There are many reasons one would choose a dairy free, or in general a free from, lifestyle; the fact that is a fad should not be one of them. Figuring out I have inflammatory arthritis was a result of visiting a osteopaths, physiotherapist, podiatrist, orthopedic surgeon AND a rheumatologist. The lovely rheumatologist was the one who diagnosed me with inflammatory arthritis not google. It is because of her suggestion that I follow a dairy free lifestyle … mainly because the alternative was immune suppressants. Not at all ideal.
What were my symptoms like before I went dairy free?
- I could not fully extend my right arm
- If I drove too long I could not unclench my hands
- I could not bring my knees passed 90 degrees and before I had no issue to bring them to my bottom
- I could not walk properly, sometimes my knee would slide
- I had the knee version of cankles
- And I had cankles
I stopped running, horse riding and even swimming was difficult. In the beginning I thought that this was damage from running especially after I completed my first marathon. Except it did not heal. So of course you visit professionals to try to figure out what is wrong with your body.
Then I was diagnosed and went dairy free, and in the beginning gluten free, as many people with inflammatory arthritis have adverse reactions to both dairy and gluten. Here is a short article on gluten free diets and arthritis. Going dairy free was such a relief for me. Inflammatory arthritis it just happens; it is an autoimmune disease. When I was younger, even just three years ago, I had no noticeable symptoms. But in the summer/autumn of 2014 my problems started and a year after that I was diagnosed and was able to manage my symptoms with a dairy free lifestyle.
Sooo what should you take away from this? If something is bothering you visit a medical professional. Try to keep track of your symptoms as this can help in diagnosing you. Most of all listen to your body.
Are you also dairy free? Let me know your reason for doing so. Have a great moo-less day.
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