about

Archer Atkins is a naturopathic medical student at Bastyr University, located outside of Seattle, WA.
Archerfriendly is a word I coined in college to describe my restricted diet. It was much easier to say that I ate “archerfriendly” than to say that I did not eat gluten, soy, dairy, corn, white sugar, vinegar, alcohol, mango, cashews, all natural sweeteners (not including stevia), and artificial sweeteners. This word, archerfriendly, came to life for me because it gave me something fun to say other than the long list of what I could no longer eat.
The actual birth of the word ‘archerfriendly’ came when I was suffering from an excruciatingly painful and debilitating bladder disease called Interstitial Cystitis. The first diet restrictions I ever had in this journey to health were from the generic list given on the IC Network. The list looks a lot prettier these days than when I had my paws on it! The long list was difficult to memorize, so I resorted to carrying this sheet of paper with me everywhere I went.
Today, archerfriendly is the word I use to describe my naturopathic approach to living gluten, dairy, soy, corn, mango, cashew, and white sugar free. My diet has changed over the years and I have finally pinned down the foods that aggravate my health. It feels great to know your enemy! As a disclaimer, my site could switch gears on some foods if my diet ever changes again. I need to make space for that.
Food is not the only thing that has changed my health. Following the naturopathic principles has brought me to a new level of healing. Looking at the whole picture of my health made me realize the great need I had for emotional and spiritual healing. The food restrictions alone were not enough to bring me whole health. I needed a whole approach, a naturopathic approach, one that addressed all of me. And that is what naturopathic medicine did for me.
I am currently healed from interstitial cystitis. I thank Jesus for this, as He has been the ultimate Healer in this crazy healing process. With Him, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).
Join me as I share archerfriendly recipes, discuss naturopathic philosophy, and talk about practical ways to pursue whole, natural health.

