Mother of 2 children (9 and 7) working full time. Fatigue despite adequate sleep, long history of low iron and iron infusions during and after pregnancies. Painful but not heavy periods with PMS 5 days prior (very irritable, quick to rage, sore breasts, bloating). Hayfever and histamine issues since childhood. Generally slugglish digestion but can also have bouts of looser stools.
Initial consultation:
We began by addressing digestive dysfunction to support absorption and elimination. After a full digestive and diet review, it seemed that the diet contained adequate iron but she was suffering with potential absorption issues, likely due to inadequate stomach acid and/or inflammation in the gut. Poor histamine elimination was also suspected. Digestive bitters were prescribed to be taken before each main meal and a prebiotic fibre added to normalise stools.
A herbal tablet was also prescribed to boost progesterone and combat PMS symptoms.
We also spoke about getting adequate sunlight, especially in the mornings to help reduce fatigue and support more restorative sleep and hormonal health.
Client was sent for pathology testing include full blood count and chemistry, iron studies, liver and kidney function tests, B12 and folate, thyroid panel, urinary iodine, selenium.
Return consult (2 weeks later):
Digestion had responded well to the bitter herbs. Client described far less bloating and was now passing 2 bowel movements daily (to her surprise!). She said she felt 'lighter'.
Pathology results showed low B12, liver congestion, low iodine and sub optimal selenium and thyroid function. We added a B12 supplement and began the GEMM protocol using sulforaphane with added selenium and iodine.
Client had a 'horrible period' between our consults. We spoke about altering diet to support histamine clearance and including plenty of zinc and magnesium rich foods. Client was already taking her own magnesium supplement. Client reported a very slight improvement to her fatigue.
Return consult (4 weeks later):
Fatigue had improved but she was still very tired in the afternoons, client thought the B12 supplement had helped. Period since last consult was still painful but PMS symptoms prior had improved with less irritablity. We continued with GEMM protocol/nutrition changes and also added more protein to her breakfast. Continued with herbal bitters, herbal PMS tablet, swapped B12 for a Multi-B supplement and added a curcuma + SPM to be taken as pain relief for period pain.
Return consult (4 weeks later):
Client had been sick with the flu since our last appointment but was happy to report she had recovered well and felt like her afternoon energy slumps had really improved. She had made great improvements to her diet, adding in a lot more vegetables. Period pain had halved! She was thrilled. Client was now including a morning walk in her routine, getting up before the kids woke. This was great for her light exposure and also her mental health.
It was now Spring and her hayfever was worsening. I asked her to make 1 litre of strong Nettle infusion to be drunk over the course of the day to reduce histamine and allergies. She continued with all other herbs/supplements.
I continue to work with this lovely client and our next consult is in a few weeks. She has made wonderful progress and is really committed to her health and feeling vital again.
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