By Susan Catherine Keter, Transformational Life Coach and Publisher of The HealthWise Bulletin and The Nourish and Flourish.Live Magazine
In early 2023, I found myself at a crossroads in my health.
Though I had always considered myself healthy, persistent issues started to pile up – difficulty climbing stairs, swollen ankles, and a constant battle with weight. I initially dismissed these as temporary concerns, blaming factors like long flights or poor transportation for the swelling in my ankles.
However, at 87 kilograms, I could no longer ignore that my weight was likely a contributing factor.
Despite experiencing occasional mood swings, I never considered that the underlying cause could be a metabolic dysfunction.
The turning point came in November 2022, following the loss of my mother. I entered the new year in poor health. During a routine check-up, I was informed that my blood pressure was slightly elevated.
A Dangerous Cocktail of Supplements and Medication
The immediate solution seemed to be prescribed medication, but I also began taking various supplements and herbal remedies in an effort to boost my metabolic health.
Unfortunately, I learned the hard way that mixing these products only exacerbated the problem. My blood pressure spiked, and I found myself clinging to life in desperation.
Despite my best efforts, my condition deteriorated further. In December 2022, I took a holiday to the coast, only to fall seriously ill after just two nights.
My heartbeat became erratic, resembling the sound of a tuk-tuk engine. Fearing for my life, I rushed to the hospital, where the doctor informed me that my condition was so severe that a stroke or heart attack was imminent had I waited any longer.
Even with medication, supplements, and herbs, my condition continued to spiral. After consulting multiple specialists, I ended up in a precarious state at a local clinic, where my electrolytes were dangerously low after treatment.
The Turning Point
It was in this moment of crisis that I took control of my treatment. I began researching metabolic health, particularly the root causes of high blood pressure.
What I discovered completely shifted my perspective. I realized that metabolic and lifestyle health conditions are deeply intertwined and can’t simply be addressed with medication.
Drugs and supplements only manage symptoms – true healing lies in our daily choices: what we eat and how we live.
For years, I had been working as a desk officer, sitting for more than 12 hours a day without breaks, contributing to my weight gain and a sedentary lifestyle.
My diet was filled with high-carb, processed foods, seed oils, and sugar.
I also realized that my high-starch diet and daily consumption of orange juice were interacting negatively with my blood pressure medication, exacerbating my symptoms and leading to my health crisis on the coast.
Unmasking the True Culprits
As I dug deeper into the real causes of my health problems, I had a revelation. Foods rich in carbohydrates and sugar, such as ugali, wheat products, and potatoes, were major triggers for both my high blood pressure and irregular heart rate.
Even seemingly healthy drinks like milk tea worsened my condition. Additionally, I discovered that health recommendations I had trusted – such as green tea or cocoa—were not beneficial for my metabolic needs.
I began tracking my blood pressure throughout the day, noting how my readings fluctuated after meals. By keeping a food journal, I identified the foods that triggered the most harm.
Once I eliminated high-carb and sugary foods from my diet, my health began improving almost immediately.
A pivotal discovery was the impact of fructose, especially from fruits. Many modern fruits, bred for sweetness, can burden the liver and pancreas, particularly in individuals with slower metabolisms.
I learned that citrus fruits, in particular, when combined with blood pressure medication, could lead to severe complications.
Losing Weight and Finding Balance
At 87 kilograms, my weight was a significant factor in my poor health, but I didn’t know how to begin losing it.
Doctors advised me to lose at least 5 kilograms, but they didn’t offer a clear strategy. When one specialist recommended a carb and sugar-rich diet, I disagreed, as those very foods had caused my health issues.
Through trial and error, I found that the most effective approach was to focus on a high-protein, low-carb diet, prioritizing fatty meats and vegetables. I also adopted a two-meal-a-day eating window—at 10 AM and between 7-8 PM.
By October 2023, I had lost over 23 kilograms.
My swollen ankles and painful knees disappeared, and I was able to walk briskly for 4-5 kilometers daily.
Though initially difficult, I gradually built stamina, making brisk walking part of my daily routine. I learned that overexerting myself, especially through heavy weightlifting or excessive domestic chores, could trigger setbacks.
As a result, I limited weight training to once or twice a week and kept a close eye on how my body responded.
Reevaluating The Menu Of My “Healthy” Foods
More than 20 years ago, I advocated for raw vegetable juices as a cure-all. Juicing had helped me recover from asthma, pneumonia, and other ailments, and for many years, it made me feel great.
But as I aged, my metabolism slowed, and even small amounts of sugar from fruits or juices caused severe reactions.
This was a powerful reminder that what worked for the body at one stage in life might no longer be effective as we age.
I also discovered that some juices – especially those rich in potassium – negatively interacted with my blood pressure medication.
I became more discerning about the foods and drinks I consumed, ensuring they did not conflict with my treatment.
Adaptation and Long-Term Health Monitoring
My health journey has taught me that even foods considered “healthy” can strain the body if consumed in large amounts.
Long-term monitoring of your health, along with regular diet adjustments, is essential to maintaining well-being. What works for your body today may not work tomorrow, and the key is to stay responsive to these changes.
My health struggles didn’t arise overnight—they were the result of years of lifestyle choices. Just like a vehicle that’s been overused, the body can accumulate strain over decades.
This gradual wear and tear is why metabolic diseases often emerge later in life. Maintaining health is a lifelong journey that requires constant adaptation and vigilance.
By listening to our bodies, making informed choices, and staying open to change, we can all take charge of our well-being and thrive well into the future.
