctor might really have a point.
Forks Over Knives, follows two doctors in their attempt to scientifically prove that a Whole Foods Plant Based diet can decrease or completely alleviate the effects of many of the disabilities and diseases we find "common" today. I won't spoil the movie for you because it really is worth the watch, but there were a couple experiments that had such compelling evidence I had to back it up and watch it again, I was in such disbelief.
The documentary followed the success of quite a few people that tried this lifestyle change for numerous reasons: obesity, heart failure, arthritis, etc. After a month on the diet, they had all noticed large changes for the better in their blood work, on the scale, in their lives in general. One woman, in particular, regained so much strength and energy she won the gold medal for the Iron Man triathlon in her age group, which I found remarkable considering I believe she was in her 60s. That same woman had arthritis like I do so that basically confirmed that I should try this lifestyle versus the normal carnivorous lifestyle. As an added bonus, this lifestyle also helps the environment but I'll let you learn about that when you watch the film!
I really recommend this film to anyone with a chronic illness. I am not saying that it will cure things, but it can certainly lessen symptoms to the point of not needing medications from what I saw. Everyone is different but I know I would rather stuff my face with vegetables than ingest a bunch of chemicals to synthetically regulate my body. Give it a watch and maybe spread the word! Hippocrates was right all those years ago when he said "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food" so it's worth a shot right?
