Fasting to Freedom: How I'm Breaking Free from Chronic Illness (And You Can Too!)
You know what's funny about chronic illness? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Trust me, I've looked for the humour in it – between the constant health monitoring, the eye rolls from specialists every time I refuse medication, and that judgmental look from my various medical devices that seem to say, "Really? You're gonna do THAT?"
But here's what I did find: hope.
And it came from the most unexpected place – not eating.
The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
Picture this: There I was, living my best life (or so I thought), when my doctor dropped multiple bombs: "Remember when I warned you about your health? Well, things are getting serious… You’re now dealing with Type 2 diabetes (yup, no longer pre-diabetes), GERD (acid reflux disease), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and obesity. We need to talk about serious interventions, or you won’t live long."
I sat there, stunned, as he rattled off terms like "insulin resistance," "low HDL, high LDL," "aspiration pneumonia," and "lifestyle changes."
All I could think was, "But I feel fine (other than living with heartburn 24/7, but hey, a person can’t have nothing wrong with them, right?). Tired, yes. Uncomfortable, sure. But am I supposed to feel worse? What does being THIS sick actually feel like?"
Like many of you searching for answers about chronic illness management, I went through all the stages of grief.
Denial? Check.
Anger? Double check.
Bargaining? I tried negotiating with my entire body, but it wasn't having it.
The YouTube Rabbit Hole That Changed Everything
Then came the late-night YouTube sessions. You know, those times when you're desperately searching for answers and suddenly the algorithm throws you a lifeline?
That's how I stumbled upon Dr. Jason Fung and other medical pioneers in the fasting movement. One video led to another, and before I knew it, I was three hours deep into lectures about reversing chronic conditions naturally – everything from diabetes to fatty liver disease.
Let me tell you, this guy? He's the real deal.
I immediately ordered his books, "The Diabetes Code" and "The Obesity Code," and various others by reputable authors on digestive health and liver function. I devoured them (pardon the pun).
Finally, someone was explaining chronic illness in a way that made sense! No more "just eat less and exercise more" nonsense. This was actual, scientific explanation of why traditional advice wasn't working for any of my conditions.
The Fasting Revelation
"But won't fasting mess up my metabolism and make everything worse?" I hear you ask. That's exactly what I thought! But after binge-watching medical lectures like they were episodes of Ozark during that fun 2020 lockdown, I learned that proper intermittent fasting can actually help:
Stabilize blood sugar levels
Reduce inflammation throughout the body
Give your digestive system a much-needed break
Help your liver heal
Support healthy weight management
And ladies, if you're wondering about fasting as a woman, let me introduce you to my other guru: Megan Ramos. She works closely with Dr. Fung. Her book "The Essential Guide to Intermittent Fasting for Women" became my bedtime reading. Between Dr. Fung's scientific explanations and Megan's practical, woman-focused approach, I finally felt equipped to take on this fasting journey.
My First Steps into Fasting
Starting intermittent fasting with multiple chronic conditions isn't like jumping into the deep end of a pool – although it certainly felt that way. I began with a simple 16/8 fasting schedule: eating within an 8-hour window and fasting for 16 hours. Sounds scary, right? But half of that time you're sleeping anyway! (Thank you, beauty rest, for making this easier.)
And since there was no way I was going to starve alone, I roped in my husband, who just so happens to share some of these health challenges – including 30 plus years of Type 2 Diabetes! Aren't we a fun duo? But I digress...
The Changes I Never Expected
Within weeks, something magical started happening. My blood sugar readings began to stabilize. My acid reflux improved dramatically. My liver enzymes started trending down – so much so that the Hepatologist (Liver Specialist) I was seeing, fired me (that’s the only kind of firing that feels amazing)!
I began to extend my fasts to 24+ hours – because that's where the magic happens, and it was surprisingly easy to do. My energy levels shot up. And – bonus point – my pants started fitting better.
But the real victory? My husband’s A1C (diabetes biomarker) dropped to pre-diabetic range and he managed to drop one of the meds he had been taking for over two decades!
