Gilberts Strikes Again
I didn't discover I had Gilbert's Syndrome until I was in my early 30s. Having learnt so very much about Gilbert's since then, I often wonder how things might have been different (better!?!) if I had known I had this syndrome a few decades earlier.
Recently, with life being busy and my nutrition and meal timing being a little off kilter, I've experienced some of the symptoms that can arise with Gilbert's. It strikes again! Live and learn right?!
I've also had a wave of new clients who have Gilbert's Syndrome (and it's associated symptoms - yes, only 8% of folks with Gilbert's are asymptomatic!), so I thought I'd share a few truisms I've come to learn through personal experience, clinical experience, mentoring with the incredible Rachel Arthur and diving into the literature on the topic.
Gilbert's Truisms:
Being genetic, this syndrome is passed through families and has no “cure” (it is also not classified as a 'disease').
Given it’s a lifelong diagnosis, the goal is not necessarily to get bilirubin to “low” levels (as it is elevated in those with Gilberts), but rather it's to manage any associated symptoms and improve literacy about the syndrome.
It often remains undiagnosed for many years (sometimes decades) before being picked up or mentioned by a health care provider, often by accident.
Although not a ‘disease’, it is clinically meaningful syndrome which is often poorly understood (by both the public and health professionals alike).
In addition to these truisms, there is a silver lining to Gilbert's Syndrome because bilirubin, when mildly elevated, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral actions. This is really, really interesting stuff!
So, I've been busy updating my Gilbert's Syndrome - Unpacked course, which is full of lots of new juicy and helpful information.
I designed this course with my Gilbert's clients in mind as an extra resource for them, but of course it's for ANYONE who wants to learn more about Gilbert's Syndrome and the positive impact that diet and lifestyle especially can have. Thanks to Bianca from the USA for your kind words, I'm so glad you found it helpful.
"Thank you so much for publishing such thoughtful and helpful information about Gilbert's Syndrome. I just finished your course after recently discovering I have it at 36 years old. It answered a lot of my questions about my life and invisible/ random health ailments I've had!" - Bianca B
