Case Study: Ava’s Journey – Reclaiming Calm, Cognition and Confidence
Case Study: Ava’s Journey – Reclaiming Calm, Cognition and Confidence
Before
Ava was 14 and falling apart. Once top of her class, she’d stopped going to school. She was awake all night, eaten up by anxiety, haunted by intrusive thoughts, refusing most food, and unable to cope with noise or light. Her mum said it was like Ava had vanished.
Triggers
A history of reflux and food reactions as a baby had left her system vulnerable. Then came:
– Multiple viral infections (COVID, flu)
– A stay in a mouldy house
The result was a dramatic decline. Her symptoms included:
– Auditory hallucinations
– “Physical sadness” that came from nowhere
– Severe insomnia and food restriction
– Stomach pain and emotional outbursts
– Painful periods, acne, and dark pink stretch marks
– Loss of academic ability, especially in maths
– She was anxious, isolated, and too overwhelmed to leave the house.
First Steps
We started with the basics: reduce exposure, reduce pressure. Her family:
– Switched to organic food
– Removed all plastics and synthetic fragrances
– Installed air and water filters
– Cleared additives and excitotoxins from her diet
– Replaced toiletries and cleaning products with non-reactive versions
– Food triggers like pineapple and tomatoes were removed, then reintroduced later as tolerance returned.
Because she couldn’t manage blood, urine or stool tests, we used a cheek swab for genetic analysis. This gave us clear data without overwhelming her.
Genetic Clues
Ava’s genes revealed:
– Poor histamine clearance (DAO mutation)
– Sluggish detox (low glutathione, impaired glucuronidation)
– Weak B12 absorption
– High mast cell sensitivity (likely triggered by viruses and mould)
– Fast COMT, meaning dopamine instability under stress
Together, these created a brain and body stuck in overdrive – inflamed, reactive, and unable to reset.
Health Plan
We kept it simple, targeted, and stepwise:
– Molybdenum and magnesium to support sulphur detox
– Epsom salt foot baths
– Glutathione and antioxidant support
– Nutrients to lower histamine: vitamin C, B2, B6, B12, zinc, copper, alpha-ketoglutarate
– PEA to calm brain inflammation
– DAO enzyme and glucuronidation support tailored to her SNPs
By 3 Months
– Sleep improved
– Appetite increased
– Intrusive thoughts started to fade
By 4 Months
– Hallucinations stopped
– Anxiety reduced
– She returned to school
– Maths skills started to come back
– Acne cleared
– Stretch marks faded to pale pink
Breakthrough Moments
– DAO enzyme at bedtime stopped sleep disruptions
– Targeted hormone detox reduced period-related flares
– ADHD meds were no longer on the table – she could focus again
– Food fear eased – she was enjoying meals and told her mum, “The scary thoughts are gone.”
Now
Ava is:
– Back at school full-time
– Socialising again
– In the middle set for maths
– Writing essays and doing homework
– Laughing with her sister
– Back to her creative hobbies
What’s Next
We’re now focused on:
– Mitochondrial support
– Ongoing mast cell and immune stability
– Gradually shifting to food-based nutrients
Her new daily ritual: a shot-glass smoothie with romaine (natural folate), coconut water, coconut milk, green banana, apple, and minerals – an easy, nourishing step toward resilience.
The Takeaway
This wasn’t overnight. No miracle. Just data, precision, and the right sequence. Ava’s story shows what’s possible when you give the body space to recover – and stop pushing it faster than it can go.
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.
Click the link here to book your Free Discovery Call.
