“At some point, feeling good wins over old thoughts.”

–VJ Hamilton

Struggling with autoimmune disease — or uncomfortable symptoms that you’ve just learned to live with? What if you could reverse your symptoms? I’m so excited to talk with VJ Hamilton, registered nutritionist and a functional medicine practitioner who specializes in autoimmune disease.

I was diagnosed with celiac disease fairly late in life. When I was diagnosed, it just made so much sense and explained so many things. It also led to change. And that can be hard to navigate on your own.

Perimenopause and menopause symptoms and those of autoimmune diseases — like brain fog, joint aches, and fatigue — can be signs of both. Plus shifts in hormones can certainly trigger changes or unmask hidden inflammation. Testing and treatment can help.

We talk about: 

• Autoimmune disease 101 — what we’re actually talking about
• Triggers vs. root causes and how to find the root cause
• How to advocate for yourself with doctors and what other practitioner you might want to see
• Simple changes you can make to improve your health
• Focus not on what you have to cut out for food or what exercise you have to do, but what you need and what you like
• Eating whole foods instead of prepared meals and how to navigate restaurants and special events

ABOUT VJ

VJ Hamilton is the founder of The Autoimmunity Nutritionist and an expert in autoimmune disease, specialising in skin disorders, chronic fatigue, joint health, and digestive issues for both men and women.

As a Registered Nutritionist with a Medical Science degree (BSc) in Biochemistry & Immunology and having completed the full certification programme at the renowned Institute for Functional Medicine, VJ uses evidence-based nutritional therapies to support her clients in transforming their health.

LINKS

• https://theautoimmunitynutritionist.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/theautoimmunitynutritionist/ 
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/theautoimmunitynutritionist/ 

DOABLE CHANGES

At the end of every episode, we share three doable changes, so you can take what you've heard and put it into action. Action is where change happens. 

But here's the thing: when we have a goal, a wish, a desire bubbling up in us, it can feel really huge. Sometimes we stop ourselves in our tracks based on how huge our desire feels. Change needs action, but it doesn't need huge action. When we focus on the next step, the next Doable Change that we can integrate into our lives, we don’t get stuck and we create momentum. 

Choose one Doable Change that resonates with you today and really play with it. Fit it into your life, your days, make it work for you — then move on to your next Doable Change. 

Here are Three Doable Changes from this conversation: 

• MAKE A LIST OF THINGS YOU LOVE TO DO. Changing your lifestyle doesn’t have to be terrible! Make a list of things you love to do. Ways you like to be active, rest, connect with others. Make a list of things that make you feel good! Plan for more of those things in your life. That might look like swapping dancing for a gym session or eating food that gives you energy or going to bed on time.
• RESET IDEAS AROUND FOOD. Here are a few ways to try this Doable Change. First, instead of asking, “What do I have to cut out?” think about what foods you can eat that you enjoy. When you do have to give something up, like cake at a party, remember how you would feel if you ate the cake. Finally, when it comes to eating with others, think about why you are going out? Is it really about the food or the company? Put the food in perspective.
• BE A DETECTIVE. Notice how you feel when you eat certain foods. Do you feel sluggish or heavy? Do you feel gassy or bloated? Does it seem to affect your sleep? Tracking this kind of information can help you see patterns you might not notice and these patterns can be clues to foods that might not serve you.