Sarah's Journey: From Patient to Pioneer

Sarah Eglin Founder and Nutritional Therapy Specialis. Holistic Health and Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner holding a berry smoothie, wearing a striped green and white top.

My Commitment: Expertise Born from Experience

Hello, I'm Sarah Eglin, founder of Eglin Health and a Registered Nutritional Therapy and Lifestyle Medicine Practitioner (mBANT). My journey to becoming a holistic health nutritionist is founded on over a decade of personal experience successfully navigating chronic illness and recovering my vitality. I combine rigorous scientific knowledge with real-world application, offering bespoke nutritional therapy and health programmes designed for profound, lasting wellness.

From Crisis to Clarity: The Recipe for Disaster

My life was a study in extremes: a demanding corporate career balanced with the intense training required for long-distance triathlons, including the Ironman World Championships. For 20 years, I pushed myself to the extreme, competing in marathons, ultra-marathons, and triathlons. I was pushing myself constantly, completely oblivious to how my behaviours were draining my reserves.

In hindsight, it's clear this was a recipe for disaster. Lacking effective coping mechanisms for stress, I literally ran, cycled, and swam myself into the ground, contributing directly to my health crisis. This personal crisis became my greatest teacher.

Where the Journey Began: Chronic Illness and a Diagnosis

The breaking point arrived first in December 2014 with the crippling onset of chronic fatigue syndrome following the Epstein-Barr virus. Though it seemed sudden, I had likely ignored many warning signs.

The ultimate low came in September 2016, at 41 weeks pregnant, with a devastating breast cancer diagnosis. I initially followed the conventional path, but the side effects were severe and prolonged: relentless fatigue, immune dysfunction, nerve damage, and later, a sacral stress fracture.

This period was incredibly challenging, but it led to a profound transformation. Frustrated by the conventional approach that offered no answers for the root causes or proactive steps for recurrence prevention, I realised that mere survival was inadequate. I committed to true holistic health, determined to fully regain my health, vitality, and optimism, free from anxiety and the fear of relapse. This is my story of transformation—a journey that required profound change, unwavering commitment, and a deep dive into the 6 Pillars of Health that now form the foundation of Eglin Health.

Rebuilding Health: The 6 Pillars in Practice

My extended period of illness allowed for deep reflection on how my behaviours contributed to my declining health. I learned the paramount importance of nourishing both body and mind. My recovery involved making significant, life-altering changes, categorized below:

Nutrition

I switched to a wholefood, plant-based diet (early 2015), ensuring appropriate and sufficient nutrient-dense foods, and using quality supplements, herbs, and medicinal mushrooms.
Physical Activity

Ensuring appropriate levels of exercise (balanced with rest).
Restoration

Prioritising plentiful and restful sleep, balanced with rest.
Stress Management & Mindset

I underwent two years of psychotherapy to process repressed emotions and harmful beliefs. I began mindfulness meditation in 2014, and developed tools to manage future emotional challenges. Therapy was essential for both physical and emotional recovery and personal growth.
Connection

I cultivated healthful, positive relationships and distanced myself from those causing chronic stress.
Environment

I switched to organic produce, natural household products, and cosmetics. I also incorporated detoxification protocols, including regular infrared saunas to purge toxins, juicing, intermittent fasting, and carbon-filtered water, and abstained from alcohol.

I also explored various therapies, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), high-dose intravenous vitamin C, B12 injections, and coffee enemas.

Life Beyond: The New Chapter

Through optimised nutrition, addressing emotional baggage, and embracing rest and recovery, my health is finally back on track.

I am a dedicated triathlete once more, prioritising nutrition, recovery, and balance alongside training. I recently achieved a significant milestone by completing my first post-recovery long-distance triathlon, the Barcelona Ironman 2025, in an amazing time of 12 hours and 6 minutes. This is my second-best time ever, demonstrating the power of my multi-faceted approach to wellness and vitality.

“We fall, we break, we fail... But then we rise, we heal, we overcome.”

From Struggle to Success: A Life Built on Holistic Principles

The Illusion of Invincibility

Life before 2014: I was defined by professional discipline and long-distance athletics. I felt utterly invincible, unaware of the internal reserves I was rapidly draining. Little did I know how close I was to my breaking point.

2014: Ironman World Championships - Kona

Crisis, Transformation, and the Turning Point

2015 to 2019: This was the darkest chapter: the sudden onset of chronic fatigue, navigating cancer diagnosis and treatment while becoming a mother. This period wasn't just about survival—it was the crucible that forced a fundamental, life-altering transformation.

Sept 2016: 2 weeks post birth and breast cancer diagnosis.

Mar 2017: 2 months post chemo and embracing my new haircut.

Mar 2017: 2 months post chemo and skiing with Mat. Emjoying the fresh mountain air and some spring sunshine.

May 2017: 4 months post chemo with Ethan at 6 months old.

July 2017: 3HO Kundalini Yoga Festival - France.

Mar 2018: 15 months post chemo. Feeling stronger but still far from back to health.

Aug 2018: 18 months post chemo with Ethan at 20 months old.

Aug 2019: 30 months post chemo and making progress towards health.

Vitality Regained: The Proof of Systems-Based Health

2020 onwards: Through meticulous application of the 6 Pillars—optimising nutrition, managing emotional baggage, and prioritising restoration—my health is finally back on track. This vitality is the living proof that profound, lasting recovery is truly possible.