This week is going ok. I feel great today which is awesome! After much thought and research I decided to cancel my appointment with my holistic dentist and schedule the $315 consultation with the holistic dentist that does the Huggins Protocol, the protocol used in the Root Cause Documentary. That’s alot for me but I started thinking, “What happens if my dentist starts to remove the crown and discovers that I need a root canal or what happens if they don’t do it correctly and my metal toxicity problems become worse?” That wasn’t a risk I can afford to take! I have enough problems without making myself sicker! So I went to an extremely informative fb group I’m a member of called Hashimotos 411 and searched “Root Cause Documentary.” As I expected, there were multiple posts but no posts asking if anyone had done the procedure. I made a post of my own and met SEVERAL people who went to see dentists that used the Huggins protocol and were either in complete remission or had gotten significantly better! So with that, you had better believe that I am doing this! One of the admins of this group said that she was going to do it here in the states but couldn’t afford it so she found a reputable clinic in Tijuana Mexico and had it done for 1/3 the cost! I personally know one of the founders of this group so I know first hand that she would not chose to run a group with anyone that is even the slightest bit uninformed or un-trustworthy. So if this lady saying that she went to Tijuana to see a biologic dentist, that she had a good experience, and then was able to cut her thyroid meds in half, I’m going to listen. So the plan is, I’m going to this consultation and getting a treatment plan and seeing how much it will cost here in Texas and at the clinic in Mexico. If it’s going to be significantly cheaper in Mexico then I may do it there. As it turns out, there are two facilities in Tijuana that do this procedure and one of them is significantly nicer than the other one. Initially I had called the wrong clinic apparently and they told me it would be $100 or more to pick me up from the US so unless I wanted to pay $100 then I could walk across the border and they will pick me up once I cross. That is hilarious to me!! Tijuana is a scary place and I just picture myself trying to walk across the border. lol. NOPE! Yesterday I spoke with the nice clinic, the one the people from my group went to. The receptionist was so nice and polite and she said that they will pick me up from the airport and bring me straight to the clinic and that the clinic is in the same building as the 5 star hotel that I would be staying in, that there is a nice restaurant in the hotel and that there is an organic café across the street, and that they are in a nice part of town and as long as I stay in that general area I should be ok and I have nothing to worry about. That seriously put me at ease which was really nice. Not that I’m miss prissy princess and can’t live without a nice hotel and organic cafes but Tijuana is scary. You ever seen the movie Traffic? What about Sicario: Day of Soldeao? The Hangover 3? Yeah, no thanks. And I have plenty of friends from Mexico and apparently all the stuff about Tijuana, it’s all true. Again, no thank you! And there’s been a change of plans today and it looks like my bf will probably not be going with me but we think his dad might go in his place which should be interesting considering his broken english and my broken spanish! Lol. We do pretty good to communicate however but when all else fails, google translate saves the day! Lol. Anyway, I have some big decisions to make but I am so freaking excited!!! If I get better, I don’t know what I’m going to do with myself! It looks like I really might get my second chance after all!
So….second topic today that I want to talk about but I’m not too sure how to start. When people are challenged with autoimmune disease, there are several factors at play that may have triggered the disease. There are genetic mutations, genetic predispositions, environmental factors, SIBO (small bacterial intestinal overgrowth), candida, heavy metal toxicity, physical trauma, and emotional trauma. I strongly encourage EVERYONE who is diagnosed with an autoimmune disease to explore all of these causes because addressing what’s causing the inflammation that’s causing the disease can help you get better, or at the very least, improve your symptoms! I mean, why just treat the symptoms when you can treat what’s actually causing disease and possibly go into remission!?!?! It’s absolutely mind blowing to me how anyone could not understand this way of thinking or that this train of thought is not encouraged in the medical community. One time someone even told me that I’m “cruel” for suggesting that they could heal. SMH. I’ve been at this for 10 years and I’m not better yet. Does that mean healing isn’t in my future? Nope! It just means I haven’t tried the right method or the right combination of methods yet and I won’t stop until I do!!! Due to diet and research I have found remission before and I have been able to consistently improve my symptoms and THAT gives me hope and strength to keep fighting!
If you are newly diagnosed with autoimmune disease, when meeting other people with AI disease you will quickly learn that almost everyone has trauma and toxic relationships that they are either still dealing with or that they’ve had to navigate their way out of, which sadly, makes since because many, many AI warriors are trauma and abuse survivors. I had to go visit one of these people last weekend. This person is getting older and I know I probably won’t have them around much longer so I do what I can to visit and call when I can but just wow! I have cut out every toxic person in my life except this one person which is something I am dealing with but their nasty behavior doesn’t deserve ANY of my spoons. They took enough of my spoons(energy) this past weekend and enough on Wednesday when I was exhausted all day from being upset. All there is really left to do is accept & acknowledge what happened, pray that God can forgive them for their actions, pray that I can forgive them, and move forward. Every time I feel sad or notice myself going down that rabbit hole of anger and sadness I think, “I already gave this person enough of my energy. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! What can I think about that is good? What people do I have in my life that love me and make me feel loved and appreciated?” And it seems to be working for me. Yes, I’m hurt but what’s done is done. I’m focusing on things and people that make me happy. I’ll protect myself as much as I can but I need a refresher course on the grey rock approach . They throw daggers and I just shrug my shouldres, “OK. And? Next.” Sounds like a plan. What have you done to change your surroundings and the people in your life? What do you do to cope with the toxic people that are still there?
