Over the last several years, my health has been slightly subpar due to tremendous amounts of stress—stress from work, everyday responsibilities, and most importantly, the heavy role of being a caregiver for my husband. That season took its toll on my body and mind in ways I could never have anticipated. By the time I was 45, I was in extreme pain all over my body and had been enduring psychological trauma for six long years, made even harder by the challenges and restrictions of COVID.

I went through experiences that no one should ever have to face. But even in the darkest hours, God was faithful. He carried me through more than I could ever describe.

A Turning Point Through Prayer

Last year and this year have been defining moments in my journey. One of the biggest shifts happened when I got serious with prayer. I made it my daily routine—sometimes more than once a day—to fall on my knees, cry out to God, and trust Him with the weight I was carrying.

That was when everything changed.

At the time, I was taking ten different antipsychotics and sedatives. But the moment I truly gave it all to Him, I realized I no longer needed them. The anxiety that had gripped me so tightly was gone. I was free. My new rhythm became simple but powerful: pray faithfully and practice my prescribed CBT as needed. And it works.

Fasting and the Discovery That Changed Everything

While I had overcome anxiety, I was still battling severe pain and relying on 900 mg of Gabapentin daily. At the beginning of this year, my husband and I prayed and decided to fast—something we hadn’t done in years. I lasted four days without food before my body gave in. But here’s the miracle: for those four days, I had no pain whatsoever.

That led me down a path of researching foods and their effects on inflammation. What I found was eye-opening. When I tried to reintroduce certain foods, the pain came roaring back. So, I cut them out entirely—both from my meals and drinks.

Here’s what I discovered:

No Pork: Pork contains a protein that can trigger immune responses and inflammation. No Yeast: Yeast contributes significantly to inflammation. I switched to flatbreads or wheat tortillas instead. No Corn Syrup or Corn Starch: The worst culprits of all. These ingredients fuel inflammation, sluggishness, and brain fog. Even doctors and leaders have pushed for alternatives like cane sugar in sodas because of the damage caused by corn-based additives.

The Results: A New Way of Living

After months of living this way, I went to my doctor for routine tests. Her words shocked me:

“I don’t know how you did this, but for a woman of your age—keep it up. You have absolutely no inflammatory markers whatsoever!”

That’s the power of God’s faithfulness, prayer, and treating my body with the respect it deserves.

How I Balance Health and Comfort Foods

I didn’t give up everything I love. I still enjoy comfort foods—but I make them differently:

Morning smoothies loaded with berries, fruits, and vegetables. Raw honey instead of processed sugar in my coffee. Wholesome substitutes for breads and sweets without yeast or corn products.

I’ve learned that eating wisely isn’t about deprivation—it’s about discovery. It’s about finding what truly nourishes body, mind, and soul.

A Word of Encouragement

Friend, I share this journey not as a perfect solution for everyone but as testimony to God’s healing power and the wisdom He grants when we seek Him. I was once broken, in pain, and lost in anxiety—but prayer, fasting, and simple changes brought me back to life.

As 3 John 1:2 reminds us:

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”

Take care of yourself. Honor God with your health. And don’t be afraid to let Him show you a better way.

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