Women’s stories

Swapping Swedish Fish for omega-3’s

For over 25 years Isabel had burned the candle at both ends, fueling her days and nights with caffeine and sugar, then countering the resultant fatigue and irritability with the same formula. Working all hours to please demanding professors or clients, “making a living” for herself and her family, she’s thankful she started the Essential Nutrients before entering perimenopause, when it turned out her body really needed the support.

“I’ve been on the Personal Program for almost two years now, and in that time my body has changed a lot. I’ve definitely entered perimenopause, and my work is more stressful than it used to be, too. Yet I feel calmer and healthier than I ever did in my 20’s, 30’s, or early 40’s. I can thank the Essential Nutrients for that.

“Despite the hormonal shifts I’m experiencing, my body seems to be adapting nicely so far. The two biggest differences I’ve noted since starting the program are less fatigue and fewer cravings. Throughout my adult life, my body has struggled with a powerful feedback loop between these two. I think there is some insulin resistance and cortisol dominance going on.

“I was self-employed for many years, and would turn myself inside-out for clients. I’d drink black tea and work all hours — whatever it took. Then I’d need more caffeine, and crave sweets, to keep me burning. There were times when I was fine, and I was familiar with the concept of detoxing, so I’d go sugar-free or caffeine-free for a few weeks at a time. But there were many times when I’d get into my car and drive five miles to buy a jumbo bag of Swedish Fish, then proceed to polish it off!

“Even my kids found this alarming, but I managed to feed my sweet tooth without much consequence for years. My metabolism is quick, I’ve always eaten well otherwise, and I also exercise daily. So for a long time my biggest problems were the cravings, irritability and fatigue. This health-eroding pattern seemed more like a winning formula to me, one I’d relied on since college days. Sugar, tea, cram, exercise: I loved how the sugar-caffeine buzz fueled my creativity, enabling me to pump out the work.

“In retrospect, there were probably fumes in my tank much of the time. I was often weary and pretty grouchy. These habits ultimately caught up with me when I went back to school in my mid-40’s, still working full-time-plus, studying all night, then driving 200 miles and back for classes, mothering and being someone’s wife, too.

“I started the Essential Nutrients in the fall of 2005. Upon returning from a trip overseas the following summer, I suddenly developed very heavy bleeding. I’d never had any problems like this before, and it threw me for a loop. An ultrasound showed that I’d grown two fibroids, one inside the uterus and a second, larger external fibroid. I saw one female gynecologist, then another, who both recommended hysterectomy. That was not in my plans!

“Luckily, through Women to Women I learned of a gynecologist in the area who specialized in laparoscopic pelvic surgery. I explained to him how I really wanted to experience menopause naturally, since every other older woman in my family had undergone a hysterectomy. He listened thoughtfully, then suggested two separate surgeries, including a laparoscopic myomectomy of the 10-cm external fibroid.

“Though I had these procedures within weeks of one another, I felt prepared for surgery, and was able to return to work within 12 days in both cases, without complication or the need for pain meds. Given that recovery post hysterectomy requires on average six weeks, I was extremely grateful for this surgeon ’s dedication and expertise. I am no longer a feminist, but a humanist as well, and an advocate for hysterectomy alternatives. I would encourage any woman recommended a hysterectomy to learn of her options, and if she has the slightest doubt to pursue alternatives.

“That was a year ago now, and I feel healthier and more energetic than I have for a long while. I am confident that the Essential Nutrients provided me with the strong foundation for rapid healing. You could say I’ve swapped Swedish Fish for omega-3’s — the most cost-effective, preventative health care I can buy.”

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Original Publication Date: 10/04/2007
Last Modified: 02/16/2010