Embracing Healing in the Mid-Life Chapter: Faith, Inflammation & Hope
- Erica Reyes Creo
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
As I reflect on the last few years—entering my 40s, navigating hormonal shifts, and confronting autoimmune-related inflammation—I’ve been especially mindful of how my body, soul and faith are intertwined. My Christian faith grounds me: I believe that my body is a temple (see 1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and that every season—every challenge—is an invitation to trust God, lean into community, and treat myself with the kindness and care He calls me to offer.
Inflammation from autoimmune issues and the hormonal changes that began in my 40s have shown up in ways I never expected: puffiness, GI bloating, unpredictable energy, and skin that didn’t reflect how I felt inside. And yet, I’ve discovered that faith + nutrition + trusted products can walk alongside me in this journey. I’m so grateful for a few “helpers” that have really made a difference—so I’m sharing them below with hope that they may encourage someone else.
Why inflammation and hormones matter
When your immune system and hormones are out of sync, your body can feel at war internally.
Chronic (systemic) inflammation is linked to autoimmune disease, metabolic changes, gut-health issues and even hormonal imbalance. Hopkins Medicine+2Healthline+2
Hormonal shifts—especially around age 40 and beyond for many women—can impact metabolism, inflammation, insulin response, mood, sleep and more. Women's Health Network
Gut health plays a big role: A leaky gut or GI inflammation can exacerbate autoimmune responses and hormone disruption. Healthline+1
Lifestyle really counts: the food we eat, how we manage stress, our sleep, movement—all of it forms a backdrop to whether our body is more prone to inflammation or healing. UW Family Medicine & Community Health+1
In short: God gave us this one body, and in this season I’ve chosen to fight for my health—not just against the symptoms. With prayer, community, and good habits, I’ve found more peace. And with that foundation, I want to share the products that have helped my body (and heart) to respond.
My go-to products & how they help
Below are the life-changing (for me) items—each tied to a specific struggle I was facing (or still journeying with), and how they’ve brought relief or support. Note: I’m sharing personal experience, not medical advice, and I encourage you to pray, check with your healthcare provider, and walk this alongside faith and wisdom.
1. RenuSpa – Muscle tension, puffiness & GI bloating relief
From the teens ( my daughter is only ten ) in ballet class to my little one on the baseball field, RenuSpa has been a family go-to. For me: when inflammation shows as puffiness or muscle ache (post-workout or from daily hustle), and even GI bloating or pain (which I’ve struggled with thanks to autoimmune triggers).
It’s such a blessing when a product you reach for can serve not only you, but your children too—whether for growing pains, after sports, or just general tension. I’ve found it relaxes muscles, eases puffiness, and even reduces the GI discomfort I’d sometimes wake up with or experience throughout different parts of the day.
2. NuBiome – Gut support, bloating reduction & improved regularity
As someone managing gluten intolerance, GI inflammation, and an autoimmune component, gut support is crucial. I’ve used NuBiome consistently and noticed that bloating is less frequent, my regularity improved, and the gut discomfort from even a small “oops” bite of bread (yes, it happens!) is less severe. My kids enjoy it too, and when the family feels better internally, the outer world feels a little brighter.
3. Meta – Metabolic health, inflammation & hormonal balance
In this stage of life, I realized metabolic health isn’t just about weight or scale numbers; it’s about how my body responds to sugar, how much energy I have, how well I sleep, how resilient I am to stress and inflammation. Meta has helped me feel like the internal dial of inflammation is turned down—less joint ache, less fog, better sleep, better stress responses. That ripple effect touches hormones, mood, digestion.
4. Msmart – Glucose-response regulation and snack-prevention
On gluten-free, busy-mom days, blood sugar crashes were once my enemy. Running kids to ballet, baseball, errands, meetings—eating on the go sometimes means less than ideal choices, and then sugar crashes. Msmart gives me a sense of steadiness: better response to protein/ carb ratio, fewer snack pitfalls, less guilt, more control. In this season of hormonal shifts, stability matters.
