Chapter 2: My path to improved well-being

My health quickly took a turn for the worse after I completed a three-week cleanse at the beginning of the year.

Following the detox, I slowly returned to my usual diet, only to find that my indigestion had worsened. Seeking advice, I contacted the course instructor, who suggested that my symptoms meant I should redo the cleanse for longer, exceeding the initial recommendation of three weeks.

Initially, I was reluctant to begin anew, but after a couple of months, I was driven to address my situation. On a particular day, I consumed an Oatly Latte in the afternoon (later discovering that the oats in Oatly products may contain gluten). I had pizza for dinner, which resulted in severe stomach cramps. The discomfort was so intense that I ultimately decided to make substantial modifications to my diet to avoid experiencing such agony in the future.

Initially scheduled for early March, my appointment with a naturopath had been repeatedly delayed due to the COVID-19 curfew. Eventually, I managed to see her while embarking on a three-week cleanse. During the consultation, she validated my suspicion that I had sensitivities to gluten and dairy, providing me with a detailed dietary guideline. This information proved invaluable post-cleanse as I tried various foods to identify my tolerances.

Even though I primarily followed a healthy diet, I sometimes experienced discomfort in my stomach and side, which was concerning given the significant dietary changes I had made. I began researching the distinction between lactose intolerance and a milk allergy, as I found that I wasn't reacting well to lactose-free alternatives and was encountering additional symptoms such as oral thrush, acne, and itchy skin following dairy consumption.

Additionally, I discovered that following a healthier diet made me more aware of how certain foods negatively affected me. Despite reducing my intake of dairy and gluten, I continued to experience indigestion. In August, I decided to consult a doctor. Unfortunately, the appointment was disappointing, as the doctor appeared to dismiss my concerns and did not take my descriptions seriously, prompting me to quickly leave the office.

In September, I decided to join a gym. I enlisted the help of a trainer to create a program for me. Still, I struggled to complete the first session without feeling as though I might faint if I kept exercising (a recurring issue for me during physical activity, despite ensuring I eat beforehand). Seeking advice, I spoke to my sister, who is a nurse, and she agreed that this was not normal, advising me to reach out to my GP.

I am fortunate to have a wonderful family doctor who is pleasant to talk to and highly knowledgeable. She clarified that my sluggishness at the gym was likely due to my low blood pressure and confirmed my suspicion that I may be dealing with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). She recommended a different diet, specifically the FODMAP diet, for managing IBS symptoms. Additionally, she scheduled a blood test for me on Monday. She arranged for allergy testing with an allergist in November and a gynaecologist appointment in February to check for ovarian cysts.

About five years ago, I began experiencing symptoms, and it has taken me a considerable amount of time and effort to identify the issue and determine how to address it. I regret not addressing it sooner, but my reluctance to change my diet and routine delayed my progress. Additionally, my symptoms had to progress and worsen before I was willing to take action. However, I finally feel like I have a plan that could significantly improve my overall health.