Category: hashimoto’s

Posted on by

Hashimoto’s and Emotional Upheaval

It’s bad enough when we begin to feel like were going crazy. What’s worse? When your family and friends believe it. This feeling of going crazy may not be the first symptom for you, but it may be the first one that those around you notice.

In the beginning, you feel the pain and frustration, the exhaustion and memory loss, but you can hide it. Your family remains in the dark believing you are in a bad mood or overtired so seem over-emotional. But then it happens. One day you wake up and there is a wall between you and the life you once enjoyed.

The feelings you once expressed are dead. You stop interacting with those around you. You become paranoid, believing no one likes you or they’re out to get you. When your family gets together you may feel like they are ganging up on you or ignoring you.  I remember standing in the doorway of the kitchen, looking into the dining room, watching everyone eating and talking. I felt like I was watching from another plane. I felt like I was an outsider looking in. I could speak and no one would hear me or respond to my presence.

Eventually, I stopped “feeling.” I became dissociated from not only everyone else, but myself. I became numb and unable to feel emotion. When I was younger, I enjoyed painting. I never painted. I think the last picture I painted was in 1993. I didn’t paint again until 2016 after I was diagnosed and changed my lifestyle.

For years I isolated myself. I made every excuse I could think of to keep from socializing. It got to a point where I was completely uncomfortable around others. When things went wrong, I would allow the “wrong” to consume me like a dark cloud. I never laughed.

I didn’t want anyone to know how I really felt. I was dying inside but put on a brave face so no one would know how much pain I was in. In hindsight, I realize it would have been better to be open about what I felt.

Many years later I remember the pain. I see it through clear eyes now, and I hope to help others bull back the blinders and find the joy they once experienced in life. Life is a journey that isn’t meant to be traveled alone. I’m sharing this information to help others get beyond the darkness and finally step into the light.

Posted on by

10 Dysfunctions of Hypothyroidism

When you consider the size of the thyroid, it is amazing to think about the role it plays in keeping the human body healthy. If the thyroid isn’t functioning properly, the whole body is in disfunction. Some people may not know there is a problem. They may think they are overworked, didn’t eat enough, ate too much, and the like.

There are many reasons one could experience issues with the thyroid. Though the thyroid breaks down, it doesn’t mean it is permanent. Once you start correcting or changing your lifestyle, you will see marked improvements in your life and the healing of the thyroid. When one considers some of the dysfunctions it is possible to see that they are caused by vitamin deficiencies due to the autoimmune disease such as feeling cold which could be due to low iron and or low vitamin B12. I mentioned more symptoms in “Let The Thyroid Lesson Begin.”

More and more people have common complaints of insomnia, lethargy, inability to focus, loss of memory and the list goes on. It isn’t a coincidence that these complaints continue to grow. There are many reasons for the breakdown in thyroid function. That isn’t the subject of today’s blog. In this blog, we will review 10 common dysfunctions of the thyroid.

  1. The thyroid regulates the temperature of the body. Some people experience what they believe to be hot flashes, excessive sweating, and the inability to tolerate heat. The cause of these symptoms is related to a change in thyroid function causing the metabolism to temporarily speed up. The medical term for this change is hashitoxicosis, which is the release of excess thyroid hormone. Some women mistake these as menopausal symptoms.

