Case Study: From Housebound to Hopeful: Emma’s Return to Life
Before
Emma was 14 when her family found us. She hadn’t been to school in nearly two years. Crippling anxiety and OCD had taken over her life. She had joint pain, irregular periods, bloating and constipation, constant urinary frequency, and crushing fatigue that made mornings unbearable. She had retreated into a tiny world of bland, safe foods. Her gut was a mess: constipation every four days, offensive wind, reflux, and waves of nausea that came and went.
She had tested positive for strep. Antibiotics had helped initially, dramatically even, but the relief didn’t last. Multiple doctors, multiple attempts, and nothing seemed to work anymore. Her family was desperate.
First Steps
Given her extreme food restrictions and sensory sensitivities, we needed supplements she could actually tolerate. We started with:
Nano-minerals with virtually no taste and exceptional absorption
Additional minerals in very mild-tasting forms, carefully titrated
Epsom salt baths, four times weekly for 10-15 minutes
Even these small interventions began to shift things. Her anxiety eased slightly. Sleep improved. She calmed down enough to consider the next layer.
Supporting Her Foundations
Emma had crushing morning fatigue and was desperately wired at night. We added:
Adrenal cortex for morning support
Phosphatidylserine at night to help her wind down
Enhansa to support inflammatory response
But we knew we needed a deeper understanding of what was driving this.
Testing and Discovery
We ran comprehensive testing:
DNA analysis (methylation, hormone pathways, histamine breakdown)
Comprehensive stool analysis
Organic acids test (metabolic function)
Blood work (she was open to it by this point)
The results were revealing:
Reactivated EBV and HHV-6
Elevated strep titres (the infection was still there)
Significant B vitamin deficiencies
Genetic variants affecting gut microbiome diversity and histamine breakdown
Major issues with detoxification pathways
SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
The Partnership
This is where functional and conventional medicine came together beautifully. We referred Emma back to her GP with our findings. Her doctor prescribed a different antibiotic to properly address the persistent strep infection. Meanwhile, we built a comprehensive strategy around it:
Immune and Infection Control:
Microimmunotherapy to calm her overactive immune system
Nasal and throat sprays to keep the infection suppressed locally (we didn’t want her on antibiotics long-term)
Saccharomyces boulardii during antibiotics to protect her gut
High-dose vitamin C and iodine (dosed at opposite ends of the day) for SIBO
L-lysine to block viral replication
Broad-spectrum antiviral using olive leaf extract, rotated with monolaurin and cat’s claw
Microimmunotherapy targeting EBV and HHV-6 (a 12-month protocol)
Histamine and Mast Cell Support:
DAO enzymes for histamine breakdown
Natural mast cell stabilisers including luteolin
OTC antihistamines (approved by her GP) to manage the inflammatory cascade
Calcium D-glucarate for oestrogen metabolism (approved by her GP)
Gut Repair:
Addressing the upper fermenting gut with targeted antimicrobials
Rebuilding with specific probiotics based on her genetic vulnerabilities
The Transformation
Within weeks, her bowels started moving. The nausea lifted. Her anxiety began to ease in a way it hadn’t in years.
By September 2025, Emma started back at school. Half days at first, then full days. There were very few infections, no regressions. By early November, she was attending every day.
She has her life back.
Why This Matters
Emma’s story shows what’s possible when we stop treating symptoms in isolation and start asking why. Why was her immune system stuck? Why couldn’t she clear infections? Why was her gut so inflamed?
It also shows the power of partnership. Her GP trusted the testing, prescribed what was needed, and worked with us throughout. Functional medicine and conventional medicine, together, healed this child from the ground up.
If your child has been unwell for months or years, if you’ve seen multiple specialists and nothing has worked, if you’re told “it’s just anxiety” or “they’ll grow out of it” – Emma’s story is for you.
There is hope. There is a way forward.
We’re here when you’re ready.
Note: stock photo used to protect anonymity
IMPORTANT
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is crucial to consult with medical doctors or qualified functional medicine practitioners to address specific health concerns and obtain personalised guidance tailored to individual needs. Never add any supplements to your plan until it has been assessed and approved by your medical doctor or a suitable qualified practitioner who is familiar with your health history.
Concerned about your child’s health? We’d love to have a chat with you.