As a licensed clinical nutritionist and registered dietitian with 20 years of professional experience in holistic nutrition and integrated health, and former colitis patient, I dedicated my life helping other patients with not only colitis but with other digestive disorders including but not limited to gastritis, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac and crohn’s disease.
In short, I became an expert in digestive wellness.
Now, I am dedicating my time and energy toward sharing my knowledge and findings with you!
Education:
- B.S. in Diet, Food and Nutrition, H. Lehman College, New York
- M.S. in Human Nutrition, Bridgeport University, Connecticut
- Internship, Tulane Medical Center, Louisiana
Professional Memberships:
- American Association of Integrative Medicine
- Associate of Occidental Institute Research Foundation
- American Dietetic Association (Nutrition in Complimentary Care: The Study of Alternative Therapies)
THE BEGINNING:
My passionate pursuit of health began in the spring of 1979, when at age 18 my robust health began to gradually decline with the onset of bleeding hemorrhoids. Within a few weeks, I experienced recurrent bloody diarrhea with severe gut-wrenching cramps. I didn’t know what was happening to me and I was totally clueless on what to do…so I continued to deny my sickness hoping that one fine day my problems will disappear on their own.
A HORRIFYING DIAGNOSIS:
By the summer of 1979, I lost 25 pounds, felt continuously exhausted and remained in a state of constant pain. I was reduced to a weak, sickly shadow of my former self.
In august of 1979, I found myself in a hospital with high fever, severe weight loss & anemia. The diagnosis was grim, Ulcerative Colitis. By the end of 1979, my life revolved around chronic stomach pain with up to 12 bowel movements a day with terrifying amounts of blood and mucous. I felt chained to the toilet, a prisoner to my disintegrating body. That same year I also got pregnant. What ensued was a nightmarish life of colitis flare-ups, morning sickness, chronic fatigue and depression.
During the duration of my illness, I had experienced all of the following health problems in addition to my ulcerative colitis:
Parasitic infections by Giardia (Giardia Lamblia), Roundworm (Ascaris Lumbricoides), Pinworm (Enterobius Vermicularus), Amoeba (Entamoeba Histolytica).
Recurrent vaginal candidiasis (with continuous itching and burning).
Anemia and Nutritional Deficiencies (as a result of chronic diarrhea)
Osteoporosis (soft bones) due to steroid use
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Depression and Weight Loss
Gastritis and Flatulence
Arthritis (Joint Inflammation)
I continued to believe in modern medicine. I was certain if I followed the doctor’s protocol that modern medicine would cure me of colitis. I was wrong.
RUNNING OUT OF OPTIONS:
I was treated by the top physicians in New York:
Dr.Atkins, Dr.Hoffman, Dr. Gelb (chief gastroenterologist of Beth Israel Hospital).
I began to take prescription drugs and the symptoms subsided, temporarily, but within weeks I began to experience the devastating side effects of my medications: intense heartburn, bone loss, joint pain, recurring yeast infections, uncontrollable mood swings, demineralization & severe depression.
I tried numerous courses in antibiotics (Flagyl, Cipro, Tetracycline), oral & rectal sterois (Prednisone, Cortenema), and anti-imflammatory drugs (Azulfidine, Asacol, Dipentum, Rowasa). I was undergoing the most advanced treatments, but nothing worked. I was scared, I was desperate, and I was slowly dying.
Desperate and exhausted, I started to consider my last resort-surgery. My gastroenterologist suggested colectomy (surgical removal of the colon, including the rectum).
I would have to live with the bag for the rest of my life.
THE JOURNEY TOWARD HEALING:
I understood that ultimately I was responsible for my health and wellbeing; so I took matters into my own hands. I began my relentless search for a cure. I was determined to get well.
Over the years my family spent over $250,000 on treatments, doctors visits, spas and clinics in Mexico, Canada, Eastern and Western Europe. I experimented with numerous medications, anti-parasitic, anti-fungal herbs and supplements, liquid meal replacements, European homeopathy, volcanic minerals, colloidal silver, probiotics, ozone treatments, hydrogen peroxide infusions, urinotherapy, classical Chinese acupuncture and herbs, electro-acupuncture by Voll, lymphatic drainage massage, past life regression, meditation, visualization, tai chi, pilates, weight training and yoga.
In 1989, I was fortunate enough to meet Dr. Jensen. He introduced me to the concept of healing through bowel detoxification program with raw vegetable juices, vegetable mineral broths, chlorophyll/flaxseed rectal treatments and specific nutraceuticals to heal my gut.
After 2 weeks on the program my colon began to heal, my stomach pains and cramps vanished. And I felt rejuvenated and totally well in 4 weeks.
A COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION TO GUT HEALING.
In years to come, I dedicated my life to the science of holistic nutrition and natural healing. I spent 8 years doing my undergraduate, graduate degree and internship in clinical nutrition and dietetics. I continued to gather the latest research and alternative health solutions from doctors worldwide.
As a result of my clinical findings and my own experiments with my body,I have developed “Heal Your Gut” program with consideration of individual’s biochemicalmarkers, body type, environmental factors and lifestyle.
Today, I am free of fear that sometimes in a future I will get another flare-up of colitis. I feel healthy, happy and energetic. I enjoy pilates, yoga, belly dancing and swimming in the ocean. I am happily married to a very loving and wise man. We share our good times and bad times with our 2 grown-up children.
As my husband says: “ONLY THE ONES WHO SUFFERED AND GOT WELL, TRULY KNOW HOW TO HEAL”.