Karen's Story

In 2005 I started the new year having just completed a ten mile race-walk. It was a good race for me to participate in because it allowed me to start slow and build up to race speed around four to five miles.  I found I had to develop this strategy as my joints were very stiff for a few hours in the morning.  Then, the pain began to worsen.  My feet, ankles, hips, wrists and elbows hurt.  I was constantly fatigued.  Some days the pain was so significant I found myself in tears at work.  My primary physician referred me to a rheumatologist who diagnosed me with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).  That began the onslaught of medications. 

Over the next seven years, I was on and off medications. Initially, I was very hesitant about taking the meds, and started with the least toxic ones. But, over time, I had non resolving pain, fatigue and an inability to exercise. I agreed to the more potent drugs; Prednisone, Plaquenil, Azulfidine, and Methotrexate. 

By 2010, I had minimal pain, but ever increasing side effects from the medications.  My white cell count dropped, and I began having frequent infections.  My liver enzymes were significantly elevated. I had gastric and esophageal burning with regular nausea.  I began telling my doctor I would rather have the pain than the side effects.  I was told this illness would only get worse, and I would need to be on the meds for the rest of my life, that there were no other alternatives. 

In January 2011, I was so sick and hated the way I felt. I began doing research on alternative ways of managing RA. I came across a site that mentioned Dr. Fuhrman and his nutritional approach. I found his web site and read everything I could. I bought all his books and devoured the information and felt hopeful for the first time in years.

I began the six week program as outlined in Eat To Live, and stopped my meds at the same time (I had previously weaned myself off the Prednisone). I followed the plan to the letter. I ate vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts and seeds.  I loved the food; it wasn't hard at all to change.

My husband, who supported this approach and does the cooking, agreed to prepare Nutritarian meals. I began to feel good, still no pain.  My weight began to drop. I had ballooned up to 170 pounds, and within six months, lost 32 pounds.  I had a brief period of esophageal burning, which scared me, but now I believe it was a healing episode.

I am able to exercise again and recently resumed race walking. For a 58 year old woman, I feel like I am 38.  In addition to no longer having RA symptoms, my rosacea cleared up, my gums no longer bleed (my dentist is amazed at the change in my gum health), and I no longer suffer from constipation. I love the way I feel. 

 My coworkers comment on my positive changes and ask what I'm doing.  As a result, many are now following the Nutritarian eating plan. My husband lost weight and is eating this way 90 percent of the time.  I feel like this is a miracle, but it isn't; it's an evidence-based solution to our health problems and a delicious way to eat.