  2. I think we have all become familiar with the word neurotransmitters. When we think of neurotransmitters we think mainly about epinephrine and norepinephrine which are affected by altered thyroid function. Some of the main symptoms associated with the change in neurotransmitters are depression, anxiety and emotional swings resulting in an inability (or decreased) to handle stress. Consider the role of epinephrine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters stimulate the breakdown of a fat called lipolysis. Even with exercise, it is may, be difficult to lose weight. You can read more about thyroid and diet at http://thyroidinwomen.com/thyroid-and-weight-gain/. Liptan and Insulin resistance are also related to ineffective neurotransmitter function.
  3. Hypothyroidism affects blood sugar regulation in three ways. It slows the insulin response to glucose when you eat carbs and sugar. It slows glucose uptake into cell and tissue, and it slows the absorption of glucose from the intestinal tract. The amount of glucose in the blood may be enough but it isn’t able to enter the body tissues and cells putting extra stress on the adrenals and pituitary glands.
  4. Metabolism slows down. People with hypothyroidism experience decreased cellular metabolic rate. This decrease results in low energy. One might feel fatigues all the time and have a difficult time recovering from stressful situations. The increased stress makes it difficult for the body to fight infection making one susceptible to illness. One might see these as signs of aging.
  5. Stomach problems. It is possible that there is a connection between an underactive thyroid and gut health. Low levels of stomach acid (hypochloridia and hypochloric acid) are a common finding in Hashimoto’s patients. This could lead to the sluggishness of the gastrointestinal tract caused by decreased enzymes in the intestines.
  6. To continue with digestion complaints, on might experience issues clearing the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts which lead to diminished gut motility, impaired nutrient absorption, and detoxification process.
  7. Hypothyroidism is the most common disorder that can either be a cause of depression in women or a major contributing factor. https://outsmartdisease.com/thyroid-dysfunctions/
  8. Anemia. Patients with Hashimoto’s can develop one or more types of anemia. Iron deficient anemia causes one to lose the ability to absorb iron. This could stem from stomach problems (#5). Normocytic normochromic anemia (there’s a mouth full) which occurs when hemoglobin, hematocrit, and RBC levels are low (depressed), but MCV, MCH and MCHC are normal (See download for more information). Vitamin B-12 deficiency (Pernicious anemia) which is common in those who have hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease.
  9. Impaired lipid balance which results in increased cholesterol and triglycerides in those with Hypothyroidism. Returning to a healthy diet restores thyroid function and cholesterol and triglycerides return to normal.
  10. Women experience low progesterone symptoms even when tests read normal levels. Low progesterone levels may cause issues and make it difficult for one to get pregnant. PMS is a common condition related to low progesterone levels in Hypothyroid patients. Hormonal imbalance of estrogen and progesterone may contribute to underactive thyroid and weight gain, which could make it impossible to lose body fat.

There are many symptoms of Hashimoto’s. Some I mentioned in an earlier blog Let The Thyroid Lesson Begin.” Those discussed here are only a few and are summarized. If you experience these symptoms or those discussed in other blog posts, talk to your doctor. If your thyroid is causing your quality of life to diminish, there is help.

I recommend you talk to your doctor and research any condition/illness/ disease before resorting to medication. With a proper diet, it is possible to heal many diseases or illnesses. The key is to ask questions, research and find the right provider.


References:

Why Stomach Acid Is Good for You: Natural Relief from Heartburn, Indigestion, Reflux and GERD by Dr. J.V. Wright, MD, L. Lenard, PhD, M. Evans and Company, 2001

The Thyroid Alternative: Renew Your Thyroid Naturally by Dr. N.R. Hedberg, D.C., D.A.B.C.I., Renew Your Health, LLC, 2011

Help, My Body is Killing Me: Solving the Connections of Autoimmune Disease to Thyroid Problems, Fibromyalgia, Infertility, Anxiety, Depression, ADD/ADHD and More by Dr. K. Conners, AuthorHouse, 2010

Reversal of lower esophageal sphincter hypotension and esophageal aperistalsis after treatment for hypothyroidism. J Clin Gastroenterol. 1982 Aug;4(4):307-10

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3915449/

Posted on by

Getting Clean With Hashimoto’s

Once diagnosed with Hashimoto’s you realize you must make some drastic changes in your life if you don’t want to have to take medication. In some cases, it may not be avoidable, but if you work with your healthcare provider and discipline yourself, you should be able to accomplish it.

I think the biggest change one must make is diet. I don’t mean, go on a diet. I’m saying you will have to eat reasonably healthy. Cheat when you can without affecting your health. I’m including somewhat of a guideline I created for diet. I have experimented a lot over the last three years and I’m happy to share what I have learned.

There are many natural or organic options out there for things we already consume. There are organic cheeses that are good if you absolutely can’t quit cheese. I found a brand of rice pasta that is not too bad, and I’m finding more and more organic fruits and vegetables all the time. Some things are still a challenge. I buy coconut milk for shakes and baking. If you decide to use it, be mindful of the sugar content when planning meals. I replace sour cream with coconut (milk) yogurt. I buy Bob’s Mills Hemp Protein.

