WORDS BYLINE: Andrea Cakis A Washington mum has shared how she keeps the debilitating symptoms of Crohn's disease at bay - without relying solely on conventional medicine. Tamara Braendle Onofre of Washington state faced health struggles early in life. Born with hip dysplasia, she had to undergo surgery when she was just six months old. This was only the beginning of many health challenges to come. "When I was 10, my family moved from Switzerland to the United States. My parents had always dreamed of coming to America, and when they won a green card lottery, it made that dream a reality," she explained. "But the move was tough on me. I believe the emotional stress from the experience may have triggered my autoimmune issues." At 17, Tamara was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, an incurable inflammatory bowel condition. "I had constant fatigue and nausea, and I couldn’t digest food anymore," she recalled. "The weight just started falling off without me changing a thing. I also developed strange skin issues I’d never had before." In her 20s, Tamara’s health continued to deteriorate. "I had another surgery to fix my hip dysplasia. The surgery eased some of the pain, but after my daughter was born, things took a turn for the worse. I ended up needing a muscle removed from my hip when she was only six months old," she explained. After enduring months of pain, Tamara discovered a path that allowed her to take back control of her life. Now, as a health coach, she’s cultivated an inclusive and compassionate philosophy, advocating for "health at every size" and redefining wellness on her own terms. "I think every person's body has a size where it feels most comfortable," she noted. "We shouldn't be forcing our bodies into a mould based on a number or standard. My focus is on strength and function over appearance. Dealing with Crohn's disease has shown me that health is about the whole body. I work with naturopaths and holistic doctors now. Western medicine has its place in life-saving situations, but for chronic conditions like mine, you have to address the body, mind, and soul." As a mum, Tamara also intentionally teaches her children about body image, health, and exercise in a way that fosters a positive relationship with their own bodies. "We don’t talk about body size or weight in our house, and we never talk about other people's bodies. We focus on how strong we feel, how fast we can run, and how happy we feel," she explained. "I also have a good balance with food and what I feed my children. It’s 90 percent healthy, whole homemade food, but I also allow them to have McDonald’s and cookies here and there. I believe instilling balance in our children will help them make healthy choices for their life as they grow older." Tamara's need for connection led her to start her TikTok account, Healthyish Mama, where she shares the challenges of living with a debilitating illness. "I've always been pretty open about my life," added Tamara. "But what really pushed me to share my journey online was feeling incredibly isolated during postpartum. I wanted to make others feel less alone." Her honesty has resonated with her 45.6K followers, many of whom are mums who are facing their own health challenges. "Living with Crohn’s disease, while being a mum is tough," she admitted. "It’s not just about managing the pain - it's also the everyday things, like meals. I have to eat differently from my family - something that, as any parent knows, is not easy. I have to eat at specific times and choose foods that won't aggravate my symptoms while my family enjoys their usual meals." One of the hardest lessons Tamara has had to learn is the importance of rest. "I've had to rely on my husband and mother-in-law to help manage my symptoms and care for my kids. I need rest in the evenings to reduce inflammation, which can be difficult with young children. I've accepted that my body isn't a machine; it will break down if I push it too hard. How that looks is different for everyone, but I always tell people to find a way to move that fuels them without causing stress or inflammation. My body still shows up for me despite everything. It's survived so much, and I'm still able to live an active life," she concluded Featuring: Tamara Braendle Onofre Where: Washington, United States When: 15 Sep 2024 Credit: Cover Images **EDITORIAL USE ONLY. MATERIALS ONLY TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITORIAL STORY. THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ADVERTISING, MARKETING OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. MATERIAL COPYRIGHT REMAINS WITH STATED PHOTOGRAPHER AND/OR SUPPLIER.**