Category: hashimoto’s

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Healing Hashimotos with Herbs

I’ve been living with Hashimotos for five years now. I’ve been able to manage it naturally. Are you surprised?

One thing we all need to remember is, the drug companies are in business for one reason and one reason only. To make money. They make it sound like they have your best interest at heart, but nothing could be further from the truth.

It is for that reason that I was determined to heal my thyroid. If you’ve been following my story, you’ll know I did just that in one month. When I share that with you, it is not to soothe my ego. It is only to show you that it can be done.

Having said that, I was basically healthy when I was diagnosed. Of course, I was overweight, and didn’t eat right. And I didn’t exercise either. Outside of that I was healthy. I wasn’t on any medications, so I wasn’t working with having to heal multiple conditions or diseases.

You all know that I changed my eating habits and cleansed my body of all the junk I had been ingesting for years. But I also looked to natural remedies. Herbal remedies in particular. Herbs ae a much safer alternative and provide better result in healing. Below you can see some of the herbs that you can use to assist in healing your hormonal health.

Selenium is a natural supplement that is essential to thyroid health. Our bodies needs selenium to build enzymes and selenium helps to removes substances that can harm the thyroid. You can find selenium in Brazil nuts and dairy products.

Magnesium can be found in leafy greens such as broccoli, spinach, and kale. Magnesium is necessary for growing bones, balancing blood sugar levels, synthesizing critical proteins, and aids natural sleep. Some say you should stay away from the Brassicas, but I’ve had no issues with them

Schisandra  berry is an effective traditional Chinese medicine. You can find it in the form of supplemental powders that you can mix in any food or drink. It is good for an under-active or inactive thyroid and helps build immunity. It also normalizes your stress level.

Bladderwrack is high in iodine compared with other seaweed species. It is a good support for a healthy thyroid. It is also available in powder form

Ashwagandha Is one herb I keep in my arsenal of healing remedies. I find this to be a wonder supplement. It has the potential to normalize TSH levels while increasing the T4 levels. This herb is rated as one of the best natural supplements with its antioxidant properties. It fights free radicals reduce oxidative stress. The root of the herb contains virtually all the active compounds. You can an as well access it in powder form.

Cayenne pepper Capsaicin is the chemical property that gives Cayenne pepper its spicy kick, This plays a key role in treating Hashimoto’s disease. It’s effective in restoring the regular production of thyroid hormones. It also reduces pain and improves blood circulation.

Kelp is effective enough to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Kelp also contains amino acids, minerals, necessary vitamins, and more. All essentials needed in the body. It is an active counter and best thyroid supplement for weight loss.

The herbs I mentioned above are not the only herbs good for treating Hashimotos. Holy Basil (Tulsi) along with others work wonders to help manage Hashimotos. I’m not a doctor and would never tell you what you should take to heal your thyroid. Do your research and talk to your health care provider to see what might be the best option, for you.

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Recovering From Hair Loss

Early in my journey I talked about hair loss as a symptom of Hashimotos.

Well, I wanted to revisit the topic. I know hair loss can be quite traumatic for women who are conscious of their appearance.

Before I was diagnosed with Hashimotos, I remember finding lots of hair in the bottom of the shower. I had a lot of hair, and it was long, really long. So, originally, I thought it probably wasn’t as bad as it appeared. Come to find out I was losing more hair than normal.

Once I changed my eating habits, I noticed my hair growing back. There was new growth at the temple area, and there was less hair in the drain.

While I was glad my hair was growing back, I still felt it lacked the sheen it once displayed. And it didn’t appear as thick.

I did a little reading and what I found was interesting.

Now we revisit the idea that we have elite controllers. Those who think they can tell us what’s good for us. Many of us know they’ve been putting poisons in our food, making everything GMO, claiming it’s better food, and better for us.

Well they do the same thing with skin and hair products. If you look up the ingredients in most of the products you use, you will find there are toxic chemicals polluting them. And for no reason.

One example is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Do your research. It’s an endocrine disruptor. According to the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database, SLS is a “moderate hazard” that has been linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, organ toxicity, skin irritation and endocrine disruption. Moderate or not, it’s a hazard.

I stopped using shampoos and conditioners that are not natural products. I use pumpkins seed oil infused with rosemary essential oil as a leave in conditioner. Here are a few benefits of pumpkin seed oil for hair.

