What If Our Symptoms Are Not Separate Problems
Connecting the dots ...
Many people have come to me believing they have several different health problems.
A woman may come because of fatigue, but also has constipation, anxiety, and headaches. Another person comes because of skin issues, yet also struggles with sleep, allergies, and digestion.
Sometimes the list can feel overwhelming.
Over the years, from my training and experience in natural health, one question has repeatedly come to mind:
What if these symptoms are not separate problems?
As I was writing this blog, I realized I simply wanted to share a way of thinking that has served both my clients and me so well over the years.
My hope is that it may bring a little relief, hope, and curiosity to your own health journey.
- Relief in knowing that your symptoms may not be random.
- Hope that things can make more sense.
- Curiosity to begin noticing what your body may be trying to tell you.
When Five Diagnoses Became One Question
Before I share how we can begin uncovering some of these connections, I should first mention why this way of thinking became so personal to me.
Years ago, before the age of 30, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, sarcoidosis, and erythema nodosum. At the time, I was told that these conditions were chronic, incurable, and unrelated.
Yet my experience eventually taught me something very different.
When I worked with the last practitioner I saw, Gail, she focused first on supporting and balancing my body, particularly my digestive system and colon.
Something remarkable happened.
As my body became more balanced, symptoms began improving. One by one, the diseases disappeared and never returned. That was over thirty years ago.
It made me wonder:
- Were these truly five separate diseases?
- Were they different expressions of a body that was struggling, and trying to communicate?
- Those 2 question changed the direction of my life and my practice.
Becoming a “CSI Body Detective”
I became fascinated by patterns and links.
Even today, when someone comes to see me, I keep asking questions until I begin to understand where the first domino may have fallen. Very interestingly, many clients also begin noticing connections themselves. This is incredibly rewarding, because I truly believe everyone can learn to do this.
Personally, I enjoy approaching it with curiosity and even a bit of fun, almost like being a “CSI Body Detective,” trying to understand what our body may be trying to communicate.
I often think of symptoms as the red lights on the dashboard of a car. They simply let us know that something may need a little attention.
I am inviting you to do the same.
It's Easy To Start With Just Observations
First, it starts with observation. As you remember things and think about your own health journey, simply jot down a few notes. No judging. No trying to understand yet—just simple notes. You may be surprised by what begins to emerge.
- When did things begin?
- Did several symptoms start around the same time?
- Was there a period of stress, hormonal changes, an illness, or changes in sleep, eating habits, or life circumstances?
Here are just a few examples I have often observed:
- gut ↔ mood
- hormones ↔ blood sugar
- skin ↔ elimination
- allergies ↔ digestion
- sleep ↔ stress ↔ inflammation
And remember, these are simply examples. Everyone's story is unique, and often the links are much simpler than we think.
Why Digestion, Sleep, and Mood Belong in the Same Conversation
Clients are often surprised by the questions I ask.
- “What does my digestion have to do with my hormones?”
- “Why are you asking about my sleep when I came because of my energy?”
- “What does my gut have to do with my anxiety or skin?”
Our body functions as an integrated whole. One area of health often influences another.
Stress may affect sleep. Sleep may influence hormones and blood sugar. Digestion may impact inflammation, mood, and energy.
This does not mean that every symptom has one single cause, or that everything is connected in exactly the same way for everyone.
However, sometimes several seemingly unrelated symptoms may be different expressions of the same underlying imbalance.
Of course, if someone has headaches, I do not want them suffering. If someone is not sleeping, I want to support their sleep. If someone feels anxious or exhausted, I want them to feel better.
At the same time, I gently become curious.
- Why might this be happening?
- What else may be contributing?
- What patterns are present?
This way of thinking eventually became one of the foundations of BODiWELL.
The various pieces of health do not exist in isolation. They work together.
When one area is struggling, other pieces may begin to feel the effects. Likewise, when we support one important area, we sometimes notice improvements in places we never expected.
Perhaps our body is not working against us by giving us “symptoms.” Perhaps it is simply asking us to pay attention.
I believe our body is always communicating, and one of the ways it does that is through symptoms.
And perhaps many symptoms are simply different pieces of the same puzzle. Sometimes, simply becoming curious is the first step.
A Simple Starting Point
As many of you often ask: “Where do I start?”
Over the years, some of the foundational products I personally use most often include:
- Bwl-Bld or Body Detox for elimination support
- Garden Essence for digestive support
- Adrenal Support for stress and nervous system support
- Three or Solstic Nutrition for nourishment and nutrient replenishment
- Herbal Calm for feeling calm during the day—and allowing proper rest at night
- Water and chlorophyll for hydration support
As many of you know, I have developed a deep appreciation for herbs over the years. I love how they may help rebalance, nourish, and support the body at the cellular level.
Want to explore further?
You may enjoy visiting my recommended herbal products page:
As you become curious, you will probably have questions. Rather than making this blog too long or complicated, I have referenced some of my podcast episodes below that may help you explore these ideas further:
- Episode 2 – Understanding the Importance of Root Cause Analysis
- Episode 4 – The Pursuit of Balance and the 80/20 Rule
- Episode 6 – The Stress Effect
- Episode 12 – Beyond the Barrier: Skin
- Episode 13 – The Power of Sleep
- Episode 14 – Seasons of Change: Exploring the Five Stages of Women's Health
- Episodes 18 & 19 – Out with the Old and In with the New: Gut Microbiomes and Cleansing
- Episodes 20 & 21 – Emotional Health and Wellness Struggles Are Not All in Our Head
- Episode 25 – Water
- Episodes 26 & 27 – Our Hormones Are Not Lying, Ladies
- Episodes 28 & 29 – Worth the Weight
All (and many more) can be found here: https://dianemclaren.com/pages/podcast
Start with the topic that resonates most with you right now. Remember: you do not need to understand everything today. Start where you are.
I would absolutely love to hear about the connections you may be beginning to notice.
Many people tell me that once they start looking differently, things begin making more sense.
Clients often find this process very empowering, because they begin understanding their body in a completely different way, symptoms no longer feel random or confusing.