My health went to hell. Here’s how I healed.

Growing up, I was an active, healthy, and happy kid.

Fast forward to my early twenties, and that same drive and energy were channeled into overworking, late nights, and the social habits that often come with early adulthood. I was constantly in motion, working, creating, striving, but my body was quietly running on fumes. Eventually, the stress I had normalized seeped into every area of my life, eroding my physical and emotional health.

I developed TMJ, a painful dysfunction of the jaw joint, from clenching and grinding my teeth at night. Chronic lack of sleep further weakened my immune system. The combination of relentless stress, processed foods, and frequent drinking created an environment my body simply could no longer tolerate.

At just 22, I was diagnosed with Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), a serious condition that wreaks havoc on digestion and nutrient absorption.

Here’s what happens with SIBO: bacteria that are normally confined to other parts of the digestive tract migrate into the small intestine, where they ferment food before it can be properly broken down and absorbed. The result isn’t just discomfort it’s a cascade of debilitating symptoms. Daily life became a cycle of severe bloating, abdominal pain, fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, and inflammation. Over time, SIBO can lead to profound malnutrition because the bacteria consume nutrients your body needs to maintain muscle mass, bone density, and organ function.

In my case, the bacterial overgrowth contributed to such extreme and relentless bloating that it tore the muscles in my abdominal wall a condition called diastasis recti. This separation of the abdominal muscles is most commonly seen in pregnancy, but in my situation, it was the direct result of the internal pressure and inflammation SIBO caused. It left me in chronic pain and searching desperately for answers no one seemed to have.

I spent years in and out of doctors’ offices, trying medication after medication, hoping someone could help me reclaim my health. I wondered more times than I can count: Is this just how my life is going to be?

This is the part of my story where things began to change.

I met Mary Ann, a practitioner who introduced me to colon hydrotherapy, nutritional support, and the power of listening to my own body. Healing didn’t happen overnight. It took more than two years of steady commitment, self-education, and the often uncomfortable process of letting go of habits that no longer served me.

During this time, I also began following the teachings of Medical Medium, whose insights into nutrition and healing resonated with me deeply. I started drinking celery juice every morning on an empty stomach to help support digestion and reduce inflammation. I added lemon juice with a pinch of healthy salt to my morning routine to gently support hydration and mineral balance. I took up hot yoga, which became a way to sweat out toxins, calm my nervous system, and reconnect with my body in a more compassionate way.

Today, I continue my colon hydrotherapy treatments at Verde Wellness by Christina in Kenmore, where Christina’s approach and care have become an important part of my ongoing healing.

Through this journey, I learned more about my health—and about the resilience I didn’t know I had.

My intention for this blog is to share the knowledge I wish I’d had at 22: the information that ultimately transformed my life and allowed me to become a healthier, happier, stronger version of myself.

I’m still growing, still learning, and still finding new ways to live in balance. While I recognize that every body is different, I hope that sharing my experience will inspire you to explore the full spectrum of therapeutic options that natural and integrative medicine can offer.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. The purpose of this information is simply to share what has helped my body heal. If you believe you have SIBO or any of the symptoms I’ve described, please consult with a trusted practitioner to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.