*Starch-Free Success Stories* Guest Blog: Alan Borg
I found Alan’s story so relatable from the very start. His sense of desperation and determination to try just about anything for relief strikes a chord with me. Sadly, a diagnosis of AS can take decades, which was the case for Alan. The decline in his health, the inability to do things he loved to do, and the desire to function without pain were all driving factors in his decision to embark on a journey of drastic dietary modifications. In this blog post, Alan shares how an AIP elimination diet in combination with a Low Starch Diet (LSD) has provided him with relief from the pain associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis, which has allowed him to return to doing activities he’s always loved: enjoying the outdoors, masonry, and creation beautiful driftwood art!
Alan Borg’s post is part of the “Starch-Free Success Stories” series.
What health issues are you dealing with, when did they begin, and how long did it take to get a diagnosis?
I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) in 2021. It was challenging because I have had symptoms for over 25 years. Amazingly, after 22 visits to different General Practitioners, I was finally sent to see a Rheumatologist where blood tests, ultrasounds, x-rays, and an MRI confirmed my diagnosis.
What has been your approach to healing?
Originally, I was taking NSAIDS and progressed to Biologics. I tried yoga and stretching with the guidance of an exercise physiologist. Initially, I had little to no relief.
What led you to first try a healing diet approach?
I really wanted and needed something to drastically change, so I started researching online. Learning and consuming any information I thought was relevant. I started with small changes and progressed over time.
What was the lowest point on your health journey?
At my lowest, I was in extreme pain 24/7. I was struggling to earn a living as a self-employed sculpture artist. I couldn’t sleep, sit, or stand without pain. A moment that sticks with me was being incapable of unloading the food shopping from our car.
What challenges led you to seek a diagnosis, and inspired you to try a healing diet? Basically, what was the tipping point?
I was always motivated to find an answer to my pain but ultimately feel as though the medical system failed me by not providing a diagnosis until I was 44 years old.
Which healing diet protocols have you used?
After having some relief, around 20% by taking Biologic medication, I stumbled upon the AIP, anti-inflammatory protocol. It took about 4 months but I noticed a considerable improvement in pain reduction. In conjunction with my Biologics, I was now experiencing around 50% pain improvement. Inspired by the benefits my diet was revealing, I continued to dig deeper. I started eliminating more food and then found the Low Starch Diet (LSD).
When you found a protocol to help you heal, what was it and what was your first indication that it was working?
Reduced muscle spasms were my first sign that the Low Starch Diet was helping. Benefits were slow at first with really significant positive results seen after around 6 months.
What foods are you most sensitive to? Which foods do you avoid?
I have not detoured far from the recommended Low Starch Diet, because I just feel so much better. I feel dairy, artificial sugars, processed food, and high-starch foods like potatoes to be problematic. I am still relatively new to the LSD and am continuing to reintroduce foods.
Did your doctors suggest any treatments that you rejected? If so, why did you choose to try other methods?
I initially followed the doctor’s recommendation with medication but found NSAIDS made me worse in the long run. However, I was desperate to reduce my pain and did not hesitate to take my first biologic injection. I was so desperate for relief that I injected myself while still in the rheumatologist’s parking lot as soon as I left the building.
Share any personal victories your real food journey has helped you achieve!
Now, approaching 6 months on the LSD and a year since making radical changes in my food consumption, I feel fantastic. Currently, there is around a 90% improvement in pain since I started, but I still feel that I am improving week by week. I am now hiking, fishing, weight training and even getting into stone masonry. I am the fittest I’ve been in nearly a decade.
Where do you source ingredients for your recipes and daily life?
I live rural and have limited shopping options, however, I make it such a priority that I eat well. I also travel very remotely and have just become super organized with my food and cooking arrangements. I never cheat.
What do you eat when you are HUNGRY (or HANGRY!) and need something quick?
Dates and grapes are my go-to treats. Dates are especially handy when hiking or working hard, a quick easy snack with natural sugars.
What are your favorite ways to pamper yourself?
I don’t really pamper myself but I do make sleep a priority and love going to bed, now knowing I can sleep pain-free. I am pretty active and like to Scuba Dive on my days off.
What is your go-to easy breakfast? How do you start each day?
Most days, I eat early. I cook 2-3 eggs with mushrooms and broccolini. Followed by coffee and weight training.
What are alternative therapies you have used?
Dry needling and massages helped with muscle spasms but it was short-lived. I have found some relief with Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN), especially with sleep. I take 5000 UI of vitamin D, Methylated B12, and magnesium prior to bedtime. Additionally, I have found some benefits with MSM and Glucosamine.
It can seem like our lives are consumed by a chronic illness, but there is so much beyond those struggles. What brings you joy?
Exposure to nature is huge for me. I love everything outdoors from hiking, to beach fishing, scuba diving, and beach combing to collect materials for my artistic endeavors.
What is something unique most people don’t know about you?
I am a driftwood sculpture artist. I travel all over Australia in a 12-metre bus, motorhome to collect materials from remote coastlines.
What are words of wisdom you’ve learned on your journey?
Don’t let your disease define you. Become an expert in your diagnosis and be open to learning and trying new ways of healing. Consider your mindset around food, are you eating to fuel your body with optimal nutrients, or are you eating from a place of taste and convenience?
What advice do you have for people who are just starting?
As difficult as life can get when we are unwell, positivity is a must. Negative thinking can and will make you decline. When there is a will, there is a way. Follow your bliss, and keep doing what you enjoy, even if it is for short periods.
Alan is a gifted driftwood artist. Check out his amazing creations by following him on Facebook or Instagram.
Disclaimer: Starch-Free Feasting may discuss topics related to diet and nutrition. The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. Consult a physician or medical professional before making changes to your diet and medication. You assume the risk of any potential injury that may result.
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