My Story
I grew up in a loud Italian family where food was the center of our lives. As a child I consumed a lot of dairy, highly processed and refined foods, packaged foods and lots of dessert. I would snack on ice cream and cereal right after school and had a pop tart almost every day. And even though these foods tasted great, they were wreaking havoc on my body.
Third grade is the first time I remember experiencing lots of digestion issues ie. gas, diarrhea and nausea. There were even a few times where I had a few accidents at school (#mortifying). Still, I thought this was normal and I kept telling myself that I just had a “sensitive” stomach. I stayed away from certain foods and carried chalky antacids with me everywhere. Even though this method wasn’t fool- proof it did work for a little while. When I went away to college, my eating habits worsened as I ate whatever I pleased and frequently drank alcohol.
Then it happened- the summer after my college graduation I went to Punta Cana and got really sick. I was immediately hospitalized after coming back to the U.S. and diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis- but they really had no idea what was going on.
I looked 5 months pregnant had swollen intestines and extreme stabbing pain. I spent 2 nights and 3 days getting loads of blood work and working on next steps. Unfortunately, all the doctors could offer were medications and advised me to avoid certain foods. I thought this can’t be all, can it?
I began to devise a plan. I removed the classic diet triggers: gluten and dairy. This worked briefly, but within a few months I had flare-ups again. During the last flare up, I decided enough was enough. I hated feeling this way and I knew there had to be another answer.
After several months of extensive research, I stumbled upon the Nutritional Therapy Association and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition; I decided to enroll in both.
Schooling was intense, exciting, challenging and wonderful all at once. There was a great sense of community with my fellow classmates and I finally felt like someone understood my health struggles.
When I graduated, I had a sense of pride and determination I had never felt before; my heart was so full!
I immediately began implementing what I learned at the Nutritional Therapy Association and started seeing results. My digestion began to regulate and I haven’t had a flare up in almost 3 years. It was life changing and I needed to share this knowledge with the rest of the world- which is why I opened Revive Health and Wellness.
I am confident that food and functional nutrition has the power to transform and restore our bodies. I have seen it in my own life! I am passionate about sharing what I have learned with you and helping you live your best life. Let’s start this journey of healing together!