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By Hanne
In this post, I will reveal why I chose an organic lifestyle? What were the reasons behind all this? The detailed story of everything I’ve learned and know now naturally doesn’t fit into this writing. However, this post sure gives you some idea behind my actions.
WHY I CHOSE AN ORGANIC LIFESTYLE?
So let’s begin and travel back in time a little over eight years from now. That was the starting point, and it was groundbreaking for me in many ways and has guided me to this day. That year is still a reminder of a long road, giving up my previous beliefs and knowledge; Giving up on them and many other things, and finding a new kind of lifestyle—a better one.
In February 2013, I got flu, as my “habit” usually was at least twice a year. It was typical that I got so sick that flu usually ended up antibiotics prescription. That’s what happened back then when I struggle with breathing while sitting at the doctor’s office. It certainly didn’t help that I was working in a building that had issues with indoor air. I, of course, got an antibiotic prescription just in case.
It is only an antibiotic
That medicine was a medicine straight from hell (sorry for the language). And luckily, it was; otherwise, I might be telling a different kind of story now. Every pill I put in my mouth caused enormous pain, and I could only lie in the fetal position, hoping it would go away. I remember wondering how it can be possible for a medication that should, in principle, improve the illness to cause such severe pain. And also, because the drug in question was ONLY an antibiotic.
I didn’t finish the prescription, but the consequences followed me for a long time. For a couple of months, I had to cut down about two-thirds of the foods that I included in my diet before. My gut must have been in pretty bad shape at the time. During the same period, I decided to cut off alcohol altogether, even though I was no major consumer. Still, I no longer couldn’t figure out any reason why I should use even the little I used at the time.
Changing the Diet
In 2013, I had worked as a personal trainer for about a year. And a year earlier, I had also completed my primary studies in nutrition science. However, I felt that something was wrong with my nutrition. I’m a “bit” strict by nature, and of course, I followed the official nutrition recommendations precisely. And in general, everything I had learned so far. At that time, if I recall it right, I also still run marathons. So, I couldn’t help but wonder why my waist was thick, despite doing everything by the book on my eating and sports.
I turned to a familiar personal trainer and asked him for advice on my diet. And to see what was wrong with the current one. He suggested to me to try out at least a gluten-free diet, or if possible grain-free. It was the time of the spring and approaching pollen season. I have been diagnosed with a pollen allergy already at primary school, and I was taking medication from early spring until the end of summer hay blooms.
I started my new gluten-free diet, and I could hardly believe it when 10 cm disappeared from my waist in two weeks! At the same time, something else disappeared as well and was my pollen allergy. That allergy has been “no show” ever since, not that I miss its presence.
Somewhere along the way, I also stop eating white sugar in all its forms because I found it highly addictive. The sugar rush and depressed, hangover type of feelings made me realize it is not suitable for me.
Going organic
I was amazed and excited, and at the same time, eager to get more information, learn more. Later that year, I attended a couple of lectures on functional nutrition. And in the aftermath of this, I removed almost all dairy products from my diet. I read literature on hormonal balance and put everything I learned into practice to the best of my ability, primarily to myself. When it comes to food, I always choose an organic option when it is possible. I research the ingredients of the products I use, and I try to avoid additives. I also use filtered and/or structured water.
The main reason why I haven’t done much nutritional coaching over the years is that many of the trainees who have come to me have not been ready for such a significant change in their lives. Especially since my teachings deviate quite a lot from the general nutritional recommendations. And I, on the other hand, didn’t (or don’t) feel it is right to coach a different kind of eating habits than those I have personally found to be the best for holistic well-being.
The last significant event in my life was learning about the world of cosmetics and cleansers. After everything I learned in the process, all the “traditional cosmetics,” fluorine toothpaste, and cleansers (from head to toe and floor to ceiling) flew into the bin. And everything was labeled as organic afterward.
Listening to the Body
After February 2013, there was one incident with a cold sore, which I cured with prescription medication. Burana and its friends aren’t welcomed in my life either anymore. Every change that I made resulted in me hardly ever being sick anymore. Before all this, I got all the possible flu, and now I have been ill maybe four times in the last eight years. I’ve learned to listen to my body, and I admit I’m still not always a pro in it (I really am NOT), but, e.g., if sometimes (thankfully rarely) I suffer from a headache, I know it’s because I haven’t drunk enough water. Gluten can also cause me the worst headaches.
Of course, even with all the changes, I am by no means always painless. For example, I have suffered very severe menstrual cramps twice in the last year that I have treated with yoga, walking, and essential oils. These means may not have eliminated the pain, but a small amount of pain fits in life. 😉
What is the cause of the Pain?
I admit that I am a little poor at understanding a world today where we are strangers to feel anything (pain). And where we tend to numb even the slightest pain with painkillers. Instead of trying to figure out where the pain is coming from. And for me, for example, those before mentioned menstrual cramps were so severe that I lay covered with cold sweat on the bathroom floor.
However, I knew that the pain would ease sooner or later. And it would also depend on what I do next, whether I go for a walk, do yoga or meditate, for example, or do I choose to do nothing physical, which would mean that the feelings of the pain would be with me for a longer time. The unique pain also made me think, what has gone differently in my life at the time? Where did such severe pain come from? Had I eaten something differently or been more stressed? Could I have done something differently?
For the moments of pain, I have found essential oils as good option, for example, for allergic reactions and headaches, and for me, they have worked immediately.
Everything affects everything
A few months ago, I got cold sores, which I treated with a mixture of coconut oil and baking soda, and rubbed a clove of garlic on the blister. I also tried to avoid foods that affect the virus lingering in the body. Such foods include, e.g., nuts. Unfortunately, at that time, I didn’t come to think, what time of the month it was.
As mentioned earlier in this post, I’m maybe a bit too strict, and medication isn’t the first or second choice for me. But this is a choice I make, and by no means do I write this to get any special mention or super-human stamp on my forehead. I just want to give some overall picture of my story including how I think.
The saying goes that everything affects everything, and I believe in this 100%. In particular, what we eat and drink affects everything in us; energy levels, health, body function. Everything. And then how does our lifestyle affect hormonal function? Can we do something that naturally affect to the hormonal balance? And how to do that? More on that in the future, stay tuned.
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Hanne Nousiainen
Yoga teacher • Personal Trainer
Hanne Nousiainen
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