I'm Carly Smith, your Fairy Gutter Mom!
In my pursuit of gut health and overall wellness, I faced a life-changing Lyme disease diagnosis. These debilitating symptoms led me to explore food as medicine, revealing the transformative power of diet and lifestyle changes in treatment. This experience sparked my passion for understanding gut health and its profound impact on overall health. By embracing this path, I regained my health and felt inspired to share my knowledge and passion with others.
By sharing my story, I aim to resonate with those facing health challenges and inspire them to find solutions. My journey is a testament to the power of hope and resilience, and shows that small adjustments can significantly improve well-being. Even if you're in good health, it's crucial to prioritize your gut health because it's the foundation for a vibrant and fulfilling life. Gut health is vital to our overall health!
Uncovering the Secrets of Gut Health: A Journey of Change
My journey began in 2013, a full year before I received my Lyme disease diagnosis. Initially, I noticed subtle changes in my health: decreased energy, persistent brain fog, inability to cope with daily life Honestly, I usually attribute these tasks and emotional outbursts to “that time of the month.” However, over the next two years, my condition worsened significantly.
As my memory falters alarmingly, I recall a vivid incident in which I was driving home from get off work and forgot where my home was. I circled the block in a panic, not only disoriented but shocked by the realization that my home had completely disappeared from my memory. To make matters worse, I experienced prolonged menstrual bleeding for four months in a row. The doctors were confused and ultimately dismissive, simply recommending that I rest at home and put my feet up. My mental health deteriorated and I struggled with depression and disturbing thoughts, prompting me to seek additional medical advice, but I received little support or answers.
It wasn't until I developed a bacterial infection due to chronic bleeding that I was prescribed high doses of antibiotics, which may have triggered my first Herxheimer reaction, known as Herx: Strong Relevant to Lyme Disease Treatment Death reaction. It felt like the flu was ramping up; I was completely bedridden, sweating, feverish, chills, nauseated, and achy. My doctor suggested it could be an allergic reaction to antibiotics, but a friend mentioned it sounded like Herx and encouraged me to get tested for Lyme disease.
After testing positive for Lyme disease, I started taking heavy antibiotics. However, within just a few months, I felt like I was taking medications to control the side effects of other medications, and they seemed to be doing more harm than good. Realizing there had to be a better way, I stopped all medications and started researching gut health.
I learned that the immune system is located in the gut and thought that healing my gut might strengthen my immune system and reverse my Lyme symptoms. Remarkably, within a few weeks of implementing the Gut Healing Protocol, I noticed significant improvements in my health, specifically my memory and ability to recall messages. From that point on, I felt a surge of inspiration and hope, saw the light at the end of the tunnel, and knew I would never look back.
Finding Hope: How Bone Broth Became My Guiding Light
I discovered that the glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel was a fresh pot of golden, gut-healing bone broth. I believe bone broth played a vital role in my recovery journey. I still vividly remember the first sip: I leaned against the crock pot in the corner of my apartment and poured chicken bone broth into a cup. I held the warm cup in my hands, took my first sip, and immediately felt its healing power. I felt the bone broth flow through my body, quenching a thirst I never knew I had. At that moment, I knew this was exactly what my body needed.
Later, when I went back to school to study nutrition, I learned more about the profound health benefits of bone broth. It's obvious why the first sip feels so transformative. The nutrients in bone broth are what my body needs to heal. Protein, collagen, cartilage and connective tissue are essential to repair and restore my health.
Even today I get chills when I share this story because it brings back all the emotions of discomfort and loss, and then my journey of hope and healing. My health progress and complete transformation inspired me to return to school to study nutrition, allowing me to share this knowledge with others. I started Fairy Gutmother to spread the important message about gut health and create resources and inspiration for those in need, something I hope to have along my journey.
I’m inspired by the excitement and interest in bone broth today. I remember clearly the first time I saw Dr. Kellyanne bone broth diet Books on the shelves of my local grocery store. I'm so happy! Finally, more people, including doctors, are recognizing the incredible healing benefits and power of bone broth.
I'm excited to share my story and what's helped me, and I hope it inspires and supports you on your journey!
