In an interview with Women’s Health which was published Tuesday, Taraji P. Henson opened up about her health and some stomach issues that were affecting her everyday life.

Henson suffered from stomach problems that would make her vomit uncontrollably and become dehydrated. She revealed that she was even prescribed a proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) to help treat her acid reflux, but it only alleviated the symptoms while the health issues remained.

In 2015, she was taken to the hospital after vomiting uncontrollably and having significant weight loss. While filming “The Best of Enemies” in 2017, Henson would have to lie on the floor of her hotel room due to being so ill and dehydrated.

Her health issues got so out of hand that her doctor told her, “If you don’t correct what’s going on inside of you, you’re going to develop stomach ulcers, which can lead to stomach cancer.”

After that, Henson was prescribed another PPI but she did not see improvement. Eventually, she was recommended a holistic doctor.

When she finally visited the holistic doctor she was diagnosed with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) which can cause malnutrition and pain. After her diagnosis, Henson switched to a plant-based diet and saw quick improvement in her health.

Henson said that her mindset on her health changed even more during the pandemic.

“I was like, ‘Well, ain’t nobody going nowhere, so I might as well eat,’” she said.

Henson decided to take on the task of not only improving her body’s health but her mental health as well. She made changes in her diet and lifestyle and began a workout routine.

“The older you get, the harder it is to get in shape. I didn’t want to be climbing out of a hole,” said said. “When I get those endorphins going, I’m like a whole different girl.”

“I want people to know that it’s never too late for anything. You can get your health together and live out your wildest dreams,” said Henson.

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