Healing My Gut, Healing My Life: A Story of Food, Stress, IBS, Gastritis and Finding My Way Home

Introduction

When I moved from India to Australia in 2019, I never imagined that something as simple as eating food could one day become my greatest struggle. What began as mild bloating soon turned into severe gastritis, an H. pylori infection, and years of painful digestive health problems that left me physically weak and emotionally broken.

This blog is my honest account of living through gut illness, my long path to recovery, and the lessons I learned along the way. If you’re struggling with stomach issues, IBS, or gastritis symptoms, I hope my story brings you comfort and hope.

The First Signs of Trouble

At first, I enjoyed Australia’s food and lifestyle without a problem. I had dairy, cereals, and curd rice daily. But by the end of my second semester, I began experiencing indigestion, bloating, and gas.

One day, after eating a meal of tomato and lentils, I experienced my first flare-up with severe vomiting. The doctor said it was just gas and prescribed antacids. But the flare-ups kept coming.

Soon, my weight dropped drastically—from 82kg to 64kg. Even drinking a sip of water made me burp. My sister cried when she saw my photo. That’s when I realized my illness was not just hurting me—it was hurting my family too.

Discovering H. pylori

After months of suffering, another doctor finally ordered tests. The result: H. pylori positive.

I went through strong antibiotic treatment, expecting to get better. But instead, my digestive issues grew worse. My regular bowel cycle turned into hard, infrequent stools. I developed severe gastritis symptoms—bloating, stomach pain, and even back pain that made me fear something was wrong with my heart.

I tried every supposed “remedy”: apple cider vinegar, cabbage juice, herbal teas, green juices, and even the low-FODMAP diet for IBS. Some gave temporary relief, but most made me worse.

The Emotional and Mental Strain

Living with chronic digestive problems was exhausting. My doctors kept prescribing antacids and laxatives, but nothing helped.

I lost confidence, isolated myself, and lived in constant fear of food. I wondered if I’d ever feel normal again.

A Turning Point in India

The turning point came when I returned to India and met my father’s trusted doctor. He didn’t order tests. Instead, he told me something simple but powerful:

“Your gut needs food it understands. Don’t stress. Relax. Live your life. Let your body heal itself.”

It was the first time someone told me not just what to eat, but how to live.

An Ayurvedic doctor also suggested I drink filtered buttermilk (chaas)—at least 2 liters daily—along with natural remedies.

Within four months, I started to feel real improvement. My digestion began to settle. Over the next two years, I regained weight, strength, and hope. Today, I’d say I’m about 80% recovered. Not perfect, but I have my life back.

Lessons I Learned About Gut Health

Here’s what I discovered through this journey:

• Stress and digestion are connected. Healing truly began when I stopped obsessing and allowed my gut to rest.

• Every gut is different. What helps one person may harm another. For me, apple cider vinegar and cabbage juice made my gastritis worse.

• Small wins matter. I aimed to get 5% better each month instead of expecting instant cures.

• Gut health is holistic. Food, mindset, rest, and faith all played a role in my recovery.

Advice for Others Struggling with Gastritis or IBS

If you’re dealing with gastritis, IBS, or post-H. pylori digestive issues, please know this:

• You are not alone.

• Don’t compare your healing journey to others—listen to your body.

• Avoid stressing too much over every symptom—it can make things worse.

• Focus on small, consistent progress.

Most importantly, believe that your body can heal.

Final Thoughts

Living with a gut illness was one of the hardest challenges of my life. But it also taught me patience, resilience, and gratitude.

If my story resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Share your journey, your struggles, or your recovery tips—it might help someone else who is searching for hope.

If you’d like to support me in keeping this blog alive so that others can find guidance and encouragement, any support—whether kind words or donations—is deeply appreciated.

Together, we can turn our struggles into stories of healing. ❤️