From Food Intolerances to Food Freedom: My IBS & MCAS Healing Journey

Keywords: IBS recovery, food sensitivities, nervous system healing, MCAS, food freedom

Have you ever felt like food ruled your life?

For months, I was convinced I had a dairy sensitivity. Every time I ate dairy, I’d wake up constipated the next day and experience stomach pain. It seemed obvious: dairy was the culprit. But it didn’t stop there—spinach, kimchi, strawberries, leftovers… basically anything high in histamine felt like a trigger.

Earlier this year, my food list had shrunk to almost nothing:

• Oatmeal

• Rice

• Fresh chicken

• Broccoli

• Carrots

That was it. The more I researched histamines, oxalates, and anti-nutrients, the smaller my menu became.

Looking back, I can see what was really happening: There was an anxiety loop:

Research → Fear → Flare → More Research → More Fear → Fewer “Safe” Foods

It’s wild how our beliefs can create our reality.

Why Nervous System Healing Was the Missing Piece

If you’ve read my previous posts, you know that nervous system work completely changed my life with IBS and MCAS. After 15 years of debilitating symptoms, I finally found relief—not through more restriction, but by creating safety in my body.

Today, my nervous system feels regulated most of the time. I dedicate 10–20 minutes a day to nervous system practices, plus quick tools throughout the day. That’s it.

My baseline state is now calm and resilient, which means:✔️ My body digests normally✔️ I don’t live in fear of symptoms✔️ I can enjoy life without obsessing over food

The Girls’ Trip That Proved Everything Has Changed

This past weekend brought me to tears—in the best way. I went on a 4-day girls’ trip: 15 women, 3 bedrooms, one bathroom per five of us. In the past, this scenario would’ve been a full-blown IBS flare waiting to happen.

Here’s why:

• No control over meals

• Random meal times

• Lack of sleep

• Busy schedule

• Alcohol

• Constant social energy

A few years ago, that would’ve meant anxiety, stomach pain, bloating, and Tupperware meals.

But this time? Zero flare-ups. I ate everything—cheese, gluten, leftovers, and high-histamine foods—without fear. I drank a little alcohol. I didn’t pack supplements or meds. And my digestion? Totally normal.

IBS Healing | Nervous System Work | Food Freedom

Why I’m Sharing This

Because if you’re in the thick of food fear and IBS symptoms, I want you to know this:You are not broken. Your body isn’t the enemy. And those “intolerances” that feel permanent? They might not be.

When I was stuck in elimination diets and Google rabbit holes, my world felt so small. I truly believed I’d never eat freely again. But the truth was this:My nervous system was stuck in survival mode. Every bite of food felt like a threat—not because the food was harmful, but because my body didn’t feel safe.

3 Lessons I Learned About Healing IBS and Food Fear

1. Healing isn’t linear. Setbacks are not failures—they’re opportunities to slow down.

2. Your body is adaptable. What feels like a “forever sensitivity” may shift as your nervous system finds safety.

3. Restriction is not the answer. Nervous system regulation is the foundation for real freedom.

   
   
   
   

Where I Am Now

I’m reconnecting with my body in ways that feel joyful, rebuilding my social life, and—most importantly—living again.

If symptoms ever return, I no longer spiral. I see them as messengers, not monsters. That feels like freedom.

Final Thoughts: There Is Hope

If you’re deep in food fear, please know:

• You’re not alone.

• You’re not broken.

• And your story can change too.

I’m in awe of this process and the resilience of our nervous systems. Sending you so much love—and hope that this sparks even a flicker of possibility for you.

Ready to heal your nervous system and find food freedom?

I’m now offering 1:1 sessions to help you break the cycle of fear and symptoms so you can finally feel safe in your body again.

👉 Book your session here