  • Hydration: It’s a natural moisturizer
  • Fullness: The oil nourishes the hair follicle, promoting thickness and hair count.
  • Healthy hair growth: it can reduce free radical damage and irritation on the scalp – the result-  healthy hair grow in. 
  • Reduces frizz: Since pumpkin seed oil reduces frizzy, dry hair and reduces breakage.
  • Adds shine: coats the hair shaft, returning the shine to your locks.
  • Protection: protects hair from stress, reduces tangles making it easier to comb

I know we’re all in a different place in our healing. Some of you may not struggle with hair loss. However, many women do struggle with it. Men too. If you know anyone who has issues with hair loss, please share this with them. It may help.

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Healing Energy

Living with Hashimotos has it’s challenges. While I learned early on what I needed to eliminate from my diet, I’ve had moments where I missed something.

But time is an excellent healer. I sense healing throughout my body. My weight has remained consistent, even though I’ve introduced most natural foods back into my diet. The nodules on my thyroid are gone. I have energy and can still focus.

I try to only eat food I prepare. Unfortunately sometimes my schedule isn’t conducive to meal preparation. On occasion I have purchased a box of crackers or other snack that indicates it’s soy free. Only to find out that in fine print the product was processed in a plant that process soy.

My body knows. The reaction is temporary. But it’s inconvenient.

Life is getting better. I don’t have to be so strict with whole foods, as I did early on. I feel healing. Some people may believe that once your body is damaged, it can’t be fixed. I believe the opposite.

I’ve introduced into my life the idea that we are all energy. I’m learning more about our matrix and how we’ve been tricked to believe everything we’ve been told about health. Those who have control over medicine, media and education are doing their best to brainwash us to believe we must do as they say to be healthy. When in reality their goal is to make us sick and more dependent on their drugs. Putting humanity into a tailspin where we crash in poverty. Draining our resources and leaving us with nothing.

After researching and studying the mechanics of the human body, our cellular make up, and the polarity we experience, I’ve come to realize that through science, the statement is accurate. We are all energy. And energy can neither be created or destroyed. It can only be transformed. Nikola Tesla knew this.

So, if the energy that is our thyroid can manifest Hashimotos, it can certainly transform that negative energy that manifests as Hashimotos, to a healthy thyroid. I believe that is why I’ve been able to live without medication. I believe my thyroid is healthy. So it is.

I’m going to post more on how our energy, which is influenced by the environment and our thoughts can manifest in our bodies to either create dis-ease or to heal it.

I hope you will all remain open minded and share as I continue my journey to live healthy with Hashimotos.

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Morning Breakfast Shake:

If you’re looking for a quick breakfast here is a shake sure to please. When I was told I had Hashimotos I went a little crazy. I omitted everything from my diet, did a body cleanse and cleaned out my refrigerator and mad a trip to the food bank with all the food I could no longer eat.

This shake became my “go to” breakfast for a while. Berries are filled with antioxidants. great for rebuilding healthy cells.

Remember to check in with your body before making changes. Check with your health care provider to make sure any changes will benefit you. What works for me, may not work for you.

  • ¼ cup Hemp protein
  • 3 Tablespoon Chia Seeds (can be difficult to digest, so if you have tummy trouble omit)
  • ½ cup Coconut Milk (I use water)
  • ½ – 1 cup of frozen fruit
  • 1 Banana
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

Blend together for a tasty breakfast shake.

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Highs and lows of Hashimoto’s

I’ve been sharing information about my journey with Hashimoto’s for a while. The information I’ve shared in prior posts has been information that put me on the road to healing.

I don’t want you to think the road I travel is always a bed of roses. On the contrary, it has been a rough ride. The highs and lows of living with Hashimoto’s is a challenge. I have months where everything goes well, then I sabotage myself. I watch those around me eating chocolate cake and potato chips. I see everyone laughing and enjoying the party or life itself, thinking that what they eat makes them smile, and laugh.

My true self knows that’s not the case, however, my ego says, “You can be happy if you eat and drink like them.” So, I listen to that “false self” and tell myself that one piece won’t hurt. A few chips won’t make me sick. I’ll be fine.

Then it happens. Once I eat the forbidden foods, I eat more of them. I tell myself I feel fine and think “Maybe I really don’t have Hashimoto’s.” Well, not true.

In the last year, I’ve lived the scene above more than once. The good thing about falling off the wagon is you can get back up there and start again.

