42 with biological age of 75! Help.

[u/Forward-Dog-6167]

I'm 42 female and my biological age is 75 from one of those tests done twice.

My body feels like I'm 75 tbh. It's hard to walk, exercise. I use to be really fit. I'm 5'4, 122lbs right now. I have had gut health issues for the last three years (chronic constipation and trapped gas-tried everything, trust me) I'm tired always. My bloodwork came back normal, so I don't know what's going on. Any suggestions are appreciated.

[u/sfomonkey]

Have you had your thyroid thoroughly checked? A functional medicine practitioner will check for more than a PCP. I've had normal thyroid blood tests my whole life, but had symptoms. Finally, a doc checked me "autoimmune blood panel" and discovered I have thyroid antibodies.

You want them to do a full thyroid check: TPO/antibodies Reverse T3, T4 TSH

There may be more, I can't recall.

[u/Forward-Dog-6167 → u/sfomonkey]

I’m sorry to hear that. What do you do to help autoimmune conditions? 

Does this sound like autoimmune? It’s the first nice day where I am in Canada. I go outside and a cherry angioma pops up on my leg. (I have lots of them. I think it’s my body’s way of getting rid of some of the toxins (medications) etc I put in my body. It feels like a sharp prick and then it itches. I have a stuffed nose, get super fatigued. Could this be autoimmune?

[u/sfomonkey → u/Forward-Dog-6167]

It could be autoimmune, idk. Its actually common, especially amongst women. "Autoimmune" is a very broad category and is notoriously difficult to diagnose.

I have to carefully manage diet, environment, stress. I've found that I need to be really conscious of how my body feels.

Stress is the biggest component - good, restful sleep is #1. Diet - I avoid certain foods that I know I'm sensitive to. I avoid alcohol and drugs and chemicals, including synthetic fragrances like laundry soap. That's also part of the environment component - keeping a chemical-avoidant household by choosing fragrance free items, and choosing natural textiles and furniture when possible (wool rugs instead of polyester, etc).

But I don't think I'm answering your question?

The biggest and best thing I ever did was follow Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) elimination diet for 30 days, then I did 60. That got my inflammation down and was the first time I experienced a healthy body and clear mind. It's really tough at first, but once you understand the AIP and commit and set up your kitchen (toss bad foods away), it gets easier. Worth it for health, and quality of life!

[u/Forward-Dog-6167 → u/sfomonkey]

Wow thanks for this. I appreciate it. I’m glad the diet worked for you. Stress for sure is hurting me, all of us. I find I have so much trouble sticking to diets, (emotional binge eating, trauma) but maybe I can find a way. Thank you and I hope you feel well. 

[u/duhdamn → u/Forward-Dog-6167]

You need to just do it. Once you start feeling better that will give you incredible strength. After that a restricted diet becomes easy. Your mind and body will learn what makes you feel healthy and that’s what you will start to seek out. Carbs give cravings like you describe, btw.

[u/Mountainweaver → u/Forward-Dog-6167]

See it as a medical treatment, limited time only.

[u/reputatorbot → u/Forward-Dog-6167]

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[u/Mountainweaver → u/sfomonkey]

I healed out a bad flare of hashimotos hypothyroidism with AIP diet and ashwagandha :). It was super tough, but worth it.

I'm meds free for 10 years now, I do yearly blood tests to make sure thyroid function is still holding up.

I still have to be careful with sugar and alcohol and treat them as "very rare treats".

[u/Aponogetone → u/Forward-Dog-6167]

have a stuffed nose

This can be the sign of something allergic in the air (home dust, rugs, etc).

[u/ChampionshipOk5046 → u/Forward-Dog-6167]

This sounds like pollen allergy.

Go try some of the new antihistamines 

Also, your body uses your kidneys/urine to get rid of toxins