My Health Journey: From Struggles to Sparkle

Well, where to begin?

The past four years have been a whirlwind of health struggles that impacted my body, mind, and spirit. I battled hair loss, skin conditions, weight gain, and an inability to shed those extra pounds. 

For me, these issues were more than just physical; they took a serious toll on my mental health. When I started losing my hair and watching the scale change, I knew something was wrong.

I turned to doctors for answers. Basic labs—CBC, CMP, Vitamin D—came back “normal,” and I was brushed off with the classic “It’s all normal; no need to repeat these tests for a year.” But the struggles persisted. I visited six different doctors at my health clinic, each time hearing the same thing: “Everything looks normal.” The doctors didn’t offer solutions, and none took the time to dig deeper into the root causes. 

I lost half of my hair, dealt with severe cystic acne, and watched my body change in ways I couldn’t understand. I was told to simply lose weight and was questioned about my diet and exercise—despite doing everything right. My weight became a focal point for them, and instead of feeling heard, I felt dismissed. 

Frustrated, I started looking beyond conventional medicine. I began exploring my lifestyle and nutrition, trying to make sense of the bigger picture. After years of trial and error, I found some relief, but it was temporary. I realized there was something deeper at play. This journey led me to change my career path to Integrative Health, as I knew from my time in western medicine that it wasn’t the whole picture. I saw so many patients stuck in a cycle of medications without understanding the root causes of their conditions. That’s when I realized I needed to advocate for myself—not only for my own health but also to help others who felt as helpless as I did.

Through this journey, I’ve learned that everything we see on the outside is deeply connected to what’s happening inside. Healing isn’t just about treating symptoms—it’s about understanding and addressing the root causes. In this process, I worked with health practitioners who took the time to listen and support me in ways I never experienced before. They guided me through small but sustainable changes to my nutrition and lifestyle, helping me reconnect with my body and my health goals.

Although I’m still navigating health challenges, I’ve started to reclaim my sparkle. The journey continues, but I’ve already seen some incredible improvements. I’ve gained more clarity about what’s affecting my body and have taken steps to manage those underlying issues. The road ahead still has its ups and downs, but with the right support, knowledge, and mindset, I feel more hopeful than ever.

I want to share this with you because I know how isolating health struggles can feel. It can be easy to feel like no one understands or that your concerns aren’t valid. But know this: You are not alone. There are answers, there are people who care, and there are pathways to healing. My hope is that by sharing my story, you’ll feel empowered to take control of your health too.

We are all on a unique journey, and even though our healthcare system isn’t perfect, there are solutions. I’m committed to continuing this journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth. You can find your way too. Don’t give up—there is always hope, and there is always a way forward.