So I have a confession to make. I’ve recently lived the scene I mentioned above. I’m now reaping the reward of such behavior. The tired exhausted feeling, and not being able to focus are slowly returning. At first, I was going to give up, say forget it, I don’t care anymore. It’s just too much.

But the universe has something else planned for me. I can’t give up.

I have a friend who recently found out she has an autoimmune disorder. It’s not Hashimoto’s, but none the less, it’s autoimmune. Everything I’ve read about autoimmune diseases tells me that changing the way you eat can put that condition into remission.

Now I’m back on the wagon, with my friend at my side. We have a plan. While I know what I’ve done in the past has worked, I’m not doing this just for me. My friend needs to shed some extra weight. I could stand to lose a little, but she wants to get rid of the extra pounds that have left her feeling a little self-conscious. So we’re trying something different.

I thought it might be nice to share the journey with you. I can’t divulge the personal information of my friend, but I can share my experience and maybe some of the non-personal information of my friend.

So we begin today. We will work together, hold each other accountable in our lives. Not just weight loss, but overall health. We will check in with each other when we feel weak and when we have wins to celebrate. Much of what I’m sharing with her are things I have already incorporated into my life. So, I’m thinking it should work. We are going to find out.

Today we start with green tea and a protein shake as I usually do. Some of the ingredients I’ve altered. Lunch and dinner will be similar to my prior routine. Salmon and sweet potatoes for lunch and chicken and veggies for dinner.

This journey is one that I hope will be of value to others. My goal is to share the experience and let you all know how we’re doing. I hope you will follow this journey with me. I’m giving it 21 days to start. What we’re doing is untested (at least other than myself) so I don’t want to commit to this being a “Program” but I’m hoping that I’ll be able to share what we learn along the way. If you’d like to take the journey with us, post in the comments and we’ll try to make it happen. Wish us luck.

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Who Has Hashimoto’s?

It’s been almost four years since I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It was a realization that changed my life. Before I was diagnosed, I ate everything and anything. I ate bread like it was going out of style. Cheese was something I couldn’t do without and ring dings were a mainstay. I never thought food would be the catalyst for the destruction of my thyroid.

You may read these words and think it’s impossible. But I assure you nothing could be further from the truth. We all know the phrase, “You are what you eat.” That being the case there was nothing natural about my being. Most of what I ate was processed in one form or another. My eating habits were what drove me to the brink of what was near disaster.

I don’t think we often associate what we eat with how we feel. That is until we get physically sick. Unfortunately for me, it took years of eating “junk” before I felt the effects of such a lifestyle. Each year I got worse. I remember when I was twenty-nine years old, I went to the doctors with complaints of exhaustion and total body pain. My joints ached, I was unfocused and felt tired most of the time. The doctor diagnosed my condition as Fibromyalgia. That didn’t help the way I felt, it just gave me an excuse to feel the way I felt.

I moved through the next twenty years in a fog. My migraines got worse. I would dose them with sinus medication, Excedrin Migraine, and a bottle of coke. By the time this concoction made it through my system, I was nauseous, jittery, crabby and I didn’t sleep for two days. In the beginning, it made the pain of the migraine tolerable, but as time passed the headaches got worse and my makeshift meds, didn’t touch the pain. I couldn’t take traditional migraine medication, because I was hypersensitive and reacted to everything my doctor prescribed.

Not only did the pain of the fibro make it difficult to enjoy life, but the migraines made it nearly impossible. It took all I had to keep up with my two girls. Beyond that, I couldn’t focus or find enough energy to “have fun” or “enjoy life.”

I tell you this because most symptoms we experience can be a misdiagnosis for another condition, illness or disease. In my blog BLOG POST HERE, I list some of the symptoms of Hashimoto’s, some of which are confusion, numbness, exhaustion and total body aches and pains. Then there is weight gain and a feeling of desperation that steals away your joy.

My husband used to joke about my wearing socks and sweats to bed in July. Yes, I was cold all the time. Then there was the contest to see who could leave the most hair in the corners throughout the house, the dog or me.

Listen to me when I say, if you experience these symptoms, consider your thyroid as the source. Listen to your body. If you think something isn’t right, chances are something is wrong. Remember, your regular doctor can draw blood and send it off to the lab, but the results will not be accurate. Your TSH results may come back normal and yet your T3/T4 and antibodies could be out of control.

