A Journey to healing.
As I sit here and finally put pen to paper, a genuine sigh of relief escapes me. Writing this blog post has been a journey in itself, with numerous false starts and hesitations. Those who know me well are aware of my love for thorough research and seeking answers before sharing my experiences. Over the past year, one question has consistently emerged both online and in-person: my health journey. While there may have been little physical change, the internal transformation has been profound. I have often spoken about my quest to reduce inflammation within my body, a pursuit that originated from my ongoing battle with chronic back pain and the desire to uncover its root cause. As someone dedicated to low-toxicity living and intentional living, my health journey became the next crucial step in aligning my lifestyle with my values.
Quick Link Health Posts-
The Genetic Mutation I never knew I had- Read here. Calm and Scent- Read here. Gut health and healing-Read here. Mindfulness and Anxiety- Read here Supplements, feel good from the inside out- Read here.
I share this story because we all have our own narratives to tell. My hope is that it resonates with someone out there, providing support, inspiration, or the strength to seek the help they need. Remember, you are not alone, and your journey towards healing is worth every effort. While my own health journey is far from complete, I write with transparency, acknowledging that there are no quick fixes. Just like most things in life, achieving results requires consistency, hard work, and belief. It’s called a journey for a reason, so let’s try to embrace and appreciate every step along the way. By being willing to learn, grow, and stretch ourselves, we can continue to evolve in positive and transformative ways.
Allow me to share some background information. For years, I have endured recurring herniated disc extrusion and chronic back pain. I do have scoliosis, however I attributed the ongoing pain to an injury I sustained at 14 years old while horse riding. During a cross- country event, my horse and I misjudged a fence, resulting in him landing on top of me. The accident left me with a broken coccyx (tailbone), extensive trauma to the sacroiliac joints, three broken ribs, two cracked ribs, and a strained trapezius. It was a painful and challenging time, but I refused to let it deter me from my passion for horse riding. If anything, it fuelled my determination to overcome obstacles and conquer higher fences. That’s the fiery and resilient person I am – always pushing forward until circumstances force me to slow down.
Over the decades, my back would give way whenever I experienced stress, anxiety, exhaustion, or even the simplest physical tasks like unloading the dishwasher. It felt as though everything came to a sudden halt with the snap of my fingers. I would find myself confined to the sofa for a week, waiting for the spasms to subside. Countless doctor visits and X-rays revealed no visible issues, except for the repetitive advice to strengthen the muscles around my core. I diligently followed this advice, but the spasms persisted. I explored alternative treatments such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal remedies, and patiently waited for the pain and inflammation to diminish. While these approaches provided temporary relief, I soon found myself falling back into my old habits – a fast-paced, busy mum of two young children, neglecting the needs of my body and back.
It was September 2021, on a Sunday afternoon, when I reached my breaking point. Lying on the floor, unable to tend to my crying two-year-old son, I realised that enough was enough. I knew deep down that there had to be a more significant reason behind my ongoing struggle than just my old injury.
When I was around 17 years old, I developed an interest in homeopathic alternatives and a whole-body approach to health. I explored various treatments over the years, including acupuncture, osteopathy, physiotherapy, Chinese herbs and more, which provided some relief but didn’t bring about a complete transformation. I realised that everyone responds differently to treatments, and what works for some may not work for others. Nonetheless, I firmly believe that trying something is better than doing nothing. Unfortunately, I hadn’t yet discovered the right path for myself, and I always prioritised something else over my own well-being. As a result, I found myself caught in a vicious cycle. My back would go into spasm, I would embark on a three-month program to alleviate the pain, feel better, stop the program, revert to old habits, and then experience another spasm. It became clear to me that neglecting my own health would eventually prevent me from taking care of my loved ones and others as well.
Deep exhale….
Aside from chronic back pain, I also struggle and have struggled with anxiety, since I was a child. Some seasons have been worse than others where it’s slipped into depression. I am grateful that mental health awareness has grown significantly today, and I want to emphasise that if you have anxiety, you are not alone friend. It has taken me time to feel comfortable sharing this aspect of my life, (even with those that know me well) and this is the first time I am opening up about it with you. Although it makes me feel vulnerable, I recognise that it is a positive step towards healing. I will likely share a more in-depth post about this another time.
Additionally, I experienced digestive issues on a daily basis. It wasn’t until 2021 that I discovered the connection between inflammation, anxiety and gut health. Certain foods, including wheat, milk, and eggs, caused bloating, nausea, indigestion, lethargy, and other symptoms of inflammation throughout my body. As a child, I instinctively avoided some of these foods (milk especially) because they made me feel unwell, but I didn’t fully understand the reasons behind it at the time.
Finally, I decided to set aside all excuses and actively seek answers once and for all. I was determined to take a holistic approach to my health, recognising the link between stress, anxiety, dietary choices, and back pain. I sought the help of an integrative and functional medicine doctor who also specialised in chiropractic, kinesiology, and NET (Neurological Emotion Technique, more on that another time). This comprehensive approach has been tremendously effective for me, and I encourage everyone to find a healthcare practitioner who works for them and not give up in their pursuit of better health.
