[holistically-well]

Hello!

My name is Joanne.

- I’m recovering from SIBO and SIFO and undergoing a treatment for low progesterone levels. I created this blog to share my experiences and document my progress 🤍

- SIBO and SIFO symptoms started in September 2024. After bouncing back and forth between doctors and hospitals, crying my eyes out in debilitating pain, and losing 20+ pounds, I scheduled an appointment with a functional medicine doctor and thanks to her treatment I’ve been improving since. I have a few hormonal issues that point to PCOS, I’m undergoing tests to properly diagnose it and treat it 🤍

- I’m a proponent of functional, holistic medicine, but I’m not against conventional medicine if necessary. My route is the natural one 🤍

- I’m hoping this side blog can be helpful to those suffering with similar issues, I’ll gladly answer any questions 🤍

[holistically-well]

Over and over again I’m being reminded that taking care of my health is the best investment I can make. It’s daunting at times, I admit, but I look and feel infinitely better now that I’m prioritising my well-being.

My gut issues are gone. My periods (and ovulations!) are regular. My acne is nonexistent. My anxiety is essentially cured too. The only thing I struggle with is sleep but that is likely due to COMT gene issues which I will be testing for this Spring.

All of this is hard work but being sick is infinitely harder to deal with.

[holistically-well]

This is my go-to breakfast: ancestral blend venison, arugula, egg whites (one yolk), and guac. It stands at amazing 40g of protein and under 400cal. No coffee, no tea, just food.

Start your day with a large amount of protein!

[holistically-well]

An update!

I saw my doctor for another appointment today. She confirmed my SIFO is finally cured. It’s a small victory that made my day. I’m still working on healing my leaky gut and whatever is left of my SIBO.

It turned out my very low levels of progesterone are related to high levels of cortisol. I was prescribed progesterone supplement (made out of plants!) to take for 10 days in each cycle. I’m really thrilled about it, it looks like it might make a serious improvement in my condition!

I’m continuing my current supplementation (Saw Palmetto, Vit. D, Acacia Fiber, Probiotics, Magnesium Glycinate, SAM-e, and a sleep blend from dr. Mercola). I’m doing strength work out every other day and consuming at least 1g of protein for every lb of my bodyweight. I feel the changes this treatment has been bringing and I’m excited to continue the healing journey 🤍

[coziwellnesscollective]

[holistically-well]

Last month my cycle lasted 33 days instead of the usual 40+ days. My PMS was very mild as well. I thought it was a fluke and decided not to get too hopeful. My period came again in October after 32 days; I have a slight headache, I’m a little fatigued but cramps are manageable and I can go about my day without painkillers. This is such happy news! 🤍

[holistically-well]

Bad, bad, bad day. I was up most of the night because of anxiety - likely caused by high histamine levels. I feel weak, exhausted, I have cramps and brain fog. I know healing isn’t linear but I’m just dying to get better already. Every time I see some improvement and begin to get hopeful, something happens to ruin it all. God, I hate being ill.

[holistically-well]

Steps I’ve been taking towards healing:

- consistent sleep routine (I’m in bed by 11:00 and wake up at 7:00),

- healthy, snack-free diet (I eat 3 meals a day that consist of quality protein, vegetables, fermented foods, and occasional nuts/seeds),

- movement (resistance workouts, 3 times a week),

- calming hobbies (reading, calligraphy, gardening, watercolour painting),

- simple skincare/bodycare (tallow-based products that nourish my skin naturally).

[holistically-well]

Supplementation

The supplements I currently take for my SIBO and SIFO as prescribed by my functional medicine doctor:

💊 Morning on an empty stomach: Dr. Mercola’s Afterbiotics

💊 Morning with a meal: Dr. Mercola’s Digestive enzymes, Pure Encapsulations’ Saw Palmetto.

💊 30 minutes before dinner: Biosense Clinic VitaAid BiofilmX followed by dinner and L. Reuteri + L. Gasseri „yoghurt” (homemade) and Fermented Sacch. Boulardii Juice (homemade).

These were carefully selected for my specific case of SIBO and SIFO after thorough GI tests.

Apart from the supplements mentioned above, I also take Creatine, Magnesium Glycinate, SAMe, and methylated Vits. B.