To Be or Not To Be...In Pain

Did you ever really think about your ankles? Have you contemplated knees, hips, or any other bendable part of your body? I can't say I thought about them too much unless I was injured in some way. That was true until I was tortured by joint pain.

I had managed to bring my weight back to where I wanted it. I was feeling pretty good about everything and then it happened. One morning I got out of bed and nearly fell on my face. My ankles hurt so bad I couldn't stand up. I had to wait for my ankles to wake up enough to support my weight - at least that's what it felt like. Not long after I got used to NOT standing up when I tried to get out of bed, my knees started in - then my hips - and my elbows and...oh you get the idea.

Arthritis? My grandma had rheumatoid arthritis - could I have it too? I became convinced that I must have it or something equally as bad. Nothing seemed to help. My husband had to help me stand up and sit down. This was absolutely aggravating. I was also convinced it was age induced. My body didn't like getting older anymore than I did and it was rebelling!

My husband didn't buy the rebelious body idea. He researched while I fumed. He came up with the idea that I needed a higher alkaline level in my body and a much lower acid level. Yeah right, me and the gold fish. It turned out that he was right. He bought me books on the alkaline diet. Do you have any idea what it's like to give up 90 percent of all the foods available on earth?! It's not in the least bit interesting. I did it.

Then I had to tell my husband that he was right...out loud. I managed to bring my alkaline level up and the acid level down. After a couple of months my joints no longer caused me pain. Of course, my taste buds were the ones rebelling now. I had to give up all animal protiens which meant no meat, no butter, no cheese, no milk, no eggs, no fish, and NO CRAB LEGS! There are many other foods that are banned, such as anything with white flour, any sugar, wine or cocktails, sodas, and many other things. Suddenly, I found myself having to count protein grams, carb grams, sugar, fiber, calories and other nutrients I never knew existed. This was not fun.

I went from a confirmed carnivore to a very reluctant vegan. I now drink soy or almond milk - unsweetened and unflavored. I eat veggie cheese, veggie hotdogs, veggie sausage, veggie burgers and whatever I can find. The upside is that Indian food is perfect for this diet and I love Indian food! I learned to make chapati bread, curried chick peas, and other wonderful dishes I heard about from one of my best friends who is Indian and a fantastic cook. I started making humus once a week using different spices and ingrediants. I developed a real liking for humus sandwiches.

The bottom line is that I learned to eat to maintain myself instead of to enjoy myself. I guess that's a good thing. I've heard that it's a good thing. My taste buds are not convinced and I'm never happy when I have to bypass crab legs. I did find out from my doctor that giving up animal proteins can eliminate many physical problems. It's true for me. I have to say that I advocate vegetarianism if not full blown veganism because I do feel better. It may not be the lifestyle for everyone, but if you are "of that certain age" and find yourself with joint problems, check it out. Have you acid levels checked. High acid levels contribute to joint problems and I can vouch for the benefit of lowering those levels!

Today, my taste buds may not be happy all the time, but my joints give me no problems.