Back Pain, Insomnia, and Pasta: A Story of Hope and Recovery

November 8, 2018 by Deborah Penner


The connection between diet, inflammation, and chronic pain is something I’ve seen firsthand—both in my own life and in my practice.


Last night, I indulged in one of my favorite meals: a simple, delicious pasta dish with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil, paired with spicy Italian sausage. I don’t eat pasta often, but since it was lovingly prepared by a friend, I decided to enjoy it.


This morning? My body reminded me why I avoid it. I woke up with low back and hip pain radiating down my legs—a familiar discomfort I used to experience daily. It’s the same pain that led me to completely change the way I eat and, ultimately, transformed my health.

The Hidden Link Between Food and Pain

Years ago, I struggled with fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), insomnia, and hypoglycemia. My diet wasn’t what most would consider unhealthy—I avoided processed junk foods, sodas, and sweets. But I loved bread, pasta, grains, and starchy vegetables, believing they were healthy when paired with fresh vegetables, high-quality meats, and cheeses.



Yet, despite eating what I thought was a balanced diet, I was in constant pain, exhausted, and gaining weight. By the time I reached my 40s, I realized something had to change.

I decided to eliminate grains, pasteurized dairy, and excess sugar to see how it would affect my health. The results were shocking:


  • Pain levels dropped dramatically.
  • Digestive issues disappeared.
  • Energy became stable.
  • Weight started to normalize.


That was my first real wake-up call about how inflammatory foods impact the body—especially the joints, spine, and nervous system.

Why Certain Foods Cause Pain and Inflammation

Grains, especially wheat, oats, barley, and rye, contain high amounts of gluten, an allergenic protein that disrupts digestion, triggers inflammation, and contributes to joint pain. Many of today’s grains are also genetically modified, making them even harder for the body to process.


Inflammation isn’t just about pain—it drives disease. When the gut, liver, and kidneys become inflamed, the effects extend throughout the body, affecting:


  • Joints and spinal discs—leading to degeneration and chronic pain.
  • Metabolism and energy levels—causing blood sugar imbalances and weight gain.
  • Brain function—leading to brain fog, poor sleep, and mood swings.

A Case Study: How One Patient Transformed Her Health

A 57-year-old woman came to me with chronic neck, back, and hip pain, along with digestive issues, poor sleep, and low energy. She had also gained weight, especially around her midsection, and was experiencing bloating, heartburn, and occasional knee pain with no known injury.


After reviewing her medical history, diet, and lifestyle, I discovered clear signs of metabolic dysfunction and systemic inflammation. Her bloodwork showed borderline high blood sugar and low thyroid function, yet her doctor had only suggested watching her diet and possibly starting hormone replacement therapy.


I recommended a 21-day detox to support her liver and kidneys, along with an anti-inflammatory food plan to stabilize blood sugar and reduce pain. She also began weekly chiropractic care to restore nerve function and improve circulation.

The Results After 30 Days

Just one month later, this patient experienced:


  • Significant pain relief—back, hip, and knee pain improved dramatically.
  • Reduced bloating and heartburn—digestion became regular and comfortable.
  • Better sleep and stable energy—no more afternoon crashes or coffee dependence.
  • Weight loss—she lost 8 pounds and fit into clothes she hadn’t worn in years.
  • Improved mood—her family even noticed she was more patient and relaxed.


She looked at me with tears in her eyes and said, “I finally feel like myself again.”

The Power of Metabolic Rescue

This is what Metabolic Rescue is all about—helping the body heal itself by removing inflammatory triggers, restoring nutrient balance, and supporting metabolism at the cellular level.


Most people feel a significant difference within the first 30-60 days, but the biggest transformation happens over time. By committing to a healthier, more sustainable way of eating, you can experience:


  • Less pain and inflammation.
  • More energy and mental clarity.
  • Better digestion and metabolic health.
  • Sustainable weight loss without extreme dieting.

I’m not promoting a quick fix or a miserable, restrictive diet—I’m committed to teaching people how to nourish their bodies in a way that is both enjoyable and healing.



If you’re struggling with chronic pain, inflammation, weight gain, or fatigue, now is the time to take action. Metabolic Rescue can help you regain control of your health and feel better than you have in years.

Ready to Get Started?

Schedule a free consultation today and take the first step toward pain-free, vibrant health.


P.S. Love pasta but want to avoid the inflammation? Try these healthy alternatives:


  • Spiralized zucchini noodles
  • Spaghetti squash
  • Quinoa pasta


Healthy swaps can make a big difference—without sacrificing the foods you love!

