I’m Carley Smith, Your Fairy Gutmother!

In my pursuit of gut health and overall well-being, I was confronted with a life-changing diagnosis of Lyme disease. The debilitating symptoms led me to explore food as medicine, uncovering the transformative power of diet and lifestyle changes in healing. This experience ignited my passion for understanding gut health and its profound impact on overall wellness. Embracing this path, I regained my health and was inspired to share my knowledge and passion with others.

By sharing my story, I aim to resonate with those facing health challenges and inspire them to seek solutions. My journey is a testament to the strength of hope and resilience, demonstrating that minor adjustments can significantly improve well-being. Prioritizing gut health is crucial, even if you're in good health, as it forms the foundation of a vibrant and fulfilling life. Gut health is essential for our overall wellness!

Unraveling the Secrets of Gut Health: A Transformative Journey

My journey began in 2013, a full year before I received my Lyme disease diagnosis. Initially, I noticed subtle changes in my health: decreased energy, persistent brain fog, inability to handle mundane daily tasks, and emotional outbursts that I typically chalked up to “that time of the month,” if I’m being honest. However, over the next two years, my condition deteriorated significantly. 

As my memory alarmingly faded, I recall a vivid incident where I forgot the location of my home while driving back from work. Panic-stricken, I found myself circling the block, not only disoriented but also horrified by the realization that my home was completely lost in my memory. To compound matters, I experienced prolonged menstrual bleeding for four consecutive months. Doctors were perplexed and ultimately dismissive, simply advising me to rest at home with my feet up. My mental health deteriorated, and I grappled with depression and disturbing thoughts, prompting me to seek out additional medical opinions, but I received little support or answers.

It wasn't until I developed a bacterial infection from chronic bleeding that I was prescribed a heavy dose of antibiotics, triggering what was likely my first Herxheimer reaction, or Herx: the intense die-off response associated with Lyme disease treatment. It felt like the flu multiplied; I was completely bedridden, experiencing body sweats, fever, chills, nausea, and pain. My doctor suggested it might be an allergic reaction to the antibiotics, but a friend mentioned it sounded like a Herx and encouraged me to get tested for Lyme disease.

After testing positive for Lyme disease, I started a regimen of heavy antibiotics. However, within a few short months, it felt like I was taking medications to manage the side effects of my other drugs, and they seemed to do more harm than good. Realizing there had to be a better way, I discontinued all my medications and began researching gut health. 

I learned that the immune system resides in the gut and thought that perhaps healing my gut could boost my immune system and reverse my Lyme symptoms. Remarkably, after just a few weeks of implementing a gut-healing protocol, I noticed significant improvements in my health, particularly in my memory and ability to recall information. From that point on, I felt a surge of inspiration and hope, recognizing the light at the end of the tunnel, and I knew I would never look back.

Finding Hope: How Bone Broth Became My Guiding Light

I discovered that the faint light I saw at the end of the tunnel was a freshly simmered pot of golden, gut-healing bone broth. I believe that bone broth played a crucial role in my healing journey. I still remember that first sip vividly: I was leaning over the crock pot in the corner of my apartment, pouring chicken bone broth into a mug. Holding the warm mug in both hands, I took my first sip and immediately felt its healing power. I felt the bone broth traveling through my body, quenching a thirst I hadn’t even realized I had. At that moment, I knew this was exactly what my body needed. 

Later, when I returned to school to study nutrition, I learned more about the profound health benefits of bone broth. It became clear why that first sip felt so transformative. The nutrients in bone broth were what my body needed to heal. Protein, collagen, cartilage, and connective tissue were all essential for repairing and restoring my health. 

Even today, I still get chills when I share this story, as it brings back all the emotions of feeling sick and lost, followed by my journey to hope and healing. The progress in my health and complete transformation inspired me to return to school and study nutrition, allowing me to share this knowledge with others. I founded Fairy Gutmother to spread important information about gut health and to create a resource and source of inspiration for those in need, something I wished I had during my journey. 

I’m genuinely encouraged by the excitement and interest surrounding bone broth today. I vividly remember the first time I spotted Dr. Kellyann’s Bone Broth Diet book on the shelf at my local grocery store. I was elated! Finally, more people, including doctors, recognize bone broth's incredible healing benefits and power. 

I’m happy to share my story and the things that have helped me, and I hope it inspires and supports you on your journey!