In the next few posts, I will be discussing more of what it means to live with Hashimoto’s and how it affects your life. I hope anyone who reads this series will share it with mothers, daughters, wives, husbands, and sons. Yes, that’s right, men are not immune from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Look at your children and consider the possibility that their behavior issues could be driven by their thyroid. We will discuss that possibility too.

I hope some of you will share your experience in the comments. Your story could help another to seek out and get diagnosed so they can start living again. In the next post I will talk about how, as Hashimoto’s gets worse, we become disassociated from the life we used to love. I hope you will read it.

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10 Ways to Balance Hormones Naturally

 I often talk about how we are what we eat. I don’t claim credit for the phrase however, I believe in the premise. What we put in our bodies becomes absorbed into cells and tissue. Basic biology teaches us about the basic building blocks of life. I like to think of it as the energy of life. All life form is made up of the same matter-energy. Proton, neutron, electron; positive energy, negative energy, etc.

This leads us to my next point. The human body is meant to absorb what it consumes. If the body doesn’t recognize what we put in it, it gets confused (sort of). The body tries to accommodate what it receives and, in the process, changes its make-up to do so. This is where the problem begins.

This change causes the body to revolt, bringing illness and disease into play. If we return to eating what we were meant to eat, our bodies can heal. So today share 10 ways to balance hormones naturally.

  1. Heal Leaky Gut – Leaky gut is exactly what you would think. Undigested particles leak through your gut into your bloodstream. The result is inflammation of the entire body, including the thyroid. It not only affects your digestive tract but causes hormone issues and can target the thyroid. Remember the thyroid regulates hormones.
  2. Eat Coconut Oil and Avocados – Eat foods high in short and long-chain fatty acids. These fats, are essential fats are fundamental building blocks for hormone production and they speed up your metabolism, promoting weight loss. I love salmon. Wild-caught Alaskan salmon is the main staple in my diet along with coconut oil and avocado oil.
  3. Supplement with Adaptogen Herbs – One of the first things I did when diagnosed with Hashimoto’s after beginning my research, was to begin a course of Ashwagandha and Holy basil. These herbs are unique in that they promote hormone balance and protect the body from disease. Not only do they boost the immune function and fight stress, but they enhance the balance of hormones by improving thyroid function, lowering cholesterol, reduce anxiety and depression, stabilize blood sugar, and support adrenal glands.
  4. Balance Omega’s- Many people don’t think about the ratio of omegas 3 and 6. This lack of consideration has increased the number of those suffering from chronic and inflammatory diseases in our society. In short, using too much vegetable oil (safflower, sunflower, corn, canola, soybean, and peanut) have caused an imbalance in the body. When we reduce the ratio of vegetable oil and increase the ratio of omega 3’s (wild fish, flaxseed, chia seed, walnuts, and grass-fed animal products) the body returns to balance and disease is decreased. When considering Omega 3’s you might try GLA supplements (gamma-linoleic acid). I take evening primrose, but there are other options such as borage oil and hemp seeds.
  5. We are what we absorb- Not only should we consider what we put in our mouths, but we should pay attention to what we place on our skin. Many skin care products today are saturated with toxins, such as DEA, parabens, propylene glycol and sodium lauryl sulfate. Try to stay away from them. You should also replace plastic bottles with glass or stainless steel (BPA’s). Switch out your Teflon cooking implements for stainless steel, cast iron or ceramic. Your hormones will thank you.
  6. Supplement with Vitamin D3 – I believe many of know that those living in parts of the world that experience more hours of darkness than light, have a higher risk of depression and other health disorders. Supplementing with vitamin D3 helps the symptoms of seasonal depression. We are all happier when we are out in the sun. We absorb vitamin D from the sun. When we take a supplement of 2,000 IU to 5,000 IU daily of vitamin D3 we are supplementing the sunlight we lose in the winter months. I take up to 10,000 IU daily in the winter because I have Hashimoto’s. Ask your doctor about the increased dosage if you have hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s.
  7. Limit Caffeine – I hate to break it to those coffee drinkers, but if you have a thyroid condition, too much caffeine isn’t good for you. It elevates your cortisol levels and lowers your thyroid hormone levels. Holy hormones! You can replace the high caffeine in coffee with two cups of matcha green tea or maybe tulsi tea. There are additional benefits in the tea such as cancer-killing benefits, balanced hormones, and possible weight loss.
  8. Exercise – Interval exercising is a great benefit to your health. Exercising helps jump-start your hormones. We all know exercise boosts endorphins, testosterone, growth hormone, and insulin., but burst training also helps reduce stress, enhances the immune system, regulates metabolic function, and helps maintain a healthy weight.
  9. Sleep – We could all use a little more sleep. You should be sleeping for seven to eight hours each night. Lack of sleep is one way to disturb hormone balance. Do you know cortisol, the stress hormone, is regulated at midnight? So, going to bed too late keeps you from getting that deep sleep that gives you a break from the fight or the flight stress response.
  10. I realize many will not like this one, but birth control pills raise estrogen levels dangerous enough to cause an increased risk of breast cancer, blood clotting, heart attack, stroke, migraine, gall bladder disease, weight gain, mood change, and many more. You only need to read the product warnings to see the effect birth control pills have on the body. I know this one is controversial. I’m not looking to start an argument I’m only communicating what I have learned. You will know what is best for your lifestyle and how much you want to risk for convenience and comfort.

