Why I chose the Functional Medicine and Naturopathic path

In 2013, at just 20 years old, I was hospitalized with a pulmonary embolism. A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks a pulmonary artery, which can be life-threatening.

At the time, I didn’t fit the typical profile for someone experiencing such a serious event. I didn’t smoke, rarely drank alcohol, exercised six days a week, and maintained a very clean, organic diet. Even my symptoms didn’t present the way they often do “on paper.” One of my most persistent symptoms was hiccups that lasted for more than 24 hours.

So what caused it?

The short answer: hormonal birth control.

As a teenager and young adult, I struggled with acne. At age 17, I was prescribed an estrogen-containing contraceptive, YAZ. Estrogen-based contraceptives are known to increase the risk of blood clots, which in some cases can lead to a pulmonary embolism.

The embolism caused significant irritation and inflammation in the lining of my lung, a condition known as pleurisy. This inflammation made even simple things painful. Breathing deeply, wearing a seatbelt or even a bra, and returning to exercise were all extremely difficult. Because the inflammation limited full lung expansion, running and strength training, which had always been part of my life, became incredibly challenging.

Recovery was not just about surviving the event; it was about rebuilding my health.

After being discharged from the hospital, I committed myself to restoring my body through movement, strength training, and a deeper understanding of how the body heals. That experience ultimately changed the trajectory of my life.

It led me to pursue functional medicine and naturopathy - fields that focus on identifying root causes rather than simply masking symptoms.

Today, my goal is to help others understand their bodies, advocate for their health, and build resilience from the inside out. Our bodies are incredibly intelligent, and when supported properly, they have a powerful capacity to heal.

I feel incredibly grateful to have survived this experience and to now use it as an opportunity to educate and support others on their own health journeys.