My Gut Health Journey & Looking for the Sneaky Signs Something’s Wrong
I went to Bali in January 2020, a trip of a lifetime. I had an amazing time exploring the monkey forest, waterfalls, beaches, hiking trails, and local food. Until it wasn’t…
I distinctly remember visiting a quiet café on the beach and ordering a beautiful, refreshing smoothie bowl. Hours later, my GI system went into full attack mode with symptoms I had never experienced before. Little did I know, that would be the start of a four-year-long journey with gut health issues.
Just a few weeks later, I started PT school in mid-January 2020. I saw my primary care doctor because ever since Bali, my digestion wasn’t the same — constant bloating and irregular bowel patterns. I explained everything, but he brushed it off with a “You look fine.” Deep down, I knew something was off. But starting an intense doctoral program meant I didn’t have time to push back. So, I swept it under the rug.
Over the next couple of years, I developed symptoms I couldn’t ignore: facial puffiness, acne, brain fog, coughing, weight gain, intense sugar cravings, fatigue, chronic neck pain, joint stiffness, and persistent GI issues. It felt like my body was revolting against me.
Despite my busy schedule, I kept trying to find answers. Eventually, a medical doctor referred me to a GI specialist. I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy — both came back “normal.” Supposedly, I was fine. But I felt anything but fine. Frustrated, I got a follow-up call from my GI doctor suggesting I might have microscopic colitis — an autoimmune condition. I was shocked. My system hadn’t been functioning well, but an autoimmune disease?
I immediately dove into research. Microscopic colitis typically occurs in women over 40, often with a history of smoking, alcohol use, or certain medications (NSAIDs, PPIs, antidepressants) — none of which applied to me. I didn’t feel like the diagnosis fit, and more importantly, the GI doctor gave me no clear direction on what to do next. I was left with more questions than answers.
After graduating from DPT school, I finally had the bandwidth to prioritize my health. I started working with a functional dietitian, desperate for relief, since almost any food triggered symptoms. She recommended advanced testing — a comprehensive GI panel that analyzed over 170 species of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites, microbial balance, pathogens, and gut permeability.
I was skeptical, having already done so many tests with no clear results. But she assured me that if something was there, this test would find it.
And it did.
I tested positive for Entamoeba histolytica, an aggressive parasite likely contracted in Bali. It had been silently wreaking havoc on my gut microbiome and entire system. It wasn’t an autoimmune disease — it was a parasite! The ripple effect was massive: impaired digestion, immune dysfunction, hormone disruption, and chronic inflammation. I was floored. After years of being dismissed, someone had finally connected the dots.
That’s when true healing began.
Over the next 6–9 months, we tackled the root cause. We treated the parasite, rebuilt my depleted microbiome, and removed inflammatory triggers. I started implementing targeted supplements, anti-inflammatory foods, and nourishing meals. I also returned to strength training, outdoor walks, sun exposure, and doing things that brought me joy.
And slowly, I got my life back.
For the first time in years, I had no gut symptoms. My skin cleared up, I lost stubborn weight, and I felt like the healthiest version of myself. I became so passionate about food and wellness that I’ll never return to the way I used to eat or live.
This gut health journey changed everything for me. It reshaped how I think about nutrition, movement, and lifestyle. I now help clients navigate their own healing journeys, especially those suffering silently. We talk about symptoms, nutrition, goals, and I integrate hands-on physical therapy, including visceral manipulation and nervous system work, to support gut healing from the outside in.
My Biggest Takeaways:
Listen to your body — even if doctors or friends say “you’re fine.”
Advocate for yourself and seek second opinions if your concerns are dismissed.
Food is fuel — if you feel off, something internal may be going on.
Travel smart — especially to developing countries. Bring gut support and research food safety before you go.
If you’re dealing with persistent symptoms, know that healing is possible. Trust your gut, literally.
Gut Health Self-Assessment: Is Your Gut Trying to Tell You Something?
Gut imbalances can show up in more ways than just stomach pain or bloating. Take this short quiz to see if your symptoms may be linked to your gut.
Check all that apply:
Digestive Symptoms
☐ Bloating after meals
☐ Frequent gas or burping
☐ Constipation or diarrhea (or alternating)
☐ Acid reflux or heartburn
☐ Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite
☐ Undigested food in stool
☐ Stool that’s loose, sticky, or difficult to pass
Skin Issues
☐ Acne or breakouts (especially around jawline)
☐ Eczema, rashes, or itchy skin
☐ Rosacea or redness
Immune & Inflammation
☐ Frequent colds or infections
☐ Seasonal allergies
☐ Autoimmune conditions or immune imbalances
Mental & Emotional Health
☐ Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
☐ Anxiety, mood swings, or irritability
☐ Depression or lack of motivation
☐ Poor sleep or trouble falling/staying asleep
Hormonal Imbalances
☐ PMS, cramping, or irregular cycles
☐ Low libido
☐ Weight gain (especially around the middle)
☐ Fatigue even after sleeping
Other Clues
☐ Food sensitivities or “random” reactions to foods
☐ Sugar or carb cravings
☐ Chronic bad breath
☐ Joint pain or stiffness
☐ History of frequent antibiotic or medication use
☐ Travel to areas with questionable water or food safety
What Your Score May Indicate:
✅ 0–3 checked: You're likely doing well! But if you have questions or just want to optimize your gut health, a wellness consult may still be helpful.
⚠️ 4–7 checked: Some red flags. Your gut might need support — this is a good time to investigate before symptoms get worse.
❗ 8+ checked: Your gut is likely under stress, and it may be affecting multiple systems in your body. It’s time to take action.
Ready to Feel Like Yourself Again?
I help people just like you uncover the root cause of their symptoms, improve their overall health, and feel good again, with a personalized, evidence-informed approach.
Book a Gut Health Consult with me to get started.
Together, we’ll review your symptoms, explore root causes, and create a plan that works with your life.