These ten suggestions are options you can try to balance your hormones naturally. There are many resources out there that may offer additional information on how you can live a healthier better life. I hope what I share will help and add ammunition to your arsenal of healthy resources.

References:

•              Kris-Etherton PM, et al. Polyunsaturated fatty acids in the food chain in the United States. Am J Clin Nutr 2000; 71(1):179S-188S.

•              Carrington J. Using hormones to heal traumatic brain injuries. [Internet]. Available at: http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2012/jan2012_Using-Hormones-Heal-Traumatic-Brain-Injuries_01.htm.

•              Kresser C. How too much Omega-6 and not enough Omega-3 is making us sick. [Internet]. Available at: http://chriskresser.com/how-too-much-omega-6-and-not-enough-omega-3-is-making-us-sick.

•              Panda S, et al. Withania somnifera and Bauhinia purpurea in the regulation of circulating thyroid hormone concentrations in female mice.  Journal Ethnopharmacology 1999; 67(2):233-9.

•              Panda S, et al. Changes in thyroid hormone concentrations after administration of ashwaganda root extract to adult male mice. Journal of Pharmacology 1998; 50:1065-1068.

•              Kalani A, et al. Ashwagandha root in the treatment of non-classical adrenal hyperplasia. BMJ Case Reports 2012; 10(1136).

•              Agrawal P, et al. Randomized placebo-controlled, single blind trial of holy basil leaves in patients with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 1996; 34(9):406-9.

•              Gholap S, et al. Hypoglycaemic effects of some plant extracts are possibly mediated through inhibition in corticosteroid concentration. Pharmazie 2004; 59 (11):876-8.

•              Khan V, et al. A pharmacological appraisal of medicinal plants with antidiabetic potential. J Pharm Bioallied Sci 2012; 4(1):27-42.

•              Norman A. From vitamin D to hormone D: fundamentals of the vitamin D endocrine system essential for good health. Am J Clin Nutr August 2008; 88(2):491S-499S

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Hashimoto’s Health Regime A New Beginning

If you are experiencing issues relative to your thyroid, they could be a result of a number of factors, some of which are:

  • Gluten intolerance
  • Soy
  • Casein (milk/dairy)
  • Sugar
  • Processed foods which are high in sugars
  • Goitrogens (I will explain this)
  • “ides” (bromide, fluoride, chloride)

Gluten intolerance is not necessarily the issue, but because so many of the foods we eat are GMO, our bodies have begun to rebel against the foods that would normally be considered safe for consumption. All the foods that we eat that have been genetically modified and are being passed off as safe for consumption but they are really foreign substances that our bodies are beginning to fight against because of the volume of GMO foods we ingest.  Because of the GMO wheat, our bodies may be having trouble digesting products containing gluten. This causes our digestive system to be overworked which may be keeping our bodies from absorbing the good nutrients and processing the waste effectively.

Soy is one of those “savior foods” that have actually turned out to be not so good for us. Soy is actually a poisonous plant. The byproduct only becomes consumable when it has been processed to a degree that will allow our bodies to accept the result.  Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find foods that are soy-free. Here are some foods that contain soy:

  • Salad dressings
  • Processed Cheese
  • Bread
  • Cookies
  • Chips
  • Processed foods
  • Canola Oil
  • Safflower Oil
  • Candy
  • Supplements
  • Almost every prepackages item
  • Soy Lecithin
  • Many more (you really have to read labels)

Casein (or dairy) is an issue generally because of the hormones and antibiotics and corn (GMO corn sprayed with chemicals) fed to the animals to keep them healthy. Those chemicals are passed through the animal and into the product that we consume.  If you can find an organic product you may be able to tolerate dairy. This argument also applies to the meat we eat. If it is not organic we are eating what the animal is fed (antibiotics, hormones, pesticides).

