I slowly open my eyes.

Tired and weak, I look around my dark room.

I wonder what time is it?

My stomach is empty and my head feels heavy.

Early this year, I was diagnosed with SIBO.

It stands for Small Intestinal Bacteria Overgrowth. It’s where there is an excess of bacteria in the small intestine which causes gas, bloating, and pain in the stomach. If you have heard of Irritable Bile Syndrome, you are familiar with SIBO.

While I am relieved that I finally found the issue to my digestive issues which I have had for years, changing my eating habits and restricting myself from several foods has been difficult and frustrating. I feel disconnected from my body because I’m not sure how to nourish it anymore. When you have SIBO, you are encouraged to avoid sugar, onions, garlic, and many more foods. You are also encouraged to have a food diary to take note of foods that trigger any symptoms.

So for the past few months, I’ve been taking notes of my eating and learning about my body. I dived into the realm of YouTube and began researching everything about SIBO and gut health. I thought to myself,  how come I didn’t get any training and education on food health?

Why am I learning about this now?

I stopped myself from opening the door to my negative thoughts and recognized that I needed help. I needed guidance from someone who knows more about food and SIBO. So I prayed. I prayed that God presented me with doctors or dieticians who could help me manage this issue. I also prayed that he provide me with the funds to get this done— because this wasn’t going to be cheap.

After several appointments with a gastroenterologist and completing a colonoscopy (yes, I did everything possible to figure out what was bothering my stomach!), God presented me with a renowned dietician who practices in Dubai and has done a lot of work with people who struggle with SIBO.

Ain’t God amazing?

Instead of dwelling in discouragement, I lifted myself up with faith and spoke words of encouragement.

This is a learning opportunity for me

I am learning how to take care of my body.

My body is changing for the better

This is a learning process.

These thoughts are what will help me grow into a woman who intentionally takes care of her body, mind, and soul.

Growing into this healthy woman will be a journey of discovery. And in this journey, I must remember that moving forward means learning to take control of my thoughts, not the other way around.

Romans 12:2

Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.