Better health starts with asking the right questions. By paying attention to the medicines we take, the foods we eat, and how we supplement our diet, we can make meaningful improvements. My story may inspire you to ask those questions—and take charge of your health.
My Health Story – The Background
In a six-month period, my health took a dramatic turn:
- Pericarditis requiring emergency surgery via a delicate pericardial window
- Double pneumonia and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
- Early stages of organ failure
- Another round of pericarditis with extreme joint pain, resulting in hospitalization
Doctors tested for everything—from cancer to lupus to HIV—with no answers. A rheumatologist suspected Crohn’s disease, an autoimmune disorder of the bowel, and prescribed an immunosuppressant as a preventive measure.
I wasn’t convinced.
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A Lifetime of Symptoms
Growing up, I was athletic and generally healthy, except for allergies.
- Allergist visits revealed extreme reactions to multiple allergens.
- A movable growth was discovered near my thyroid in high school, later identified as a thyroglossal duct cyst and surgically removed.
- Sensitivity to cold and heart palpitations became recurring issues.
- I eventually developed severe gastrointestinal reactions to dairy, later identified as lactose intolerance.
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My Search for Better Health
Just before my child was born, I started seeing a chiropractor, Dr. Aletha Chappelear, for joint pain. After pericarditis and joint issues subsided, I increased visits for ongoing relief.
One day, I mentioned the immunosuppressant prescribed for Crohn’s disease. Dr. Chappelear advised:
“Your body is not inflamed for no reason. Check your diet. You are an intelligent person—do your research before blindly taking something so powerful.”
Patients take immunosuppressive drugs after transplants to avoid organ rejection. I realized the importance of understanding why my body was inflamed.
Elimination Diet – The First Step
I researched the Autoimmune Protocol Diet (AIP) and began an elimination diet:
- Eliminated grains, rice, wheat, dairy, soy, eggs, nuts, and refined sugar
- Ate simple, repetitive meals
- Treated food as fuel, not satisfaction
Within one week, my symptoms calmed. Within a month:
- I stopped all 8 medications previously prescribed
- Lost 20 pounds over six months
- Joint pain significantly decreased
Sleep remained elusive, but progress was evident.
A Chance Discovery
A patient with an autoimmune condition introduced me to a supplement called Ion* Biome (Restore4Life). Initial skepticism gave way to curiosity after seeing the positive effects on her health.
- I tried it but initially stopped when I noticed no immediate changes.
- Later, I connected improvements in my body to this supplement and its support for gut health.
How I Began to Make the Link
Western medicine treats symptoms, but rarely investigates root causes. I didn’t want temporary symptom relief—I wanted to understand why a healthy 30-something could be so ill.
With gut health optimization, diet, and the Restore4Life supplement, I began seeing long-term improvements.
Diet Changes That Really Improved My Health
- Exposure to gluten no longer caused severe reactions
- Gut microbiome optimization became my focus
- Recognized that 70% of the immune system resides in the gut
- Childhood allergies, thyroid issues, anxiety, sleep problems, and autoimmune flare-ups were all linked to immune dysregulation
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Better Health – The Way Forward
This story is not medical advice. It’s a guide to taking control of your health using curiosity, knowledge, and research.
- My background as a dental hygienist provided anatomy and physiology knowledge, giving me insight into inflammation and immune response.
- Doctors often treated symptoms, missing the underlying connections.
- Focusing on diet, supplements, rest, and stress reduction allowed me to live medicine-free, despite occasional flare-ups.
Understanding “Why” Leads to Better Health
I now manage my autoimmune condition with:
- The Autoimmune Protocol diet
- Digestive supplements
- Adequate rest and stress management
Symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, GI distress, and brain fog still occur occasionally. Yet I can now live a relatively normal life with stable blood work and no medications.
Applying the Lessons Learned
Western medicine often addresses symptoms, not causes. My daughter recently faced extreme vitamin D deficiency. Doctors explained it as “something that can happen to dark-skinned people.”
- I refused to accept this answer.
- Understanding the why behind deficiencies can guide interventions and prevent long-term health issues.
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