How Katie Healed Chronic Psoriasis, Tonsillitis, IBS, Bloating and Reflux in 11 Months

Katie's Starting Point

Katie came to us after exhausting her options with her GP of 30 years. At 49, she had been struggling with chronic tonsillitis and recurring cold and flu symptoms for over a decade — and that was only the beginning of her health challenges.

Her medical history was complex: febrile seizures in childhood had led to a stroke-induced coma in her early twenties, during which she developed diabetes in hospital. Multiple car accidents left her with PTSD, which triggered psoriasis from ongoing stress. Chronic body aches and pain had become her norm.

By the time she reached out, Katie was dealing with:

• Chronic tonsillitis (requiring frequent antibiotics)

• Psoriasis

• Bloating and reflux

• Hormonal imbalances

• Dry skin

• Persistent headaches

• Body pain

She had tried different supplements and consulted various healthcare professionals, but only experienced temporary relief. She was frustrated with the cycle of antibiotics — she knew they weren't the long-term answer, but nothing else had worked.

Katie was ready for a different approach. Her goals were clear: achieve a healthy weight, reduce pain levels, and lower inflammation.

What Testing Revealed

Katie's initial gut microbiome test showed patterns that explained why her symptoms had persisted despite years of conventional treatment:

• High inflammatory bacteria — Driving systemic inflammation affecting skin, joints, and immune function

• High IBS score — Confirming digestive dysfunction

• Low beneficial bacteria — Missing the strains that regulate immune response and maintain gut barrier integrity

Victoria's analysis connected the dots: Katie's depleted beneficial bacteria meant her immune system was constantly fighting — hence the recurring infections — while elevated inflammatory species were driving her psoriasis and body pain. The gut-skin and gut-immune connections were clearly at play.

The Personalised Protocol

Based on Katie's test results and complex health picture, Amanda designed a targeted 6-month protocol addressing her specific imbalances while supporting her underlying conditions naturopathically.

Targeted supplementation:

• Specific strains to rebuild depleted beneficial populations

• Anti-inflammatory support

• Immune system modulation

Dietary adjustments:

• Personalised meal plan

• Focus on reducing inflammatory triggers

• Supporting gut healing

Rapid Progress

Katie's transformation was remarkable — and faster than expected.

Month 1: COVID Recovery Without Antibiotics

Unfortunately, Katie contracted COVID-19 during her first month on the program. However, she recovered swiftly without the viral infection progressing into a secondary chest infection.

This was the first time in years that Katie did not require antibiotics.

Her strengthening immune system was already showing results.

Month 2: Digestion and Skin Improving

• Digestion improved significantly

• Energy returning — enough to prepare healthy meals from her personalised meal plan

• Psoriasis started clearing

• Lost 10kg

Month 3: Psoriasis Completely Gone

• Psoriasis completely disappeared

• Immune system continuing to strengthen

• No throat or sinus mucus (chronic symptom resolved)

• Continuing to move toward goal weight

The speed of her psoriasis resolution demonstrated the power of addressing root causes rather than just managing symptoms topically.

Retest Results: 11 Months From Starting

Katie returned in March 2023 for a retest. While she still had some lingering tonsillitis symptoms (and had experienced another car accident causing additional pain), her microbiome results reflected her dramatic improvement.

Beneficial Bacteria Flourishing

Lactobacillus: Strains doubled, indicating successful colonisation of additional beneficial species.

Bifidobacteria: Repopulated (previously depleted). These species are critical for immune regulation — their return explained Katie's reduced infection frequency.

Akkermansia muciniphila: Reached optimal levels at 1.5%. This keystone species maintains the gut lining's protective mucus layer — its restoration was fundamental to resolving Katie's systemic inflammation.

Inflammatory Markers Reduced

• IBS score decreased by 20% — Confirming improved digestive function

• Improved Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio — Indicating a more anti-inflammatory bacterial balance

• Overall diversity increased significantly — A more robust, resilient gut ecosystem

Where Katie Is Now

Katie's transformation extended far beyond symptom relief. By the end of her program, she experienced:

Health improvements:

• Psoriasis completely resolved

• Chronic tonsillitis under control

• No longer dependent on frequent antibiotics

• Digestive symptoms resolved

• Reduced pain and inflammation

• Significant weight loss

• Sustained energy

Life improvements:

• More energised and less stressed

• Able to exercise regularly

• Started a new business — something she had dreamed of for years but couldn't pursue due to ill health

Katie's case demonstrates how interconnected our body systems are. Her psoriasis, tonsillitis, digestive issues, and fatigue weren't separate problems requiring separate treatments — they were all manifestations of the same underlying gut dysfunction. Address the root cause, and the downstream symptoms resolve.

Could This Approach Help You?

If Katie's story resonates — if you're dealing with skin conditions that won't clear, recurring infections, digestive issues, or inflammation that affects your whole body — comprehensive testing can reveal what's actually driving your symptoms.

At Prana Thrive, every test is analysed by Amanda (who has personally reviewed over 2,000 microbiome tests) with scientific oversight from Victoria, our in-house microbiologist. This combination of clinical pattern recognition and microbiological expertise allows us to identify the specific imbalances connecting your symptoms.

Our AIM Method™ (Analyse → Integrate → Monitor) provides:

• Analyse: Comprehensive testing reveals your unique microbiome picture — connecting seemingly unrelated symptoms to common root causes

• Integrate: A personalised protocol targeting your specific imbalances, not generic recommendations

• Monitor: Follow-up testing to confirm bacterial rebalancing and sustained improvement

Book a free 15-minute evaluation call to discuss your symptoms and find out if our approach is right for you.

Book Your Free Evaluation Call

Related Articles:

• The Gut-Skin Connection

• The Gut-Immune System Connection

• What Is Akkermansia muciniphila?

• Bifidobacterium longum: Benefits and Functions

• Gut Bacteria and Weight

• Probiotics: A Comprehensive Guide

Service Pages:

• IBS Specialist Australia

• Gut-Skin Specialist Australia

• Gut Microbiome Testing