One of the first steps I took with my doctor was addressing gut health and restoration. As the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates said, “All disease begins in the gut.” Despite considering myself a healthy person, (never enjoyed drinking sugary drinks or indulged in sweet treats, now I know why) I discovered that seemingly innocent ingredients in my diet wreaked havoc on my body and mind. Through tests, research, and working with specialists, I learned that I had a leaky gut, extreme chronic inflammation, and intolerances to dairy and gluten (non-celiac gluten sensitivity.) By cleansing my diet and eliminating dairy, gluten, and other inflammatory and processed foods, I significantly reduced gut inflammation and overall inflammation in my body (back pain!). Within a week of eliminating gluten and dairy, I experienced such relief in my stomach and health that I couldn’t help but cry tears of joy. It was a mix of feeling defeated after spending 30 years unaware of the cause of my discomfort and grateful for finally finding answers. (note, it can actually take up to 8 months for gluten to leave your body, the fact I felt a difference in a week just reiterates to me how much my body disliked it) Throughout my journey of restoring gut health, I worked closely with a team of functional medicine doctors and followed the guidance in Dr. Mark Hyman book,The Pegan Diet which focuses on a personalised, nutrient-rich, plant-based approach. The Pegan Diet, a food is medicine approach, Dr Mark Hyman explains how to take the best aspects of the paleo diet (good fats, limited refined carbs, limited sugar) and combine them with the vegan diet (lots and lots of fresh, healthy veggies) to create a delicious diet that is not only good for your brain and your body, but also good for the planet.
When I learned that 75% of our immune system is located in the gut, I was absolutely amazed. You might think your stomach is fine and you don’t have any digestive issues, but the incredible thing about our gut is that even without apparent problems, we can still experience symptoms related to gut inflammation. These symptoms can manifest as a weakened immune system, brain fog, joint pain, emotional instability, skin issues, and much more. If you have any suspicions about your gut health, I highly, highly recommend working with an Integrative Medicine/Functional Medicine practitioner, dietitian or Doctor you trust to explore the possibility of an elimination diet and address your gut health concerns.
One major discovery for me was learning that I have a MTFHR genetic mutation. The MTHFR gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), which helps convert folic acid into methyl-folate, an essential nutrient for various bodily processes. Methylation, a key biochemical process, is vital for DNA repair, controlling homocysteine levels, detoxification, maintaining mood, managing inflammation, and more. Carrying two copies of the MTHFR gene c.665CT variant (homozygous) can significantly impact methylation (loss of function 70-85%) and increase the risk of conditions such as osteoporosis, diabetes, cervical dysplasia, chronic pain, cancer, depression, dementia, autoimmune disorders, fertility issues, behavioural disorders, and more. I found this video helpful. Unfortunately I carry two copies of the MTHFR gene c.665CT variant (homozygous)
Do my kids have the genetic mutation too? Yes, they each carry one copy and are heterozygous.
The good news is that this gene mutation can be positively influenced through diet, lifestyle adjustments, and supplements. Luckily, my natural lifestyle aligned with the recommendations, so I didn’t have to make too many drastic changes.
To support proper methylation, it’s essential to ensure optimal levels of B vitamins. Without enough B vitamins, methylation can falter, leading to catastrophic results. I also take an array of supplements and liquid vitamins including magnesium and Glutathione. Additionally, avoiding synthetic folic acid found in fortified products and processed foods, reducing exposure to toxins, managing stress levels, and enhancing gut health through diet and supplementation are crucial steps. Repairing and optimising the digestive system, treating yeast infections, and maintaining a food diary to identify potential triggers are recommended. This is something I implement daily. Regular exercise, spending time in nature, mindfulness and meditation to lower stress and histamine levels, detoxification through Epsom salt baths, cold water therapy, and infrared saunas are also beneficial. (Now you know my secret to why I upped my game in cold water therapy!)
Understanding the connection between gut health, methylation, and my back pain and anxiety has been enlightening. Inflammation can be driven by gut health and methylation, highlighting the interconnectedness of the body and brain.
Here are a few podcasts and articles I found very helpful.
What is a leaky gut and how can you treat it?
The top causes of leaky gut and how to fix them with Dr Elroy Vojdani-
While my health journey is still a work in progress friends, (over the last month more questions have been answered) discovering the MTHFR mutation and improving my gut health have provided tremendous relief and overall well- being. A huge relief. MTHFR is not the only thing that leads to these health concerns I have. MTHFR is just one gene, so I have learnt to treat it as one of the puzzle pieces that make up my health. Maintaining a low-inflammatory, nutrient-dense diet, taking necessary supplements, regular check-ups for hormone, histamine, and vitamin levels, limiting exposure to toxins, exercising, and incorporating detoxification practices have made a significant difference! A few more things… sleep, rest, water and being kind to myself. It’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to health, and each persons journey will be unique. And I understand that embarking on a health journey can feel overwhelming, especially when dealing with pain and frustration. But starting somewhere is better than nothing at all, you are worth healing.
I am currently reading ‘DIRTY GENES’ by Dr. Ben Lynch, which explores regaining control of your genes and provides valuable insights. Remember, everyone’s journey is different, so it’s crucial to listen to your body, consult with licensed medical professionals, conduct thorough research, take one step at a time and most of all, be kind to yourself.
In closing, my heartfelt intention with this blog post has been to share my story in a way that way that it resonates with someone out there, providing support, inspiration, or the strength to seek the help they need. Remember, you are not alone, and your journey towards healing is worth every effort. If just one person finds comfort, motivation, or a sense of camaraderie through my words, I would consider this post a success!
Thank you for listening, until next time friends… x
Disclaimer: I am not a licensed medical professional, and the information provided here is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your healthcare practitioner before making any changes to your medical routine.
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