Previous to going plant-based, my food plan consisted largely of fatty, fried quick meals I might shortly seize on my lunch breaks. Dinner was something I might cook dinner up shortly, at all times with some type of animal protein as the principle course.
On December 24, 2021, I had an appointment with a hepatologist, organized by my main care doctor after blood work revealed that my liver enzymes have been within the cosmic vary. The hepatologist ordered extra checks, the outcomes of which confirmed that I had non-alcoholic fatty liver illness (NAFLD), probably the results of a nasty gene in my household: alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Imaging confirmed a median liver stiffness rating of 13.2, which indicated “extreme fibrosis/cirrhosis.”
I used to be additionally overweight, weighing 184 kilos; had Kind 2 diabetes, with an A1C (a measure of common blood sugar) of seven; and had excessive ldl cholesterol. The physician instructed me that if I didn’t change my food plan and sedentary life-style, I’d be a candidate for a liver transplant inside three to 6 years. Nicely, that was a stunning Christmas current!
Discovering a Vegan Weight loss program
After I instructed one in every of my stepdaughters the information, she instructed me to watch the Forks Over Knives documentary. So I did—thrice. After that, I instantly turned a vegan. My focus was on repairing and holding my liver wholesome. I used to be pleasantly stunned when, a couple of weeks into my new food plan, I discovered myself shedding pounds.
As for my liver, I went for one more checkup in April 2022, and imaging confirmed a a lot improved liver stiffness rating, of 4.3. Imaging in March 2023 confirmed a liver stiffness rating of three.7. And my most up-to-date imaging, in January 2024, confirmed liver stiffness of two.7, which signifies “no vital fibrosis,” or “regular/irritation.”
No Longer Residing in Worry
It’s been greater than two years since I adopted a wholesome vegan food plan. Alongside the way in which, I’ve misplaced 35 kilos (I would like to purchase a brand new wardrobe!) and reversed my diabetes, with my most up-to-date blood work exhibiting an A1C of 5.6 (regular). I’ve lowered my ldl cholesterol to the conventional vary, as properly. And I did all of it with a plant-based food plan—which, by the way in which, is scrumptious!
As a result of I’ve by no means met a vegetable or spice that I don’t like, I’ve actually loved making stews and soups with spices from North Africa, India, Asia, and Central America. There are some actually nice vegan cookbooks on the market (together with these from Forks Over Knives).
To attenuate my publicity to poisonous chemical substances, I additionally stopped coloring my hair, as you may see from the photographs. I truly just like the silver look higher than the darkish brown!
I’m so very grateful to my stepdaughter for telling me to observe Forks Over Knives. I not dwell in concern of liver failure, transplant surgical procedure, or having to take immunosuppressant medicine for the rest of my life. I inform everybody who asks how I did it to observe Forks Over Knives. For me, meals is medication—so, as an expensive buddy says, I’m self-medicating!
Able to get began? Try Forks Meal Planner, FOK’s straightforward weekly meal-planning device to maintain you on a wholesome plant-based path. To study extra a couple of whole-food, plant-based food plan, go to our Plant-Primarily based Primer.
