The story of my medical and health journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and transformation. Yet, these experiences shaped the empathetic and driven person I am today, equipping me with an intense desire to heal myself and help others.
The Foundation: Genetics, Environment, and IBS
It began with the deck stacked against me—genetics that predisposed me to a more reactive immune system, a less resilient gut, and stronger sensation of stress. My mother constantly allergic to everything, and my entire family struggling with gut issues and food sensitivities. Ironically, everyone just seemed to deal with it, so it was hardly addressed in a comprehensive manner, leaving little room for healing.
Growing up was a constant exposure to stress and inner conflict. Raised in a Christian household, I was instilled with core values like kindness, humility, and a sense of responsibility for the well-being of others. However, as a gay man, I wrestled with feelings of guilt and shame that were hard to reconcile with my faith. My family environment added another layer of stress as my parents often fought, and eventually divorced when I was 14, undeniably tension was a constant undercurrent. On top of it all, being different made me a target for bullying, which often had me feeling on edge at school.
Meals at home often consisted of processed foods, and were full of trans fats and chemicals. This dietary landscape combined with the constant exposure to stress left me with debilitating IBS, a very painful condition where every bowel movement feels like you are shitting glass. This was so bad, I almost got expelled because they thought I was skipping school… little did they know I was in the bathroom all day long.
Things eventually relaxed, as I moved onto college and other adventures. Lookin back, I can see how the physical pain and emotional stress heightened my empathy for others suffering in silence and sparked my curiosity about healing. Driving a passion for answers, not just for myself but for others who might be walking a similar path.
Early Adulthood: Learning Through Struggle
In my twenties, I enrolled in a nutrition masters program, eager to unravel the mysteries of the human body. While this was an empowering step, life threw me another curveball. I was exposed to black mold, an insidious toxin that compounded my health issues. The mold exposure led to severe fatigue, a diagnosis of hypogonadism, and the initiation of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). At first, I hoped TRT would restore my energy and resolve my symptoms. But the doses prescribed were too high, triggering unintended consequences.
TRT brought on episodes of binge eating, which worsened my gut health. These behaviors led to small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), as well as heightened food and supplement sensitivities. My body felt like a puzzle I couldn’t solve, and my spirit was weighed down by the constant battles. Traditional doctors had few answers, and I often left appointments feeling more frustrated than when I had arrived. However, I was fortunate to be studying nutrition at the time, and this education became my lifeline.
Facing the Dark: An Eating Disorder and Recovery
One pivotal moment during this time was seeking help through an eating disorder program. Though initially resistant, I came to see it as an invaluable experience. The program introduced me to a new way of thinking about food, teaching me about different food relationships and the power of positive psychology. I learned that my struggles weren’t about willpower but rather a web of biological, emotional, and psychological factors that needed untangling.
Through the program, I began to view my health as a spectrum, where even small changes could create ripples of improvement. I embraced the concept of self-compassion, which was revolutionary for someone who had spent so long being self-critical. This phase of recovery taught me to listen to my body’s cues and to trust that healing wasn’t about perfection but progress.
Becoming My Own Advocate
While professional help gave me tools to manage my eating patterns, the responsibility for solving my broader health issues fell squarely on my shoulders. No doctor could offer me a clear path forward, so I became my own investigator. I dug deep into the principles of functional nutrition, piecing together a plan to heal my body from the inside out.
First, I tackled my over-reliance on TRT. I gradually reduced my testosterone dose, allowing my body to find its natural rhythm. This adjustment wasn’t easy, as my energy and mood fluctuated, but it was a necessary step. Simultaneously, I overhauled my diet. I removed inflammatory foods and incorporated nutrient-dense options tailored to support my gut and immune health. Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory supplements became my allies in this journey.
Detoxification became another cornerstone of my plan. Knowing my genetics left me prone to low glutathione levels, I focused on boosting my body’s natural detox pathways. I included sulfur-free antioxidants and prioritized liver-supportive foods. Slowly but surely, my immune system began to calm down, and my gut health started to normalize. This was a painstaking process that required patience, but every small victory motivated me to keep going.
Emerging Stronger: Lessons and Purpose
By my late twenties, I reached a turning point. My testosterone levels had stabilized naturally, and my immune system was no longer in a constant state of overdrive. My gut felt resilient, allowing me to enjoy a wider variety of foods without fear of debilitating symptoms. These milestones represented not just physical healing but also emotional and spiritual growth.
Looking back, I see how my struggles shaped me. Living through the challenges of ADHD, being a gay man navigating societal expectations, and overcoming chronic health issues instilled in me a deep well of empathy. My experiences gave me a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of the body, mind, and spirit. They also fueled my desire to help others on their own journeys to health.
Today, as a nutritionist, I’ve channeled my experiences into my work. My own story reminds me daily that healing isn’t linear, and progress often comes in waves. This perspective allows me to approach my clients with compassion and patience, meeting them where they are.
Moving Forward: A Life of Purpose
Though my journey has been far from easy, it has led me to a place of purpose and fulfillment. I’ve learned to navigate the delicate balance between self-care and caring for others, understanding that my health is the foundation of everything I do. Journaling, meditating, and embracing moments of stillness have become non-negotiables in my routine, helping me maintain the clarity and energy I need to show up fully in life.
I no longer see my genetics or life circumstances as burdens but as tools for growth. They’ve taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the importance of community. By embracing my story, I’ve found peace with my past and excitement for the future. My journey continues, but today, I walk it with confidence and purpose, ready to help others discover their own paths to healing.
