My health Story

No one enjoys enduring the hardships of life but sometimes they help us find a greater purpose. Such was the case for me. I decided to study nutrition because of my personal experience with medical hardship and learn more about the importance of a whole food based diet.  It all started when I was 11. After expe­ri­enc­ing some pretty painful, and inex­plic­a­ble symptoms for over a year — I was finally diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease on my 12th birthday in March 1995.   I remember laying in the hospital bed with a IV drip,  completely shocked, terrified and speechless.

They pumped my body full of high dose steroids in an attempt to reduce inflam­ma­tion and ultimately had no answers as to what happened, or why.  The only pain relief that worked was Demerol and Morphine (a narcotic pain medicine used to treat moderate to severe pain) side effects including nausea and dizziness.  Probably the worst part of those 10 days in the hospital were the tests and examinations; from being poked several times, to an endoscopy, colonoscopy, MRI, and Barium Swallow (I had to drink 2-3 L of a Vile chalky liquid).  After I was released I was prescribed Cortisone (a steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation)  which swelled up my face, gave me mood swings, sweats, insomnia, and a very large appetite, as well as Pentasa a drug to supposably help heal my gut but actually worsened the symptoms, my hair started to fall out, I always felt sick after eating, and got severe headaches.

Over the years, being in and out of hospitals, tube fed, put on medication after medication, missing school, and falling behind my parents decided to take action and try a holistic approach, when I had my first consultation with the Naturopathic Doctor at the mere age of 15, the list of foods he gave me to avoid seemed daunting, and the amount of supplements he prescribed me seemed scary (Digestive enzymes, fish oils, Vitamin B shots, D, L-Glutamine, Ester C, & Probiotics ect)…fast forward a few months later,  I had no stomach aches, toilet troubles, and my appetite was back to normal again.  I was thrilled and my doctors were surprised, they had never mentioned anything about avoiding dairy, sugar, wheat, gluten, and other processed type foods.  However as time went on and I was approaching my early twenties, my health started to decline again due to poor eating habits and life style choices. Flare ups were worse, the pain was excruciating, and hospital visits became longer.

At the age of 23 living in Athens for a month, my condition was so brutal that the doctors said it could have been fatal if I had not gone to the hospital that day; the tests had revealed a large stomach abscess (when bacteria enter your body, your immune system tries to fight the infection by sending white blood cells to the affected area. As the white blood cells attack the bacteria, it causes inflammation pain and the death of nearby tissue, leading to the formation of a cavity.) Being bed bound for 10 days in a foreign hospital, with very poor conditions around me, it was a moment of truth and acceptance that I have a disease and the only one who can help me, is ME.

I decided to take personal responsibility for my health. I took charge and made a commitment to myself that I would try to never get in that state again, which was also tremendously empowering. After that terrible time in Athens I found my passion and insatiable appetite for learning about health and nutrition – not only for myself but also for my friends, family and everyone I cared about.  A few years later I enrolled in Institute of Integrative Nutrition followed by College of Nutrition.  I now create content via articles, publications and videos to inspire organic healthy living, and help clients achieve better health through nutrition. My pure intention really comes down to  spreading my love and enthusiasm to inspire and empower other women about organic healthy living from the inside out, through plant based dishes, to D.I.Y organic skin care recipes, to positive, uplifting lifestyle tips to feel and look our best naturally.

Today at 36, I feel incredible and manage my illness on a daily basis with natural nutrition , daily fresh green juices, homemade smoothies and maximising the healthy with high quality supplements, homeopathic remedies, holistic therapies,  mediation, and daily movement. 

My secret to feeling and looking my best is simple: Smart and healthy eating with a fitness based lifestyle, having a positive mindset and a grateful heart.

Ashley xoxo

“I feel blessed to be doing something I love and am passionate about every day. To be part of someone’s journey to better health is amazing. It never ceases to amaze me how often even small changes to someone’s diet and lifestyle can bring about major improvement in their health. I love nothing more than inspiring, empowering and motivating others about organic healthy living. I help my clients to achieve better health through nutrition from consulting, creating nutritious meals, or cooking healthy. I specialise in weight-loss, wellness, skin health, detox & digestion.”  Ashley Siedentopf