I know many people who’ve been diagnosed with some type of autoimmune disease, whether it’s Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Hashimoto’s, Sjogren’s, Fibromyalgia, etc. They’re suffering and would love nothing more than to be cured of their affliction. Yet when I talk about addressing their disease with lifestyle and dietary changes, I usually get a blank stare or disinterested look, and then they change the subject. No discussion, no questions, just immediate dismissal. It’s one of the most frustrating things I experience.
I don’t get it. When my wife was in the midst of her lupus, we were willing to consider anything. I read dozens of books and hundreds of papers. We looked at everything, from different diets and lifestyle changes to Eastern therapies like yoga, meditation and acupuncture. We believed there was an answer for healing her, and we weren’t going to stop until we found it. This is how we came to make the lifestyle choices that changed her life.
Unfortunately, many people suffering with an autoimmune disease don’t even consider other options. Some are friends who witnessed Dee Dee’s journey and subsequent healing. Why?
Why would someone settle for a life of disease without giving other possibilities a real chance, especially when they’ve seen proof that it works? Why would someone be willing to take powerful and dangerous drugs, but refuse to eat a healthy diet? Why would someone go to an infusion center every month, but won’t consider doing without some of their favorite foods or take time to manage their stress? Why would someone accept that they will be sick for the rest of their lives, but can’t accept the possibility of healing?
I think there are a few reasons:
- If it doesn’t come in a pill it can’t help you. Since we were kids we were taught that when you are sick, the only solutions are doctors and medications. Whether we realize it or not, this bias is strongly entrenched in our psyche and it can prevent us from considering alternatives. Doctors don’t have all of the answers, especially with Lupus. This is proven whenever they say “no known cure…”, or “it could possibly be…”, or “we don’t know what causes this…”. It’s also proven whenever they “try” different drugs to see if one will help. It’s proven when they tell you that everything looks fine, but you know you’re not. We need doctors and they an important part of our lives, but sometimes they’re just grasping at straws. Oh, and a pill will never heal you of a chronic disease.
- It’s just another fad diet. There is so much bad and conflicting information out there, is it any wonder we’re pessimistic about new ideas? After a while, you get numb to it all. The fact is dozens (maybe hundreds) of studies by reputable institutions, over the course of decades, have repeatedly shown the benefits of a whole food-plant-based diet and its ability to reverse disease. No other dietary approach can come close to making that claim.
- It can’t be that easy. After living with disease for years (or decades), and dealing with countless doctors, drugs and hospital visits, it seems counter-intuitive that something as simple as eating plant-based foods and managing stress could be the answer. That doesn’t mean it’s not. Too often the simplest approach is the best and most effective.
- I don’t want to give up my favorite foods. This is the one I don’t get. Like it or not, it comes down to priorities. Do you want your (fill in your favorite food) more than your health? Which is more important to you?
Nobody will make an honest effort to do something unless they believe in it.
If you can relate to any of these, you probably doubt that this approach can be effective. I don’t blame you. There are too many people out there with agendas and “revolutionary” concepts, peddling their wares or trying to sell books. Most have little or no research to back them up. This website presents fact-based evidence to help you overcome these doubts. You’ll see that the facts are clear:
- Decades of research continues to reinforce the benefits of a whole food, plant-based diet.
- The damaging effects of stress on our health is well-documented.
- Recent studies have connected the health of our gut, the quality of our relationships, and what we believe to our health and well-being.
Why Not?
Don’t dismiss something just because you don’t understand it yet. Your health is at stake. Consider other options. Open your mind to new possibilities. It just might change your life.
