My New Perspective on Health

“I believe that the greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you.” - Joyce Meyers

Our health is something we often take for granted especially when we are younger. When we're young, it's easy to overlook the value of our health, indulging in whatever foods and  drinks we desire without immediate consequences. Our bodies seem resilient, absorbing the impact of our choices with little resistance. However, as time passes, those decisions begin to catch up with us, manifesting in ways that can limit our energy, mobility, and overall well-being. The effects may vary from person to person, but eventually, we all come to realize that the way we treat our bodies today shapes the quality of our lives tomorrow.

I’ve considered myself to be healthy most of my life. My idea of health, however, was largely shaped by the images of thin women in magazines and on TV. I equated being slim with being healthy, so I focused on eating well and exercising. Being thin was very important and as a result I became very self-conscious about my weight. I experimented with various diets and pushed myself to fit into society’s ideal, but it was never easy. Over time, this pursuit created a love-hate relationship with my body—I longed to stay thin, yet I also wanted to enjoy the foods and drinks I loved, even when I knew they weren’t the best choices for me.

Discovering the work of Louise Hay was a turning point for me. I remember hearing her say, "You've been criticizing yourself for years. Why not try approving of yourself and see what happens?" It struck me that I had been unknowingly harsh toward my body, despite not being overweight. As I started paying closer attention, I realized just how critical my inner dialogue had been. Inspired by her teachings, I began practicing mirror work and affirmations, speaking to myself with kindness rather than judgment. Over time, that negative voice grew quieter, and I started to genuinely love and appreciate my body for the incredible vessel it is. Instead of comparing myself to unrealistic images in the media, I shifted my focus to all the amazing things my body allows me to do. I began seeing it as the vehicle carrying me through life—one that deserved care and respect. If I wanted it to serve me well in the years ahead, I needed to nurture it now, so I made the conscious decision to support its well-being with healthier choices.

I believed I was doing everything right to stay healthy as I aged, convinced that I was in great physical health. However, I was about to learn that that wasn't completely true, and I wasn’t as healthy as I thought.

My perspective shifted dramatically when my dad was diagnosed with cancer. By the time he was diagnosed with colon cancer, it had already spread to his brain and lungs and just two months later he was gone. Up until that point, cancer had never been part of my immediate family, but his diagnosis made me question what I really knew about the disease. Determined to learn more, I started researching and came across the documentary The Truth About Cancer. Given my dad’s diagnosis, I decided to take their quiz to assess my own cancer risk. I was shocked when the results showed I was at a high risk. This revelation was difficult to accept—I had always considered myself active and healthy, making what I thought were good lifestyle choices. I even used to joke that I would live to be 100. But this wake-up call forced me to reevaluate my health. If I was truly at high risk, then I wasn’t as healthy as I had believed, and I knew I needed to make some changes.

 I dove deeper into my research and was stunned to discover just how many cancer-causing chemicals are hidden in the foods and drinks we consume, as well as the everyday products we use. As I learned about the most harmful ingredients, I began reading labels and became much more mindful about what I was bringing into my home. Determined to reduce my exposure, I began replacing my skincare and cleaning products with organic, natural alternatives, eliminating anything that contained toxic chemicals. I removed scented candles and air fresheners, stopped wearing perfume and scented deodorant. Wanting to minimize my exposure to radiation and EMFs, I swapped out my microwave for a steam oven and made it a habit to turn off my Wi-Fi at night.

These changes had a huge impact on cleaning up my environment but were just the beginning of my commitment to reducing my cancer risk. I realized there was a much bigger issue I needed to address—my amalgam fillings. They were likely my greatest source of risk because I didn’t just have a few; I had thirteen. My mouth had been filled with amalgam for nearly forty years, exposing me to mercury every time I chewed. From all the research I had done, I had learned just how toxic mercury is to the body, particularly the brain, and I knew I couldn’t ignore it any longer. Determined to handle this safely, I educated myself on the proper removal process and found a naturopathic doctor and a dentist who specialized in safe amalgam removal. Over the course of the next year, I had all thirteen amalgam fillings replaced. While this was a huge step in improving my health, I knew there was still more to do. The results of my first provocation test revealed that my mercury levels were extremely high, so I knew that I needed to remove that toxic mercury from my body.

