Sasha Clements Instagram – It’s easy to forget our progress! I documented my entire flare up just so I’d have references to look back on and i’m so happy I did! I couldn’t fit this ring on for almost a year (I tried every day). ⁠ ⁠ This week has presented some tough challenges and even though my fingers are still sore and I can see where I’m still swollen, I’m beyond grateful for the reminder that there has been improvement!🙏🏼⁠ ⁠ A little background- I was diagnosed with RA over 10 years ago. Was treated with Methotrexate and went into “remission”. Meaning my swelling and severe pain went down but I never really got better. I was still achy & sore. Had major brain fog & exhaustion to the point Corbin made me test for narcolepsy. I was always dealing with inflammation/ infections. I was constantly breaking out into rashes and hives and would be on Prednisone multiple times a year. So I was in “remission” but I wasn’t thriving – I was surviving. ⁠ ⁠ When I flared up again I was once again diagnosed with RA – then Lupus – then they added Lyme. With more testing we found I had high levels of mercury & lead, high toxic exposure, activated EBV, major vitamin deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and mitochondrial dysfunction. ⁠ ⁠ I’ve been on a few different meds all with their lovely side effects🙄 Some have helped but I didn’t want to repeat the same pattern of just putting this bandaid on the pain. So here are some other things that have helped immensely!⁠ ⁠ -Working with a functional medicine doctor & getting testing done though them. Finding a mentor to guide me. I eat ZERO processed food, sugar, gluten, dairy, legumes, nuts, caffeine. I cook all of my food at home. I’ve tried many diets – AIP, low salicylate, carnivore, paleo, vegan, pescatarian and I found the trick is to just create your own diet prescription- your body knows what it needs. I take a rainbow of supplements, upped my water intake, practice gratitude, meditation, food combining, hot & cold therapy (sauna & cold showers), fasting, breath work, stretching, exercise, juicing, a wind down routine, & get good sleep.⁠ ⁠ It’s a lot and wasn’t achieved overnight but each layer you add will only get you closer to healing ❤️⁠ ⁠