The one lesson I’ve learned from life
Jo Wood, 61, is a former model and entrepreneur with an organic beauty range. she has three children, Jamie, from her first marriage, and Leah and Tyrone from her second to Rolling stones guitarist Ronnie Wood. They split in 2011.
MOTHER NATURE ALWAYS KNOWS BEST
In 1989, I was in Ireland and suddenly, over dinner in a restaurant, I started having the most terrible stomach pains.
Bent double, I was taken to the local hospital, but they couldn’t find out what was wrong with me.
I was meant to be travelling to Morocco with the Rolling Stones only days later, so I just brushed off the episode and took painkillers.
I went away with the band as planned, but about ten days later — back home in England — the crippling pains started again.
I was misdiagnosed with Crohn’s disease, an inflammation of the bowel, and was put on a heavy dose of steroids, which made my face bloat and my skin break out in spots.
I told myself that the years of partying and drinking had finally pushed my body too far.
Eventually, I was told about a herbalist in Hastings who said he could cure me. I went to see him and when I told him my diet, he practically fainted. It was all processed food full of toxins that would break down my immune system, he said.
On his advice, I started growing my own food and cooking with herbs. I slowly weaned myself off the steroids. I even started taking rose hip tablets to deal with my creaking joints.
When the Stones went on tour, I had a portable stove made that was shipped around the world with us so I could source local organic food and cook healthy meals.
After three months, I felt absolutely fantastic. But then, out of nowhere, I got another stomach attack.
I was rushed to hospital where they discovered I’d been walking around with a perforated appendix for two years. I’m sure I’d only survived because I’d cleaned out my system.
It has made me stronger. I’m always surprised when I come across people who have good jobs, who are educated and who eat junk.
I’ll be an organic girl for the rest of my life. The lesson I’ve learned is that we should listen to nature.
Put natural foodstuffs into your body and it won’t let you down. nature always knows best.