Case study 4: Brian's Health Journey
Brian, is a software engineer working for a startup company. Brian was in his late 30s and had been experiencing various health issues, including fatigue, poor sleep, and digestive problems. He had visited his primary care physician multiple times, but his blood work and other tests were all normal.
His doctor recommended he see a gastroenterologist, who performed an endoscopy and colonoscopy, but these tests also came back normal.
Despite following his doctor's advice to take over-the-counter antacids and probiotics, Brian continued to feel unwell.
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Brian decided to seek a second opinion and scheduled a consultation with me back in April 2019. During our initial consultation, he filled out a Medical Symptom Questionnaire, and his score was 38, which indicated significant symptoms that were affecting his daily life (by the way, this score is quite high). We also obtained a comprehensive medical history, which revealed that Brian had been experiencing chronic stress due to his demanding job, and had a history of unhealthy eating habits, including consuming processed and fast foods.
Given Brian's history of stress and poor eating habits, I suspected that his symptoms may be related to a dysregulated stress response and imbalances in his gut microbiome. To further investigate, I recommended a series of tests, including a stool analysis, an SIBO breath test, and a food sensitivity panel. These tests confirmed my suspicions and showed that Brian had SIBO, dysbiosis, and food sensitivities.
I started Brian on a personalized nutrition plan, which included an elimination protocol and targeted supplementation to support his gut health and stress response. I also recommended lifestyle modifications to reduce his stress levels, including mindfulness practices, yoga, and light exercise.
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Within a few weeks of implementing my recommendations, Brian reported significant improvements in his symptoms. He was sleeping better, had more energy, and was experiencing less digestive discomfort. Over several months, Brian continued to make progress, and his Medical Symptom Questionnaire score decreased to 13, which was in the optimal range.
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By November 2019, Brian had lost almost 10 kilos, had improved mental clarity, and was feeling better than he had in years. He was grateful to have found a practitioner who was willing to take the time to understand his unique health issues and develop a personalized treatment plan. He also recognized the importance of taking a proactive approach to his health and making long-term lifestyle changes to maintain his newfound health and vitality.
My Action Plan:
One of the most important changes Brian made was to shift his focus from carbohydrates to a more balanced diet. I helped him understand the importance of getting enough amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. They also emphasized the importance of healthy fats, which Brian had previously avoided due to his digestive issues. With my guidance, he was able to slowly introduce these fats back into his eating pattern, which had a profound impact on his health. The anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting qualities of these healthy fats helped to heal his gut and improve his overall well-being.
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To further identify which foods were causing issues, I walked Brian through a "challenge" process. This involved introducing individual foods back into his eating routine and monitoring his body's response. By doing this, we were able to identify the specific foods that Brian couldn't tolerate and work to eliminate them from his eating habits. I also provided him with plenty of recipes and tips to help him expand his nutrient intake with the foods he could tolerate.
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Throughout this process, I provided unwavering support and guidance to Brian. I was there to answer his questions, encourage him, and help him stay motivated. And in the end, all of our hard work paid off. Brian's health transformed, and he was able to live a happier, healthier life.
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If you're struggling with similar issues, consider consulting with a functional nutrition therapist to explore the natural and effective treatment options available.
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For a case bout sleep disrupted sleep click here.