After going to a gastroenterologist and a colorectal specialist for loose, frequent stools and leakage, I was recommended biofeedback for my pelvic floor. So I decided to try an integrative approach different with Jennifer Shepherd. I completed an elimination diet and felt much better. I slowly started introducing foods but became distracted with life circumstances and never completely figured out if there was one specific culprit. Unfortunately, I am back on a protein pump inhibitor for GERD. I no longer drink caffeinated beverages and I take a probiotic daily. The lower GI symptoms still occasionally occur, but not as frequent as before Jennifer's treatments and the elimination diet. Avoiding caffeine, wine, soft cheeses and dairy seem to be common denominators. 

When introduced to the idea of doing the Elimination Diet, I was definitely hesitant and unsure if my symptoms of brain fog, fatigue, and throat tightness could even be related to what I was eating. 

I was encouraged to start the Elimination Diet by Jen to determine if a part of my diet was associated with my issues. There was a lot of work and preparation to ensure I would have food to eat that did not include items on the list. The first few days were challenging, and it definitely opened my eyes to how maybe I didn't consistently eat as well as I thought I did. By the 7th or 8th day, I started to notice changes in my focus and fatigue levels. I continued 3 more weeks and determined 3 sensitivities as I began to add food back in. Decreasing or eliminating those foods from my diet has greatly diminished my symptoms. I think everyone would benefit from trying this diet at least once in their life to determine if there is something in their diet that is preventing them from being 100% and also enduring a challenge they can look back on being proud to have accomplished. 

One of the standout features of this program was the access to previous weeks' lessons, topics and live Q & A session. This allowed me to revisit materials at my own pace and reinforce my understanding, which I found immensely beneficial. In addition, I found the daily wellness logs a useful record that allowed me to reflect upon my progress and adjust as needed.  In the past, I often found myself preoccupied with counting calories and obsessing over what I was eating, without fully considering how those foods affected my overall well-being—such as my sleep, mood, energy, and gut health.

This wellness program equipped me with the tools not only to choose healthier options but also to understand how various foods reacted within my body. I learned to listen to my body's signals in a way I had never done before. The supportive community of fellow participants was another remarkable aspect of the course. Hearing their experiences, questions, and "a-ha" moments created a sense of camaraderie that made the journey even more enriching.

I believe I lost somewhere between 8–10 lbs during the program, and have lost 26-30lbs, and still slowly but steadily losing. I am truly grateful for this program and the positive impact it has had on my health and lifestyle. I feel empowered to make informed food choices and am more aware of how my body responds to what I consume. Thank you for this transformative experience! 

A few other patients and participants have shared the following...some of these came as exciting surprises for both my patient AND me!

I have more energy.

I am sleeping better.

My anxiety is less.

I have fewer acne breakouts.

I am sleeping better.

My back pain is better.

My plantar fasciitis is better.

My brain fog is less.

My restless legs are better.

My stomach doesn't hurt any more.

 THIS...is the Power of Food and what happens when one lowers their inflammation.

I am thrilled to share my experience at the Shepherd Center for Integrative Health.

My life has been a series of accidents, falls and bizarre health events. My body has suffered both mental and physical trauma, impacting my

daily life. By taking the time to do a very thorough history, Jen has helped me work through these traumatic events, “unpacking” them, figuring out how to support my “whole” body so I can heal and get back to living. Her positive attitude, intuition, background, extensive training and true desire to improve lives have changed my life. I appreciate her proactive approach to improving my life both mentally and physically.

She has used a variety of techniques, and given me the tools I need to continue to heal and move forward to an improved state of health. In

In January, with Jen’s support, I worked through “The Power Of Food” program. It has literally changed my life! Through food elimination and gradual re-introduction, I lost weight, cleared up skin issues, significantly reduced my IBS symptoms, reduced headaches and allergy symptoms and reduced pain in my muscles and joints. I recently had a visit with my hematologist and he was thrilled with my overall health

and was happy to see all my autoimmune blood results yielded the best numbers ever, over the last 10 years! I finally found a good relationship

with food, exercise and stress with Jen’s help both in the clinic and through the programs she teaches on-line. Thanks Jen!! I wish I would have met you 30 years ago!