Was it my heart, or did I suffer a stroke?

Early on Thursday morning (this episode occurred last week), at around 3:00 a.m., I woke up with the urgent need to use the restroom. While I was using it, I started feeling very dizzy and like I was going to pass out. The pressure in my head was overwhelming, and I felt like I was being pulled into a deep, dark hole.

I tried to make my way back to bed, but I ended up falling and knocking over the towel stand. Miraculously, I managed to get up and reach the bedroom.

As I attempted to go back to sleep, the pressure in my head persisted, and my ears started ringing. This was followed by difficulty breathing, sweating, and pain that moved from the left side of my neck to my fingers.

I started to panic and thought about calling 911 several times. Instead, I reached out to my husband Russill, who was 5,076 miles (8193 km) away in the Netherlands.

Adding to my distress, Russill did not answer my call. Due to the time difference between the US and Amsterdam, he was rehearsing with a fellow musician for an upcoming event and had his phone on silent mode.

Feeling anxious and physically uncomfortable, I started to worry about worst-case scenarios like a heart attack or brain embolism.

Instead of staying in bed feeling scared, I got dressed and moved to my favorite couch, where I meditate daily. Although the pressure in my chest persisted, I practiced deliberate, deep breathing similar to Pranayama, a yoga breathing exercise.

As I started to feel more at ease, I felt the urge to start my day earlier than usual, but I remembered the importance of rest. I went back to bed and drifted into a peaceful sleep for the next few hours. When I woke up, I felt better and knew I was on the path to recovery.

A friendly reminder: I trust you will not misinterpret the above incident. I am NOT suggesting that you should not seek prompt medical attention, such as calling emergency services on time.

I was fortunate enough that nothing undue happened. This need not be the case. Getting timely medical help is crucial if you think that you are experiencing heart issues, stroke, or other life-threatening conditions.

So, what really happened to my body and brain?

Here's the back story:

Russill and I recently had our annual physical exams, including a CT calcium scoring scan. If you're unfamiliar with this particular test, it can detect early-stage atherosclerosis in the arteries.

This was our first time having this test done, and our primary care physician (PCP) thought it was a good idea, given that we were in our mid-to-late fifties.

Our test was normal, and the scores were zero, meaning very low cardiovascular disease risk. The PCP was pleased, and we were over the moon.

I tend to be mindful about what I consume, including the products I use on my skin, about 90% of the time.

Occasionally, I consume store-bought items such as packaged foods, ice cream from popular brands, soft cheeses, etc. Following a successful physical examination, I chose to consume these products.

Sadly, many of these items, even if the food company advertises them as healthy alternatives, are packed with sugars (despite the packaging claiming no added sugars), unhealthy fats, and other fancy-sounding yet ultra-processed ingredients that I usually try to avoid.

As expected, my body responded by gaining a few unwanted pounds, indicating the need for a detox. Russill left for his international trip on Monday, and I began my cleanse in earnest, aiming to flush out the toxins and restore balance to my body.

The detox was going well until I decided to add milk thistle, a supplement known for its cleansing properties, to my regime on Wednesday at suppertime

Previous History:

Some of you may recall that I have previously shared my journey with fibroids, which I have been managing for 17 years. Through regular ultrasound monitoring, switching to a healthier eating habit, and utilizing healing mental practices, I have successfully reduced the size of these fibroids, bringing me great peace and well-being.

Although I used to take milk thistle in my mid-twenties for detoxification purposes, I hadn't done so for a long time, especially after being diagnosed with fibroids, until now.

If you are wondering what the issue is with this particular supplement, here is the info:

Milk thistle is not recommended for women with fibroids, even if they have shrunk and are asymptomatic, as they are for me. Duh! What was I thinking? In retrospect, my need to cleanse overrode caution.

Like most foods and supplements, milk thistle has advantages and disadvantages, such as causing allergic reactions and lowering blood pressure.

Remember my dizzy spell while trying to empty the bladder?

A classic symptom of low blood pressure. The pain on my left side was caused by a heavy fall when the sturdy towel stand collapsed, but thankfully, I didn't suffer any bruises or broken bones. I consider this a miracle and am deeply grateful.

Here are the key points to remember:

• Herbal supplements, like medications, have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. As the body ages, effectiveness may diminish, and potential risks may increase.

• What may be well-tolerated by one person could lead to adverse reactions in another. This holds true for healthy natural foods, drinks, and over-the-counter supplements.

• Always exercise caution when considering a detox, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions.

Also, it is a good idea to consult your healthcare provider before a detox or, for that matter, when starting to experiment with a new way of eating.

A while ago, I crafted a set of uplifting reminders titled "Golden Guidelines For A Healthier You" for my clients. The concept was for them to display it on their refrigerators for quick and easy reference.

If you would like a complimentary copy to download, click the button below.

Wishing you health and peace.

Asha