> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://achronicvoice.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # November 2017: Discovering the Importance of Gut Health & Rediscovering Old Friendships - URL: https://achronicvoice.com/discovering-gut-health-old-friendships-november-2017/ - Published: 2017-11-02T06:07:22.000Z - Updated: 2025-10-29T15:36:35.000Z - Author: Sheryl Chan - Tags: Diary Entries, Books & Magazines, Travel, Home & Lifestyle, Pets, Mental Health, Chronic Illness, Diet & Nutrition *\*Note: This article was originally written for my monthly linkups, which I've archived as it was taking too much out of me. However, I've kept most of the posts written as I realise it's much like a diary with memories that make me nostalgic or smile. I hope you enjoy reading them, too! 🙂* ## Discovering The Importance Of Gut Health Whilst I've heard the term “[leaky gut](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22724-leaky-gut-syndrome)” (or intestinal permeability) and have read up a little about it, there's still so much I have yet to learn. Did you know that up to [70% to 80% of our immune cells](https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/3/886) (Wiertsema et al., 2021) and [95% of serotonin](https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/164%5F2016%5F103) (Terry & Margolis, 2016) resides in our guts? It definitely wouldn't hurt to take better care of it! I am currently reading Dr Michael Mosley's book, “The Clever Guts Diet”, in hope that it sheds more light on this topic. So far it's been a fascinating read, and I must say that he's a captivating writer who's managed to turn a potentially dry subject into something easy to digest (pun intended)! *\*Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational purposes, and is based on my personal experiences as a patient. *I am not a doctor, and nothing in this article should be substituted for medical advice.* Please consult your own doctor before changing or adding *any* new treatment protocols. This post may also contain affiliate links. It will cost you nothing to click on them. I will get a small referral fee from purchases you make, which helps with the maintenance of this blog. Read our* [***Privacy Policy***](https://achronicvoice.com/privacy-policy/)*page for more information. Thank you!* [ ![The Clever Guts, book by Dr Michael Mosley](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/413+oFVX0YL._SL360_.jpg) ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1780723040?tag=achronicvoice-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1) [Buy: “The Clever Guts” by Dr Michael Mosley](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1780723040?&linkCode=ll1&tag=achronicvoice-20&linkId=951bc359af701f587374438b01414d1d&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl) ## Rediscovering Old Friendships People drift in and out of our lives as time takes us down different paths, even if they were once good friends. It's totally normal and more than okay, yet sometimes life brings you back full circle. I went out the other night with two good old school mates, and we had fun! It was one of those rare good days where I could handle a few drinks, which was a bonus 😉 These are people who I'm super comfortable with, and who'd never judge me for my health. I never have to worry about explaining myself, and know that if shit hits the fan, they'd take care of me with nary a complaint. Perhaps that's why I could relax, be myself, and use every single spoon for pleasure! ![Guess the drink?](https://storage.ghost.io/c/fe/94/fe943d06-f105-4c71-af52-25403dcbb0b8/content/images/2025/08/long-island-tea-2-1-1-1-1-1.jpg) Guess the drink? Read Related Posts: - [We Want to Have Fun Just Like You, But Here’s What it Takes with Chronic Illness](https://achronicvoice.com/want-to-have-fun-chronic-illness/) - [Drink Pure Wine Review (A Product That Excites Me as a Person with Chronic Illness)](https://achronicvoice.com/drink-pure-wine-review/) - [7 Ways to Be a Better Friend to Someone with a Chronic Illness (and 3 Things You Should Never Do)](https://achronicvoice.com/better-friend-chronic-illness/) - [Antiphospholipid Syndrome Diagnosis: The A to Z Guide as a Patient](https://achronicvoice.com/antiphospholipid-syndrome-diagnosis-a-to-z-guide/) - [The Savagery of Panic Attacks & The Saving Grace of Internet