Klara Landrat is an American-Israeli actress of Polish origin, producer, writer known for her talent world wide. She is starring in the Irish TV series – “Gods & Fighting Men” due for release in 2021.
Her philanthropic work extends to India where she is actively participating in stopping abuse of women through various projects most recently in: ” Stop Women Abuse” featured in the Times magazine in India.
She had been diagnosed with endometriosis, a painful disorder while in college but has bravely through lifestyle modification has won over the battle.
She answers questions related to her journey with endometriosis raised by Namita Nayyar, President, Women Fitness
Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the inside of your uterus grows outside the uterus but continues to act as it normally would. When did you first learn (age) that you were challenged with this health issue?
I first noticed when I was in college, but at that time the cyst would disappear on its own. That was about 8 years ago.
Early and late symptoms that bothered you and affected your work routine?
I the early stages of endometriosis I noticed the unbearably painful menstruation cycles. It was so agonizing that I had to stay in bed for 2 days and could hardly sit up not to mention walking. i spent those days in horizontal position in bed. I was pretty much immobilized. Since I didn’t at first know the source of pain I ended up in the emergency room few times at the Cedar’s Sinai hospital in LA and that confirmed utterly that it was indeed endometriosis.
The saddest part of it all the painkillers wouldn’t work so I had to endure all of it. Luckily since I’m an actress and producer I can work around my schedule and when I’m on set I would do it only in between my periods. Now I don’t have pain which really makes a tremendous difference. I think there should be some kind of governmental active support for working women because this is truly a handicapped situation we have to endure as women and not every one of us has the luxury of working from home or making our own schedule.
Diet & Lifestyle guidance you received and followed to handle the situation?
When I was diagnosed, I did not even know what endometriosis was. After doing much needed research and talking to my doctor I have changed my habits and began taking the contraceptives continuously to bring my cysts down. They were almost 10 cm kissing cysts. After a few months, the cysts have almost disappeared. In addition,
I became an avid runner and I work out almost every day.
Also, the healthy diet made an incredibly positive impact on my life.
Did you undergo surgery, if yes which one and has it affected your present work routine?
Not yet. I am a bit sceptical about it as I heard the ovaries could be damaged. I will consider it if the size of the cyst would be enlarged again.
I recommend planning it out especially if you’re planning to have children as once your ovaries are damaged you might end up with no eggs.
Pain Management therapy you opted for and did help you feel better?
For the past five years I haven’t experienced any pain even during menstruation. I am currently not on the contraceptive pill for more than 4 years. I would also recommend no THS CBD Oil for pain management and stress relief as it’s far more beneficial than over the counter pain killers.
Food to Avoid? Does it really work.
- I try to avoid all the soy products altogether as it triggers the estrogen levels and over all I eat extremely healthy.
- I love vegetables so I add that to all my meals especially dark green leafy ones.
- I don’t eat refined sugar products, fat or any foods that contain hormones. I suggest eating organic as it is the safest way to go if you have this condition.
- I do not drink soda’s or juices unless they are cold pressed and fresh. I think when you really balance your diet it can only help. Adding anti-inflammatory super foods such as curcumin root, ginger and super foods helped me tremendously.
I can only say that all the changes contributed positively to my wellbeing and also to endometriosis. This lifestyle change imbues the positivity and wellbeing for all endometriosis patients.
Can you elaborate on your workout routine? Time, days’week and strength training routine?
I usually get up at 7 am and have my lemon water – I simply put two slices of lemon and squeeze some into my glass. afterwards I do a 5 minute yoga stretching.
I have a cup of coffee or green tea and make myself a lovely Almond milk smoothie with blueberries, raspberries and a banana with a spoon of flax seeds.
I wait half an hour before I hit the treadmill or run outside. a great alternative for me during my painful times was a green juice I would make which consisted of celery, cucumber, green bell pepper, and some spinach.
I also added ginger root and pinch of curcumin powder and lemon juice. For the curcumin I also added a touch of black pepper and a drop of cold pressed organic olive oil which helps with the absorption of turmeric into your own body and doesn’t just flush it out.
Usually its about 3- 5km depending on the weather and how I feel that day.
afterwards i do 30s intervals of planks, spider planks, dolphin stand, push ups and crunches- that’s about 20 minutes and a few dumbbells to tone my biceps ( 2kg).I alternate frequently so I don’t do the same exercises every day. For example:
- 30 s crunches, reverse crunches, elbow plank, knee to elbow, flutter kicks, V- ups, toe- taps and side planks, Russian twist, leg raises.
- For the lower body i do:Bridges, one leg raises, hip lifts, donkey kicks, leg circles squats , sumo squats, lunges.
- For the upper body:Triceps dips, punches, pushups, dolphin stand, chest extensions, shoulder taps, side arm planks, superman. Except for the bicep lifts i don’t use any weights. I do like however the exercise ball and some times resistance band.
Afterwards I do some yoga stretching for about 5 minutes and I’m ready to start a day.
I stay hydrated and drink almost a gallon of water throughout the day. for the summer I would recommend taking electrolytes as well as we tend to overheat.
Tips you follow for hormonal balance, presently. Please elaborate if you are on any medication.
Now I’m not on any medication, but I used to take Progesterone only contraceptives during the time when my cysts have been large.
Message for females out there who suffer from endometriosis.
I think the most important thing is to learn how to live with it. To learn and observe your body, to see what works as it is very individual.
I highly recommend doing sports as it significantly reduces the abdominal pain as well as adopting a healthy diet, avoiding processed foods and eating organic if possible. Also trying to reduce stress levels whether it’s yoga, meditation or doing what makes you happy.
Since it’s a chronic disease you can only try if nothing else works, I would suggest surgery.
Most of all a positive mindset is the key.
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