The Science Behind the Magic
Let's get slightly nerdy for a moment (because who doesn't love a good science lesson?).
When you're fasting, some pretty amazing things happen in your body. Think of it as your internal chemistry lab getting a complete makeover.
What Happens During a Fast
First up, your pancreas finally gets that vacation it's been begging for. No food coming in means no need to pump out insulin every five minutes. (Imagine your pancreas putting up an "Out of Office" reply – "Sorry, on break, not producing insulin right now!")
Not only does your pancreas get that much-deserved break, but no food coming in also means:
Your stomach acid levels can normalize
Your liver can focus on healing instead of processing constant incoming nutrients
Your body can tap into stored fat for energy
Then something remarkable happens: your insulin levels naturally begin to drop. Without the constant stream of food to process, your body gets a chance to clear out excess insulin from your bloodstream. This drop in insulin levels has an important effect – it helps your cells become more responsive to insulin when it is present.
The Metabolic Switch
Perhaps the most interesting part is how your body adapts to using different fuel sources. Instead of relying solely on glucose for energy, your body starts tapping into stored fat reserves. This shift not only helps with weight management but also plays a key role in reducing inflammation and improving overall metabolic health..
All these processes work together to improve your body's natural healing abilities. It's not just about eating less – it's about giving your body the time it needs to heal and restore its natural rhythms.
Tips for Your Own Fasting Journey
If you're considering using intermittent fasting to improve your health, here's what I wish someone had told me:
Start slow – Rome wasn't built in a day, and your fasting routine doesn't have to be either
Monitor your health markers carefully– whether it's blood sugar, acid reflux symptoms, or liver function tests, etc.
If you’re diabetic, invest in a continuous glucose monitor (like Libre 2 or Dexcom G7) and keep tabs on your glucose like your life depends on it… Because it really does – especially if you’re on glucose lowering meds. The one thing worse than high blood sugar is low.
Keep your doctor in the loop (this isn't something to hide from medical professionals, as your meds may need adjusting)
Listen to your body – it's smarter than you think
Stay hydrated – water is your new best friend
Get educated – start with reputable sources about fasting and your specific conditions.
The Reality Check
Look, I'm not going to sugar-coat it (pun totally intended this time) – managing chronic conditions through fasting isn't always easy. There will be days when your coworker brings in fresh-baked cookies, and the break room smells like heaven.
But remember this: every time you stick to your fasting window, you're giving your body a chance to heal.
Where I Am Now?
Today, my relationship with food, and more importantly, with my health, has completely transformed. My blood sugar numbers are better than they've been in years. My GERD symptoms have virtually disappeared. My liver function tests are improving. I'm slowly but surely reversing multiple chronic conditions through fasting.
And the best thing? I have eliminated medications I was taking for GERD and have never taken any medication to lower my blood sugar (expect for one solitary dose of Ozempic that landed me in the Emerg, but that’s a story for another day).
My health markers are now trending toward normal ranges across the board. I've got my medical research books dog-eared and highlighted like they're sacred texts (which, in the world of chronic illness reversal, they kind of are).
Your Turn
If you're reading this, wondering if you can do it too – the answer is yes. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been fighting these battles for years, it's never too late to make a change. Lifestyle changes work – my husband and I are living proof thereof.
Remember: This isn't a quick fix. You didn't develop chronic illness overnight, and you're not going to reverse it overnight either!
This is about taking control of your health one fasting window at a time. And yes, sometimes it's about explaining to your family why you're not eating breakfast at 8 AM and listening to all the unsolicited advice about what you should or should not be doing instead.
Ready to start your own journey? Join me as we navigate this path together. Because let's face it – breaking up with chronic illness is hard to do, but like any bad relationship, it's worth ending.
And who knows? Maybe one day you'll look back at your various medications or medical devices and say, "Darlings, it's not you, it's me. I've changed. I'm different now."
Are you ready for that change?
[Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided here, or in any linked materials, is not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that you have read in this article or in any linked materials. Always consult your healthcare provider before making significant lifestyle changes.]
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