5. Lumipsa – Facial puffiness + skin inflammation
My skin started telling the story of my internal shifts—more puffiness, uneven tone, inflammation around the face. Lumipsa gently reduces puffiness and calms inflammation while leaving my skin “squeaky clean” (in a good way!). It feels like a moment of self-care that ties to how I’m treating my inner body.
6. Polishing Bar – Gentle yet effective for my daughter and me
Skincare for kids + adults can be tricky. My daughter had bumps on her arms (common with hormonal/immune shifts) and dark spots on knees (sports + life!). The Polishing Bar is gentle enough for her face (no drying) yet effective for those bumps, dark spots, stains on ballet tights or baseball pants. It underscores the truth: our family’s skin reflects more than just what we apply—it's lifestyle, nutrition, rest, and grace.
7. Tegreen – Green tea antioxidant support (caffeine-sensitive!)
I’m sensitive to caffeine. I still love my coffee (I mean, who doesn’t?), but for supplemental support, Tegreen has been a blessing—a green-tea based antioxidant support that is 99.0% caffeine-free. For inflammation support, antioxidant load, and gentle nervous-system support, it’s been a tool in my toolbox.
8. Collagen Packets – On-the-go treat + skin/hydration boost
Collagen has become a hero. The easy packets make it feel like a treat, which is key when you’re balancing family, work, faith, life. But beyond that: I’ve noticed increased moisture in my face, smoother skin texture, and the inner feedback loop that says: “I’m nourishing my body in a way that values the temple God gave me.”
9. Fluoride-Free Whitening Toothpaste (family-friendly)
Oral health often doesn’t get linked to autoimmune or hormonal health, but I believe it's part of the wholeness. We found a fluoride-free whitening toothpaste safe for kids over 6 and adults; my son’s teeth look cleaner (yes, boys and their teeth!). It’s one small gesture of care for our family’s body-temple.
12. Glo Pro Microneedling Device – Skin absorption + night-care boost
This one is more “advanced.” I started using the Glo Pro microneedling a couple of times a week, affordable and easy to use. Why? Because when your hormonal health, inflammation, metabolism are all shifting—you want your night treatments (retinol, vitamin C, collagen) to absorb well and truly serve. This has helped my skin respond better to those nightly rituals.
The faith-filled foundation beneath the tools
These products are wonderful, but they never replace the deeper foundation: my relationship with Jesus, the truth that I am loved and chosen, the rest that comes from trusting Him. So many days I remind myself:
I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
He gives grace for every season, strength for every need. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
In this season of autoimmune healing and hormonal change, I’ve found that when I use these tools with gratitude, prayer, healthy habits and community support, the results feel more holistic—and more sustainable. It’s not just about reducing puffiness or gut-bloating; it’s about honoring the body God gave me, letting His peace guard my heart and mind (Philippians 4:6-7), and stewarding this chapter well.
Lifestyle anchors that amplify the effect
Using the products works better when combined with lifestyle rhythms grounded in faith and care. These habits are what make the difference:
Getting restful sleep. Inflammation decreases when we rest. UChicago Medicine+1
Eating anti-inflammatory foods: plenty of vegetables, whole foods, avoiding ultra-processed stuff. Hopkins Medicine+1
Managing stress: prayer, connection, slowing down when possible. Inflammatory responses are tied to stress and hormone load.
Moving in ways you love: gentle strength, mobility, letting your body feel alive—not punished.
Community and accountability: Whether it’s a friend, a small group, your church, or your spouse—this journey is less heavy when you don’t walk it alone.
A gentle invitation
If you’re reading this and you’re in a season of bodily change—autoimmune challenges, hormonal shifts, digestive issues, puffiness, skin changes—know this: you are not alone. God has not forgotten you. He sees you, He longs for you to live in the fullness of health and peace if possible. And He often gives us help—like the products I’ve listed—and habits to steward the temple He entrusted to us.
Feel free to use this list as a starting point—not as a guarantee. Pray, check in with your healthcare provider, ask for wisdom. And remember: worth is not measured by how “well” our bodies look or perform—but by the One who made us, loves us and holds us steady.
May the one who gives you peace guard your heart and your body in this season.
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