Why You’re Still Struggling with Chronic Illness (And the 3 Root Causes Nobody Talks About)
By a Christian Therapist, LCSW & Functional Nutrition Practitioner, FNP, HTMA-P
Are you tired of being told that your chronic illness is caused by adrenal fatigue, hormone imbalances, or gut infections—only to be handed yet another list of supplements and still feel stuck?
As a Christian therapist and functional practitioner who works closely with women walking through burnout, anxiety, autoimmune flare-ups, and lingering fatigue, I’m here to tell you: It’s not your fault—and you’re not broken.
Those diagnoses may describe what’s going on in your body, but they don’t explain why.
We serve a God who designed us for wholeness—body, mind, and spirit. Yet, many women of faith are walking around exhausted, depleted, and ashamed that they can’t “fix” their symptoms. If that’s you, let’s take a deeper look.
The Myths We’ve Been Sold About Chronic Illness
We’ve been taught to chase symptoms with supplements or medications. But chronic illness is not caused by a deficiency in prescriptions or pills. It’s the result of long-standing stress, dysregulation, and disconnection—from your body, your story, and even your identity in Christ.
Things like adrenal fatigue, thyroid dysfunction, gut infections, or hormone imbalances are real—but they are symptoms, not root causes. Let’s break it down.
The 3 Root Causes of Chronic Dis-Ease
1. Unresolved Traumatic Stress
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3
This is the big one. Whether it’s childhood trauma, spiritual wounding, grief, abandonment, or the stress of being everything for everyone—unhealed pain lives in the body.
Our nervous system was never meant to carry chronic stress long term. Unresolved trauma can dysregulate your immune system, impact digestion, suppress thyroid function, and disrupt hormonal balance.
How it shows up:
- You’re hypervigilant and easily triggered.
- You feel unsafe in your body.
- You shut down, numb out, or react intensely.
God doesn’t just want to manage your symptoms—He wants to bring full restoration. Addressing trauma through tools like Christian counseling, EFT tapping, somatic therapy, and prayer ministry can be life-changing.
2. An Impaired Energy Production System
Your mitochondria—tiny engines inside your cells—must produce energy efficiently to keep you alive and thriving. But mineral imbalances, toxic exposure, spiritual stress, and unresolved trauma can all impair this process.
Signs of impaired energy production:
- Chronic fatigue, even after rest
- Brain fog
- Poor exercise recovery
- Low body temperature and cold hands/feet
While supplements may help temporarily, true healing starts with restoring the foundations: nervous system regulation, mineral balance (via HTMA testing), blood sugar stability, and spiritual rest.
3. Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction
“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
When you’re constantly stuck in fight, flight, or freeze, the body can’t rest, digest, or repair. Healing cannot happen in a chronically stressed state. This is why you feel like you’re doing all the right things, but nothing is shifting.
Symptoms of ANS dysfunction:
- Panic attacks or shutdown
- Trouble sleeping
- Digestive issues
- Sensitivity to noise, light, or foods
Faith-based EFT tapping, prayer, gentle movement, breathwork, and trauma-informed therapy help bring your body back to peace—where true healing begins.
What HTMA Testing Can Reveal
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) is a powerful tool I use in my practice to help women connect the dots between their trauma story, current symptoms, and body chemistry.
HTMA shows:
- How stress has impacted your mineral system
- Your metabolic type (fast or slow)
- How your body is compensating or crashing
- What phase of burnout you’re in
It’s not just about minerals—it’s about reading the story your body is telling so that together, we can partner with God’s wisdom to restore what’s been lost.
Healing Beyond Supplements
We were never meant to heal apart from the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. That’s why I don’t believe in a “supplement for every symptom” approach.
In my practice, I walk women through a restorative process rooted in:
✔ Faith & identity in Christ
✔ Nervous system regulation
✔ Mineral replenishment
✔ Lifestyle rhythms that support healing
✔ And most importantly, grace
For You, the Faith-Filled Woman Who’s Tired of Trying
You don’t have to prove your worth through productivity or earn rest through performance. You don’t need to keep guessing what’s wrong with you. You need a safe place to heal—body, mind, and spirit.
Here’s what I want you to know:
🕊 God sees you.
🕊 Healing is not linear—but it’s holy.
🕊 You don’t need to carry this alone.
If you’re ready to explore a Christ-centered, functional approach to your health—one that honors your story, your biology, and your faith—reach out. Let’s walk this out together.
Let’s start with clarity:
📥 Comment me “HTMA” to learn how we can uncover what your body is really saying.
📅 Or book a Root Cause Session to start your personalized healing path.
