By Koby Taylor, PharmD

My journey toward better health has been anything but linear. It’s been a winding path full of unexpected turns, challenges, and revelations. This story spans several decades, beginning with my deep-rooted interest in science and culminating in a profound understanding of what it truly means to take care of oneself.

I graduated in 1990 with a degree in molecular biology and a minor in chemistry from Brigham Young University. My fascination with genetics and the intricate details of human biology was evident from an early age. After graduation, I sought to make a career in molecular biology but soon realized that the field was not financially rewarding at the time. Consequently, I found myself working as a pharmacy technician, a role that eventually sparked my interest in becoming a pharmacist. This shift was not initially planned, but as I immersed myself in the world of pharmaceuticals, I found a new calling. I applied to pharmacy schools and was accepted at both Oregon State and the University of Utah. I chose the University of Utah and embarked on a transformative journey in my professional life.

During pharmacy school, I developed a keen interest in unconventional therapies, particularly compounding. While Western medicine was heavily process-oriented and protocol-driven, I was drawn to the innovative and sometimes unorthodox approaches that compounding offered. My lifelong habit of reading diverse research articles and staying abreast of new scientific advancements only fueled this interest.

Early Career and Health Challenges

My professional career began at a retail pharmacy, where I worked for twenty-two years. However, it was during my tenure at a local grocery store that I faced my first major health challenges. The store’s policy of allowing refills of soda mugs for just one dollar a day led me to consume an excessive amount of soda—up to seventy-two ounces daily. This high sugar intake, combined with a poor diet lacking vegetables, contributed to a downward spiral in my health. Over time, I managed six different doctors and nine prescription medications, battling heartburn, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and severe life stress. My health deteriorated, manifesting in conditions like depression and weight gain.

Determined to turn my life around, I left the grocery store and opened my own compounding pharmacy. This new chapter allowed me to explore alternative treatments and deepen my knowledge of nutrition. By 2015, I became increasingly interested in how dietary changes could impact overall health. However, my personal life was also undergoing significant stress, including a divorce in 2015, which only added to my health challenges.

Despite these setbacks, I sought answers beyond conventional medicine. I visited the ER multiple times for panic attacks and high blood pressure, and eventually sought help at a wellness center. Comprehensive examinations showed that while my heart was in good shape, my overall well-being was not where I wanted it to be. My hair was falling out, I struggled with sleep, and I continued to experience high blood pressure and other symptoms. The standard advice to eat more fruit and vegetables, exercise, and lose weight seemed insufficient given my ongoing health struggles.

Turning Point and Discoveries

In my quest for answers, I discovered amino acid therapy through a course by Jared Dupree, founder of St. George Health & Wellness Magazine. This reawakening of my interest in genetics and chemistry helped me understand how amino acids could affect mental health. Integrating these therapies into my routine, along with supplements like magnesium and vitamin D, led to noticeable improvements. My health metrics improved, and I was able to reduce some of my medications. The journey toward better health became more about continuous learning and adaptation rather than quick fixes.

A Setback and Recovery

In 2021, I felt revitalized and healthier than I had in years. However, my progress was abruptly halted when I contracted the Delta variant of COVID-19. The illness severely affected my body, leading to long-lasting symptoms like loss of taste and smell, brain fog, and persistent fatigue. Many of the treatments that had previously worked for me were no longer effective. My recovery involved exploring alternative therapies such as ketamine, nicotine, and ivermectin treatments, which proved beneficial. I also addressed issues like neck pain through acupuncture and chiropractic care.

Despite these efforts, my health challenges reached a critical point in September 2023 when I experienced a heart attack. This was a stark reminder that health is an ongoing journey, not a final destination. The heart attack was caused by a clot in my right coronary artery, likely formed during my bout with COVID-19. Thankfully, a skilled surgeon was able to clear the blockage and place two stents, which significantly improved my condition. I began a new regimen of prescription medications, though managing these came with its own set of challenges, including side effects like irregular heart rhythms, muscle pain, and a severe GI bleed.

Through this process, I learned the importance of comprehensive lab testing and more nuanced approaches to cardiovascular health. I started incorporating more thoughtful lifestyle changes, including a detailed focus on diet and exercise. I also began parasite cleanses and used allergy treatments to address underlying issues affecting my immune system and overall health. These two therapies have been some of the most transformational health therapies that I have ever done and the most impactful therapies on my journey to wellness.

Ongoing Journey and Reflections

Today, I am healthier and more energetic than I have been in a long time. My journey has taught me that health is not a static goal but a continuous process of learning, adapting, and evolving. Each stage of my life has brought new insights and challenges, reaffirming that the path to well-being is an ongoing journey rather than a one-time achievement. This experience has not only deepened my understanding of health but has also shaped the way I approach my work and personal life. I now lead every discussion with patients from the perspective that health is a dynamic journey. I share my knowledge and experiences to help others navigate their own paths to well-being, emphasizing that there is always a path to wellness and that we are all capable of change and improvement. Our results follow within the journey, not as a fixed destination but as a continual process of growth and adaptation.