I cook with olive oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, or rice bran oil (difficult to find the rice bran oil in my area). Remember to pay attention to the temperature at which each will burn. I still use butter (organic) on occasion, and I haven’t had trouble with eggs (free range). I don’t consume eggs on a regular basis, but when unavoidable in a recipe I use free range/cage free/organic eggs. It is getting easier to find organic meats.

Things to consider when planning your new diet regiment:

Start with a diet that excludes gluten, dairy, soy, and meat that is not organic or grass fed. If you can do this for 30 days, you can then incorporate (some) foods back into your diet. Focus on how you feel as you incorporate each one individually. If you feel sluggish or unfocused, avoid the food that triggered that feeling.

  • You should eat a low-carb diet which should be easy if you eliminate gluten.
  • You should do a heavy metal detox (check with health care provider before trying a  
  • heavy metal cleanse. You could have a reaction) or body cleanse
  • Use coconut oil and avocado oil in everything…. (Get creative J )
  • Eat only meats that are grass-fed and organic
  • If you like salmon, you should eat lots! But make sure it’s Pacific or Alaska and not farm raised.
  • If you eat eggs, be sure they are organic cage free
  • Eat sweet potatoes. White potatoes are okay if they are organic and eaten in moderation (carbs, lectins)
  • If you take a multivitamin, be sure it is soy free and does not include chromium or selenium if you are taking it as a stand-alone supplement

If you want to learn to regulate your thyroid, a good way to start would be to take your temperature throughout the day (Wilson Syndrome tracks temperature but I found it a good way to determine if I was moving in the right direction). You can find a fill-in chart if you choose to use it, on my website, for your convenience. You should take it first before you get out of bed in the morning. If it is low, you are probably experiencing hypothyroidism. When I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s I took my temperature every three hours, every day for a month. This is how I knew what I was doing was helping. When I had my TSH tested it went from 5.2 to 3.1 in 30 days. I went back every 30 days for testing, then every three months. I stopped polluting my thyroid, and it performed again…

So now we come to my eating habits. This is just a general outline of how I eat. The most important thing is what I eat for breakfast. It makes a difference in how the day progresses.

First thing in the morning:

Take Red Marine Algae with 8 ounces of water.

When you have a thyroid condition, it is important to incorporate 25 grams of protein into   

your breakfast. This is how I get the protein I need to start the day.

Morning Breakfast Shake:

·         ¼ cup hemp protein

·         1-3Tablespoon chia seeds (omit if you have tummy trouble).

·         ½ cup coconut milk

·         ½ cup of frozen berries

·         1 Banana

I take my supplements with the shake. Below are some that may help. You may have to experiment:   

  • Ashwagandha, Tulsi, L-tyrosine (one or combination of) – These are adaptogens which help regulate stress
  • Rhodiola – Adaptogen
  • Licorice Root
  • Ginseng – Adaptogen
  • Holy Basil -Adaptogen 
  • Chromium (10 micrograms) (be careful with this make sure it isn’t in any other supplement if you take it as an individual supplement)
  • Selenium (200 micrograms)
  • B-Complex to include B-12 and thiamine (600mg)
  • Vitamin D (4000IU in am 4000 with lunch in winter)
  • Coconut Oil
  • Zinc
  • Co Q10
  • I take feverfew because of the migraines (not necessary if you don’t experience
  • them)
  • You may want to take a probiotic 50 Billion CFU
  • L- Arginine (3x daily)

There are supplements on the market that combine some of the above. If you find something you like, be sure there is no soy in the product.

Lunch: 

·         A serving of organic meat or fish

·         Veggies

·         Sweet potato or white organic potato or rice pasta.

Take second supplement (Vitamin D, Ashwagandha, Coconut Oil, L-Arginine, etc.)

Dinner:

·         Serving Organic meat

·         Veggie

I try to avoid carbs at dinner. They have a tendency, to hang around. If I’ve had a busy day and am feeling hungrier than usual, I will double up on my veggie.

Take evening supplements (Coconut Oil, L-Arginine, Calcium, Magnesium)

You may not like eating the same thing every day. You can substitute the fruits and meat. You can also swap out the shake if you are getting the 25 grams of protein and you don’t over-do it with the carbs. I followed the above diet for 30 days. I was desperate to get clean and because I was new at planning and purchasing, I took the easy route. Boring, maybe, but it was simple, so I was able to stick to it.

