My Story
I've been a therapist and instructor since the '90s in both energy work and bodywork, and an herbalist for 23 years; but my own personal health issues deepened my interest in complementary therapies. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease, a condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. At the time of my diagnosis, I had no energy and could barely move my legs. I was prescribed thyroid medication, but it wasn't enough to make me feel great. Fortunately, I was able to develop a healing program for myself. In addition to thyroid medication, I take specific herbs and supplements, follow a diet suited for my constitution, continue to do yoga (and teach yoga), as well as walking or hiking. I also garden and grow organic food and herbs and love to cook all that fresh food from my garden.
While working on healing myself, I did a lot of research on autoimmune diseases and the role nutrition plays in keeping us healthy (or making us sick). I completed a Holistic Nutrition program and an Ayurvedic program in Mastering Ayurvedic Digestion and Nutrition. The Holistic Nutrition program focused on the importance of a plant-based diet and the avoidance of processed foods in getting and staying healthy. Research shows that a lack of healthy plant foods, and an abundance of processed foods, in the diet can lead to chronic, or systemic, inflammation, which is a cause of, or a factor in, many ailments, including chronic pain, autoimmune diseases, heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, and Multiple Sclerosis) and even cancer. A major cause of chronic inflammation is processed foods, such as sugar (the #1 culprit), wheat, rye, barley, processed corn, red meat, dairy products, trans fats, artificial chemicals and additives. (It can also be caused by a lack of exercise, environmental toxins, and chronic stress.) With the Mastering Ayurvedic Digestion and Nutrition program, I learned that, other than traumatic accidents or injuries, nearly all diseases derive from a digestive problem, because everything we eat, and drink becomes us. In Ayurveda we look at which foods and herbs support the client's primary constitution (dosha) and which food, herbs, and life-style practices will help bring the person back into balance. With Ayurveda's approach to digestion and nutrition, I lost weight, dropped my cholesterol by 34 points, and my muscles no longer felt weak and heavy.
My mission is to to work with women living with a chronic condition, such as an autoimmune disease, heart disease, and/or chronic pain, so that they can feel better and live a more joyful life. Reach out to me if you have any questions.
Jeannine Love, MS Medical Education Leadership
Certified Ayurvedic Digestive Health Coach, Holistic Nutritionist,
Herbalist, Yoga Instructor, LMT #5326
