Why I'm Starting This Blog

My name is Lauren, and I'm a chocoholic. Ok, now that we got that out of the way... Sixteen years ago,  I was put on antibiotics for an infection. When I finished, the infection came back and I was put on another round, for a total of one month.  I immediately started developing severe stomach issues. “IBS” I was told by a few gastroenterologists. They didn’t know the cause, or even how to treat it. I was given colon relaxers, which I took for two years. They did nothing.

In the meantime, I kept getting sick- stomach bugs, sinus infections, viruses, colds. I was given more antibiotics by my college health center. This went on for years, and I developed even more health issues- pain, tingling, eczema, hives, fatigue. I felt like I was sick and tired all of the time. My blood work was always normal, so doctors told me it was just stress related, and that I should try to relax more. I was told none of my symptoms were related, when deep down I knew they were.

I finally started looking into natural remedies. I tried natural remedies for everything- sinus infections, stomach issues, headaches. Some I took from the recommendations of doctors, and some I took after doing my own research. I found that these remedies worked, sometimes even quicker and better than prescribed medicine.

Around this time, I also became more conscious about what I was putting on my body. I was using tons of beauty products a day- face washes, moisturizers, shampoo, body wash, etc. When I started researching the ingredients, and realizing that many of the ingredients in these products have been proven to cause health issues, I slowly started using more natural products. I started experimenting with different brands and found a bunch that stood out.

I also became more conscious of what I was putting in my body. I was a picky eater growing up and ate lots of processed foods and junk food. It took a long time (and lots of diet changes) to finally figure out what foods work for me and make me feel my best.

A year and a half ago (after a year of going to doctors and being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Candida, stress, and "unknown viral or bacterial infection") I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease (and some other infections and health issues) and part of me wonders if I had this all along. My symptoms became so bad that I became bedridden- I had migraines, debilitating fatigue, dizziness, nausea, lightheadedness, severe muscle pain, memory issues, brain fog, swollen lymph nodes, burning and tingling sensations, digestive issues, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. I had to stop working and didn't have the energy to cook, clean, or sometimes even shower. It has been a rough recovery with lots of ups and downs but overall I am getting better and stronger, both physically and emotionally.

I wanted to create this blog to share all of the knowledge I have learned on this healing journey. I think many of us focus on healing our physical body, but we forget that healing our mind and soul is also essential. Information about health, wellness, natural beauty products, diet, alternative treatments, self-care and self-love can be helpful for everyone, whether or not you have a chronic illness. 

You can follow me on Instagram @lymebodyandsoul

You can find my articles on Lyme Disease here: https://themighty.com/author/laurenfriedwald/

** I am not a doctor. The remedies and information I share on this website have worked for me, but everyone is different and I would recommend checking with a doctor and doing your own research before trying anything.