Eight weeks ago, I started an anti-inflammatory protocol as a last attempt to manage the constant symptoms I was experiencing.
I was eating healthy, exercising, taking medication, doing all the things. But I couldn't understand what was causing my symptoms.
THE SYMPTOMS
Constant puffiness and bloating.
The way my body looked and felt would change daily. Some days my legs would have cellulite that looked way worse, other days it was barely noticeable. I knew this wasn't weight gain happening in 24-hour periods.
Brain fog, low mood, a body that felt so heavy. It felt like I was wearing weights.
Headaches, insomnia, jaw tension and anxiety.
It was constant and there was no clear reason for it.
I was eating really well. Eggs, fish, lean meats, beans, lentils, vegetables. I had a really healthy diet.
I also want to preface this entry by saying I include medicine in my approach to health. I was working with a doctor, had immune bloods done as part of my fertility and endometriosis journey and was taking medication.
But despite all of this, my symptoms were getting worse.
TRYING SOMETHING DIFFERENT
I came across the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), a really restrictive elimination protocol followed for a period of time, with the aim of reducing potential dietary triggers and then reintroducing foods one at a time to see how your body responds.
I decided to try a modified version of AIP. I did a lot of research, came up with meal ideas and did a full grocery shop.
It's also worth knowing that AIP is a very restrictive protocol and isn't suitable for everyone, especially anyone with a history of disordered eating. Research into its effectiveness is still limited, especially for conditions like endometriosis.
I'm just sharing my own experience and what I've discovered along the way.
WHAT HAPPENED OVER THE NEXT FOUR WEEKS
Within the first 2/3 weeks, I started to feel completely different.
The layer of heavy inflammation (what it felt like) started to leave my body.
My mind was clearing. My body felt lighter. My energy was back.
During the third week, I got my period and had ZERO PMS symptoms or pain.
I would normally have cramping, bloating and PMS symptoms for over a week beforehand.
This time, I didn't even know my period was coming.
I remember actually jumping up and down at one stage going, WTF is this energy?? This is so weird.
I couldn't believe how different I felt.
REINTRODUCING FOODS — THIS HAS BEEN INTERESTING
After four weeks, I started reintroducing some foods.
And this is where things have become VERY interesting.
Some of the biggest triggers I've noticed so far have been ultra-processed foods (no shock there), barista plant milks — particularly the ones containing gums and refined seed oils — peanuts and eggs.
I'm very much still in the reintroduction phase, but I've noticed really obvious symptoms after eating peanuts and eggs.
Foods I had been eating regularly before starting this experiment.
It's been fascinating to start connecting certain foods with how I'm feeling, particularly when I had spent so long experiencing symptoms without understanding what might be contributing to them.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY LIVING
One thing I've absolutely loved throughout this experience is getting creative in the kitchen.
I LOVE cooking, and I've come up with some GORGEOUS anti-inflammatory meals.
Not just AIP meals, but whole, nourishing foods that feel so good to eat and are perfect for autumn and winter.
I've been making beautiful warming bowls, roasted vegetables, salmon, coconut rice and so many other lovely things.
And I'll be adding some of my favourite recipes to The Journal.
I'm eight weeks into this experiment and very much still exploring, learning and figuring out what works for my body.
But it's been one of the most interesting discoveries I've made about my own health.
All my love,
Robyn xx