Ex-Bachelorette Michelle Young on Health, Diet & Honeymoon Woes
Former Bachelorette Michelle Young recently revealed the health challenges that forced her to cut her honeymoon in Italy short. After experiencing symptoms like extreme fatigue, brain fog, and heart palpitations for nearly a year, Michelle discovered severe mold exposure was the underlying cause. This prompted her to embrace an intense detox regimen, including medications, IV therapy, and a strict gluten-free and dairy-free diet to aid her recovery. Her journey highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy environment and making mindful dietary choices to support overall well-being. For those in Malta, where humidity can pose mold risks, Michelle’s story serves as a reminder to prioritize mold prevention and embrace the island’s growing health-conscious dining scene. With an abundance of gluten-free, dairy-free, and Mediterranean-inspired options, Malta offers a wealth of wholesome culinary experiences that align with health-promoting lifestyles. Michelle’s determination to heal and her optimism for a future return to Italy inspire others to prioritize health while enjoying life’s richness.
Former Bachelorette Michelle Young’s Health Struggles and the Role of Diet in Recovery
Michelle Young, star of The Bachelorette, recently opened up about the unexpected health issues that forced her to cut her honeymoon short. After tying the knot with Jack Leius in June, the couple had eagerly set off on a romantic getaway to Venice and Positano. However, their plans were brought to an early halt as Michelle’s health took a concerning turn.
Taking to her Instagram Story, Michelle shared why she hadn’t posted many honeymoon photos, explaining, “Jack and I loved the time we got to spend in Venice and Positano. Sadly, we had to end our trip seven days early because my health couldn’t keep up.”
For nearly a year, Michelle has been battling a range of debilitating symptoms, including extreme fatigue, brain fog, panic attacks, heart palpitations, hypoglycemia, and symptoms resembling Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Initially, she and her medical team suspected stress and anxiety related to wedding planning were to blame. However, the symptoms persisted long after the big day.
A breakthrough came when Michelle underwent Mycotoxin and Mold testing, which revealed severe exposure to mold. While she didn’t specify the type of mold, it’s worth noting that exposure to black mold is a common health hazard. According to the Cleveland Clinic, black mold exposure can lead to sneezing, coughing, congestion, and eye irritation. Although rarely life-threatening, it can exacerbate conditions like asthma and cause lingering health challenges.
Mold thrives in damp, humid environments—common in places like basements, bathrooms, or even improperly ventilated kitchens. For homeowners and restaurant owners in Malta, where humidity levels can be high, this is a reminder to stay vigilant about mold prevention. Regularly inspecting high-moisture areas, ensuring proper ventilation, and promptly addressing water damage are crucial steps to maintain a healthy living or dining space.
As part of her recovery, Michelle has embraced an intense detox regimen, involving medications, IV therapy, and dietary adjustments. She’s now following a strict gluten-free and dairy-free diet—two dietary changes often recommended for those recovering from inflammation-related health issues. These adjustments are a growing trend for many in Malta who are turning to healthier, allergen-free dining options. Fortunately, the island is home to an increasing number of restaurants and cafes that cater to such dietary needs. From eateries specializing in plant-based dishes to bakeries offering gluten-free treats, there’s no shortage of wholesome dining spots to support a journey toward better health.
Michelle’s story is a poignant reminder of how closely our health is tied to our environment and the food we consume. In Malta, where the Mediterranean diet is celebrated for its health benefits, it’s easy to draw inspiration for meals that boost energy levels and combat inflammation. Fresh, local ingredients like tomatoes, olive oil, fish, and leafy greens are staples that promote longevity and wellness. For those exploring gluten- or dairy-free lifestyles, options like almond-based pastizzi, gluten-free pasta, and dairy-free gelato are becoming more widely available.
As Michelle continues her recovery in her new, mold-free home in Minneapolis, she’s optimistic about the future. “Now, [I am] having to do an intense detox, along with many medications and IV therapy to help my body get rid of everything,” she shared. She also expressed her hopes to regain her health fully and return to Italy next spring to relive the honeymoon experience.
For those in Malta and beyond, Michelle’s experience underscores the importance of paying attention to your body, addressing potential environmental hazards, and embracing a diet that supports healing. Whether you’re dining out or cooking at home, making mindful food choices and maintaining a healthy environment can make a world of difference in your overall well-being.
As Michelle beautifully put it, “I also dislike posting things like, ‘Everything was/has been perfect’ since it sure hasn’t, but I never want to add negativity to the internet. Anyways, hoping to get good health back soon and head back to Italy in the spring to ‘redo’ some of our honeymoon.”
Let this be an inspiration to prioritize your health while enjoying the culinary and environmental richness that life, and countries like Malta, have to offer. If you’re on a health journey of your own, the island’s growing health-conscious dining scene and Mediterranean lifestyle can be a great source of support and joy.