I remember it well. I was standing in the checkout line in a Borders book store, glancing at the books that adorned the table in front of me.
First, a little back story. I had been watching my thyroid scores closely for about two years because I had been told I was “becoming” hypothyroid. I had chosen a ‘watch and wait’ approach to thyroid health.
I wasn’t ready for the little purple pill.
I had also been diagnosed with Hashimotos. I had fourteen books on thyroid health in my ever-growing library.
Who WAS Hashimoto and what was he doing in my body?
I looked down at the table. Those tables beside the checkout line are for people like me. Without fail, one or more books are added to the stack before we reach the register.
There it was, bright red cover: The Autoimmune Epidemic, by Donna Jackson Nakazawa. I picked it up and opened the book to a random page. I read: “Perhaps there is no better place to examine the ramifications of waiting too long for irrefutable proof of the role that environmental contaminants play in today’s autoimmune epidemic than in the city of Buffalo, New York, where for far too long, residents, researchers and society looked the other way.”
I was born and raised in Buffalo, New York.
Beloved Buffalo.
Is it any wonder that book ended up in my pile?
Until that day, I had been completely focused on “the food,” trying to decide if I should eat the kale (GOOD food) or not eat the kale (Goitrogen, BAD food) I hadn’t given a whole lot of thought to my history, my birth place, or the toxins in my environment that could be contributing to my ill health.
When I began viewing this malady through the lens of an “autoimmune epidemic,” my life shifted.
It’s funny. I don’t “identify” with this disease. It wasn’t until this past week when I shared my story with my Eat Your Way to Gorgeous community that I began to reflect on my Hashimotos journey. I’m also getting ready for a trip to Buffalo. Buffalo is a foodie city and I’m sure I will be eating foods that haven’t passed my lips in a very long time. Travel is taxing. I’m already planning how I will take exquisite care of myself, even in the midst of a very hectic schedule. And not so healthy foods.
Before I tell you a few things I’ve learned about living with an autoimmune disorder, I’ll leave you with another line from the compelling book with the bright red cover.
“. . . a beautiful crisp August day in Buffalo. The sky is photogenic blue with bottlebrush marks of white—an optimistic backdrop for a city where the streetscape exudes a gray and downcast feel that, by comparison, would make a Hopper painting seem cheerful.”
Yes, that’s my memory of it, too. Buffalo. Gray skies, lake effect snow and the friendliest, most caring people on the planet.
What I’ve Learned About Living with an Autoimmune Disorder
I am not the disorder.
I don’t have to make myself crazy trying to figure out why I have this disease. I need only learn how to manage it with grace.
Eating organically grown, whole foods serves me.
My lifestyle habits are just as important as the food I eat. Maybe more important.
Removing toxins from my life is just as important as removing toxins from my diet.
No is a complete sentence.
For me, a disorder in my throat chakra is a reminder that finding (and using) my voice is essential. In my marriage. In my community. And, in the larger world. I’m grateful for that.
Bringing my body into balance (and keeping it there) is a lifelong journey. My Well-Nourished Woman Inner Circle is an outgrowth of all that I have learned along the way. It’s a safe, intimate container for others who want to do the same. (Registration closes on the September 15th)
It’s about so much more than “the food.”
14 thoughts on “The Autoimmune Epidemic”
As always, your writing is so clear and poignant…I don’t have any of those ‘body challenges’, but for me, my body is a temple and I treat it with love and respect…no matter where I am or what I’m doing. It just makes sense…and then I get to feel good all the time. My ‘Sacred Body Wisdom’ retreat is all about loving our bodies. There are so many ways to come to the same realization….and you’re doing a stupendous job!
So good to see you here, Kailash. I love that you see your body as a temple and that you treat it with love and respect. I love the work YOU are doing in the world. It is, indeed, sacred.
ahhhhhhhh yessssssss… Sue Ann! It is indeed so much more than just the food. I am so grateful for your journey which has led you to crafting these exquisite programs you offer to others…. you offer to MEEEE! Bringing me home to the most vital home I have… my body… and how I engage with her/me in life! through nourishing activities and changing the stories I have held for longer than long is long, along with a reawakening to how pleasurable food and its preparation really is. It seems I still need this support. I think the habit patterns we form while so young are some of the most challenging to make conscious and change.
I too discovered that there were a lot deeper issues involved with the illnesses I have suffered with over my life. These turned into very vital journeys into healing deep levels of self loathing and denial. What thing I do know, that by entering in to do the work/play with you has been and continues to be the most vital approach to healing and living life I have encountered. And I have worked with many! Thank you so much!
Looking sooooooo forward to it! and youuuuuuuu!
Thank YOU, Kathleen for being a champion of my work and for always stretching and deepening into your own nourishment story.
Oh, Sue Ann! Does this post resonate for me! Oh yes, yes it does 🙂
I am a walking autoimmune/inflammatory dis-eases poster girl. Until recently, like last two weeks or so, recently, I had all but dismissed their presence in my life. Then I was taken down so low that I could barely function. I have accepted this and am tweaking my already healthy lifestyle to be more me-focused. If I am wiped out, I am no good to anyone, so I must take care to be there (for myself as well as others).
I don’t identify with, but I do respect and accept that I share this (usually strong, sometimes not) body with intruders. We are making peace and I am my priority. Funny how the day-to-day trivialities seem just that, trivial, when one’s health is tenuous. I love this body–I have to–it’s the only one I’ve got! xoxo
Yes, Shanna, I am reminded how quickly symptom can show up when take on too much. Tweaks are good. Mine usually show up in the lifestyle arena. “Rest and replenish” is a VERY important practice that I need to honor. Always. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Sue, I LOVE your list of affirmations. As a survivor of multifocal papillary thyroid cancer, I agree. The diagnosis does not define us. It cause us to create new habits. Like you, one of mine is speaking out about thyroid issues encouraging others to monitor their health.
Thank you, JoAnn. I am so glad to hear about your success story. Truly inspiring. So glad you stopped by.
HI. Sue Ann, I am sorry I haven’t been keeping in toùch. ..CARE about YOU, but get “lazy” and don’t check my email daily. I stay busy with “rec center” activities 4 days a week as well as things at home and other activities, Bùt, I MUST take time to keep in touch with my friends, too. This article is very interesting. I eat very healthy, too, and I am sure. It has contributed to my good health. I look forward to the trip Laura & I will be making to Manassas to see as many “GOOD OLD GIRL FRIENDS” as possible. She has received quite a few “YES” responses.
It will be so good to see everyone again. Until then, Love and BEST WISHES,
JANE
Thank you for stopping by and reading this post, Jane. I’m thrilled that I am going to see you tomorrow, “live” and in person!
Sue Ann, your article pointed out that we may not be in control of our circumstances (or surroundings), but we can influence the impact of our upbringing on our bodies… here and now. Conscious choices, yes? Smiling over your last-minute check out purchases at the bookstore. Me, too. 🙂 xo
Why doesn’t that surprise me?
I was lucky enough to be diagnosed with thyroid and adrenal issues by a holistic doctor who believed in treating with food and supplements first, and so my journey of using food as my medicine began. But you are right. It’s about SO much more. Finding the balance and keeping it, is a never ending journey. Here’s to the road traveled. Glad to be traveling with you and all the other Well Nourished Women.
I love how the right information shows up just when we need it, so how great that the book you needed to read appeared to you. I love the list you created—it can certainly pertain to any disease or any “issue’ one is facing.