GLOW

One of the most frustrating things for me about having seizures is the feeling that I am very limited in my holistic treatment options. For the first time in a long while, I have gladly surrendered to the medications prescribed to me by my neurologist, and though I haven't worked up to a dosage yet that can stop my seizures, I am already noticing a difference in my energy level, and feel optimistic. It is difficult, though, to deal with the fear of possibly losing health insurance in the future and losing my medication, or the possibility that eventually the effects of the medication will plateau, and I will have to begin the frightening process of accumulating more prescriptions to ensure a certain quality of life. It is not an option for me to continue to have seizures every day, multiple times a day, and to be so limited in my activities and mobility. But with all of the potential side-effects and concerns, I want to be sure that I do what I can to complement the treatments I receive from my doctors.

I find YouTube to be an excellent source for introductions into the various experiences of others with trying health problems, and introductions into the treatments that have worked for them. They are only this: introductions, and as with all information distributed on the internet, should be watched with a critical mind. But I find that they give me some sense of optimism. As far as natural treatments I have currently incorporated into my life, I try to drink a tea blend of skullcap and passionflower every day, and have begun energy work with a psychic medium per the recommendation from another person with epilepsy whose seizures stopped completely after energy work. I am planning on visiting a chiropractor as well, and hope that this will help.

Here are some of the videos that I've watched that I've found compelling and informative. Perhaps they will help you, as well.

This is an excellent overview of natural treatment options. I was pleasantly surprised to find that their knowledge of research into more rare forms of epilepsy is quite impressive, and even more thorough than many neurologists. I had to be referred to a highly specialized neurologist, in fact, to be able to work with someone who was actually aware of the hormonal-related forms.

The two other ladies that I know with epilepsy also do their best to avoid gluten. I have been on a gluten-free diet for at least two years now. I wonder how much worse the seizures would be if I was still eating it?

This is where I learned about skullcap and passionflower's beneficial impact on epilepsy, although this video is specifically about a form of epilepsy that I am not familiar with.

If you look up "epilepsy chiropractor" on YouTube, a ton of results come up with testimonials like this. I'm very curious to see if I have any results from it.

And the ever controversial issue of epilepsy and medical marijuana. There are so many stories out there like this young man's. I, unfortunately, do not respond well to smoking any sort of substance, as it really fires of my nervous system regardless of the substance, but if I am able to get my hands on a tincture, I will eagerly try it. From what I've read, it is important to have the Indica (sp?) strain rather than the Sativa when it comes to treating epilepsy.

As noted in the first video, neither these people, nor I, am advocating weening off of meds. Epilepsy is a serious disorder, and should be treated appropriately. What is important, though, is to find the highest quality of life possible, and if any of these options aid that, then they are worth a go in my mind. 

Have you had any experiences with these treatments, or any others?

Though the season has kept me busy enough that I haven't documented as many of my own recipes for your plates as I'd hoped, I have been bookmarking a few recipes by some of my favorite food bloggers for you to peruse, and am including them below. All of these recipes would have to be adjusted for my own diet, but they are exciting foundations to work from.

BREADS & SPREADS
Gluten-Free, Egg-Free Biscuits @ Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen
Pumpkin & Feta Muffins @ 101 Cookbooks
Garlic Chive Drop Biscuits @ Affairs of Living
Yeast-Free Pumpkinseed Teff Sandwich Bread @ Affairs of Living
Pepper-Crusted Cashew "Cheese" With Herbs @ Affairs of Living
Cashew Pumpkin Seed "Cheese" With Apple-Cranberry Sauce @ Affairs of Living
Macadamia Nut Cheese @ Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen

SAVORY SOUPS
Christmas Lima Bean Stew @ 101 Cookbooks
Creamy Spinach & Celeriac Soup @ Affairs of Living
Creamy Sunchoke, Broccoli & Leek Soup @ Affairs of Living
Turnip & Pear Soup @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
Roasted Chestnut & Parsnip Soup @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs

SALADS & SIDES
Quinoa, Roasted Beet & Walnut Salad @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
Gluten-Free Chestnuts & Brussel Sprouts @ Elana's Pantry
Cauliflower, Parsnip & Bean Mash @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
The Ravishing Rutabaga: 4 Recipes... @ Affairs of Living
Rutabaga Gratin @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
Root Vegetable Lasagna @ GLOW

PROTEIN
Vegan Haggis @ Swell
Easy Breakfast “Sausage” Patties and Biscuits with Smoky Almond Gravy @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
Portabello Steaks @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
Wild Lentil Loaf With Parsnip Gravy (and more) @ Affairs of Living
Crockpot Beef Roast With Root Vegetables & Flourless Gravy @ Affairs of Living
Balsamic Roasted Chicken with Figs and Sweet Onions @ Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen

