For years, I did everything “right.” I counted calories, hit the gym religiously, tried every new wellness trend, and followed all the advice I could find, yet I still struggled with chronic inflammation, fatigue, brain fog, and stubborn weight that refused to budge.
After years of trial and error (and frustration), I finally learned that healing isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what’s right for you. My journey taught me that wellness isn’t a quick fix or a straight path. It’s about slowing down, tuning in, and learning to trust your body again.
What started as a struggle with body image and undiagnosed health challenges has evolved into a lifelong commitment to balance, self-awareness, and bioindividuality, and I’m finally living proof that healing from the inside out is possible.
Early Struggles with Body Image
I grew up in Florida, where beauty standards were always front and center. Looking back, I can see that I struggled with body dysmorphia and an unhealthy relationship with food even before my health challenges began. The constant pressure to compare myself to others only intensified when my symptoms started to appear.
My PCOS Diagnosis and Search for Answers
When I was 15, I started experiencing symptoms that no one could quite explain: rapid weight gain, inflammation, brain fog, fatigue, facial hair, and intense sugar cravings. I remember going from doctor to doctor, hearing the same thing over and over: “Nothing’s wrong with you, you might want to try Weight Watchers.”
Finally, an OB-GYN took a closer look and said, “You’re right. This is something called polycystic ovarian syndrome.” That moment was both validating and overwhelming. I finally had a name for what was happening, but it was also the start of a long, often frustrating search for answers.
College, Trial and Error, and the “Broken Body” Story
In college, I did everything I thought I was supposed to do. I spent hours in the gym, counted every calorie, and said no to nights out, yet I still didn’t feel good. My energy was low, my skin was inflamed, and my mental health was suffering.
At that point, the story I told myself was that my body was broken. I was doing all the right things, but nothing was working. That frustration, though painful, planted the seed for what would eventually become my passion: finding a more holistic, compassionate approach to health.
Discovering Bioindividuality
Things began to shift when I moved to New York City and started working with a health coach. She told me something that completely changed my perspective: “Delete your calorie counting app.”
At first, I thought she was crazy. But that was the moment I began learning about inflammation, nutrient-dense foods, and most importantly, listening to my body. It was my first real introduction to bioindividuality, the idea that what works for one person might not work for another.
Just because going gluten-free makes me feel amazing doesn’t mean it will do the same for everyone. That realization gave me permission to stop chasing one-size-fits-all solutions and start tuning into what my body was asking for.
Slowing Down and Finally Healing
The COVID-19 pandemic, oddly enough, became a major turning point for me. Living at home with my family, I finally slowed down. I stopped drinking, went gluten-free, focused on rest, and took care of myself in a way I hadn’t since I was 15.
And the result? I felt better than I had in a decade. My inflammation went down, my energy came back, my mind felt clearer, and without trying, my body naturally found its balance again. It was the first time I truly understood how powerful recovery and nervous system regulation are for long-term health.
Discovering the Power of Peptides and Other Therapies
As my healing journey continued, I started to explore other modalities that supported my body on a deeper level. Peptides became one of the biggest game changers. They’ve helped me better manage inflammatory flares and support overall cellular repair and resilience.
I also began incorporating red light therapy, EBO2 ozone therapy, and IV therapy into my routine, which have all been instrumental in helping me feel my best. Each one has played a role in calming inflammation, improving recovery, and giving my body the tools it needs to thrive. These therapies aren’t magic fixes, but together they’ve become a huge part of what helps me maintain balance and feel truly well from the inside out.
Living with Balance and Gratitude
Today, I’m still learning, still experimenting, and still healing. From exploring new therapies to managing a recent condition, MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome), my health journey continues to evolve. But one thing has remained constant: the more I calm my nervous system and give myself permission to rest, the better I feel.
I’ve realized that health isn’t about perfection, it’s about awareness, compassion, and patience. It’s about learning to listen to your body, honoring your unique needs, and finding gratitude in the process.
Because if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this: healing from chronic inflammation and finding balance isn’t about trying it all, it’s about discovering what truly works for you.
– Nicole Doran, Co-Founder of PUR-FORM and host of The Healthspan Collective
