“Within the span of less than 24 hours I went from simply having severe pain to fighting to stay alive.”
Coming back to health
We’ve all been there. Everything seems to be going well, then life throws us a curve ball. It can be the holidays that derail all your good intentions. It can be a health catastrophe for you or a loved one. Sometimes, it can just be you finally decide you need to get well. Whatever the reason, it is daunting to figure out where to start.
It is like you are the wrong side of a long bridge that you can’t fully ascertain the other side of. Or, if you are like me, you aren’t even sure which bridge to take!
October 2021 was difficult for me. In spite of all my hard work to build my body as strong as I can, I ended up in the hospital for almost 2 weeks and home with a PICC line (a more permanent IV line) for antibiotics for almost 3 weeks. I went into the hospital in severe pain (which is something that shocked those who know me because I wouldn’t do that normally). That night, less than 24 hours later, I had had surgery where they didn’t actually do anything other than try to clean up the mess in my reproductive system. Then, a few hours later, I went into septic shock and in the ICU with the physicians fighting to keep me alive. It was crazy–within the span of less than 24 hours, I went from simply having severe pain to fighting to stay alive.
If you had appointments with me, you know I am rescheduling. I also have to keep my schedule light for the time being as I am still weak.
Here are some of my top ways to support and build the body!
Bone Broth
One of the most nutritious foods filled with bioavailable minerals and collagen, bone broth is one of the first things I go to when I think about rebuilding. One of my favorite things about bone broth is how it helps to repair and rebuild the gut. Recall, the gut is considered the secondary brain at least (some folks say it is the primary). It is also a huge part of our immune system. Leaky gut is a root of all allergies, after all.
Use more bones for more collagen and benefits!
Some benefits of bone broth include:
- Gut healing
- Joint support
- Beautiful skin
- Immune boosting
- Metabolism support
- Detoxification support
- Brain boosting
- Tissue repair
Herbal Teas
Hydrating and mineralizing. Herbal teas are amazing. You can enjoy them hot, cold, room temperature, sweetened, with lemon—however they tickle your fancy! They are so good and good for you.
It is important to make your tea in a medicinal manner to keep all the goodness in your tea! You want to retain the volatile compounds in your tea. Here are the steps I use to make true remineralizing, medicinal, herbal teas.
- Bring good water to almost a boil
- Place your herb(s) in your mug (usually 1-2 tsp per cup (8oz of water)) in a tea ball or reusable tea bag. If you want to make larger amounts, you can use 1/4 to 1/3 cup of herb for every half gallon
- Pour the almost boiling water into your mug or container
- Cover and steep your tea for a minimum of 30 minutes (for simplicity, do this before bed and allow your tea to go overnight on your counter in a mason jar–my preferred method)
- Gently reheat your tea should you prefer it warmer
- Add any additions (raw honey, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup, etc) and enjoy
A simple, highly nutritious blend that is one of my favorites:
- 3 Parts Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica)
- 2 Parts Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus)
- 2 Parts Oatstraw (Avena sativa)
- 1 Part Rosehips (Rosa canina and Rosa rubiginosa)
For ease, I combine all of these into a half-gallon jar and simply measure out what I need for each batch of tea. That way, it is ready to go when I am.
Rest
We live in a go-go-go world. If you are like me, taking time to rest feels like being naughty. I mean, I am resting and not getting something done! However, rest is the time we repair and rebuild our bodies. Rest allows us to enter a parasympathetic state where the body can digest, repair, and renew.
If you are working to rebuild your body after a challenge, rest is imperative. Being kind to yourself, as kind as you would be to a child, is vital. I will tell you, simply writing this article is taking a lot out of me. I plan to rest for awhile once I am done! After all, if you don’t make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness! And, sometimes you will work hard on your wellness and still have to take time for an illness. It is ok. It is a journey, not simply a destination.
Here are some ideas for helping activate your parasympathetic nervous system:
- Spending time in nature (preferably with your skin uncovered long enough for vitamin D and your bare feet on the earth)
- Meditation
- Reading a book (preferably for pleasure and not work)
- Breathwork techniques
- Listening to music
- Humming, singing, or making your own music
- Heart-to-heart hugs (at least 20 seconds)
- Visualization and manifesting work
- Massage, acupuncture, and body work
- Gratitude practice
Honorable Mentions
Here are a few other helpful builders:
- Add a pinch of real, colorful sea salt to every glass of water
- Find an exercise that works for you
- Make sure to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables (8-12 servings daily)
- Eat lots of healthy fats (5+ servings daily)
- Ensure you are getting sunshine for vitamin D
- Include fermented, probiotic-filled foods
- Include a quality multivitamin
Contact Us
I know I have work to do. Do you as well? I’d love to help! Consider scheduling an appointment today! Give us a call or a text at (734) 480-8240 or click the button below.
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Using natural modalities, Dr. Hartford works to transform her clients’ health every day. She has worked with hundreds of clients from all walks of life. Let her help you find the natural solution for your natural health.
Dr. Ylona Hartford
Traditional Naturopath
Disclaimer
The author is not an attorney, physician, mental health practitioner, dietitian, or nutritionist. Content on this website is for information purposes only. No warranties are expressed or implied. Any application of the material provided is at the reader’s discretion and is his/her/their sole responsibility.
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