Healing Leaky Gut: My Personal Journey with Naturopathy and Elimination Diet
A Personal Journey to Wellness
When I first began noticing that something wasn’t quite right with my health, I had no idea that the root cause of all my symptoms might be something as elusive as a leaky gut. Over the course of several years, I experienced a variety of unsettling symptoms, from digestive discomfort to skin flare-ups and fatigue. At first, I brushed it off as stress or just the normal ups and downs of life. But as time went on, the issues only worsened, and I knew it was time to get serious about finding answers.
The Diagnosis Journey
After doing some research and finding a naturopath who specialized in gut health and hormones, I decided to book an initial consultation. I wanted someone who could take a holistic approach and really dive into my symptoms, rather than just masking them with medications. During our first session, we went through my medical history in detail, and I shared everything I’d been experiencing over the past three years.
Right away, my naturopath started to share her thoughts on what could be going on. She suggested a comprehensive testing approach to help us uncover the root cause. I was both anxious and hopeful at the prospect of getting some clarity. We decided on two main tests: a stool sample (to be done on two different days and times) and a hormonal panel. These tests would give us the concrete data we needed to get to the bottom of my health issues.
The Lab Results: The Good, the Bad, and the Unexpected
When I received the results, they were both eye-opening and, to be honest, a bit overwhelming. The lab work confirmed what she had suspected—leaky gut. It also revealed food intolerance reactions to eggs and gluten. Honestly, I wasn’t surprised, but it still stung. After all, it was one thing to have a gut issue that you didn’t quite understand, but seeing it confirmed on paper was another reality altogether.
At the same time, I felt a sense of relief. For the first time in years, I had an explanation for all my symptoms. The road to recovery might not be easy, but at least I had answers. The results also showed that I had very low progesterone levels, which explained some of my other symptoms—depression, painful periods, and hair loss. It was a lot to take in, but it felt like a puzzle coming together.
The Treatment Plan: A Holistic Approach to Healing
Once we reviewed the lab results, my naturopath and I discussed a treatment plan. It was extensive, but it was also tailored specifically to my needs. I had to commit to a few key supplements and lifestyle changes to help heal my gut and balance my hormones.
Here’s a breakdown of my treatment plan:
Supplements:
Colon Lecithin: 1 tablet, 3x a day to help heal my gut.
Zeolite: 2 tablets, 3x a day to help detoxify my body.
Probiotics: A broad-spectrum probiotic every morning for at least six months.
Herbal Tincture: To help fight off any potential parasites that might be contributing to my gut issues.
Elimination Diet: Here’s where it got tough. I had to cut out eggs and gluten. If you’ve done an elimination diet, you know how hard it can be—especially when these foods are in so many things!
Hormonal Support: To address my progesterone imbalance, I was recommended wild yam cream, plus focusing on reducing stress (easier said than done, right?).
Healing Is a Journey, Not a Quick Fix
Healing from leaky gut and balancing hormones is not an overnight process. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. There were days when I felt frustrated and discouraged, especially when I craved foods that I couldn’t eat due to my elimination diet. But as time went on, I started to notice significant improvements. My digestive symptoms eased up, my skin cleared, and my energy levels began to return. Slowly but surely, I was regaining control over my health.
Final Thoughts:
One of the biggest lessons I learned throughout this journey is that healing is individual. What works for one person might not work for another. That’s why I highly recommend seeing a naturopath if you're experiencing unexplained symptoms and conventional medicine isn’t providing answers. Naturopaths take a holistic approach and consider all aspects of your health—your gut, your hormones, your diet, and your lifestyle. They can help you create a personalized plan that aligns with your body’s needs & get to the root cause of your health issues.
Remember, your health journey is yours alone—but with the right support, healing is possible.
