57 Comments

  1. Julia I am beyond happy that your daughter is doing so much better – AND – with a dietary approach instead of pharmaceuticals!!! I can’t imagine what a relief it must be for you as parents. I wish that mainstream medicine would focus more on this kind of approach rather than just prescribing drugs. And I am with you on the constipation/miralax issues. My son took that for years and nothing the doctors advised us to do actually helped his condition. Again, I’m so glad you have found a program that is working for your daughter and family!

    1. Miralax is such nonsense and I’m so sick of drugs and medication to just work on the symptoms and not on the cause. Thanks so much Sarah.

  2. Brittany D says:

    I’m so happy to hear you are having success with her dietary changes. While it is more expensive to eat clean, the money is well spent! You can’t put a price limit on health and well-being. I second your suggestion of the Jovial pasta line – it is my favorite GF pasta, too! Best wishes for continued health improvements for your little girl.

    1. Thank you so much Brittany and I agree it’s the best money spent

  3. Thanks for the update! So glad to hear that the appointment last week was a success and verified everything that you’ve been doing for the last 6 months! I hate to see little ones (or anyone) suffering so I’m so glad that you have a game plan in motion!

    1. Thanks so much Ashley. I’m so glad too to have reassurance from a professional

  4. Hi Julia. Your little one is just precious! My heart has ached for all of you during her journey to wellness. I’m so, so thankful that you’re finally getting some answers and that she is improving so much!

    1. Thanks so much Suzy and also for following along and rooting for her.

  5. i am beyond happy for you with the results you have seen. i also want to thank you for the food tips as i am definitely re-examining the way i eat and the way my family eats. and lily is beautiful- that’s all!

    1. I’m trying not to eat gluten myself because I have read so much how bad it is and the doctor last week said that it is especially bad for women.

  6. so glad that you’ve found relief!! I’ve definitely found several natural treatments that cure the root cause verse medications that just mask it.

    1. Thanks Sarah, we certainly are sick of medications that treat the symptoms. It’s sad that this is the way physicians handle those types of issues.

  7. so happy to hear your daughter is doing much better. and I love the idea that you’re taking a nutritional approach instead of just doing meds. I think that will be the best thing for your kid and your family! and it’s awesome that the family’s in it together!

    now i’m wondering if my niece has some issues because she’s always had constipation issues since she was a kid, and has to have miralax in her milk every single day. which i think is crazy.

    1. You should check into it for your niece. My daughter had miralax in strawberry milk since she was little and now I just get angry when I think of all the horrible food coloring she ate with that on top of everything else.

  8. So glad to hear she’s on the right path! It’s unfortunate that traditional medicine doesn’t pay more attention to digestive issues especially considering that 70% of the body’s immunity is in the gut. I think every doctor should ask and be concerned with a child’s bm’s. Constipation is a tell-tale sign that something is not right. My daughter struggled with constipation for years and since going gluten free and mostly dairy free 2 and half years ago those problems are gone. My kids have also not needed antibiotics of any kind since changing our diet. Your family is so blessed to have you! You aren’t just helping her now, but you are setting her up for great health in the future!

    1. Thanks so much Carmel for the support. It’s sad to see how the standard pediatricians handle this. Mine doesn’t believe in any of it. Not only is it the body’s immunity, it’s also called the second brain. I’m so glad that your daughter is better now too.

    1. Thanks Jennifer, I’m so happy to have found this place.

  9. So glad to hear this positive update. Good luck in your continuing journey!!! BTW–her pic are gorgeous!!!

    1. Thank you so much Sarah!

  10. Such good news! Thanks for sharing your tips, I’m a big believer that the food you put in can harm you or make you thrive. We are just beginning our path on cleaning up our diets as well! Oh and it goes without saying your baby girl (: is beautiful!!

    1. Thanks Laurie, she is something else. She’s my little challenge. And good luck on your food journey. I certainly still have to improve my eating too.

