Inward Vitality

Introduction: From as early as I can remember, I have always cared deeply about food. However, not for the right reasons. My relationship with it was far from healthy. I would spend hours meticulously counting calories and restricting my intake, all in the pursuit of an idealized body image. I believed that by controlling what I ate, I could control how I felt about myself. This led to a cycle of bingeing to then starving myself, all while convincing myself I was leading a healthy lifestyle. Despite my unhealthy behaviors, I was very active and dedicated to maintaining my physique. I would meal prep diligently, hit the gym five times a week, following any trend and fad diet that came my way. Yet, as I ventured into adulthood, my body began to rebel against these restrictive habits I had imposed upon it. Chronic acid reflux became a constant companion, tormenting me after every meal. Painful bloating, midnight vomiting, irregular periods, hormonal imbalances, and extreme fatigue became my daily struggles. For being young, “fit and healthy” I was extremely tired. Surviving on 2 naps and 3 cups of coffee a day. It was a cruel irony that I, who had always preached about health and helping others, had neglected my own well-being. In pursuit of my career as a nurse, I stumbled upon functional medicine by chance. It all started with mindless scrolling on Tik tok, as most obsessions tend to originate from these days. It was like a light bulb moment, igniting a spark of curiosity within me. I dove headfirst into the world of functional medicine, devouring research articles and immersing myself in the science of nutrition. I realized that there was so much more to health than what I had been taught. I discovered the importance of the microbiome, our unique bio individuality, and the profound impact that food has on our bodies. Armed with this newfound knowledge and obsession, I became my own experiment. I used myself as a canvas to explore the power of functional medicine and nutrition. I understood that true healing comes from within, and I was determined to heal myself. And you know what? It worked. Through nourishing my body with the right foods, addressing underlying imbalances, and adopting a holistic approach to wellness, I experienced a level of well-being that I had never known before. This transformative journey not only healed my body but also set my soul on fire. It sparked a deep passion within me to share my journey with others. To guide them towards their own path of healing. I couldn't help but reflect on my experiences in traditional healthcare, witnessing countless individuals suffering without answers or temporary fixes that only masked their symptoms. I realized that there had to be a better way, a more holistic approach to health. My goal is to empower my clients to gain a deeper understanding of their own bodies and discover the factors that contribute to their health issues. I am here to support those who feel like they've exhausted all options and are seeking answers for their health. While doctors play a crucial role, their busy schedules often limit the opportunity for a comprehensive exploration of a person's microbiome. I aim to provide an alternative approach, offering a fresh perspective and new possibilities. While I hold immense respect for doctors and the benefits of Western medicine, I believe that there is a missing piece in the current healthcare system. And I believe even the best of the best would agree with me. We need to prioritize prevention, root-cause analysis, and empowering individuals to take control of their own health.