Better health for “the healthy one”
I met Jackie about five years ago in Marin County, CA—which Jackie calls “the best place in the world.” I don't disagree. We were both working in the health field at the time and we shared a passion for wellness, hikes, and great food. We instantly hit it off and we've been friends ever since.
I still live in Marin and live a very healthy life. I eat clean, I exercise regularly, and I actively try to manage my stress. I have a rewarding, but demanding job and live an active life. To most of my friends and loved ones, I'm “the healthy one.”
During the summer of 2019 my health started to decline. I was feeling overwhelmed. I was experiencing fatigue, painful bloating, and unexplained weight gain. I was frustrated: I worked out 3-5 times a week, I ate a clean diet, and I was getting 5-7 hours of sleep. Why was my body revolting against me?
I called Jackie hoping she could help me refine my diet or recommend some tests I should request from my physician. Instead, she told me that she thought we should start in the gut. Although I understood the mind-gut connection, I was skeptical. To me, the only symptom I had that suggested gut issues was the bloat but I trusted Jackie so we ran the test.
When the results came back, Jackie's instinct was spot on. I had a variety of challenges to overcome, including H. Pylori, a parasite and an imbalanced gut flora. Jackie presented all my options, including an option for antibiotics I would need to get from my physician. She presented a balanced case for all options and most importantly, said she'd support me with whatever option I chose.
Ultimately I chose the natural path. I knew the path that would take more time, more resources and more personal dedication and changes. Today, I am so happy with that decision.
This treatment plan included a fairly restrictive diet and lifestyle changes. I experienced bacteria die-off for several weeks, but by the third week I was feeling better. And by the fifth week I was feeling great.
Once I nailed down my new routine with supplements, diet and intermittent fasting, Jackie’s approach to holistic health really shined. She shared tools and strategies to help me address my whole health—physical, mental and spiritual. I hoped by working with Reform I would heal my body. We did that, but we also made significant progress to healing the other aspects of my health which needed tending.
After working with Jackie, I lost the weight I had gained (plus some more), we rebalanced my gut and killed off a bacterial infection and parasite, and regained my energy. The terrible bloat was gone, I slept better, and I recognized and removed foods that do not serve me from my diet. However, the biggest impact and improvement I felt was mental. Before working with Jackie, I was overwhelmed and foggy for months. It became my norm even though I knew it wasn’t how I usually operate. Now I’m finally feeling like myself again—and I almost forgot how good that feels. I’m clearer, less anxious, and way more productive and happy. Now that my body is healthy, I'm able to fully enjoy the best parts of life: spending quality time with my friends and family, hiking and trail running, trying new recipes, and exploring new places.
—Holly W.
Marin County, CA