Sugar is bittersweet. We all love sugar, but our bodies really don’t digest it well. Sugar affects the way we digest our food. It causes problems with the pancreas and liver that could result in diabetes. The way we digest sugar has another effect on us. Our hormones are affected by way of our hormones.  The Thyroid is the smallest gland that has the greatest impact on how we feel. If you feel tired or unfocused after eating sugar it could be a sign of a bigger problem.

Processed foods have become the main staple in most diets in this country.  Foods that are boxed or frozen or canned save many hours of kitchen time that are no longer available due to work schedules. These foods may be saving time today. However, they may be stealing time from your life in the future. If you look at the instructions on the box you will find many ingredients. How many are actually safe for consumption?

Goitrogens are naturally found in many vegetables and some nuts. Among them are spinach, broccoli, almonds, and cabbage, to name a few. If you have a thyroid condition, you may want to eat these in moderation or make sure they are cooked for at least 30 minutes (if fresh). This will ensure the Goitrogens will no longer affect the thyroid.

When I say “ides” I mean Bromide, Chloride, and Fluoride. None of these are good for us.

There are many cities that have been putting fluoride in municipal water supplies, who are now rethinking this as studies are now showing that fluoride can be poisonous. It is my understanding that some studies are now pointing to fluoride as a contributor to childhood ADD. I wonder…. It makes sense. There are so many more children with this disorder today than 30 years ago.

Chloride is another one of those double-edged swords. It is a disinfectant which has killed many germs and bacteria that were once out of control. We now put it in our water so it is safe to drink. I wonder about this too, if the chlorine kills germs and bacteria, what will it do to us?

Bromides are flying under the radar. Bromides are found in pesticides, they are pesticides. If bromides are pesticides then why are they found in supplements, Facial cleansers, and soda (to name a few)? When I mention supplements I am thinking of one in particular. fish oil or most omega 3,6,9’s. They are made from krill and bottom feeders in the ocean.  This brings me back to the pesticides. All those pesticides are sprayed on plants, it rains, and the rain evaporates or runs off where??? Into the ocean. The water contains the bromides which settle to the bottom of the ocean and the krill feed off of them. When we take these omega supplements, we are eating what they eat.

If you have a thyroid condition there are many things you can do to improve the way you feel, most of them within your control. There are herbal/ vitamins supplements you can take that will help balance and maintain your metabolism. This in itself will be an improvement because you will have more energy.

There are essential oils that can ease tension and offer internal relief as well. Essential oils absorb into the body much quicker then supplements taken orally. Even though they are called essential “oils” there are no EFA (essential fatty acids) in them so they are absorbed into your skin quicker. I am not recommending you take any essential oils internally. Before you change anything, you should check with a natural health care provider. What is working for me may be different for you. The information I provide can be used as a guide or just information to prompt you to ask the questions.

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Living with Hashimoto’s

Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease that can sap you of your energy and your will to live. It doesn’t have to, though. If you’ve been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, there is hope. You can heal. You only need to stop doing what you’re doing and make some changes.

When you begin the process, you will be in shock; I won’t lie. If you’ve lived a life filled with bread, cheese, and the processed “goodies” (or should I say baddies, not a word, I’m sure), you will find it challenging to change initially. Once you get “clean,” you will find it easier to choose foods that are healthy for you.

I went all out. I stopped eating everything, did a massive body cleanse, and stopped eating anything deemed harmful to my thyroid. I probably went overboard. The good thing about this is I cleaned my body of toxins, which made it easier to stay away from “junk food.” You don’t have to be so extreme.

You can start slow. You can eliminate certain foods that might be triggers. Once you see improvement, you’ll know you are on the right track. I define improvement as feeling better. You will have more energy, focus, and hair will grow back. Eventually, with continued care, you can take your condition into remission.

If you want to take the slow path, you will have to recreate a food journal. Go back as far as you can remember (a difficult task when you have Hashimoto’s) and write down foods that you eat or ate and then a corresponding reaction. You will be looking for stress, illness, mood, hair loss, and overall health. When you see some consistency, remove those foods from your diet. You’ll see improvement when you feel better; then, you’ll know which foods to eliminate permanently.

