Originally posted by Dr. Davis on 2015-07-17
on the Wheat Belly Blog, sourced from and currently found at: Infinite Health Blog.
PCM forum Index of WB Blog articles.

Marilyn conquers Zoloft and depression

Marilyn shared her wonderful story of success in reversing decades of depression and anxiety, ridding herself of a prescription antidepressant, while also enjoying reduced joint pain and losing weight effortlessly:

It is my birthday and I have decided to celebrate by writing my story:

“It has been one year since my journey on Wheat Belly. I have changed my lifestyle and will never go back to my old one. I love all the healthy changes in my life. I am not going to begin my story a year ago, but 19 years ago.

“I quit smoking 19 years ago and with that I began to substitute Jujubes and jelly beans for cigarettes. I had always loved sweet things and I now realize that I had an addiction to sugar. Even as a child I would spend my allowance on candy, desserts, and put extra sugar on my cereal so that I could eat the sugared milk that was left at the bottom of the bowl.

“As the months went on and I struggled with nicotine withdrawal, I comforted myself with candy. My husband would bring me a bag of jellybeans to make me feel better. I  struggled with depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. Finally, I went to the doctor. She put me on Zoloft 100 mg. She said it was a chemical imbalance and Zoloft would correct it. And it did. I felt better, but continued to love sugar. If I felt like I was spiraling down, I would go to my doctor and the dose of Zoloft would increase. It became a cycle. I would feel down and comfort myself with nacho chips and candy. Eventually I was taking Zoloft 200 mg. My husband told me that I lived in la-la land. I was now at the stage that I would have to go on another anti-depressant, as I had hit the maximum dosage for Zoloft.

“My family decided for me that I should see a naturopath, which I did. I was told that sugar was the worst thing for depression and that I needed to wean myself down to a lower Zoloft dosage. That was several years ago. I did cut back on sugar ALOT, but did not read all food labels and was still consuming some. I was now on Zoloft 50mg. Things we’re looking better for me.

“Now to one year ago…

“I was at an all-time low at the beginning of last summer. My depression was very disturbing, as I had suicidal thoughts. It’s sad to me when I think of the weddings I have missed, the gatherings I would refuse to go to because of the anxiety that I would feel. The thought of groups of people terrified me at times. Throughout my depression I had to fake happiness so much. I was so tired of doing that and found myself sitting in a dark place from which I saw no way out.

“I did not want to increase my Zoloft so began to search the internet for some alternatives. I noticed that a friend of mine had been mentioning “Wheat Belly.” She was very happy with the results. I read and thought about this lifestyle change for over a month. I decided August 1, 2014 to make this much needed change. I bought the Wheat Belly book and the cookbook.

“I was pleasantly surprised that it was a very easy transition. Once I removed the wheat, carbs, and sugar, I had no cravings for them. I read all labels and am enjoying healthy eating. My pantry is empty! My husband opened the cupboard for crackers and I just laughed. He found a new home for my pots and pans. I will admit that meal planning and cooking all the time was an adjustment for me. I was one who would make a quick pasta meal, order pizza or grab take-out on a regular basis. I gave up gum chewing, which I did daily. The one thing that I am hanging onto is a daily diet drink. I know I need to give that up, and will eventually.

“After one month, I noticed that I did not have the pain in my knees that I suffered with for many years. I actually wore knee braces prescribed by my doctor to help with the pain. I stopped wearing them, going to a small elastic support for my one damaged knee from a skiing accident. I love that I can now walk up and down stairs, make the step of the curb without grunting and sleep without moaning about the pain of my knees. The inflammation of my joints is gone. This also allowed me to sleep better.

“Next thing I noticed was weight loss. In the first 4 months, I lost 25 pounds. I was very happy about that. Before, I was constantly on a diet. I had success with Weight Watchers, but would fall back to my old ways and gain the weight back plus more. It is such a relief to me to never have to diet again. It is a word that I have removed from my vocabulary. I would like to lose a few more pounds, but I know in time with exercise it will come off.

“Over time, I noticed that I was feeling better mentally. I was happy within and with no anxiety, panic feelings, or suicidal thoughts. After checking with my doctor, I went to taking my Zoloft every other day. I used to panic if I didn’t take it in the morning and by lunch I would have a tingling in my lips that would remind me to take it. Then I went to forgetting to take it and now I have been off Zoloft for 8 weeks. I am feeling great and have not had any tingling in my lips.

“The other amazing thing is I am no longer a nail biter. I have been all my life. It has been a habit that I could not break. I now have no desire at all to continue to bite!

“And, finally, I am happy to say that I have influenced many people to change to a healthier lifestyle. After seeing my results, some of my family members have followed suit. Friends have watched my changes and are cutting out wheat and sugar.

The Wheat Belly lifestyle has changed me forever. I am a happier, healthier 62 year old that does not have to fake happiness anymore.

Wonderful story, isn’t it? Marilyn no longer has to “fake happiness.” I share stories like Marilyn’s in the hopes that people see themselves in these stories and take action, not having to struggle through nearly 20 years of suffering first. There are millions of Marilyn’s out there, being told that they’ve had bad luck, bad genes, or are paying the price of poor eating, and that drugs or procedures are the only solution.

Through all this, I hope you are beginning to appreciate just how powerful this lifestyle can be. It provides a way to be free of so many health conditions, be free of dependence on a deeply-flawed healthcare system, and feel and look wonderful.

Oh, and happy birthday, Marilyn!