Eleven years ago, I was burning the candle at both ends, teaching pilates six days a week, morning and night.

I gained ten pounds in three months when nothing about my food or exercise had changed.  I would sleep ten hours a night and wake up exhausted.

My hair stylist asked me why my hair was breaking and falling out.

I didn’t feel well, but I kept pushing myself.

I went to the doctor and told her my symptoms.  She sighed, rolled her eyes, and told me it’s normal to not feel well in midlife.  

I was 44.

I asked her to test me for Hashimoto’s, and she flatly refused.  She finally agreed to test my TSH but told me I really needed to eat less and exercise more.

I was told that I would only get sicker and require more medication.  Food didn’t matter, and I could do nothing to support my health.

I had to go to a naturopath who spent an hour taking a detailed health history.  It turns out I had Hashimoto’s, a thyroid autoimmune disorder and was so nutrient-depleted and burned out from overworking and not eating well.

On the heels of the Hashimoto’s diagnosis, I developed guttate psoriasis from my scalp to my ankles.  My body screamed for me to slow down and care for myself.

Had I just listened to the doctor who told me it was normal to not feel well, I wonder how much further my health would have spiraled.

I refused to accept that there was nothing I could do to reverse my Hashimoto’s.  I did a lot of reading and asking questions.

As I’ve worked with my practice clients, I’ve heard from several of them about their decision to follow their intuition.  They didn’t feel heard by their doctors when discussing symptoms or concerns. They kept pressing for answers.

When they asked for solutions other than medications, none were offered.  They signed up to be practice clients to learn what they could do to help themselves feel better.

We know that autoimmune conditions are rooted in stress, inflammation, blood sugar dysregulation, and leaky gut.  We’re also learning the role that nervous system dysregulation and childhood trauma play in the development of autoimmune conditions.

I encourage you to always be the CEO of your health. Don’t let anyone tell you that your symptoms are normal or that there’s nothing you can do to improve your health.  

Now more than ever you have to take an active role in understanding your health. Doctors have less and less time to spend with patients. It's very easy to get lost in the shuffle.

I wrote a post on how to prepare for a doctor’s appointment.  You can read it here. CEOs arrive prepared. Remember, doctors are consultants that you are paying to help you.  You are your own best advocate.

I have a practice client who is struggling with an autoimmune diagnosis and came to me wanting support with her nutrition and lifestyle choices that she could improve to support her in feeling better.  She’s already seen changes. 

Improving sleep, stress, digestion, blood sugar and nutrition can make huge changes in your overall health. I can help you with this. Hit replay and let's chat.