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Hildur’s Health Journal:
Stories, Learning & Perspectives on True Healing.
Welcome to a space where I share my personal journey, the profound lessons I’ve learned, and the insights that have guided me and countless others to lasting wellness. Consider this more than just a blog – it’s my curated collection of findings, stories, recipes and practical wisdom accumulated over decades.
Here, you’ll gain my unique perspective, views, and everything I’ve encountered that I believe will be truly valuable for understanding your body and navigating your own healing journey.
Is it possible to recover from “incurable” diseases?
I have accumulated diagnoses my entire life and have been labelled with all kinds of autoimmune illnesses and other chronic conditions that have made life difficult and worsened over time. The message I received from doctors and other healthcare professionals was that I had incurable diseases that I would need to learn to live with. I should accept my lot and not be striving for recovery. They said it was just stress on my nervous system that made my symptoms worse. About 12 years ago, I was in such bad shape that I couldn’t sleep more than an hour at a time. I managed to stand upright for an average of only about two hours a day. I was bedridden in chronic pain, utterly exhausted, having daily migraine attacks, and my mental health had become very poor.
But fortunately, I never gave up searching for solutions. It was a long and strict journey, which led to improved well-being in intervals, but then everything would always slide back. Until ten years ago, when I finally managed to put together a program – after months of research and experimentation on myself – that resulted in me becoming completely symptom-free.
The main issues I suffered from were: widespread fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, chronic migraines, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, hormonal imbalance, arrhythmia, weak immune system, and intestinal inflammation. In recent years, depression and anxiety were added to the list.
My primary symptoms were widespread body pain, tightness across my chest, rapid heart rate, extra and irregular heartbeats, poor sleep, recurrent infections, nearly daily migraines, extreme endurance fatigue, tiredness and lack of energy, muscle wasting and weakness, dry and itchy skin patches, dry eyes, mouth ulcers, scalp eczema, intense spinal pain following a compression fracture I sustained in a serious car accident many years ago, neck and shoulder pain from whiplash in the same accident, pain in fingers, shoulders, knees, hips, and severe pain under the heels. I had constant abdominal cramps, heartburn, bloating, colon spasms, and chronic constipation. I had an overactive bladder and recurrent urinary infections, constant pain around menstruation, very swollen and tender breasts, ovarian cysts, had surgery for nodules on my thyroid and a tumour was discovered behind the thyroid that was removed, and I underwent a cone biopsy due to grade 3-4 cellular changes. I had repeated infections in random places, and I could go on at length.
Today I am completely symptom-free – provided I stick to my program.
So, the question is: am I cured, or are the diseases just in remission? To me, it doesn’t really matter, because I have regained my energy, full work capacity, sleep like an angel, I am pain-free, digestion works like a well-oiled machine, I almost never get sick, and if I catch a cold or virus, I kick it in about a day instead of lying ill for days on end as I used to. My endurance surpasses that of a woman my age and my muscle strength has returned – something I was told would never happen – and my happiness level is understandably on a steady upward trend.
Today I would no longer receive any of my previous diagnoses, since many are based on symptoms that are no longer present, and inflammatory markers in my blood no longer test positive. From that standpoint, one could say that I no longer have those diseases.
However, I know that if I stray from my program, the old symptoms will creep back, and it wouldn’t take long before I became as ill as I was before. What I still experience today is that if I eat something I’m intolerant to, or stress becomes too high, a migraine creeps back in occasionally, but thankfully it is on rare occasions from daily occurrences before. So, I need to take migraine medication at times. All other medications have long been discontinued – fibromyalgia meds, sleep aids, antidepressants, antacids, anti-inflammatory drugs, strong painkillers, and more.
From my perspective today, all these diseases share a common root cause, and the way to overcome them is to restore certain bodily systems back into balance. With specific changes to diet and lifestyle, I’ve been able to support the body in returning to health.
I’m not saying this is a piece of cake – getting there requires a complete transformation in diet and lifestyle. But if more people took this path, it would have a huge impact on society and the healthcare system as a whole.
