After countless visits to doctors with little relief, I decided it was time to take matters into my own hands—and my plate. I dove headfirst into the research that shows our gut can be a huge disruptor in trauma healing, wondering if the state of my digestive system might be behind my constant brain fog, anxiety, and overall not-feeling-great vibe.
My journey began with a bit of detective work. I found an allergen test on Amazon, recommended by a podcast all about healing the gut. I took the test, and when the results came in, I was absolutely floored by the number of foods I was allergic to or sensitive to. It was a wake-up call that I couldn’t ignore. I prayed to God for the strength to make these changes—especially since living in middle America, where a Whole Foods is about an hour away and clean ingredients cost twice what I was used to paying, isn’t exactly a walk in the park.
Determined to change my health trajectory, I took a leap of faith and began a strict diet overhaul. The first items to go? Gluten and dairy—which, let’s be honest, was no small feat for someone who adores pizza and anything Italian. I went cold turkey on these staples and committed to the Whole30 diet to reset my gut and learn healthier eating habits. Sure, there were moments of withdrawal and cravings (if anyone tells you otherwise, they’re definitely lying), but after about 14 days, the cravings subsided and I started noticing a shift.
As I continued down this path, I became a bit of a label-reading, ingredient-detecting detective. I discovered the shocking amount of chemicals and additives in everyday foods—a true eye-opener that made me wonder how we’re all slowly being poisoned by what we eat! Soon enough, I found myself not just following a diet, but actually learning how to cook with intention. I began incorporating new ingredients and trusted brands into my meals, gradually transitioning to a more Paleo-style lifestyle. Today, I live gluten-free, limit grains most days, enjoy just a touch of sugar in my morning coffee, and have permanently bid farewell to dairy.
The benefits of these changes weren’t immediate miracles, but they were undeniable. My bloating vanished almost overnight, my thoughts grew clearer, and I started feeling more energized each day. Even though it’s been a five-year journey, I can honestly say that adjusting my diet was a huge leap toward feeling better. Navigating dining out in middle America still poses its challenges, but I’ve learned the art of ordering meals without butter, requesting allergy menus, and sometimes, simply opting for a hearty salad.
Through every twist and turn of this journey, my reliance on God has been my guiding light. In those moments when I felt utterly lost, His strength and wisdom led me to the resources, podcasts, and people that helped reshape my health. I continue to pray daily for guidance in my food choices and in every decision I make on this healing path. It’s been a wild ride—full of setbacks, small victories, and even a bit of humor (because sometimes you just have to laugh when your cravings for a cheesy slice of pizza threaten to overwhelm you).
If you’re on a similar journey, feeling the weight of life’s challenges and the pain of unhealed trauma, know that every small step toward change counts. Embrace the process, trust your gut (both literally and figuratively), and lean into the guidance of God. Your journey is unique, and even when it feels like you have nothing to lose, remember that every positive change builds the foundation for a healthier, happier life.
Stay encouraged, keep laughing, and trust that with faith, determination, and a few healthy tweaks to your diet, transformation is not only possible—it’s waiting just around the corner.