Dear Reader
It’s been a bit of a ropey few weeks over here.
Ella started with a sore throat and high temperature, which quickly turned into a sickness bug. She was so lethargic and just wasn’t getting better. I had that gut feeling something was missing.
After a call to NHS 24, an ambulance ride, and a five-hour wait in A&E, she was admitted for observation. Her blood sugar was low, ketones were present in her blood, and it turned out her little body had been floored by the double whammy of illness.
The prescription?
Apple juice. Sugary snacks. And lots of cuddles from Mama.
As I lay on the hospital bed that night, trying to settle her to sleep at 11.30pm, I found myself reflecting on something the Paediatric Doctor said.
1. Sometimes the body’s message is simple, but the solution isn’t easy.
The doctor explained Ella’s body had gone into ketosis — a state where the body burns fat instead of glucose, producing ketones. It’s common in children when they’re unwell and not eating.
Simple fix? Sugar.
But not-so-easy? Getting her to eat or drink when all she wanted to do was sleep.
2. When you don’t recognise the signs, it’s easy to doubt your instincts.
This was the first time Ella had been ill since I stopped breastfeeding — and I didn’t pick up on the signs straight away. That feeling of “I should have known” is so human. But sometimes, we need to hear it from someone else to make sense of what’s happening.
This experience reminded me of how often clients come to me feeling like they’ve tried everything — unable to trace the root of their pain or fatigue. Just as I needed the expertise of a Paediatric Doctor that night, my clients often need my guidance when it comes to hip and lower back pain or understanding their body through the lens of Ayurveda.
3. Sugar isn’t the enemy — it’s about the type, timing, and intention.
There’s a lot of noise around being sugar-free (and I’m here for it when it comes to hidden sugars in sauces, cereals, snacks).
But in that hospital room, the thing Ella needed most was apple juice, orange juice, a few mini cheddars, and even a bit of chocolate orange. That sugar was medicine.
In Ayurveda, we see sweetness as grounding, nourishing, and deeply connected to care and recovery — especially in children. I’ll share more soon about what I’ve learned and how this ties into Ayurvedic wisdom on sugar.
For now, we’re back home, Ella’s slowly getting her spark back, and I’m feeling grateful for the simple things: apple juice, mini cheddars, Terry’s chocolate orange, and the medicine of love and rest.
Sending care to any of you navigating illness or recovery right now — especially with little ones.
With love,
Love
Jo & Kev
P.S We'll be opening the doors of our membership Remedy soon . . . this evolving into a space where I'm sharing more personal experiences, recipes and remedies for you and your family. If you'd like to join click reply and I'll add you to our waiting list.
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