I took the route I did because I didn’t want to be on medication. My doctor said she would give me thirty days to get a handle on my situation if I could do it – no meds, if not – well, I don’t have to worry about that now. I’m doing well right now, and I take one day at a time. I started with a detox plan (depending on your gut makeup; this may not be an option for you). Then introduced organic, grass-fed foods free from pesticides and hormones – no processed foods. I supported my diet with adaptogens and vitamins to support a healthy lifestyle and got plenty of rest.

One of the best ways to live with Hashimoto’s is to start with a healthy diet. Figure out which foods are harmful and stay away from them. Encourage yourself to eat fresh organic food as often as possible. Balance your adrenals by providing support with adaptogens such as ashwagandha and tulsi (holy basil). Remember your vitamin D and vitamin B (Stress formula). Changing your lifestyle is a lot of work, but when you compare it to a lifetime of illness and a life without joy, the choice is simple.

I encourage anyone suffering from Hashimoto’s to live a good life, medication-free, if possible. I recommend working with your endocrinologist to find a balance in your life so you can live with Hashimoto’s in remission. Change is never easy, and when it comes to your health, you have to take it seriously. Talk to your doctor about alternative options and work with your health care provider to heal so you can laugh again.

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Fire Up Your Diet

Fire Up Your Diet

Many people who have Hypothyroidism not only struggle to maintain a healthy life, they struggle to maintain a healthy weight. Those with Hypothyroidism should set a course of action in place. One, change diet, two, work on finding a healthy weight. One natural way to do this is to incorporate spices and herbs into recipes.

The way to good health is paved with good food. Cooking good food can include the five metabolism-boosting spices below.

It’s time to fire up your engine with the heat of these hot spices:

1. Chili powder:

Chili pepper is loaded with capsaicin, which is the compound that gives cayenne, jalapenos, and other peppers their heat. Adding Chili powder to your recipes is a sure-fire way to boost your metabolism.
But that’s not all capsaicin does. It’s known to enhance the expression of adiponectin–a hormone tasked with regulating appetite, fat storage, insulin release, and inflammation. The higher the level of adiponectin, the less hungry you are—and the better you’re able to burn both carbs and stored fat.

2. Turmeric:

Turmeric is one of my favorite spices. In 2013 I had back surgery. Before my surgery, I did some research on pain and the effect of turmeric on pain and inflammation. I started taking turmeric as a supplement, and my pain level quickly diminished. Now I rarely feel the pain of inflammation associated with my back injury. Since then, I’ve learned another little secret about turmeric. It boosts brain health. Boosting brain health is important to those who have Hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s. We all know about brain fog.

In addition to brain health, and inflammation reduction, the heat of turmeric is another way to manage weight. Chili powder has some competition when it comes to boosting adiponectin. Turmeric is another way to manage weight.

3. Cinnamon:

People with hypothyroidism are prone to blood sugar issues – even if they don’t have diabetes. Cinnamon is a tasty natural way to help keep your blood sugar in line. Cinnamon can reduce fasting glucose levels in diabetics and prediabetics.

One of the symptoms of Hypothyroidism is weight gain. Incorporating cinnamon in your diet is a sure-fire way to help slim down while spicing up your meals. It is believed that cinnamaldehyde (the chemical that gives cinnamon its flavor) could be the compound that drives fat cells to burn energy.

4. Ginger:

For centuries ginger has been used to calm the stomach. What you may not realize is that ginger is another gut warming spice that aids in weight reduction.  Ginger tea boosts energy levels and reduces hunger pangs, which means eating less between meals and eating smaller portions at mealtime.

5. Mustard seed:

Mustard seed is another one of those spices that aid in burning metabolism. It is also another spice that contains capsaicin, which boosts metabolism, helping those looking to lose weight. Ask scientists at Oxford University, England, where a study performed found a teaspoon of mustard could boost metabolism by 25 percent for a couple of hours after eating. These experts isothiocyanates for its metabolism-boosting benefits.

Having Hypothyroidism with Hashimoto’s is difficult enough to manage without having to worry about weight gain, which can affect your health in other ways. By incorporating spices into your diet, you may be able to aid in weight reduction without losing the flavor of life. The spices mentioned in this article are a few that can spice up your diet without causing you to burn out.

Resources

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3957721

Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition.

The New York Academy of Science