When your determination changes, everything will begin to move in the direction you desire. The moment you resolve to be victorious, every nerve and fiber in your being will immediately orient itself toward your success”-Daisaku Ikeda
It’s a day of feeling proud and privileged! I am writing this to help inspire friends who would like to get healthy and make lifestyle changes.
It didn’t happen overnight. It took effort, determination, and mentorship which brought about the changes. I want to share my story to show friends that lifestyle changes don’t only have to be in your 20’s and 30’s.
A few years back I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. It was a severe pain that landed me in the ER in the middle of the night. My older son Prakhar was there with me and witnessed the agony with me while the doctors administered a series of steroids to my body. Next, a visit to a Rheumatologist ended me with a bagful of steroids and a chemo drug Methotrexate which was 6 tablets 2.5mg each. The result was nausea, headaches, hair loss as well as brittle nails. I was told these are the side effects I would have for life. If I stopped the medication, I would have bone loss, which would lead to twisted fingers and toenails. RA affects the whole autoimmune system and the medication suppresses your immune response, thereby making one very susceptible to any infections.
Trying to find other options, I went to India to look for a change of medication. I tried homeopathy as well as Ayurvedic treatments. Nothing really seemed to work and I had two more attacks while trying to get off the prescribed medication. I also have a family history of diabetes and heart disease, so my doctor warned me that I was also prone to these diagnoses as well. I’ve always had to watch my cholesterol and sugar levels, which were always borderline high.
It was 2 years ago that I was introduced to a new, holistic way of life thanks to my friend Shama Rana, who lives in Pune, India. She educated me about some deficiencies in my body especially my Vitamin D3 levels. I noticed significant changes in my RA since I started taking these supplements and am very grateful to her for spearheading my lifestyle changes.
I noticed my results in the Vectra test came down significantly from “45(very high level) to 20″(normal). My ESR levels were down to 22 (Originally it was in the ’40s). I requested my rheumatologist to reduce my medication, but she was hesitant since I had previously tried to reduce the dosage, and led to me being back on steroids.
Then came the COVID19 phase. We were at home more and eating varieties of food which were not quantified at all. Even though I continued doing yoga and working out at home, my A1C levels (blood sugar levels) went up. The doctor suggested I take Metformin but I was adamant about not taking any medication for prediabetes. My cholesterol levels were also high, which forced my doctor to prescribe Statins for me, which I never took as well.
This was my turning point and I knew I would have to do something to change myself and my entire lifestyle. I was determined not to take any medications and treat myself with diet and exercise. Then I contacted Samta Deepak.
She is an: ISSA Certified Specialist in Fitness Nutrition INFS Fitness and Nutrition Consultant Gut Health Specialist Certified Thyroid Nutrition expert – American Association of Clinical Endocrinologist Certified Obesity Nutrition Science Specialist- John Hopkins.
My change started from Day 1. Samta helped me plan my day with exercise and quantified meals. She accommodated my likes and favorite things as well. She checked in on my daily list of to-do things with personal phone calls and texts. Her guidance and mentorship helped me achieve my goals and it was clear that I was on track. Last week, I went to my doctor who was very happy with my blood work. The A1C levels were 5.6 and the HDL and LDL were well within control. Overall cholesterol levels went down as well. Yes, I had cut down a few things but the results were amazing. My doctor thought I was taking Statins but she was shocked to find out I took NO medication to get the levels down. She asked me for Samta’s website and told me she was going to refer her to her patients.
Also, my RA medication went gone down from 6 to 2 tablets. I feel great, energized, and I’m eating healthy food! Having a mentor who can guide you in the right direction towards your good health is such a blessing and I feel truly blessed. I am proud that I have good friends as my mentors who have led me in the right direction.
I would also like to thank my best friend, my husband who is the most accommodating person and has stood by me all the time. He gave up things that he likes just because I could not eat them. He has been rock-solid support in my journey. Having a family who is supporting me helped me a lot. My two sons are always there for me and are giving me encouragement constantly. Today happens to be my Valentine’s day. You owe to all those who love you to be always fit and healthy. You owe it to yourself to love yourself too. For that, you need to be fit physically, mentally, and spiritually as well. Thank you Samtaji for guiding me and setting me on the right track. I am not done yet… I will continue to be on track always!
She not only guides you to eating healthy but guides to towards staying fit for life. She’s helped me with my strength training as well! She gives me a constant nudge every day and it reminds me that someone cares for me.
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This is the audio clip from me to Samta where the Dr mentions her excitement.