Small Changes Can Make You Feel Better: Real Stories from People Who Got Healthier

We recently asked our community the following question:  What changes have you made that have positively impacted your disease management?


Let's look at some suggestions from four members of our AiAthritis community who found ways to feel better. 

Saying Goodbye to Certain Foods


Turning Pain into Strength

Going gluten free has decreased my inflammation & fatigue sooooo much.


Some people found out that not eating foods with gluten (a thing found in bread and pasta) helped them feel better. Their body didn't hurt as much, and they had more energy. Not everyone needs to stop eating gluten, but for some people, it makes a big difference!


Eating Good Fats


Michael Guadalupe

DIET, DIET, DIET. Look up Omega 6 fats. This is a game changer.


What you eat is super important! Some fats are really good for your body, like the ones in fish and nuts. When people eat more of these good fats, they often feel much better. It's like giving your body the right fuel to run well.


Dealing with Stress


Cynthia Cole Hart

Reduced my stress.


Being stressed out can make you feel worse when you're sick. Many people found that doing calm things like deep breathing or quiet time helped them feel better. It's like giving your mind a mini-vacation!


Exercise That Works


A special kind of exercise called Pilates has helped lots of people. It's not like running or playing sports - it's gentle movements that help your body get stronger. People who do Pilates say they:


  • Feel stronger
  • Can move better
  • Are happier
  • Have better balance


What We Learned


The most important thing to remember is that getting better takes time. What helps one person might not help another. It's like finding the right key for a lock - you might need to try a few different things.

Work with your doctor to find what's best for you. The good news is that there are lots of ways to feel better! Even small changes, like eating different foods or doing calm exercises, can help you feel much better over time.


Remember: Every little step you take to get healthier counts. You don't have to make big changes all at once. Start small, and keep going!


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