One of the most important things that ballet taught me is to know my body. A ballerina knows every ache, crack, bump, and pain in her body. She knows her limits and she knows when she's exceeded them. She's in tune with her body, mind, and energy which allows them to harmonize. This deep and soulful connection that I feel with my body is something that I wish everyone could experience. The reason I say this is the most important thing ballet has taught me is because my attentiveness to my body is a major reason for my diagnosis of POTS
POTS, or Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, is a type of dysautonomia that causes involuntary bodily responses such as dizziness, fainting, heart palpitations, and brain fog to name a few. The cause of POTS varies from patient to patient and isn't entirely understood. While it happens for some after a viral infection, others find it to coincide with an underlying illness. My symptoms began shortly after I suffered from three dental infections following a wisdom tooth removal. POTS is commonly known as an "invisible illness" because it is so hard to detect as it doesn't reveal itself in blood tests or scans. Because of this, it often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
I spent a year visiting doctors explaining to them the strange myriad of symptoms I was experiencing, hoping they would find a common thread between them. Every doctor invalidated me, assuring me that my symptoms were psychosomatic. Despite constant dismissal, I continued to advocate for myself because that's what ballet taught me to do. I listened to my body. I was so persistent because I know my body and I know my body because I've spent years using it as my instrument. A ballerina's connection between her mind and body is unmatched.
After a year of trial and error, I found a doctor who assured me that my symptoms were real and I finally felt heard. While he struggled to diagnose me, he knew it was abnormal for a healthy, active, 20 year old to have such a fast heart rate and debilitating symptoms. After a year of research and searching the web, I proposed the idea of POTS to my cardiologist and he concurred. One quick test and I was diagnosed.
After my diagnosis, I spent months browsing the internet, watching documentaries, and listening to other patients who suffered from chronic illnesses. The answer was obvious and a no-brainer. After hearing a few too many success stories from chronically ill individuals who adopted a plant-based diet, I was convinced. I felt motivated and eager to take on this holistic healing approach and was determined to make it fun.
Since adopting a *mostly* plant-based diet, I feel indescribably better. I feel lighter on my feet, less fatigued, more focused, and happier. I've promised myself to prioritize my health without sacrificing delicious food which prompted me to start this blog! I aim to recreate all of the foods I loved prior to adopting a plant-based diet without compromising taste.
Whether you suffer from a related illness or not, I hope you'll find my recipes and advice valuable and enjoyable!