– Hildur M. Jónsdóttir
Help
Health Adviser and Founder of Hildur’s Health Mastery
The Tongue – A Window to the Organs
The body’s imbalance can be read in various ways. One can observe the condition of the skin, analyze health through the eyes, examine the nails – and then there’s the tongue. According to Dr. Gillian McKeith, the tongue is a kind of window to the organs. She says the tip of the tongue reflects the condition of the heart, and the area just behind the tip reflects the lungs. The right side of the tongue shows the state of the gallbladder, and the left side reflects the liver. In the center of the tongue lies the area that represents the stomach and spleen, and at the back of the tongue is the area linked to the kidneys, intestines, bladder, and reproductive organs. A tongue that indicates a healthy, balanced body is pale red in color, soft, and slightly moist. A very thin white coating is considered normal. Signs that something may be wrong include a tongue that is heavily cracked, has deep cuts, a thick coating, is swollen, shows red spots, or has sores. If there is a crack running down the middle of the tongue that does not reach the tip, it suggests a weak stomach and that digestion is not functioning as it should. If the tongue is uneven on the sides and shows teeth marks, this is a sign of nutrient deficiency. A sore tongue is a sure sign of nutritional deficiency, often a lack of iron, vitamin B6, and niacin. If you experience a burning sensation on the tongue, it may indicate a deficiency in stomach acid. If the tongue is swollen and even has a thick white coating, this indicates an excess of mucus in the body. It also shows a lack of good gut flora and likely an overgrowth of yeast. A tongue with transverse cracks, fine fissures, and grooves indicates poor nutrient absorption. A thick yellow coating on the tongue suggests a lack of healthy gut flora, and if this coating is at the back of the tongue, there may be something wrong with intestinal function. A red tip of the tongue is a sign of emotional trauma, high stress, or emotional strain.
– Hildur M. JónsdóttirHelp
Health Adviser and Founder of Heilsubankinn
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Recently on the discussion forum, there was a question about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and possible remedies for it, so I compiled this article. IBS is a term for a condition previously known as spastic colon, bowel irritation, or colonic cramps. I personally suffered from this condition for many years, from childhood until I completely changed my diet. I refer you to my personal recovery story here on the website. IBS is characterized by painful contractions in the digestive tract and is one of the most common health issues doctors deal with. It is believed that about 20% of people suffer from this condition, but an Icelandic study has shown that it is significantly more common in Iceland. This study found that over 30% of Icelanders believe they suffer from IBS – 25.3% of men and 35.8% of women. This condition is most common in people between the ages of 25 and 45 and is significantly more prevalent among women. In people with IBS, the normal, rhythmic muscle contractions of the digestive system become irregular and uncoordinated. This disrupts the normal movement of food and waste through the system, leading to a buildup of mucus and toxins in the intestines. This halts the normal passage of stool and gas, leading to bloating and constipation. IBS can occur anywhere along the digestive tract, from the esophagus down to the rectum. There is no evidence that the condition causes tissue damage; it only results in functional disturbances. The causes of IBS are unknown. One theory suggests hormonal disruption causes abnormal contractions in the smooth muscles. Women often experience worsened symptoms around menstruation, which supports this theory. Some scientists believe that a virus or bacteria may also play a role. However, the most common causes are likely lifestyle-related – such as stress and diet – as well as various food intolerances. Overuse of antibiotics and other medications that disrupt gut flora balance may also contribute. Many associate stress with increased discomfort. Symptoms often worsen shortly after meals. The autonomic nervous system partly controls the movements of the digestive organs, so stress can significantly affect the function of the stomach, intestines, and colon. Symptoms of IBS can include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, bloating, constipation and/or diarrhea (often alternating), flatulence, food intolerances, mucus in the stool, and nausea. Severe headaches and even vomiting may also occur. Pain often starts or worsens after meals and sometimes can be relieved by bowel movements. Nutrient deficiencies may result from IBS due to poor absorption. People with IBS often require up to 30% more protein than normal. It’s also important to increase intake of minerals and trace elements. Up to 25% of people with IBS suffer from arthritis in the ankles, knees, and wrists. Many also experience back pain. Some people with IBS have abnormal liver enzyme levels in the blood, so supporting liver function should be considered. Other illnesses that may be linked with IBS include yeast overgrowth, colon cancer, diabetes, and diseases of the gallbladder and pancreas. When diagnosing IBS, it’s important to rule out other illnesses with similar symptoms, such as gluten intolerance, colon cancer, Crohn’s disease, infection-induced diarrhea, and lactose intolerance. IBS can be very uncomfortable, but people can live well with it by changing their diet, getting enough exercise, and replenishing essential nutrients. People with IBS should consume foods rich in fiber, and fiber intake can be increased with supplements. High-fiber foods include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and beans. It’s also beneficial to take flaxseed daily – make sure it’s ground to be effective, and you can sprinkle it on your morning porridge or muesli. Avoid foods that increase mucus in the digestive tract, as they impair nutrient absorption. These include sugar, white flour, animal fats, all carbonated beverages, caffeine, dairy products, sweeteners, citrus fruits, and all processed foods. Get tested for food intolerances or allergies. Drink plenty of clean water – 8 glasses a day – but drink little during meals. Use a lot of garlic, as it helps with digestion and detoxifies the colon. Ensure you get enough essential fatty acids; supplementation is recommended. Other helpful supplements include: L-Glutamine, B vitamins, multivitamins, Acidophilus, calcium, and magnesium. Also consider taking milk thistle to support liver function. Reduce stress factors in your life and engage in regular exercise, such as a 30-minute walk at least three times a week – preferably daily.
