By The Flight Attendant Nextdoor
Why Gut Health Became My Mission
If there’s one thing I’ve learned while traveling across time zones and managing life between sky and ground, it’s that gut health is everything. As a flight attendant, I’ve mastered the art of appearing put-together, cheerful, and high-functioning—even when my body’s been sending SOS signals. I knew something was off. I wasn’t myself. There were times when I felt bloated, foggy, fatigued, and my energy was unpredictable. Add in onboard allergens, and dehydration from the dry cabin air resetting after a block of flying ends up being a must.
The tricky part? Prior to identifying I had an official gut imbalance I spent days off trying to get to the bottom of it. I brought these concerns to my doctor, from their pov I’m perfectly healthy. “Your labs are pristine!” they said. But deep down, I knew there was more to the story, without pressing the issue I started looked into turning things around. That’s when I took my health into my own hands and started a deep dive into gut healing. What I found—and what I’ve lived—is that your gut affects far more than just digestion. It impacts the brain, mood, energy, skin, sleep, and entire quality of life.
I want to share the story of what has worked for me. Note: This isn’t medical advice but a glimps at my journey. Maybe you’re a fellow flight attendant, a busy mom, or someone simply tired of feeling off with no clear answers. Let’s walk this mysterious journey together and thrive. These are my personal anecdotes rather than prescriptions.
The Book That Changed Everything
The turning point? I read The 4-Phase Histamine Reset Plan—and it was like someone linked all the puzzle pieces together and demystified what was happening in my body. This book opened my eyes to the histamine connection plus many other factors and gave me the blueprint to begin healing my gut from the inside out. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting my recommendations!
Here’s what I did that helped me reset, restore, and reclaim my energy and vitality:
1. No Sugar Detox: Kicking the Cravings
I’ve detoxed from sugar for 7 weeks nearly each year since 2011. During those time frames I said goodbye to refined sugars, processed treats, and sneaky syrups. It isn’t easy the initial first few days, especially during long flights or when I was craving a quick snack. But this process will drastically reduced my inflammation and gave my gut a break. Here are a few of the many benefits.
Stabilized my blood sugar
Reduced cravings and bloating
Helped clear brain fog
2. Parasite Cleansing: The Unseen Invaders
Yep, I went there. Traveling means exposure to a lot—and parasites don’t just come from dirty water. However, I know what it’s like to contract traveler diarrhea (TMI) returning from a trip to Egypt. I did a safe, herbal parasite cleanse and noticed immediate changes in my digestion, skin clarity, and even my mood. I also noticed symptoms returned in a milder way so I learned that cycling the cleanse on and off will give desired outcome. See Hidden Hitch hiker post to learn more.
3. Cutting Out High-Histamine Foods
I temporarily eliminated foods that triggered histamine buildup, like aged cheeses, avocado, certain moldy nuts, fermented goods, alcohol, and leftovers. Histamine overload was a huge root cause of my symptoms. This step was non-negotiable.over a short period of time time I gently reintroduced foods and I’ve never been much of a consumer of alcohol. Alcohol is a major trigger of mine.
4. Bye Coffee, Hello Matcha Tea
Waking up early in the morning for a flight and letting go of coffee felt like breaking up with a bad boyfriend—hard but worth it. The acidity was wrecking my stomach lining that was ultra sensitive during that time frame. I switched to b vitamins and soothing herbal teas like green tea, chamomile, ginger, nettle plus marshmallow root and slippery elm.
5. Prebiotics & Probiotics: Feeding the Good Guys
I rebuilt my gut flora with:
Prebiotic-rich foods (onions, garlic, bananas, asparagus)
Quality probiotics to restore balance after years of damage (kimchi, kefir, coconut yogurt)
6. Supporting My Colon, Liver & Kidneys
I learned that gut health is primary part of system to keep us healthy. I routinely support my detox organs with:
Dandelion root and milk thistle
Cleansing teas and gentle herbal blends
Supplementing NAC and Glutathione
7. Infrared Sauna & Vibration Plate: Sweat and Stimulate
Two game-changers in my self-care:
Infrared Sauna: Detoxed through sweat and soothed my nervous system. mine is portable.
Vibration Plate: Stimulated lymph flow and helped reduce fatigue ( I often do 10 min of this during the week)
Note: this replaced exercise when I didn’t have the energy
8. Stomach-Coating Supplements
To provide comfort I focused on protecting my gut lining, so I used:
Marshmallow root
Slippery elm
These herbs are like a soft hug for an inflamed stomach.With my crockpot and leftover chicken parts I made plenty mineral-rich broths from bones
9. Testing My Vitamin and Mineral Levels
Even with “perfect” labs, I knew something was missing. So I ordered a Vitamin and Mineral test to check my micronutrient levels. Sure enough—I was deficient in several key areas that directly correlated with how I felt. Understanding exactly what my body is missing changed everything.i combed over each missing vitamin and mineral and identified my symptoms resulted from deficiency’s as a result of not absorbing nutrients as well. My first hand experience of what happens in the body if levels are low or nearly non existent.
10. IV drips, Herbal Tonics & Methylated Vitamins
Once I knew what I was lacking, I nourished my body with:
Targeted herbal tonics (via traditional Chinese medicine)
Methylated B vitamins (easier for the body to absorb as its in the activated form)
IV drips with NAC or glutathione, and vitamin C for that deep cellular support and hydration I need between flights
And let’s not forget Vitamin D. When my levels dip in the winter, I feel it—low energy, low mood, zero motivation. Supplementing made a massive difference. I would get an injection that lasts 8 weeks from the medical spa during IV therapy or I would have the Dr prescribe a weekly mega dose.
11. Quarterly Organ Tune-Ups
Like a car needs oil changes, and clean filters our bodies could benefit from seasonal reseting. Once I spent time restoring areas of malnutrition, for maintenance I began focusing on one organ system at a time, with the goal of nourishing and cleansing it. Under the wisdom of reading up on Traditional Chinese Medicine principals and with the guidance of a chinese herbalist, I began to rebuild from the inside out.
Spring- Liver/ Gallbladder
Summer- Heart-Mind and small intestines
Late Summer-spleen/pancreas
Fall- lungs/ large intestines see future post
Winter- kidney/ Bladder see future post
Final Thoughts: This Is a Journey, Not a Quick Fix
I didn’t feel restored overnight. It took over a year of discipline, dedication, trial and error, and listening to my body. But the results? I feel like me again—more focused, more energized, less moody and more empowered than ever.
As a flight attendant and a mom, my health isn't just about me—it's about showing up fully for those who rely on me. And now that I’ve fought hard and reclaimed my gut health, I’m walking lighter, sleeping deeper, and moving through life with a kind of peace I didn’t know I was missing.
Your Turn to Heal
If you’re reading this and nodding your head, trust that your symptoms are not “just in your head.” You deserve to feel vibrant and nourished. Start with one change. Listen to your body. And know that supporting your healing is possible.This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
From the jumpseat to your heart,
The Flight Attendant Nextdoor
Related Posts:
7-week No Sugar Detox Journey: Kicking the Cravings
Hidden Hitchhikers: How Parasites Could Be Affecting Your Health (And What to Watch For!)
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