Watercolor-style cows grazing in a green pasture under a bright sky

Tallow: A Nutrient-Rich Traditional Fat for Cooking, Skincare, and More

By Deborah Penner • June 25, 2025
March 25, 2025 by Deborah Penner In a world full of modern seed oils and synthetic skincare products, tallow is making a comeback—and for good reason. In his latest article, Dr. Robert Malone explores this time-honored fat that has nourished and supported humans for generations. From its dense nutritional profile to its unique benefits for the skin, tallow stands out as a versatile, shelf-stable, and highly bioavailable source of essential fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K2, and B12), and anti-inflammatory compounds like conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Dr. Malone breaks down what tallow is, how it’s rendered, and why sourcing it from grass-fed animals matters. He covers its historical culinary use, superior storage potential, and modern skincare advantages. He also shares how to make tallow at home, along with tips for storage, sourcing, and practical applications—even including a nod to traditional meat drippings. If you’re interested in ancestral nutrition, reducing toxic exposures, or reclaiming sustainable practices in your home and kitchen, this article is a must-read.  Read the full article on Robert Malone’s website to explore the health benefits, uses, and how-to of tallow.
Plated roasted lamb chop with herbs, berries, and lemon slices on a white dish

Collagen, Glycine & Gelatin: Unlocking the Healing Power of Meat Shanks

By Deborah Penner • March 20, 2025
March 20, 2025 by Deborah Penner If you’re looking for a powerful way to support metabolism, joint health, and overall vitality—without reaching for another supplement—consider this often-overlooked cut of meat: the shank. In a recent article on Mercola, Ashley Armstrong highlights why shanks (from beef, pork, or lamb) may actually outperform steaks when it comes to nutrient density and health benefits. Rich in collagen and connective tissue, shanks offer a more balanced amino acid profile than typical muscle meats. When cooked low and slow, they yield gelatin—a form of collagen that’s easier for the body to absorb. This provides crucial support for the skin, joints, bones, and gut, while also boosting metabolic health through glycine, a key amino acid that helps regulate inflammation and energy production. Armstrong also explores the wisdom of traditional diets, which prioritized nose-to-tail eating and naturally included more collagen-rich foods. Today’s steak-heavy habits miss out on these benefits, making shanks an easy and affordable way to restore that balance. The article includes 15 time-tested recipes from around the world, and a video walking through Armstrong’s favorite braising method.
Silhouetted figure facing a vivid watercolor sky with a cell tower and power lines at sunset

The Hidden Dangers of 5G and EMF

By Deborah Penner • March 17, 2025
March 17, 2025 by Deborah Penner Electromagnetic fields (EMF) and 5G technology have rapidly expanded across the globe with little consideration for their long-term impact on human health and the environment. Dr. Mark Trozzi, a dedicated physician and researcher, explores the hidden dangers of EMF exposure and the heightened risks that come with 5G. He reveals how governmental agencies, despite being informed of the concerns, have remained powerless in the face of telecom industry influence. Even before the rollout of 5G, studies linked EMF exposure to a range of serious health issues, including cancer, infertility, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Trozzi highlights that 5G takes these risks further with the use of higher frequencies, such as 60 GHz, which directly interact with oxygen molecules and could disrupt their ability to bind with hemoglobin. He also sheds light on the military origins of some 5G frequencies and the aggressive destruction of trees to facilitate stronger signals—an alarming environmental consequence. Through his research, Dr. Trozzi underscores the urgent need to recognize EMF radiation as a major public health threat. He calls for awareness, education, and practical steps to mitigate exposure, drawing attention to the work of leading experts like Dr. Devra Davis and Dr. Arthur Firstenberg. To learn more about the critical health risks of 5G and EMF exposure, read the full article and watch the video at drtrozzi.news .
Person crouching in a grassy field beside a vivid blue, orange, and pink fire-like landscape

Wildfire Illness and the Overlooked Lessons in Lung Health

By Deborah Penner • March 11, 2025
March 11, 2025 by Deborah Penner Wildfire smoke exposure has profound health consequences, yet its impact on chronic illness remains widely overlooked. A Midwestern Doctor explores the link between particulate matter inhalation and conditions such as cardiovascular disease, lung disease, and cognitive decline, emphasizing the role of glutathione in protecting lung tissue. The article highlights the lessons learned from wildfire-related illnesses, particularly how exposure worsens pre-existing inflammatory conditions and contributes to long-term health deterioration. It also sheds light on the parallels between wildfire toxicity and other environmental exposures, such as pollution and pharmaceuticals, that can push individuals past their body’s threshold for chronic illness. One of the most promising solutions discussed is nebulized glutathione, which replenishes the lungs’ natural defense system, helping mitigate damage from smoke inhalation and potentially offering relief for those suffering from COPD. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of DMSO in respiratory conditions is examined, alongside other integrative approaches for addressing the systemic effects of wildfire exposure. To understand how wildfire illness can reshape our approach to lung health and chronic disease, read the full article by A Midwestern Doctor on The Forgotten Side of Medicine .

How Injected Proteins May Be Rewiring the Immune System

By Deborah Penner • March 8, 2025
Key Takeaways from the Interview

Understanding Zeta Potential and Its Impact on Health

By Deborah Penner • February 24, 2025
Certain substances, such as aluminum, are known to reduce zeta potential, increasing the likelihood of sluggish blood flow and microcirculatory issues. On the other hand, practices like optimizing mineral intake, reducing toxin exposure, and supporting kidney function can help restore and maintain a healthy zeta potential . For a deeper dive into how zeta potential affects overall health and what can be done to support it, read the full article on Unbekoming Substack .