A Vegan Success Story- A Journey from Diabetes to Vitalit

Kim Jarchow

Kim Jarchow growing up on the standard American diet, her health took a toll once she left home. Despite adopting a mostly vegetarian diet, heavy on dairy and processed foods, her cholesterol soared over 200, and her A1C hinted at pre-diabetes. As her 40's unfolded, she gained 40 pounds, attributing it to postmenopausal changes and ageing.

Exploring a Low-Carb Approach

In 2019, a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis prompted a low-carb, high-protein diet, following the Atkins approach with meat and prepackaged foods. Concerns heightened when a routine eye exam revealed cholesterol clumps, leading to a carotid artery scan that unveiled a 60% blockage on the left side of her face, eye, and brain. Fearing medication, she sought a better solution.

Embracing the Power of Plants

Discovering Caldwell Esselstyn, MD's book "How to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease," she swiftly adopted a whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) diet, eliminating oil. Remarkably, in just five weeks, her total cholesterol plummeted from 290 to 230. Within six months, it further dropped to 184, and my A1C fell from 7.1 to 5.9—all without medication. Shedding 36 pounds was an additional bonus.

Thriving Five Years Later

Five years into her WFPB journey, she maintain healthy cholesterol levels and have reversed Type 2 diabetes. At 55, I've never felt better. Inspired by this transformation, she became certified in plant-based nutrition and cooking, driven to empower others with the healing potential of WFPB living. Grateful for lifestyle medicine, she's on a mission to share her story and educate others about its transformative impact on chronic diseases.

FAQs related to the inspiring journey shared in the article:

1. Q: How did the transition to a whole-food, plant-based (WFPB) diet impact cholesterol levels and diabetes?

• A: Adopting a WFPB diet led to remarkable improvements. Total cholesterol dropped significantly, from 290 to 184, and Type 2 diabetes reversed, with the A1C falling from 7.1 to 5.9—all achieved without medication.

2. Q: What prompted the shift to a WFPB diet after a low-carb approach?

   • A: Concerns about cholesterol clumps and a 60% clogged artery led to a search for a better solution. The discovery of Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn's book inspired the switch to a WFPB diet, yielding swift and positive results.
   
   

3. Q: Were medications recommended for managing cholesterol and diabetes before the dietary change?

   • A: Yes, the doctor suggested statins for cholesterol and metformin for diabetes. However, the individual opted for a WFPB diet and witnessed significant improvements in health, avoiding the need for medication.

   
   

4. Q: How long did it take to see noticeable changes after adopting the WFPB diet?

   • A: Within just five weeks, significant changes were observed. Total cholesterol dropped by 60 points, and over six months, it further decreased, along with a substantial weight loss of 36 pounds.

   
   

5. Q: What motivated the individual to become certified in plant-based nutrition and cooking?

   • A: The transformative journey inspired a desire to empower others. Becoming certified in plant-based nutrition and cooking became a means to share the benefits of a WFPB lifestyle and advocate for the power of lifestyle medicine.
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   These FAQs provide insights into the individual's health journey, the effectiveness of a WFPB diet, and the personal motivation to help others achieve similar transformations.

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