At one point in my wellness journey, I realized I was caught in a cycle—constantly treating ADHD and PMDD symptoms as they came up but never quite feeling in control. It was exhausting, like trying to keep my head above water while managing symptoms that seemed relentless. I was managing, but never truly healing. That’s when I decided to shift my focus and stop treating symptoms and start finding causes.
The Turning Point
For years, I was conditioned to believe that symptom management was enough. I would handle one flare-up at a time, applying various treatments that seemed to work in the short term but never felt transformative. Despite my efforts, I wasn’t getting to the root of the problem. The real shift happened when I chose to dig deeper and understand what was truly triggering my symptoms. This choice set me on a path that would forever change how I approached my health.
Looking Beneath the Surface
The journey to find root causes started with a sense of curiosity and a desire for lasting change. Rather than reaching for quick fixes, I began exploring what might be happening beneath the surface of my body and mind. The process wasn’t simple, and it required a willingness to ask tough questions: What was causing my energy crashes? Why was my mood so unpredictable? How was my body’s unique makeup affecting these experiences?
Step 1: DNA Testing for Personal Insights
One of the first major steps I took was getting a DNA test. Understanding my genetic blueprint was like unlocking a map of my health that I didn’t even know existed. The results showed me genetic predispositions that explained many of the symptoms I was experiencing. For example, I discovered how my body processes certain nutrients, which informed my diet and supplementation needs. Knowing my unique genetic makeup helped me create a more tailored approach to wellness, one that addressed my core needs rather than just treating what I felt on the surface.
Step 2: Hormone Balancing and Understanding PMDD
One of the most significant breakthroughs came with hormone balancing. PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) had been a major factor in my life, but I hadn’t fully understood how hormone fluctuations were affecting me. By diving deeper into hormone health, I learned how to work with my body’s cycle rather than against it. This meant making specific lifestyle adjustments at different times in my cycle and incorporating foods and practices that support hormonal balance. Instead of dreading the hormonal ups and downs, I started to feel more in control and less at the mercy of my body.
Step 3: Nutrition and Addressing Deficiencies
Nutrition was another cornerstone in uncovering root causes. My DNA test had highlighted certain nutrient deficiencies, and I knew I needed to address them for my body to function optimally. For example, I discovered that I was low on specific B vitamins, which play a crucial role in energy, mood regulation, and mental clarity. By incorporating these nutrients through food and supplements, I noticed a profound improvement in my focus and energy levels. It was no longer about following generalized health advice but rather about understanding what my unique body needed to thrive.
Step 4: Reducing Inflammation and Managing Stress
Inflammation and stress turned out to be deeply interconnected with my ADHD and PMDD symptoms. Chronic low-grade inflammation can have a major impact on mood, cognition, and energy levels. I began incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, like omega-3-rich fish, leafy greens, and berries, which not only helped reduce physical inflammation but also supported my mental clarity and mood stability. Managing stress also became a key part of the equation—things like mindfulness practices, gentle exercise, and adequate sleep became non-negotiable elements of my routine.
From Surviving to Thriving
This journey has transformed my understanding of wellness. Instead of just surviving each day, trying to stay afloat while managing symptoms, I now feel empowered to truly thrive. By addressing the root causes, I’ve experienced incredible changes: clearer focus, more balanced moods, and a deeper sense of wellness that permeates every part of my life. This shift didn’t happen overnight, but every step I took towards understanding my body’s unique needs was a step towards lasting change.
The Healing Journey: My Process in a Book
This process of finding root causes and creating lasting change is exactly what I share in my upcoming book, *The Healing Journey*. In it, I dive deep into the steps I took to transform my health, offering insights and practical strategies for those ready to look beyond symptoms and start truly healing. From personalized nutrition to hormone health and the science of mental clarity, this book is for anyone seeking to break free from symptom management and find true balance.
If you’re feeling like you’re constantly chasing symptoms without getting to the heart of your health issues, I encourage you to explore the root causes. Sometimes the answer lies deeper than we realize, and by addressing it, we can create a foundation for a healthier, more vibrant life.
Conclusion
In the journey to wellness, addressing root causes has allowed me to reclaim control, move beyond temporary fixes, and build a lifestyle that supports my unique needs. This approach has been transformative, and I hope my story inspires you to look beyond surface-level treatments. Remember, true healing starts from within.
Stay tuned for more on The Healing Journey, where I’ll be sharing practical tips and deeper insights to empower you on your path to wellness. Thank you for joining me on this journey!
