From pain to progress: How one patient found relief by shifting toward plant-based eating

A real-life story, science-backed solutions, and simple steps to help you get started

Meet Danny (Name Changed): A Common Story with an Uncommon Solution

Danny, a middle-aged man in his late 40s, walked into my clinic feeling frustrated and defeated. He had battled repeated episodes of gout—painful, swollen joints and kidney stones caused by rising uric acid levels. On several occasions, he'd committed to a popular ketogenic diet, hoping to regain control of his glucose, cholesterol and blood pressure.

Initially, the results looked promising—his glucose readings dipped, and blood pressure improved. But over time, the high-meat, low-carb meals became unsustainable. His health markers started to reverse. The weight crept back, energy dropped, cholesterol kept rising and the gout flared again—worse than before.

He asked me, almost with guilt, “Is there a way I can still eat better... just with simpler steps? More fiber, more plants, maybe?”

My answer (Chhaya Makhija, MD): Absolutely, yes.

Why Shifting Toward Plant-Based Matters

Rise Rafferty - registered dietitian at Unified Endocrine explains: One major culprit in high-protein, meat-heavy diets is something called AGEs—Advanced Glycation End Products.

These are harmful compounds formed when animal proteins are grilled, roasted, fried, or barbecued. They accumulate in the body and can worsen inflammation, insulin resistance, and chronic conditions like gout, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Reducing AGEs and incorporating more plant-based, whole foods into your routine can lower inflammation, improve metabolic markers, and even reduce flare-ups from conditions like gout.

Start Simple: One Meal at a Time

You don’t need to become vegan overnight. You don’t need to give up everything you love. What you need is sustainability—habits that nourish your body without making you feel deprived or overwhelmed.

Let’s start with your plate.

🌞 Step 1: Switch Up Your Breakfast

Begin the day with fiber and nutrients that work for you, not against you. Try:

• Scrambled tofu or “Just Eggs” with sautéed veggies

• Avocado toast with seeds and a side of fruit

• Overnight oats with chia, berries, and a dash of cinnamon

• Tofu bacon or baked tempeh for a savory twist

🥗 Step 2: Rethink Your Lunch

Try plant-based swaps that don’t compromise on satisfaction:

• Lentil or chickpea patties

• Portobello mushroom burger (basted with a smoky, tangy glaze—my tofu bacon recipe works wonders!)

• Large colorful salads with beans, grains, nuts, and seeds

• Grain bowls with hummus, avocado, roasted veggies, and greens
  

🍄 Step 3: Use Mushrooms as Meat Replacements

Mushrooms are not only low-carb and nutrient-dense—they’re also incredibly meaty.

• Portobellos make amazing burger patties when baked or grilled with the right marinade.
  

• Oyster mushrooms shred beautifully and can mimic pulled chicken or beef.
  

🛒 Step 4: Keep Some Transitional Options Handy

• Gardein™ and MorningStar™ make plant-based sausages, burgers, and nuggets that can help you bridge the gap when you’re short on time or craving something familiar.
  

The Power of Fiber & Plants: What Ramesh Discovered

We created a sustainable plan for Danny. He didn’t overhaul everything overnight. Instead, he committed to replacing just one meal per day with a plant-forward option.
Within 6 weeks:

• His energy improved.

• Gout flares decreased.

• His glucose and blood pressure stabilized.

• He felt back in control.

• LDL reduced by 30 points
  

More importantly, he stopped feeling like a failure. He saw that small, realistic changes could lead to big, lasting transformation.

Ready to Take the First Step?

We are here to support you in making these transitions at your own pace—with guidance grounded in science and compassion.
Book a one-on-one consultation to explore your personalized health plan and hormonal care. We have group coaching for lifestyle interventions:
👉 www.unifiedendocrinecare.com

Together, let’s move from frustration to freedom—one plant-powered step at a time. 🌱

Serving Across the Bay Area & Central California

Dr. Makhija serves patients in Lafayette, California, and offers care throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, including Walnut Creek, Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, Palo Alto, and San Jose. Her personalized approach includes both in-person visits and telemedicine options.

Whether you're managing symptoms of perimenopause or unsure if you should transition off birth control, her hormone-focused care can guide you with clarity and compassion.

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Your health isn’t something to put off. It’s the foundation for everything you do.

Let’s begin your transformation.

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Visit us in the East Bay

Our medical office is conveniently located in Lafayette, California, a beautiful and serene suburb in the East Bay. Known for its scenic Lafayette Reservoir, top-rated schools, and charming downtown with boutique cafes and restaurants, Lafayette offers a peaceful escape from the hustle of the Bay Area—making it the perfect setting to reset your health.

Just a short drive away, Walnut Creek combines natural beauty with vibrant city life. Home to world-class shopping, excellent dining, and the expansive open spaces of Mount Diablo State Park, Walnut Creek also serves as a major healthcare and business hub for professionals in Contra Costa County.

Whether you're in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Palo Alto, or Walnut Creek, accessing world-class endocrine care has never been easier.