My journey towards reclaiming my health began as a tale of two contrasting chapters. In the first chapter, I reveled in a life filled with hard work, long hours, ER calls, and the joys of being a dedicated mother. My healthy genes and lifestyle choices were a source of pride, and I embraced life to the fullest. However, approximately nine years ago, my narrative took an unexpected turn.

The second chapter unfolded with the sudden onset of Acne and Fatigue while working long hours in my practice and rounding at the Hospital, which prompted a visit to a Dermatologist. I followed their recommendation of a several weeks course of oral antibiotics to combat the Acne problem. Little did I know that this would mark the start of a bewildering decline in my health. Each passing day brought a new and baffling symptom: loss of appetite, insomnia, peculiar allergies, fatigue, and a profound lack of focus that made me feel as if I had developed ADD. My zest for life waned, replaced by joint pain and swelling, hair thinning, and overwhelming tiredness.

Despite undergoing thyroid function tests and many more conventional labs that yielded normal results, I found myself trapped in a medical puzzle with no apparent solution. I consulted Rheumatologists, Gastroenterologists, and various Neurologists, each offering different diagnoses and prescriptions. Medications, including sleep aids, potent anti-rheumatic agents, corticosteroids, and more, failed to alleviate my suffering.

It was only when I recognized that my symptoms stemmed from a biological imbalance—an upheaval of my natural hormones and chemicals—that I began to glimpse the path to healing. Frustrated with conventional medicine’s limited answers, I embarked on a journey into the realms of Functional and Integrative medicine, seeking the least invasive treatments with minimal side effects to restore my well-being.

Months of diligent effort, extensive testing, and exploration were required to uncover the truth. I was contending with an autoimmune disease where my body produced antibodies against its own tissues. Years of stress, unhealthy eating habits, and exposure to environmental toxins had taken their toll, exacerbated by repeated rounds of antibiotics prescribed for my cystic acne. These antibiotics had damaged the delicate lining of my gut and annihilated its beneficial bacteria, causing my immune system to turn against me.

Additionally, I uncovered strong food allergies, including dairy and gluten, which exacerbated my condition. To regain my health, I delved into the healing potential of nutrient-rich foods and dietary modifications. I overhauled my diet, bidding farewell to gluten, dairy, chemicals, and processed foods. Alongside dietary changes, I employed supplements to rebuild my health, restore my energy, and quell the inflammation in my gut.

My story is a testament to the resilience of the human body and the power of knowledge and determination. Through the transformative journey of self-discovery and holistic healing, I have not only reclaimed my health but also found a newfound purpose in guiding others on their own paths to wellness.