AUTOIMMUNE DIET

“The doctor of the future will give no medication, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.” - Thomas A. Edison (1847-1931) I think this phrase is very apt for Shonali and her work. I joined Shonali’s six-month program, and it has helped reverse the imbalances in my body, diagnosed as Rheumatoid Arthritis in the allopathic world. I met Shonali while searching for a natural way to heal my body’s imbalances. At that point, I had spent 1.5 years undergoing an incorrect treatment prescribed by an MD. I had put my trust in this doctor, who claimed to have cured her own psoriasis using high doses of Vitamin D. Things were not improving; in fact, I kept getting worse. Believing wholeheartedly in the body’s ability to heal naturally when given the right support, I discovered Shonali’s book, The Detox Diet. I researched her background, her passion for her work, and ultimately joined her six-month program—the best decision I made on my healing journey. Her training, knowledge, and years of practice were evident in every aspect of working with her, making it the best investment I have made in myself. As a Jain, I believed I was disciplined and mindful about what I ate, but she changed the way I look at food and eating-helping me understand which food groups work for me and which do not. Now, I have the tools to make better choices for my meals and snacks. She had an almost intuitive understanding of my gut health. Whenever I experienced discomfort or noticed changes in my tongue, she immediately identified the food group responsible and explained that my gut was not yet ready for it. My symptoms would then subside accordingly. She has immense patience and always took the time to listen to me-sometimes, that’s all one needs. Even at 10 p.m., on the eve of Diwali, or at the very end of the year, when most people are on leave, she was there. She has always been forthright and honest, giving me clarity at every step of my healing journey. Her empathy is unparalleled; she shared stories of her other patients, which helped ease my mental burden in so many ways. She truly introduced me to Ayurveda. Her unique fusion of Ayurveda and Macrobiotics transformed my healing experience. Within a week of starting Ayurvedic medicines (with the support of an Ayurvedic Vaidya), my symptoms significantly reduced, reinforcing my belief in the path I had chosen with Shonali. Over six months, all my test results improved, and I was on the road to recovery. She also brings her deep foundation in Vipassana meditation into her consultations. This helped me shift my mindset from anxiety to recovery. She would often say, “Our thoughts are like clouds, and you are the sky. Thoughts will come and go, but the sky remains. We just need to be an observer.” Learning to observe my thoughts, feelings, and inner dialogue—even during discomfort-was a significant takeaway from my time with her. It became an essential part of my healing process. She taught me that all emotions are legitimate and sacred and that suppressing them is dangerous. She helped me see how certain mental patterns and personality traits contribute to our physical condition. Through food and its energies, she guided me to become an observer of my reality and thoughts, letting go of worries about the past or future and staying present in the moment. This was a truly holistic approach. For someone as science-driven as me, this opened a whole new world. I incorporated many of her suggestions-nature walks, journaling, cooking, pranayama, sound healing, to name a few. Talking to Shonali every 10 days was incredibly grounding. Her ‘presence’ is her greatest gift. I am so thankful to have found such a kind, compassionate, and nonjudgmental nutritionist.” - Client wishes to remain anonymous.

My heartfelt gratitude to Shonali mam: her guidance in diet and her positive talks made me physically and emotionally strong enough to become a second-time mother. I was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition rheumatoid arthritis when my firstborn was 7 months old. I suffered a lot from this. I consulted many doctors in allopathy, ayurveda, and naturopathy but nothing helped much. Finally, I consulted with a holistic health coach who was able to get my condition under control but with a lot of supplements close to 15 -20 supplements a day. I was on these supplements for close to 4 years. I always had a wish to have a second baby, my health coach said 'No' the reason given was due to my medical condition and we accepted this. I had an unplanned pregnancy and the health coach supported my decision to continue the pregnancy but after 3 months I had preeclampsia and my health coach suggested I abort due to complications and we adhered to this. I always felt my life was supported by supplements and not natural foods and I had lost the courage to try anything new. Finally, I found Shonali through a mutual friend; she treated my father-in-law for insomnia with only natural food and fermentation. After seeing the results, I was encouraged to go under her. After consulting Shonali mam, my quality of life improved exponentially, I felt very energetic and my physical strength improved a lot. I again, had an unplanned pregnancy and Shonali mam gave us the courage to continue the pregnancy. She cleared all our doubts and myths that we had about my pregnancy and childbirth. Now we are blessed with a healthy baby boy who is 5 months old, and I had a wonderful and healthy pregnancy journey. I followed the post-delivery diet given by Shonali, and I was able to maintain my autoimmune condition without any flare-ups. Thank you, Shonali for gifting me motherhood for the second time.

“I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune) and I knew my erratic lifestyle with sleeping late and travelling did not allow me to keep healthy. I already had a thyroid condition, but being diagnosed with RA left me shocked. I first tried homeopathy, but it did not show much result, I then went on to Ayurveda at a 7- star place; however, that too did not show any results. Finally, when I met Shonali, she started me on her diet and tried to establish regular lifestyle habits. She did not allow me to travel for a whole year, and got me to meet the doctor she works with – combining Ayurveda and her diet. In 8 months my doctors declared that I had been miss-diagnosed, and I was one step away from a lethal drug called methotrexate, can you believe this story? I hope this testimonial inspires you to approach Shonali for any ailment you may have. She is the only answer to handling such difficult diseases with her approach.”

I have had issues with my gut and immunity in general for the longest time. I remember crying everyday before going to school because my stomach would hurt and I would feel so uneasy. I have also always been a highly anxious person. In my life of 25 years, I have had innumerable hospital visits, one surgery, PCOD, thyroid, autoimmune issues, IBS, many viral fevers and allergies. It was a rare virus attack last year that accounted for two months of – fever, headaches and pains and leading to an autoimmune issue surfacing after 3 months that jolted me. I had no other choice but to make changes to my life. I was never an unhealthy eater by any means but when I started consulting Shonali I got the right order and choice of foods for myself. It’s been a month of following the diet and I feel much fitter, my gut feels good, my autoimmune symptoms are better, and I have more energy during the day.