I just wanted to share a little glimpse into my journey with poor health and IBS. I see so many of you struggling everyday and it hurts my heart. I wanted to share my story in hopes it would give some of you hope and send you on the path I took.
I have had IBS since I was four years old. I went from age 4-16 without a diagnosis. My GI Specialist performed many tests every year and the best answer he had was maybe it was the drainage from my allergies. At 16 we found me a knew doctor and within 5 minutes of the visit she told me I had IBS-d. She also told me there was no cure. It would never go away. How devastating. The best I could do was avoid spicy food, chocolate, and fried food. She told me to eat healthier, workout, and take probiotics. I also got prescription anti-diarrhea pills and that was my future.
This
affected all areas of my life! If my allergies got bad I had lots of drainage
which would flare up my IBS. I had social anxiety which would flare up my IBS.
Worrying about my IBS before social events flared up my IBS. Diary products and
Fried food flared up my IBS. I spend the first 1-2 days of my period sick and
in the bathroom(no work or school). It is all consuming and
miserable.
Anyways at about 18, I decided to try this whole being healthy thing. I had a stressful full time job and was sick as a dog. Over the next 6 years, I have never stopped learning how to be healthier. I keep educating myself. I fall backwards sometimes and fail at times. I try things that don't work but oh man have I found AMAZING relief.
I have not needed to take an anti diarrhea pill in over a year. I no longer need the most expensive highest dose of probiotics to see a result. If I get a stomach problem it lasts less than an hour and a half. But that is rare and maybe every other month.
So
what did I do? I went all out learning how to live a healthy life, which led to
learning to live a toxic free and all natural life to the best of my ability
within reason.
I
workout 5 or more times a week.(nothing crazy and less than 50 minutes a day)
I eat
healthy to the best of my ability at the time. Meaning what the budget can
afford, what I have time to prepare, and accommodating what my kids like. I did
not like it at first, but over time your taste preferences change! Here is
proof: 100% I used to only love milk chocolate but now I hate it! I can only
enjoy rich dark chocolate that is low on sugar.
I am
working to take the toxins our of my life one step at a time. It is an
expensive job to do it all at once. But I do it slowly. If you don't know
modern conveniences are taking a toll on our health. Its the reason so many of
us are sick. So I work hard to take them out for my sake and for the sake of my
children.
I
work on my mental health. IBS and stomach disease work hand in hand with mental
health. So I work hard on keeping my mind healthy.
I get into nature and get outside.
So
here are my easy tips for you and places for you to find more info!
1. Working
out! Start simple. Find a Youtube workout video, join a gym, message that
fitness person on your social media and ask for help, or just start going
outside to walk.
2. Eating
healthy is a scary place to go. So many things can go BAD for you. So let me
start with this! We are all different! Bio Individuality means no one way works
for everyone! You kind of need to start dating diets, meal plans, and nutrition
concepts to find what your body needs right now. Give it 30-60 days and if it
doesn't help move to the next one. Here is some info on that. Info On Bio Individuality
3. Toxic
Free living can be accomplished slowly. Do not tackle it all in one day. Do a
TON of research! I recommend starting with watching Down to Earth on Netflix
and applying what you can from it. Next follow Darin Olien and dive into his
website and podcast. From him you will learn of many other experts to research. Find him here.
4. Work on your mental health. Like #3 there are so many options and not all are right for you. Meds, no meds, therapy, oils, books, mediation, and so on. Find what works for you! I suggest finding a meditation app you like. Also Dr. Caroline Leaf has amazing state of the art neuroscience on healing your brain health. Find Her Here.
5. Get into nature and go outside! This is such a missing link in our daily lives and a huge reason for health problems. What can you take outside? Can you read outside, watch that movie on your Ipad outside, eat outside, or take a walk outside? Maybe start a garden or green house. And spend time barefooted in the grass, sand, or rocks. Connect back to nature and see your health change!
I
truly hope you read this with an open mind and I hope it can help and inspire you to take control
of you health! I haven't seen a GI doctor since I was 18ish. I haven't needed to. I
took control of my health. Now I see other medical professionals like
Chiropractors, Massage Therapists, Physical Therapists, and my PCP. But I am no
longer tied to a GI doctor who gave me little hope. If you have any questions or would like to know more
details about what I have done feel free to message me or post in the comments
below. I realize that since I have been blessed with help and relief in this
journey, I need to give back and help others!
