I popped open my CD player and gently wiggled my beloved Coolio CD out of it’s plastic “parental advisory” stickered case, and slid it into the player. As the music started playing I turned on the treadmill and began walking, then jogging, then full blast running. The dark cool basement at our farmhouse created an ambiance that only a farm girl could appreciate. The stench of old potatoes from the pile in the potato room mixed with my sweaty workout shoes left a lot to be desired, but once in a while you’d catch a whiff of the Love Spell body spray coming from my bedroom.
Oh the nostalgia.
I was 14 and it was an escape that became almost addictive. Exercise and physical health became a deep passion that I chased and dug deep at learning more and more about. As I entered college I shifted from an Art major to Personal Training until Finance and it’s enticement of a lucrative paycheck took over. But, that passion has never died and fitness has remained a constant in my life since.
A decade ago I started focusing on cleaner eating. Organic fruits and vegetables became staples in our home as did slowly eliminating processed foods. Yet, I continued to feel like I wasn’t truly understanding how my own individual body was or wasn’t working to it’s ultimate capacity. So, when I was ready financially and mentally, I asked a dear friend for a referral to her Naturopath Physician, and my life changed dramatically.
This is not an all encompassing list of how my life has changed, nor does it share everything else I changed to achieve these results. My daily consumption of local fresh greens, fruits, vegetables and limited protein & processed carbs was essential to these results.
I no longer have eczema
When my Naturopath revealed that I have a fruit & sugar intolerance (meaning I should not consumer fruit + sugar within a 6 hour window of each other, because my body cannot digest both at once) it sounded a little wacky to me. However, it made sense, because I drank a glass of wine every night and had the worst eczema…so I started thinking maybe that was the culprit? And, it was.
It took me a couple years to fully commit to the 6 hour separation of fruit and sugar consumption, because it was much harder than I thought it would be. I started by prioritizing fruit in the morning for breakfast and then allowing myself a little sugary snack late afternoon or after dinner that evening.
Once I took that step and became comfortable with that for a few years, I ended up cutting out almost all processed sugar in general. Anyone who knows me, knows this is absolute insanity. I used to LOVE gas stations because I could grab a bag of gas station candy – or in my world any and everything SWEETTARTS! And now, I can’t even stand the thought of them.
I no longer have a thyroid disease
I have always struggled with insulin issues due to having Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, but I had no how much that would play into my health. I used to compartmentalize – thinking PCOS was only regarding my woman reproductive issues – but when you start to look at the body as a functioning machine, everything works together.
Diagnosed with Hashimotos didn’t do much for me, other than tell me I had further insulin issues. But, I loved candy and all things sweet! Who doesn’t!? I knew processed sugars were bad for me, but I was a young mom who had limited things for me and oh man, my candy was one thing I looked forward to.
But, when you start to focus on your body functioning as a whole system and taking care of it as such, it starts to heal itself. Once I eliminated processed sugars I started feeling better, so I became even more motivated to continue the change. That, in turn, allowed my body to function at an ideal capacity and heal itself and no longer have a thyroid disease.
I no longer need daily medication for PCOS
When I was diagnosed with PCOS as a 14 year old our family practice doctor immediately put me on synthetic progesterone. It took care of the cyst pain I would otherwise have every month and would encourage a “natural period”. I didn’t know any better.
I remained on that medication for 20 years. Yes, 20 years. It’s nauseating to think about. But, when you know better you do better.
So, my Naturopath and I came up with an alternative plan. We started supplementing the pills with a natural progesterone cream. Then, when I was ready, I stopped the medication. The first month was difficult but after that, it’s been a smooth ride. I drip a few drops of cream on my forearms every morning and have a predictable period, no cyst pain, and since I switched to the FlexCup I also have NO CRAMPS!
I no Longer have gut issues.
Dairy had never been something that sat well in my belly, but I continued to have it. Until one day I decided no, I’m going to commit to no dairy in my coffee, no ice cream and see how I feel, and if I feel better I’ll take it a little more serious.
Of course, eliminating just a small portion of dairy had a drastic effect on me.
I had been consuming very little dairy for years, when I finally saw my Naturopath for the first time. She conducted the food intolerance check on our first visit and we identified my primary intolerance was in fact dairy.
Again, it took me another year to fully commit to the no dairy diet. Once I did, my gut issues completely disappeared and inflammation within my face and belly disappeared as well.
I have no inflammation issues
Did you know the root of all disease is inflammation? You take care of that, and your health will be in its prime.
I never knew I was dealing with inflammation until I started working with my Naturopath. The symptoms I was having were all due to inflammation in my body. Once I was able to identify my individual body’s intolerances, irritations and what it needed for optimal health, the inflammation disappeared.
Looking at pictures from years ago when I was consuming intolerances, to pictures now, you can notice the difference. I feel better, look healthier and my doctor recently told me “I hope you’re saving your pennies, because you’re going to live forever.
And isn’t that what we all want; a longer, healthier and happier life?
Always in love,
2 Replies to “5 shocking ways a Naturopath changed my life.”
What a great article!! Naturopaths are so amazing!! Thank you for sharing such a positive message
Naturopaths are incredible! Holistic health is such an important approach.