Introduction
Welcome to Savor Health and Wellness and to my first ever blog post! I'm so glad you're here. I'm thinking you're visiting this site because you are dealing with some sort of health issue or nagging symptoms. You most likely have been on an endless search for answers and relief from those mysterious, unrelenting health issues. I hear you! I was once in your shoes. For years, I experienced the frustration of chronic health issues, both as a patient and as a registered nurse within the conventional medical system. I'm here to tell you, there is hope and possibility when it comes to the roadblocks when managing health.
My Frustration With the Current Medical System
I sought care from some of my medical colleagues, searching for answers for ongoing fatigue, body aches, bloating and abdominal pain after meals. After a string of tests- blood work, ultrasounds, gastric emptying studies, breath tests, endoscopies, biopsies - I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, gastroparesis and vitamin deficiencies. Some of my symptoms improved slightly with the addition of thyroid medication and vitamins. My gut issues, however, remained unrelenting and I just wanted to feel better.
A Turning Point: Discovering Naturopathic Medicine
Frustrated and unsure of what else to do, a friend recommended I see a naturopath. I had never explored holistic medicine. I had no idea what to expect. Desperate for relief, I was open to any suggestion.
That first visit with the naturopath was unlike anything I had experienced in healthcare before - not as a patient, nor as a provider. She spent more than an hour with me, meticulously reviewing my health history, lifestyle and emotional well-being. For the first time in my journey for answers to my health issues, and in my practice as a RN, I felt truly seen and heard. THIS is what true HEALTH CARE looked like. I literally burst into tears in her office.
Needless to say, in the weeks and months to follow as I worked with this amazing doctor my health began to shift for the better. My bloat and abdominal pain disappeared, my energy returned. Changing my diet and really tuning in to how nutrition, sleep and stress affected my body was so empowering! As a nurse, why didn't I know about the power of nutrition or the real impact of life style on health and well-being? Why weren't these interventions, which provided immense relief, recommended by any of the conventional medical providers?
The Power Of Holistic Medicine
These questions ignited a passion within me to explore and share the possibilities of a more holistic approach to health. Through personal experimentation, I discovered something. Eliminating ultra-processed foods, gluten, refined sugar and some dairy products significantly reduced my bloating, abdominal pain, fatigue and many other random symptoms I had been feeling. Conversely, a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense, plant-based foods restored my energy. It also calmed my digestive system. For instance, replacing my usual bagel for breakfast with eggs and vegetables provided sustained energy.
This newfound knowledge gave me hope. I delved deeper into this world of holistic healing. I found inspiring medical philosophies in Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr. Steven Gundry.
Their work in functional medicine and gut health further solidified my belief in the power of food as medicine. In fact, over 2000 years ago Hippocrates, considered the father of modern medicine stated, "Our food should be our medicine and our medicine should be our food". This further fueled an intense desire to learn more and to share this knowledge with those who struggle with their health as I had.
Functional Nutrition: My Path to Whole Person Healing
Today, I am a certified Functional Nutrition Counselor. I completed a 10 month program with the Functional Nutrition Alliance. This program, and its founder, Andrea Nakayama, aligned with my beliefs. I believe in high-quality, individualized care with a focus on addressing the root causes of health issues. Functional nutrition asks WHY, and works to understand what's going on in the body causing someone to feel unwell. We consider the complex, interconnectedness of body systems. We also consider the profound influence of nutrition, lifestyle and environmental factors on our body's functioning, resulting in the expression of optimal health or symptoms and disease.
Throughout this journey, I realized healing takes a holistic approach. We are complex beings. Conventional medicine provides critically important, life-saving modalities. However, it oftentimes provides care in relation to a symptom or a body part. It does not always treat the entire individual.
My healing journey continues to evolve. It has taken time and development of self-awareness. I have discovered that turning inward and listening to my body's signals provides valuable information and direction. Working on all parts of myself collectively is what brings balance. I've learned that perfection is unrealistic. Self-compassion is key, and progress comes from taking small, consistent steps. As I approach my sixtieth birthday, I can honestly say that I feel physically and emotionally strong, vibrant and resilient. I feel gratitude for the process and am confident that this journey has helped me gain agency over my health and well-being.
Your Journey to Wellness Starts Now
This is my wish for you. I strongly believe every individual has the ability to bring harmony and balance to their body. There are options for improving the quality of your life.
Let's partner to see what's possible for you. Schedule a discovery call today!
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