My Story At the age of 33 I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. I hadn’t even heard about this autoimmune disease back then. My doctor sent me home with daily medication, an “emergency” plan for flare-ups and little information. The only real piece of advice I got from my GI doctor was disheartening no more raw vegetables, fruit or salads, all of which are my favorite foods. I tried my best, but no matter what I did the flare-ups were coming more and more often. I would spend days in pain, cancelling plans with friends and family, and spending hours exhaustively going over the restaurants’ menus before even venturing out. I was constantly stressed and tired all the time due to a growing number of nutrient deficiencies. At the beginning of the pandemic, I had the worst episode ever. I was in pain and terrified because I had run out of medication, but I was afraid to risk leaving the house during the pandemic lock down. I realized I needed to find a solution…fast! After countless hours of investigation about nutrition, autoimmune diseases and gut health, I made significant changes to my diet and lifestyle. All those books I read, the classes I took, the experts I listened to were about to be put to the test, as I designed and implemented a plan to heal my gut. In March 2020 I had my last flare-up, and in 2021 a colonoscopy showed no signs of disease. During my healing journey I learned to listen to my body, and it paid off, big time! Now that my gut health has been restored, I am able to enjoy my favorite activities with friends and family and I am free to live the life I love.