Friends](https://achronicvoice.com/panic-attacks-internet-friends/) ## Anticipating a Little Holiday Next Month Our original plan to catch some autumn scenery doesn't look like it's going to happen, so we've postponed it to the Christmas holidays. We don't know where we'll go yet, but I'm looking forward to travelling again! Wherever it is, I'll take the opportunity to get out into nature more, and to take a break from blogging and social media. I'm truly grateful to have the means and opportunity to travel despite circumstances. I also have my fingers crossed that I won't get another [**random ovarian cyst rupture**](https://achronicvoice.com/refused-treatment-hospital/) during then. Read Related Posts: - [Top Tips for Travelling with Chronic Illness & Disability (From a Girl Who Loves to Travel)](https://achronicvoice.com/travelling-with-chronic-illness-disability/) - [March 2018: Sorting My Medications & a Hike Up Little Adam's Peak](https://achronicvoice.com/sorting-medications-hike-little-adams-peak-march-2018/) - [Travelling New Paths with Chronic Illnesses in My Pocket](https://achronicvoice.com/travelling-new-paths-chronic-illness/) - [Winter Fun, Games & Pain with Chronic Illness](https://achronicvoice.com/winter-fun-chronic-illness/) - [Coming Alive in the Winter Air (Pushing for Personal Changes & Group Advocacy)](https://achronicvoice.com/winter-advocacy/) ## Decluttering Our Apartment Our apartment isn't that big so there's lots of stuff lying around in the open, with no place to go. Hanging the clothes out to dry can immediately make the space look cluttered. Add the ironing board and the place is a disgrace! Also, pet birds equals constant mess. I've come to realise that there is no way to have a spick and span environment with pet birds; they can make a mess outside their cages, even when they're *inside* 😉 No one can deny that a clean and well organised space is bliss, and invokes a [**better state of mind and well-being**](https://achronicvoice.com/dimensions-of-wellness-thrive-chronic-pain/). It's definitely worth a little time and effort every day if possible. It's also a blessing to have a roof over my head, and I want to honour that by maintaining it to the best of my ability. ![Keyboard thief #1 - Archer the parrotlet](https://storage.ghost.io/c/fe/94/fe943d06-f105-4c71-af52-25403dcbb0b8/content/images/2025/08/keyboard-thief-1-2-1-1-1-1-1.jpg) Keyboard thief #1 - Archer the parrotlet ![Keyboard thief #2 - Scorcher the cockatiel](https://storage.ghost.io/c/fe/94/fe943d06-f105-4c71-af52-25403dcbb0b8/content/images/2025/08/keyboard-thief-2-2-1-1-1-1-1.jpg) Keyboard thief #2 - Scorcher the cockatiel ![The flock discussing their next revolt on a lamp shade](https://storage.ghost.io/c/fe/94/fe943d06-f105-4c71-af52-25403dcbb0b8/content/images/2025/08/discussion-2-1-1-1-1-1-1.jpg) The flock discussing their next revolt ![Archer - Also known as ‘The Blue Monster’ - destroying my computer mouse](https://storage.ghost.io/c/fe/94/fe943d06-f105-4c71-af52-25403dcbb0b8/content/images/2025/08/blue-monster-2-1-1-1-1-1.jpg) Archer - Also known as ‘The Blue Monster’ - destroying my mouse... ## Cherishing the Good Days Whilst I still get hit by bad days every now and then (in fact, it hasn't been a good week and I just puked my guts out), I think the good days have increased in general. So I'm attempting to cut down my steroids (again and again!), ever so cautiously. Even a small change of 2.5mg can make a big difference in terms of pain control for me. ![Here’s 2.5mg of prednisone (steroid). Does it look innocuous or what? ](https://storage.ghost.io/c/fe/94/fe943d06-f105-4c71-af52-25403dcbb0b8/content/images/2025/08/pred3-2-1-1-1-1-1.jpg) Here’s 2.5mg of prednisone (steroid). Does it look innocuous or what? Thank you for reading my November 2017 entry! Continue with [**December 2017 here**](https://achronicvoice.com/recovering-from-cold-reminiscing-childhood-hong-kong-december-2017/), or [**view all diary entries here**](https://achronicvoice.com/diary-entries/). ## Sign Up for My Free Newsletter Be the first to get the latest post updates in your inbox, and unlock the comments section. You will also receive an e-book full of uplifting messages, quotes and illustrations as a token of appreciation! [Browse more membership plans here](#/portal/), or [make a one-off donation](https://achronicvoice.com/#/portal/support) instead. Sign