Podcast Episode 5-Trial and Error
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[00:00:00] Tess: Hey everyone. Welcome back to Sick of Care, the show where we cut through the noise and get real about wellness, especially when you feel like your body's been sending you SOS signals no one's answering. I'm Tess, your functional nurse consultant and holistic health guide.
[00:00:16] So today we're talking about something I hear all the time from clients and followers alike. The exhausting, confusing, and downright frustrating cycle of trial and error in health. So if you are someone who's tried supplements and medications and diet after diet and still feel stuck, this episode is for you. Raise your hand if you tried 14 different supplements, seven diets, three sleep hacks, and a partridge in a pear tree only to still feel exhausted, foggy, or off balance. I see you.
[00:00:51] So what's the problem with trial and error? On the surface, it seems logical. I don't know what's wrong, so I'll try this thing and see if it works. Here's the deal. Trial and error feel like you're doing something, but in reality, you're often doing everything except solving the actual problem.
[00:01:11] You're guessing. Trial and error is not a health strategy. It's a guessing game. Most wellness advice out there is cookie cutter. Maybe you've seen Instagram posts saying, you know, take this supplement for your hormones, or try this detox to fix your gut and jumped on board and when it doesn't work, you've now wasted your time and money and you start doubting yourself. You wonder, is it all in my head? Am I just broken?
[00:01:41] No, you're not broken. You're just missing a plan that actually fits you. Your body isn't a one size fits all machine. Your symptoms, your labs, your history, they all tell a unique story that generic advice really does miss. And when we don't have a roadmap to follow, it's like driving blindfolded and hoping to get where we wanna go. But when you work with a functional approach, you get a custom map. Instead of tossing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks, we really need to look at the whole picture.
[00:02:20] Your labs, your history, your symptoms, your lifestyle, even your relationships sometimes. And then build a roadmap that actually connects those dots. Your fatigue might not just be low iron or your bloating isn't just all about stress. There could be a cascade of imbalances at play, real metabolic chaos.
[00:02:43] And the truth is, sometimes there isn't one root cause; there's many. And that's why throwing darts at the symptom list never hits the bullseye. For example, you know, when you're digging into your labs, you don't wanna just see what's normal in that normal range, but to find what's optimal for you and listen to your symptoms in context with those results and with your lifestyle and history.
[00:03:11] This is where the magic happens. Having a custom built wellness plan that correlates what you are feeling with all of the results, not just random, social media influencer trying to be your well-meaning friend, and this is the true essence of what a functional approach is about.
[00:03:32] So when we look at labs from a functional lens, we're not just looking for what's normal, we're looking for what's optimal. And on a very personal, individual level, there's a big difference between everything looks fine and you feeling good. And so when you have someone that's trained to interpret your body's signals and those labs, you stop spinning your wheels.
[00:03:57] Because guesswork, it really leads to burnout. It masks real issues. It can even create new imbalances. For example, taking the wrong supplements or maybe too many supplements can do more harm than good. And don't get me started on restrictive diets that tank your metabolism and wreck your relationship with food; that just wears your body and your mind out. Guesswork can actually backfire. It wastes your time, your money, your energy, and worse, it can leave real issues unaddressed or even create new problems.
[00:04:33] So what's the alternative? How do you break free from the trial and error loop? I've got a few tips here.
[00:04:42] Once you can shift from guessing to purposeful health support, you can, one, start tracking your symptoms and patterns. Like start a journal. Um, log energy levels, digestion after eating, mood, sleep cycles, whatever stands out. Clarity starts with awareness. Get to know your body. And then two, get labs that matter. Advocate for functional tests that reveal more than the basic panel. Don't accept everything looks fine when you feel anything but fine.
[00:05:15] Ask your provider for functional tests that go beyond the basics. And if they don't provide work with someone who sees you, not just your labs, not just your symptoms. A trained practitioner who builds a targeted plan, not a recycled protocol from the internet, but who listens to your story and who crafts a plan uniquely for you.
[00:05:35] And then lastly, implement a personalized strategy. You've gotta take action on that information, and that includes food, stress support, nervous system regulation, sleep quality, movement, and yes, sometimes supplements, but only where needed and that have intentional target.
[00:05:53] So what are some quick wins that you can start now? Prioritize quality sleep. Maybe try turning off screens 30 minutes earlier tonight. Eat balanced meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to stabilize your blood sugar. Support your stress response. You know, take a pause. Just be. Breathe, reconnect with your body. We're in such a fast paced society.
[00:06:18] And remember consistency and progress; it beats perfection every time. Small hinges really do swing big doors, and so if you're tired of the endless cycle of, try this, hope for the best. It's time to get clear and purposeful about your health journey. Root causes can be layered. They can be complex and sometimes not a hundred percent clear, and that's okay.
[00:06:44] The goal isn't perfection, again, it's direction. You deserve a plan that's built around your needs, your labs, your story, not a copy paste solution. That's the difference between surviving and thriving. So I wanna thank you for tuning in today. And hey, if this episode spoke to you, share it with a friend, leave a review or subscribe so you don't miss more episodes where we can cut through the confusion and actually make sense of your health.
[00:07:13] So until next time, take care of yourself with purpose. You're not too complicated. You just need a better strategy. And if you're ready for a personalized plan, book your free wellness strategy call so we can chat. Until next time, take care of yourself with intention because you deserve nothing less.
[00:07:31] Take care.
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