You may remember Cathy from a prior Wheat Belly Blog post when her facial transformation reflected a dramatic reversal of facial edema and inflammation. She recently provided an update with the “before” and 15-month “after” photos above.
Again and again, you will see that, if people stay on course on the Wheat Belly lifestyle, they do not regain the weight, they do not reacquire inflammation, they remain free of all the health problems associated with prior grain consumption, such as diabetes, skin rashes, acid reflux, IBS, emotional ups and downs, leg edema, migraine headaches, high blood pressure, etc. They feel terrific, they look fabulous. Cathy’s face has “deflated,” altering her appearance quite dramatically.
The Wheat Belly lifestyle, completely contrary to all conventional dietary advice, is empowering, uplifting, thinning, and anti-inflammatory, just as Cathy’s facial transformation demonstrates. Here are her photos lined up chronologically:
I don’t seem to be losing any weight. I am on the RA medicine Orencia. Does it block weight loss? I don’t see my RA doctor until June. I am trying lower carbs and less dairy, but it is difficult. I know exercise is not necessary, but would it jump start weight loss?
My blood pressure has GREATLY improved. From 140 over 85, to 112 over 60 on my last doctor visit. So that makes me happy. I was just hoping to get weight off to relieve pressure on my joints so that one day i could push RA into remission.
Shelly wrote: «I don’t seem to be losing any weight.»
If you haven’t already be sure to see this article:
https://drdavisinfinitehealth.com/2015/05/i-lost-the-wheat-but-didnt-lose-the-weight-updated-version/
and the three linked from it on meds, thyroid and microbiome.
«I am on the RA medicine Orencia. Does it block weight loss?»
As you probably know, weight gain is not currently a listed side effect for that drug (and although it is formulated with maltose, there doesn’t seem to be enough of that sugar to be a factor).
However, Abatacept (Orencia) does list a number of digestive reactions, so I’m suspicious that it might be a significant antagonist to gut flora. This suggests paying extra attention to ample prebiotic fiber in the diet, as well as considering a quality probiotic for the duration of the Orencia use and perhaps a month beyond. Do let your doctor know you are considering this.
The listed side effects for Orencia are pretty sobering, including elevated BP and some risk of cancer. Arranging your life to not need it seems a very worthwhile goal.
Having an optimized (or at least non-impaired) microbiome supports the immune system, is a weight management aid, and can also lower BP.
«My blood pressure has GREATLY improved.»
Are you also on a BP med?
«I know exercise is not necessary, but would it jump start weight loss?»
Intermittent fasting is apt to be more useful for that, and won’t stress the joints.
________
Blog Reply Associate (click my user name for details)
Cathy,
What a transformation!!! You look great – young – vivacious – and happy!
Thank you for sharing – your amazing success is inspiring!
Best,
CA
very mood uplifting :)
Well done Cathy! You are a great example to others. Kudos
Just wanted to say “thank you” for all you do . Your book was the very first book I read on a different lifestyle regarding the elimination of grains and high carb foods in our diet. Since giving up grains and eating LCHF 14 months ago, I can truly say that it’s a lifestyle now and I feel so much better. Gone are the blood pressure meds I took for 15 years. Gone is the GERD meds I had to take daily. Gone are the antidepressants. Gone is 90 lbs. Gone is the pre-diabetic fasting blood glucose numbers of 105-110, replaced by consistent numbers in the 70’s. Gone is the high cholesterol numbers, replaced by numbers that are optimal (HDL 79, triglycerides 50). I am living proof that this way of eating works…..thank you so much!
Thank you for the numbers … I’m currently on the detox program and one of my issues with high blood pressure so again thank
Sincerely Marjorie
Marjorie Kellu wrote: «…one of my issues with high blood pressure…»
For some tips specifically on that, see: https://drdavisinfinitehealth.com/2015/11/moving-numbers/comment-page-1/#comment-62939
________
Blog Reply Associate (click my user name for details)
You go, Cathy! These posts are so encouraging to me! When old habits haunt me, I take a look at before and after pictures. This set are the best!