How it all started
- Alessandra Somera
- Oct 30, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 4, 2024

For years, I lived with chronic migraines, depression, acne, insatiable hunger, and constant weight fluctuations. Honestly, the list could go on. Life felt dull, sometimes even debilitating. I was struggling to get a hold on things and had this nagging feeling that something was missing. After years of coping, I decided enough was enough—it was time for a change.
At 23, I started doing research and began working with a naturopathic doctor. Together, we tried herbal and macronutrient supplementation for my migraines, while I worked on managing my stress. It helped take the edge off, but it didn’t reduce the frequency of my migraines. Still, something my doctor mentioned during our first visit kept replaying in my mind: “Do you have any known food sensitivities?” My answer was, “I have no idea.” Not exactly helpful, but it planted the idea that maybe something I was eating—or not eating—was a piece of the puzzle.
So, I started exploring. I focused on whole foods, eliminating potential triggers like ultra-processed foods, refined sugars, and artificial ingredients. I took on this challenge, determined to figure out if any foods were aggravating my symptoms or if nutrient deficiencies were part of the issue. Spoiler Alert: they were.
This might sound obvious to some, but at the time, my diet was mostly powdered mashed potatoes, Hot Cheetos, ramen noodles, and overly processed vegetarian foods. So, this was a huge change for me.
After just one month, I noticed a big difference: my energy levels shot up, and my migraines dropped from 1-4 times a week to just 1-2 times a month. By the four-month mark, I was experiencing lasting health improvements. While I still had the occasional headache, I had regained so much of my life. I also came to a powerful realization—food could support me in ways that medication alone never had. Certain ingredients in my diet had been causing adverse reactions, and I discovered that food could be a powerful tool for healing and support—not as a replacement for medicine, but as a proactive, preventative pairing.
Through this transformation, I found myself wanting more answers. That’s when I discovered functional, or holistic, nutrition—a whole-person approach to health and wellness. I realized that it wasn’t just the foods I ate that were impacting my health, but also my environment and what I was exposed to daily.
I started looking closely at different areas of my life that might be affecting my stress levels and health, particularly my hormones. At the time, I was working in the beauty industry, surrounded by harsh chemicals in hair and nail salons. It started to dawn on me that I was in close contact with toxic chemicals every day, and they could be having a serious impact on my body.
While I couldn’t just walk away from my job, I found ways to reduce my exposure and stay safer around these environmental toxins. It became a balancing act—celebrating small wins while learning to let go of what I couldn’t fully control. Striving for perfection is stressful and unrealistic in a world with endless variables, but through education, we can empower ourselves to make small, impactful changes.
It’s not about being perfect—it’s about supporting our bodies and embracing each day as a fresh opportunity to do our best.
As I continued on my journey toward better health, I quickly realized that I couldn’t do it alone. Having a dedicated care team made all the difference. My doctor monitored nutrition changes, while my therapist helped me navigate the emotional challenges that came with these shifts. A strong care team was invaluable on my health journey. This collaborative approach ensured that all aspects of my well-being—physical, emotional, and environmental—were addressed.
I’m not here to say this journey was easy or that yours will look just like mine. But I am here to tell you that reclaiming your health—and your life—is possible. I’m here to share what I’ve learned along the way to support and empower you as you move toward the healthiest version of yourself.
Now, 10 years later, as a holistic nutritionist, I’m dedicated to helping women achieve optimal health and wellness through personalized nutrition and lifestyle strategies. My approach centers on finding and addressing the root causes of health concerns—like correcting nutrient deficiencies, promoting environmental detox, balancing hormones, supporting mood, and managing stress—to create full mind-body balance.
While it might sound complex, these methods are all interconnected: by correcting nutrient deficiencies and promoting detox, we support hormone health; balanced hormones help improve mood; and stable mood helps us manage stress more effectively. It’s all about an integrative approach.
I strive to create a space where women can explore their wellness journeys and build a sustainable, holistic lifestyle. We all deserve a full and abundant life, filled with high-quality foods, fresh air, body movement, laughter, and health. Together, we can make that a reality.
Cheers to living well,
Alessandra
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