Up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Read Related Posts: - [What’s it Like to be on a High Dose of Steroids? (And the First Question You Will Definitely Ask)](https://achronicvoice.com/high-dose-steroids/) - [It’s Just One of Those Nights (Poetry on Steroids)](https://achronicvoice.com/one-of-those-nights-poetry-steroids/) - [#projChronicWisdom: Things I Find Beautiful in My Everyday Life Despite the Pain](https://achronicvoice.com/projchronicwisdom-beautiful-life-despite-pain/) - [My Personal Experiences with Epiphrenic Esophageal Diverticulum (Plus Tips to Help Cope)](https://achronicvoice.com/epiphrenic-esophageal-diverticulum-personal-experiences-tips/) - [Today is Not a Good Day to Make Decisions (and That’s Okay)](https://achronicvoice.com/today-is-not-a-good-day/) Pin to Your Chronic Illness Life Boards: ![November 2017 Prompts: Discovering, Rediscovering, Anticipating, Decluttering and Cherishing](https://storage.ghost.io/c/fe/94/fe943d06-f105-4c71-af52-25403dcbb0b8/content/images/2025/08/pin_prompts_1711-2-1-1-1-1-1.jpg) ### Comments Archives: Comments imported from previous WordPress site. - Cza Dec 5, 2017 I just have to say, your pet birds are the cutest. 🙂 Glad to see that you’re keeping things organized. 🙂 I do agree that the gut is of great importance to one’s health! My mom, who’s had two bouts with lymphoma, has been seeing an integrative doctor, who also opened us up to the idea of changing our diet to improve the quality of our lives. Now if only fresh fruits and vegetables were more accessible to me and my partner! I remember getting an allergy to antibiotics once, and suffering from a bad case of hives for almost one whole week. The hives improved when I took OMX (probiotics). - [ Sheryl Chan ](https://achronicvoice.com/) Dec 6, 2017 Thank you Cza, they are really cute until they poop on you and bite you ;p Why is it so difficult to get fruits and vegetables where you are? (Just curious!) I have access and should make you of it more, I admit! 🙂 - Leidamarie Tirado-Lee Nov 15, 2017 It’s so great that you were able to enjoy a night out. Little victories like that can help sustain us for a long time, I feel. Also, I’m excited that you will get to go on a trip soon. Hope cutting down the prednisone goes well! - [ Sheryl Chan ](https://achronicvoice.com/) Dec 6, 2017 Hi Leidamarie, Yes indeed! Little victories feel like big, sweet victories 😉 x - [ Kelly Hodgkins ](https://moonglotexas.com) Nov 9, 2017 Thank you for these wonderful words! I so enjoyed your blog on them! - [ Sheryl Chan ](https://achronicvoice.com/) Nov 9, 2017 You’re most welcome, I’m happy it was an enjoyable read! Will read yours soon as well! 😀 - Kathy Nov 9, 2017 I loved seeing the pictures of your birds! Prednisone does look innocuous. I have a love/hate relationship with it. When my asthma flares it’s the only thing that helps, but it wrecks havoc with sleep and my stomach. I’m so glad you were able to enjoy time with your friends. - [ Sheryl Chan ](https://achronicvoice.com/) Nov 9, 2017 Thanks Kathy! Yes the birds have brought much joy and life into an otherwise dull home 🙂 Same for me, prednisone is the only thing that can control a major flare, when strong painkillers do nothing. For me the worst side effect is psychological; I end up pacing about all night and feel like I’m going mad. Yes, going out every now and then is enjoyable, although I tend to dread them before I go, the whole pre meditated anxiety about overdoing it thing 😉 - Emma England Nov 4, 2017 I really enjoyed reading these. I agree that the “gut” is a fascinating topic! I’ve always suffered with stomach problems, but by making some pretty big changes to my diet over the last couple of years, I’ve noticed a marked improvement. I also find that when my stomach is happier, so is the rest of me! So I experience less pain for example. So glad you managed to enjoy a night out. It’s always lovely when our health allows us to do a little bit of “normal!” Good luck with the decluttering! That’s definitely something we could do with doing! - [ Sheryl Chan ](https://achronicvoice.com/) Nov 4, 2017 Thanks Emma! 🙂 Yes a lot of people seem to have good results with improving their gut health/diet…in any case, definitely good to try 🙂 And yes, some normal days are always such a blessing 😉 xx **Start a new conversation in the Member Comments below!**