Introduction

For years, I struggled with bloating, brain fog, sinus congestion, and unexplained fatigue. No matter what I ate, I always felt uncomfortable, and doctors couldn’t seem to pinpoint the issue. They suggested various medications, elimination diets, and lifestyle changes, but nothing worked. What they didn’t know was that I had already been following the low FODMAP diet for six years—long before they finally recommended it.

This journey has been about more than just food; it’s been about learning to trust my body, advocate for my health, and navigate a world where most people don’t understand food intolerances.

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How It Started: The Mystery of My Symptoms

My symptoms weren’t dramatic at first. They crept in over time—feeling bloated after meals, experiencing random headaches, and struggling with mental clarity. At first, I thought it was just stress or a lack of sleep. But as the years went by, I realized certain foods made things worse. Tomatoes, onions, apples, and dairy were some of the biggest culprits.

I started experimenting with elimination. When I removed dairy, I noticed less bloating. When I cut out onions and garlic, my stomach felt lighter. But I still didn’t fully understand what was happening.

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Doctors Didn’t Have the Answers

I visited doctors, nutritionists, and specialists, hoping for answers. Each time, I was met with vague suggestions:
✔️ “Try avoiding gluten.”
✔️ “Maybe you should eat more fiber.”
✔️ “Have you considered probiotics?”

None of these answers addressed the root of my problem. It wasn’t until years later that I was officially diagnosed with food intolerances—something I had already figured out through trial and error.

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Trusting My Body Before Medical Science Caught Up

One of the biggest lessons I learned through this experience is that our bodies give us signals long before doctors do. I had unknowingly structured my diet around low FODMAP principles, simply because it made me feel better.

💡 Lesson learned? If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Keep a food journal, notice patterns, and make small eliminations to see what helps.

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Takeaway: How to Take Control of Your Own Health

If you’re experiencing digestive discomfort, brain fog, or unexplained bloating, don’t wait for a doctor to validate your experience. Start your own journey:
1️⃣ Keep a food journal – Write down what you eat and how you feel after meals.
2️⃣ Try small eliminations – Cut out potential triggers like dairy, onions, or gluten for a few weeks.
3️⃣ Listen to your body – If you feel better without certain foods, trust that!
4️⃣ Seek professional help—but don’t rely on it alone – Medical advice is useful, but your personal experience matters just as much.

➡️ Next post: Why I Can’t Digest Avocados – The Truth About FODMAPs.