  11. So happy for your family that your daughter is doing so well – she is a beautiful child!

  12. I am new to reading your posts and had to go back to the beginning about your daughter. I commend you for standing up against doctors to fight for your daughter’s health and your beliefs. Holistic medicine has been around for centuries. Modern day medicine spend very little time (doctors in med school) learning about nutrition.

    I am a professional women who has struggled with anxiety, seasonal depression, etc. Come to find out that the depression got worst during holiday times when eating all of the processed sugary foods. Now, my diet is strictly organic veggies, fruits and meats. I do eat eggs. No dairy, legumes, processed foods (especially wheat or white flours), soy, peanuts, sugar, fructose or any artificial flavorings at all. The depression and anxiety is almost non-existing. It’s amazing what a diet can do for you. I am no longer in that “brain fog” trying to focus on my work.

    A great organic and healthy snack which contains no sugar are Larabars. I love the Cashew Cookies. A great snack to through in the purse when traveling or in her backpack.

    Keep on fighting for your precious girl. She is beautiful and so luck to have a great family. I will keep her and you in my prayers. Thank you for sharing your story to help others as well. You are an inspiration.

    1. Thanks so much Tammy! I’ve had the Larabars, the ones our grocery store sells still has sugar in it. I will continue too look for some that don’t have sugar.
      It still baffles me that my pediatrician called a diet change “holistic medicine”, I think it’s common sense. I will certainly keep on fighting for her. Have a great night.

  13. I am so happy to see that your daughter is doing much better.

    I commented on a post a few months back as I also suffer from some of the same (and some different issues). I have chronic urticaria associated with candida poisoning and leaky gut. Also went gluten free and have had to eliminate some “aggressors” like sugar, salicylic acids and funghi. Especially the fungi bit is something new I’ve discovered but it makes sense. Things like matured meat, cheese, mushrooms, are NOT good for a gut that already has issues. Since eliminating these I have seen het another big improvement!

    I also mentioned to you a few months ago that I am using a good probiotic and l-glutamine powder to repair the leaky gut. The l-glutamine is something athletes or bodybuilders sometimes use to help repair their aching muscles – and it works in the same way to repair the lining of the gut. It might be worthwhile to check?
    My doctor says that it takes about 8-12 months for a leaky gut to restore and for the body to rid itself of any form of poisoning – so hang in there! Every good day is a step in the right direction!

    Also – your daugter is beautiful and she is lucky to have parents that are so accommodating and willing to keep searching for answers.

    Well done!

    1. Yes, hi again Esti, good to hear from you again! I still wonder if my daughter has leaky gut too and hope to get the results soon. I forgot to ask the doctor about glutamine but will put it on my list when we get to talk on the phone next time. He mentioned how long it can take for the body to heal but I think the worst part is behind us.
      Thanks so much again for your support.

    2. I am almost 79 and have been trying to eat only gluten free but can fall off the wagon. Beside feeling stupid, my father used that word, difficult to concentrate, now I have numbness in my feet, dandruff, and itching. I can’t tell you how many doctors I have seen or how many shampoos, or creams I have tried without success. Going gluten free has been a huge help. Please help your daughter and others to maintain a gluten free diet. Your daughter is blessed to have you.
      MeMe

      1. Thanks for your comment. The right diet and nutrition can make such a huge difference and has definitely for my daughter. I wish that doctor’s would be behind this more instead of always suggesting drugs that aren’t needed if you eat right.

  14. She is so beautiful. I am glad she is feeling better – and so glad you were able to find doctors to help you!!!

  15. Patty Day says:

    Julia I am so happy to hear things are going in the right direction…..
    It’s amazing what diet can do and how certain foods can affect you. In addition–
    Your daughter is gorgeous ……
    xo
    Patty

    1. Thanks Patty. She is something else. I ask her all the time what planet she came from. She’s my little challenge 😉

  16. I’m so glad you shared an update! I know it must be frustrating to think of how long this has been going on and how quickly things have improved, but in the long run she’ll feel good for so many years more then she ever didn’t. your approach and patience is amazing 🙂

    1. Thanks Stephanie. It feels so good to know that the worst part is behind us and that the healing has begun.

  17. So happy to hear she’s still doing so well! I can imagine about the grocery bills! Just doing gluten free makes ours so expensive!

