Our Origins
Antibiotics and food poisoning
As told by our founder, Alex.
As a teenager, I struggled with a weak immune system, catching over 10 colds a year, typically each lasting more than a week. I mistakenly turned to antibiotics, which only harmed my microbiome. Then, in 2012, I got Salmonella whilst traveling in Peru, which changed my gut forever.
Led to irritable bowl syndrome
Salmonella took six months to clear. After that, it felt like whatever I ate was working against me and I struggled to feel happy, due to low serotonin. Medical tests showed me as having ‘no issues’ and I was diagnosed with “IBS”.
And a decade-long journey to heal the gut and more
Frustrated, I dove into learning about nutrition. Discovering things like FODMAPs, eating for stable blood-sugar, magnesium and zinc for immunity, Baobab for bloating, collagen for skin-health, choline, B12, MCT oil and ginseng for cognition. Each discovery felt like a health breakthrough.
Towards thriiving
I put every discovery into my breakfast for consistency. I don’t say i’m ‘thriiving’ but my health has gone from poor to well above average. I wanted to share what I’d learnt with others, including those with ‘normal’ systems and women too.
Then expanding to support women's unique needs
Enter Elli, a clinical dietitian nutrionist who has struggled with endometriosis, bloating and iron deficiencies herself.
Together, we created thriiv. Combining traditional health practices with modern-science, to support men and women's holistic health.