– Hildur M. JónsdóttirHelp
Health Adviser and Founder of Heilsubankinn
It’s Not So Simple to Opt Out of Disability Benefits
When I finally got control over the chronic conditions and autoimmune diseases that had dominated my health and life for years, I began to consider declining the financial support I had been receiving from the state in the form of disability benefits. As I described in my previous writings, I had been so ill that I had effectively stopped being a proper participant in life. At my worst, I could only stand for about two hours a day, I couldn’t tolerate even light exercise – not even a short walk – and if I traveled abroad, I usually spent two days confined to my hotel room just recovering from the flight itself. After I developed a program that made me nearly symptom- and medication-free within six months, it took some time to trust that my recovery was here to stay. Once I regained my energy and endurance, pain-free life, and the joy and lightness that come with it, I slowly began to re-engage in life. Following such a prolonged illness, I was still constantly afraid of relapsing as I always had before. Being able to sit with friends in the evening without constantly worrying about having to excuse myself and go to bed because of pain or discomfort; sitting through an entire theater performance without popping pain pills every hour – and even being able to applaud at the end without triggering a migraine; carrying grocery bags from the car; having the energy to play with my grandchild and even run around with her – it’s hard to explain to someone who hasn’t experienced utter exhaustion and misery how much joy these small, natural things can bring. Gradually, I began taking on small projects here and there and assisting people who reached out after hearing about my healing journey. After I started earning income again, I submitted an income plan for the year to the Social Insurance Administration (Tryggingastofnun). I didn’t yet know how much I would earn, so I was cautious not to expect too much. However, I declared higher income than I had received in benefits, believing that my benefits would be completely cut since they were always talking about a ‘króna-for-króna’ reduction. What actually happened was my benefits only went down by about ISK 30,000 per month because I was receiving various supplements that were exempt from cuts. When I reached mid-year and saw that my work capacity continued to build and I was working more than a full-time load, I decided it was time to opt out of disability benefits. I first looked on Tryggingastofnun’s website for a form I could fill out to opt out of disability benefits—but found nothing. I then called their support line to ask how to proceed. They had very little information and seemed to have never encountered this question before. After much consideration by the person I spoke with and her colleagues, she told me I would need to submit a formal request, which would then be reviewed. At that moment, I realised it wasn’t as simple as I’d assumed. Then I wondered about the possibility that if I earned more income later in the year after opting out, would I have to repay the benefits I had already received? So I called again and spoke with another helpful representative. She informed me that even if I was removed from disability status, I would still have to repay any benefits received earlier in the year, if my later income exceeded expectations. I told her how odd it seemed, considering it would be a great saving for the state if I left disability rolls, and how discouraging this rule was. I argued that it would surely be in the state’s interest to let me draw a line and exit without penalties. She wholeheartedly agreed and suggested I submit a formal request and ask them to consider waiving the repayment. In the meantime, she recommended postponing my exit until the New Year so I would avoid complications at year-end. I decided not to draft all these formal requests right away, as I wasn’t sure I wanted to invest my precious new-found energy in this. I postponed action until the New Year and resolved to repay the administration if I exceeded my income plan. At New Year’s, I wrote a warm letter thanking them for the support I’d received during the past months when I genuinely needed it, but explained that I now had full work capacity, was nearly symptom-free from my former conditions, and felt I’d reached the end of that journey. I asked to be removed from disability status. After a short wait, they responded, encouraging me to move to a scheme where I would receive a single yearly payment based on my tax return, so I could let the disability claim expire and wouldn’t need to renew it if I chose not to. Of course, that approach is well-intentioned and no doubt aimed at my well-being. But there are other benefits to maintaining a disability evaluation that I believed I no longer needed, since I was fully capable of working and contributing to society. Therefore, the next step was to submit a formal request asking to be permanently removed from disability, and I am now waiting for their confirmation. It’s a long and stressful process for many to enter the disability system, often demoralising – and who would have thought it could be so complicated to exit it again?
– Hildur M. JónsdóttirHelp
Health Adviser and Founder of Heilsubankinn
I truly appreciate you spending time with my reflections and learnings here on the blog. It’s a privilege to share this knowledge, and I believe deeply in the body’s profound capacity for healing. If anything you’ve read has resonated with you, know that a path to lasting wellness is possible.
As you navigate your health journey, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. I created Hildur’s Health Mastery to provide the comprehensive guidance and support I wish I had had.
I truly appreciate you spending time with my reflections and learnings here on the blog. It’s a privilege to share this knowledge, and I believe deeply in the body’s profound capacity for healing. If anything you’ve read has resonated with you, know that a path to lasting wellness is possible.
As you navigate your health journey, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. I created Hildur’s Health Mastery to provide the comprehensive guidance and support I wish I had had.