  18. Dagmara - Glamista Home says:

    She’s such a sweet little girl, it always pains me to read how children suffer because of an underlying health issue. I am happy to hear that you were able to find a facility with the right doctors who can help her. It’s amazing what impact nutrition can have on our overall well being. I send my love to you and your daughter and wish you all the best. I know you are proud of her and the progress she’s made at school. Great job!

  19. Thank you for the update. I know how busy your schedule is. I truly missed hearing how your daughter was doing. While the ignorance of the medical professionals just frys me, I am so happy you have finally found some answers. And while it has been an issue all her life, she can now go about being a great young woman. She is learning the tools she needs to be healthy and knows how it feels if she doesn’t use them. The future is full of so much more for her and your family now. And to heck with all those Dr. who didn’t know or care. I personally feel they owe you all those years back! Or at least your money!
    I’m happy for all and await for your next post.
    Barbara Ann
    etsy.com /shop/barbaraannscreations

    1. Oh my gosh Barbara Ann…all that money, you are so right! I’d love to have that back!!! What a waste that was. We need to head into the direction of trying to resolve everything naturally first and if that doesn’t work, then start with medication. But the pharmaceutical industry will fight that with everything they have. So sad.
      Thanks so much for your support.

  20. I tried to comment the other day from my phone, but it wouln’t work. I’m so glad you were able to figure it out. You’re an amazing mother, your daughter is lucky to have you. I’m wishing you more good news, you’re doing a great job and it sounds like you’re on the right path!

    1. Thanks so much Krystine!I can’t wait to get the results from her test and the reassurance from the doctor felt so good

  21. Oh Julia this post makes me so happy friend. Im so thrilled shes getting better. What amazing parents you are to advocate for her. This is so essential. The healthcare system isn’t always set up to have your best interests in mind. A lot of the times the easy fix is pushed down our throats without regard to whether that’s BEST. Im so happy shes finding foods she loves that are also essential to her health. What a great thing it is!

    1. Thanks my friend. It’s not even an easy fix, it’s masking the symptoms what a lot of the physicians do and not fixing anything and it is so sad. I wish the pharmaceutical industry wouldn’t have such an influence on how things get handled. It’s so sad.

  22. I’m so so glad she’s doing better Julia! It really is amazing how the foods we eat affect us. If you have a trader joe’s near you they have some candy called Dark Chocolate Honey Mints. They taste just like a york peppermint patty, especially if you put them in the freezer. They only have 3 ingredients: Honey, chocolate liquor, and oil of peppermint. If she can have honey I bet she would like them!

    1. Unfortunately we don’t have one close to us. I wish! And not only for the healthy food but also for the wine and flowers 😉 But next time I get a chance I will have to try to buy the Honey Mints. Sounds so good! Thank you

  23. I’m so glad to hear your daughter is doing better. It is too bad more doctors don’t think outside the box!!! The gut is the second brain.

    1. YES it is the second brain and our pediatrician flat out told me she didn’t believe in it!!! Thanks for the support Debby.

  24. Kris Mednikov says:

    You are such an inspiration!!! Plus, I would choose a husband that can cook a special diet(especially killer nuggets) over “a do it yourselfer” hubby any day!;) Birthday Blessings to you.