I just stumbled across this amazing article as well….
https://mentalhealthintervention.org/fifty-shades-of-grey-rock/
What am I eating this week?
Last weekend I made some meatloaf from an old cookbook that had been gifted to me years ago. You’re not going to believe this but I used a couple of pinches of stevia instead of brown sugar and it was really, really good! (Just keep in mind, a little bit of stevia going a very long way so just add a tiny bit and taste to see if you need any more.) I still can’t believe it turned out as good as it did! lol. I make meatloaf all the time. It’s fairly simple to make. I just use all natural ketchup and substitute almond flower for the breadcrumbs. If you’re not eating Paleo but only gluten free you can use gluten free toast or crackers, even gluten free rolled oats! And if you are eating paleo and can tolerate starches, there are some amazing paleo friendly crackers out there that I eat sometimes if I’m splurging. I originally was just going to just share the sea salt ones with you but go ahead and get this combo order here. lol. You can use the sea salt crackers for your meatloaf and snack on the rosemary ones while it’s baking, and if you’re feeling really lucky, try the cheader ones in your meatloaf or bunless handburger. WOW that sounds amazing!!!! Hopefully after I get the de-cavitation surgery (because it’s supposed to help the SIBO and metal toxicity my histamine issues should improve) I can eat starches & yeast again and enjoy those crackers with you!!! When I ran out of meatloaf I made some grilled breadless chicken friend steaks. I just slice them super thin, sprinkle with Montreal Steak Seasoning and throw them in a cast iron skillet with olive oil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. (My bf taught me that recipe) So yummy. 
The Montreal Seasoning is minimally processed AND gluten free. When you don’t have the time or money to make your own or buy your own spice blends, it’s ok to use something as long as it’s gluten free, soy free, dairy free, and nitrate free. Also, always read the label and look for things like dextrose, maltodextrin, and modified food starch, those are all either derviced from corn or wheat products. And if you deal with candida or mold issues, make sure it’s yeast free too which is anything that is cheese flavored but it’s always best to check labels just in case. I also made some roasted Brussles Sprouts which is super easy. Just throw a pound of roasted Brussle Sprouts in a large bowl and drizzle with a couple of Tablespoons of Olive Oil and sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning, a tsp of lemon zest, and himilayan sea salt and fresh ground black pepper. Then roast in the oven at 350° for 15 minutes, turn, then roast for another 15 minutes and they’re done!
So last week I said that I was going to make some pasta from the ranch dressing I made and OH MY GOSH IT IS AMAZING! It is one of the best things I’ve ever made and I love it!!! With the Ranch Dressing already made, it was fairly simple to make! Check out the reciope below….
Paleo Ranch Chicken “Alfredo”
Ingredients:
- 3 thin sliced chicken breasts
- 3 Cups frozen mixed vegetables (broccoli & carrots or
- 3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 3 tsp Lemon Pepper Dill Seasoning
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 3 cups spaghetti squash
- 1 cup paleo ranch
Instructions:
- Pre-heat oven to 350°
- Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, with a good spoon scrape out the seeds, then rub with 1 Tbsp Olive Oil and sprinkle with Salt & Pepper. Place in oven open side up on middle rack.
- While the spaghetti squash is baking, trim the 3 chicken breasts if needed and brush with about 2 Tbsp olive oil then sprinkle with Lemon Pepper Dill Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Sea Salt & Pepper. Set Aside until the timer goes off for the squash, then place the chicken in the oven south the squash on a different rack. Cook both for 30 minutes.
- After the chicken and spaghetti squash are done cooking, let them both cool for 30 minutes to an hour. Place the chicken and squash in the fridge for safety and faster cooling.
- When squash is cool enough to handle, take a fork and start running the fork across the inside to release the “spaghetti” and dump contents into a large bowl.
- Cut chicken into bite size cubes and add to the bowl with the squash.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and stir together and voila!
Tips:
- I always get thin sliced chicken breast when available because it absorbs more flavor so the chicken isn’t bland.
- Always use sea salt when you can. Himalayan Sea Salt can be pricey so I stopped buying it but I started using it again when I realized I can get it much cheaper at Ross Dress For Less and other discount stores.
- Always use fresh cracked pepper when you can because not only does it have more flavor this but the nutrients and antioxidants content is higher.
- There are many ways to cut a spaghetti squash. Find what works best for you and please watch one of the many videos on you tube so you don’t hurt yourself! Here’s a couple of videos:
This has several great suggestions!
This is how I do it except I don’t cook it in water anymore. However, cooking it in water is quicker unless you want your squash on the dryer side like me because whatever sauce I’m putting on it is liquid enough and I don’t want it watered down. 😉
The Paleo Spoonie 