My doctor recommended a detox protocol that involved taking chelation drugs in cycles—using them for a short period, then pausing to allow for blood tests to monitor any potential kidney and liver damage. This process would need to be repeated every few months and could take a year or two to fully eliminate the mercury that had built up in my body over nearly four decades. I completed the first round, and although my kidney and liver function remained unaffected, I ultimately decided not to continue with that approach. Something about it didn’t sit right with me, and I knew I needed to explore alternative methods for detoxing my body. I understood that all medications come with side effects, and I wasn’t willing to take them for the next one to two years. Instead, I opted for a natural, holistic approach to detoxing, aiming to remove the mercury from my body without the use of chelating drugs. I transitioned to a mostly fresh and raw diet, incorporated specific nutraceuticals, and followed other natural detox protocols. After 30 days, just before leaving for vacation, I took another provocation test to check my mercury levels. When I returned, the results showed that my mercury levels had dropped to almost zero. In just one month, using natural methods, I had achieved what my doctor estimated could take years with medication—without any of the harmful side effects.

The transformation in my body was remarkable. I no longer woke up with blocked sinuses or aching joints, the blotches on my skin completely disappeared, and my hair became thicker and even developed natural curls. I felt healthier and more vibrant than ever before. But the most rewarding part? When I retook the cancer risk survey, my results had dramatically improved—my risk was now very low. It was proof that the changes I had made were truly making a difference in my overall well-being.         

Not only did my body undergo incredible healing, but I also gained valuable insights from eating a mostly fresh and raw diet for those 30 days. I had always believed my diet was healthy, but I came to realize that I had been consuming far more food than my body actually needed—and much of it wasn’t truly nourishing. By prioritizing nutrient-dense foods, I found that my body required less, and I no longer felt constantly hungry. The results were so profound that I chose to continue eating primarily fresh and raw while maintaining the detox protocols that helped me eliminate heavy metals. These new daily habits have given me an entirely new level of clarity, energy, and vitality.

I've come to realize that maintaining a vibrant, healthy body requires treating it with the respect and care it deserves, much like a finely tuned vessel. Being mindful of what I put into my body has been a game-changer. When I nourish myself with wholesome, nutrient-rich foods, I find that I need less food overall and have far more energy. I've also gained a deeper understanding of how our daily eating habits are shaped by the choices we consistently make over time. By consciously selecting healthier foods, I've noticed that my body naturally starts craving more of them, an indication of a balanced gut. On the other hand, when I slip into less healthy eating patterns, my cravings shift toward processed foods and sugar, reflecting an imbalance in my gut health. Now, when I find myself craving junk food, I see it as a signal that I need to refocus on making better nutritional choices. Every bite and every sip influence my well-being, so I’ve become more intentional about consuming only what truly nourishes me and supports my body’s needs.

Throughout my detox and healing journey, I’ve learned that achieving optimal health requires two key things: removing toxins from the body and fueling it with proper nutrition. I've also come to understand that the decisions we make today play a significant role in shaping our health and vitality in the years to come. Every choice matters, and by prioritizing detoxification and nourishment, we set the foundation for long-term well-being.

Though my dad’s cancer diagnosis was heartbreaking, it became an unexpected gift that transformed my understanding of true health. His journey pushed me to question everything I thought I knew and led me to uncover the deeper connection between nutrition, detoxification, and well-being. Through this experience, I made profound changes that not only improved my health but also sparked incredible healing in my body. What began as a painful loss became the catalyst for a newfound awareness, allowing me to honor both his memory and my own path to vibrant living. 

 “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.”

- Mahatma Gandhi