I used to believe that forgetting words, misplacing my to-do list, or wondering why I walked into a room was the beginning of dementia. Doctors assured me it was just a part of getting older, but my thoughts were clouded, and my brain felt constantly foggy. My short-term memory loss and inability to think clearly became so embarrassing that I gradually withdrew from conversations, unable to trust my own mind.

The constant lack of energy, difficulty focusing, memory lapses, mood swings, depression, and snapping at my family unnecessarily made me feel guilty for not being the mother and wife my family deserved. I was constantly tired and felt like my life was passing me by.

I began researching mental and brain health and soon learned that having “brain fog” or memory lapses does not mean the beginning of a mental disease. If you catch brain degeneration early, you can reverse it back to a happy, healthy, functional state. This gave me hope.

I also discovered that the real culprit was leaky gut syndrome, which not only affected my digestive system but also had profound effects on my mental well-being. This journey led me to delve into extensive research on the intricate connection between the gut and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis, as well as the crucial role of the gut microbiome in maintaining mental and overall health.

In my quest for solutions, I partnered with the Mental Wellness Company, which focuses solely on the gut-brain axis. They provide natural, science-backed solutions to improve physical and mental well-being, helping thousands of women like me to get their lives back.

I also developed a leaky gut programme that included specific lifestyle changes and supplements designed to reduce inflammation in both my gut and brain. Within a week, I noticed a significant improvement in my mood and energy levels, and I knew that my gut and brain were beginning to heal.

Today, I have abundant energy, my thinking is much clearer, and my depression is a thing of the past. I relish every moment with my family and feel better than ever before. The transformative results I experienced were truly remarkable, leaving me with an unwavering dedication to assisting as many individuals as possible in restoring and maintaining their gut health and mental well-being.

Through my expertise and knowledge, I aim to provide guidance, support, and practical strategies to empower individuals struggling with mental and digestive health to regain control of their lives. Whether through personalised dietary recommendations, lifestyle adjustments, or incorporating targeted supplements, I strive to tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of each person I work with.

Join me on this journey to unlock the secrets of a healthy gut and a healthy mind, reclaim your vitality, and achieve a greater sense of well-being. Together, let’s pave the way to a healthier, happier life.

Hannelie x

Hannelie Van Der Merwe

Hannelie van der Merwe

BSc Dietetics

If you’re interested in learning more about my leaky gut programme and how it can improve your health and well-being, I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to get in touch to explore how this program can make a difference for you.