DESSERT
Holiday Nog @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
Orange Olive Oil Mini Cakes @ The Sensitive Pantry
Buckwheat Cinnamon Rolls @ Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen
Pumpkin Custard @ Elana's Pantry
Fig & Walnut Baked Apples @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
Mock Tapioca Pudding @ Diet, Dessert & Dogs
Chocolate Dipped Dates with Spiced Nuts @ Tasty Eats At Home
Kim's Dessert Index @ Affairs of Living (So that I don't end up listing them all here!)

If you are on a restricted diet for health reasons, treat yourself well during the holidays by arriving prepared to the festivities. Preparation can include both the physical, spiritual and emotional. First, either communicate with others involved in cooking regarding collaborating on dishes that you can enjoy, or bring them yourself. I like these tips from Marni Wasserman on what to consider when preparing your fare. Second, redefine the term "treat". Typically we think of this as something indulgent, not necessarily good for us, but a signal to ourselves that we deserve the best. For those of us with severe food sensitivities, though, considering the consequence of a "treat", it can end up feeling more masochistic than genuinely rewarding to indulge. Keep perspective, and remember that the most important thing is to feel well enough to enjoy your friends and family without being distracted by pain and discomfort. Third, bring your medicine. It's easy to make exceptions in our routines when we're traveling, but I've found that when I make the effort to bring my supplements and herbs with me, I have a significantly better visit. For me, the most important items to bring are my probiotics, my loose herbs and my tea ball. Pack your probiotics in ice, and select some herbs or teas that will soothe your typical symptoms. I find it especially helpful during the holidays to include blends with sweet flavors, particularly licorice root, as it is exceptionally sweet, and it helps to keep candida in check. Finally, stay grounded. It's easy when visiting with family to become a bit detached from our core; it's classic survival mode. The result of that, however, can be a lack of connection with our intuition, which tells us what our body and soul need to remain healthy and comfortable. Check in, stay aware of your needs, and take care of yourself.

Happy Holidays, dear ones.

 One of the best things about living in the city is having access to an incredible variety of culinary experiences. I used to derive so much joy from popping into a new (or new to me) cafe or restaurant, and ordering something off of the menu or board (gasp!) for the first time. I still get that excitement when a new restaurant opens in the neighborhood, and I get to peak at the menu posted in the window with the naive hope of a child at Christmas, hoping against hope that there is something that I can eat without extreme modifications. (I never can.) But no point in dwelling on what I can't have; I now satisfy my need for trying new flavors by exploring a number of small specialty food shops, be they Indian, Korean, Brazilian, or wonderful gourmet shops like Christina's in Cambridge. 

 When I first moved to Boston seven years ago, my oldest sister Steph was also living here with her husband and my then 2 year old niece. Steph has an incredible gift for finding all of the best places in a city to eat (we Hatch sisters love food), and she would often call me up to join her on a drive to some difficult to access cafe, double-parking when necessary, just to try some highly lauded treat she read about online or in Zagat. It was always worth it! The most memorable of these trips were our weekly visits to Christina's Ice Cream, which is next door to their spice shop. I will let Steph explain how wonderful it is as, once again, I don't want to dwell on what I can't have. (It hurts.) You can read of her affection here.

After being tested for food sensitivities last fall, I discovered that I'm sensitive to quite a few spices that were a staple in my diet previously, so I needed to find some new flavors to add to my kitchen. I remembered the specialty shop next to my beloved ice cream joint, so I told myself to be strong, resist temptation, and take a peak at their selection. I found so much more than I expected to. Not only does Christina's have a beautiful variety of spices and loose teas, they also have loose botanicals (for medicinal herbal teas, etc.), a really impressive variety of alternative grains, rice, and legumes, and a variety of alternative flours that I haven't seen elsewhere. Their prices are completely fair, in my opinion, so it makes purchasing unfamiliar ingredients for experimentation less intimidating. Once you are introduced to this shop, you can truly appreciate the expertise that goes into making the forbidden treats next door. On this last visit, I went there to purchase some Mexican smoked sea salt that I got hooked on this last year, but also left with dried fenugreek leaves, dried savory, crushed epazote and black-eyed pea flour (!). I've already come up with some new recipes this week using the sea salt and black-eyed pea flour that I can't wait to share with you all! 

Visit Christina's in Inman Square, Cambridge, or on Facebook.