    1. Thanks Kris. Yes, I thought I would have never said that too. But I’d take a husband who can cook a special diet over a DIY hubby any time. We can complete each other 😉

  25. Kenz @ Interiors By Kenz says:

    This update makes me feel so happy for you and your family. I’m SO glad your daughter is doing so much better. It’s amazing what a healthy lifestyle does. It was the ONLY thing that got my PCOS under control. After years of trying to get pregnant with Evelyn a sugar free and gluten free lifestyle made it possible after only 3 months of eating that way. I had always hated dark chocolate. But after a few weeks of not having sugar, I found a very similar treat to that chocolate which you posted, and it tasted like HEAVEN. Same with grapefruit. I had always thought they were bitter and disgusting, but after no sugar, they quickly became my favorite treat when I needed one. Our bodies definitely need the right fuel to function properly. And it is SO expensive. I used to get so upset seeing how much we were spending, but like you, I realized how much we were actually saving by having less meds and less doctor visits. Thank you for always posting these and being so open and honest. You help more people than you know!

    1. I truly hope I can help other people. It is really amazing how your taste buds and palette can change once you get off the sugar. We don’t need the horrible sweets and I have heard specialists comparing sugar to cocaine and that it triggers the same affects in our brains as such an awful drug. It’s crazy!

  26. Jacqueline says:

    Hi Julia, just stumbled upon this. So happy that you found this route. I read the first few posts about your daughter’s symptoms, and thought to myself, “She probably has food allergies!” (Thought in part because of my own experiences with food allergies as a child.) I don’t know that I would have commented with that thought, though, because most people don’t really want free advice from strangers while they’re dealing with crises 🙂 I am so glad you found a natural solution, thank you for sharing your story – there are so many kids who could be helped by ‘simple’ interventions such as these!
    God bless!

  27. Hi Julia! I love your style and your blog so much. I can’t believe that I just found it recently! My son recently got diagnosed with hashimoto’s disease, which is an autoimmune thyroid disease. It took a long time to get the diagnosis, and I was the one who had to the doctor’s what blood test to run to figure it out. All his blood work was “normal” and they had given up, while my son got worse and worse. No mother ever gives up on her child! We have gone gluten, dairy, soy, and nightshade free. We did find some holistic healthcare practitioners through Red River Health and Wellness and it has been very costly. He is also on the autistic spectrum, although never officially diagnosed with it. I did see an increase in his ASD symptoms in about the past year, which I attribute to his leaky gut and it breaking the blood/brain axis. All of western medicine doctors have just wanted to treat his symptoms which have been headache, constipation, severe stomach pains and GERD. The pediatrician and GI doctor wanted to give him Prevacid, but the research I did showed that it would interfere with his thyroid medication so I didn’t give it to him and instead found a supplement, HCL, to give to him instead and it worked like a charm! I have grown used to the doctors looking at me like I have two heads. I am also trying to heal my son through diet and lifestyle changes because I want to try to suppress his autoimmune response and not just treat the symptoms. It’s hard but what choice do we have? Denial? That’s never worked for me. Thank you for sharing your daughter’s story and I’m really excited to start following your blog! Oh yeah, I lived in Italy as a child (my dad was in the Air Force) and my two older siblings went to school in Munich because they did not have an American high school at the base we were stationed at. I never got to go to Germany but Italy was such a dream like experience. I’d love to take my kids back there one day. Ciao!

    1. Oh Sharon thank you so much for writing to me. I have to write an update on our little girl. It’s a roller coaster for sure. My holistic doctor just said to us last week how he wishes that both types of practices could work together because it would be a wonderful thing but I guess a very bad thing for the standard drug industry. I’m so done with treating symptoms!!! I’m so amazed at what a simple stool test can do and angry at all the doctors we saw who have treated my daughter and her horrible constipation since she was a baby but have never thought to examine her stool. She went through so so much with enemas and more. So much could have been avoided. There was even a Psychologist who told me she was withholding because she was too stubborn to use the toilet. Thinking of her still gets me all fired up.
      We moms need to stick together and show those doctors that there are other ways. My holistic practitioner said that the revolution is coming. Lets hope he is right.
      Have a great weekend.

  28. I have a question: Has your whole family adapted the candida diet?

    1. We mostly participated when it was necessary yes but she has been candida free for a while now and is now still gluten free and organic but is eating more normal now.

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