Neeyaz’s Autoimmune Story

MEET NEEYAZ

I grew up just outside Los Angeles, lived in New York for a period of time in my early twenties and moved back to Los Angeles to find my life’s calling and be closer to my family. I am an International Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach and I absolutely L-O-V-E what I do. My family is from Iran, so I am first generation born here in the States. I grew up in a home filled with nourishing foods good for the heart and soul, home remedies that I still use to this day and I think that those principles are what set the foundation for me to grow more curious about nutrition as I grew older. Although before I studied nutrition, my heart was set on becoming a fashion photographer. I studied photography and that’s what initially took me to New York. After studying business and marketing, working for the number one publication company in NYC, I was burnt out and chose to come back to my roots and find my true calling. It was shortly thereafter that I decided to take my interest for nutrition more seriously and here I am now!

 DIAGNOSIS

My journey began in 2010, when I was diagnosed with Graves Disease and Hyperthyroidism. Frankly, my symptoms were happening years before, and I deemed them to be normal. After a while, normal didn’t feel so normal and it was then that my doctor at the time checked my labs and soon after an Endocrinologist diagnosed me with Graves Disease. About two years later, I was also diagnosed with Thyroid Eye Disease, which manifests in 50% of those with Graves’. Upon my initial diagnosis, I dove into various healing modalities available at the time – which there wasn’t many and people weren’t talking about wellness like they are now. So I used myself as a guinea pig, tried everything I could get my hands on and was fortunate enough to have available. After making significant shifts to my lifestyle, I experienced a transformational healing journey.

 LIFE CHANGE

My journey with autoimmunity is my biggest teacher and inspiration. It’s my journey that inspired me to become an International Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach. I’ve been able to create a platform where I can educate and inspire others to tune into their own health and natural patterns to see what areas they can nurture and live a fulfilled balanced lifestyle.

Personally, it’s taught me the art of slowing down, of listening to my body. Learning what my boundaries are. Creating a lifestyle that supports me, lifts me up, grounds me down and keeps me humble and strong.

 HEALING

Food as medicine, lab testing, targeted personalized supplementing, bodywork such as chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, cupping and Craniosacral Therapy. Energy medicine, gentle exercises versus strenuous ones, such as walking, hiking, yoga and low impact strengthening.

 STRUGGLE

Truthfully, I don’t find that I struggle with any area because I’ve learned what works for my body and what doesn’t. The key reminder that I have to give myself daily is LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. Some days I might push it more than what it’s able and that’s when I feel the effects immediately.

INSPIRATION

This mantra came to me during a meditation once and it’s stuck with me ever since. Whether my guardian angel or spirit guides sent it to me, I’m not sure. However, I am so grateful for it, because it always reminds me to come back to me.

In this body, I am home.

Our bodies are our homes. And when we remember that, when we remember to come back to our heart center and pour trust into it, our divine self is able to thrive and heal.

Find Neeyaz | @unspokennutrition