Please note: the information in this post is a guideline of my eating habits. These are things that have helped me to heal and live a better life. Please check with your medical provider before making any lifestyle changes based on what I provide here. I’m not a doctor and do not mean the information to be considered medical advice or treatment. I wish you the best in finding what works for you.

Posted on by

8 Ways to Naturally Treat Hashimoto’s/Hypothyroidism

When my doctor told me I had Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, I said, “What? Hashi what?” Not only did I not know what Hashimoto’s was, but I had no idea how to get rid of it.

After some discussion, I realized that Hashimoto’s wasn’t something I could “get rid of.” When I began researching Hashimoto’s I realized it would take a lot of work and discipline to get the autoimmune disease under control. I’ve learned a lot about my condition. I also came to realize getting Hashimoto’s under control wouldn’t happen overnight.
Today I’m going to share 8 ways to naturally treat Hashimoto’s/ hypothyroidism.

Eliminate Gluten and Casein (Dairy) – Many people are gluten intolerant and have given up wheat. You may not think you have an issue with gluten, your thyroid, on the other hand, may feel different. Gluten causes one of the most common allergies and food intolerances today. Dairy is another culprit. These intolerants are due to the hybridized proteins of gluten and casein.  These proteins can cause “leaky gut.”  Leaky gut I believe is one of the significant contributors to the increase in autoimmune disease not excluding Hashimoto’s because it will cause inflammation of the thyroid. When the thyroid is inflamed its function is affected. 

Eliminate BPA – You will find BPA (Bisphenol A) in many plastic bottles.  It can disrupt your endocrine system and effect your thyroid. When your thyroid is not functioning properly, you increase your risk of thyroid disfunction. If possible, you should only drink out of glass, stainless steel, or BPA free plastic bottles. Not only will this assist with your health, but it will help the environment too.

   Maintain Iodine Levels – If they are low you could use organic liquid iodine or a kelp supplement. Be careful when supplementing iodine. Just as too little iodine isn’t good for your thyroid, too much iodine isn’t good for your thyroid either. I don’t take an iodine supplement. I’m more concerned with overdoes with this one. I eat potatoes, cranberries, green beans, bananas, and cod regularly. These foods are iodine rich and provide the iodine I need.

Heavy Metal Detox – When considering a heavy metal detox remember to consult your doctor. If you are looking to safely assist in purging your body of heavy metals you could use a combination of Milk Thistle, Turmeric, Chlorella, and Cilantro to detox harmful metals from your cells and organs.

Supplement Selenium – It isn’t uncommon for people with Hashimoto’s to experience selenium deficiency. It is also recognized as a common trigger for Hashimoto’s. Some of the best selenium containing foods are brazil nuts, salmon, sunflower seeds, beef, mushrooms, and onions. Selenium was one of the first supplements I started taking when I altered my diet.

Adaptogen Supplements – Adaptogens help our bodies handle stress. They can lower cortisol levels and improve thyroid function.  Some common adaptogens are ashwagandha and tulsi (holy basil). These and many others have been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic healing tradition. I’ve been taking ashwagandha for three years and have noticed a considerable difference in the stress I feel.

   Eliminate Soy – When I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s I spent many hours researching this topic. If you have been following my blog, you have heard me mention the hours of research I spent, hoping to heal. The research is paying off. One of the biggest culprits for me was soy. When I eliminated soy from my diet, I marked a considerable difference in how I felt. Soy blocks the activity of the TPO (thyroid peroxidase) enzyme and has been linked to the development of autoimmune thyroiditis. Additionally, studies have shown that soy can affect thyroid medications, asthma, and menstrual cycles.1

Reduce Carbohydrate Consumption – This is a big one. It is also a difficult task because the market is flooded with processed foods high in sugar. When we (women) consume too many carbs our estrogen levels increase. This increase negatively affects the thyroid. Work toward eliminating sugar and grains, and replace them with healthy fats such as avocado, flaxseed, hemp seed, wild salmon, grass-fed beef, chia, and coconut. By making these changes you will balance your hormone levels.

Sources:

http://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-events-education-media/about-hypothyroidism/
http://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-edge-newspaper-2012/may-04a.html
http://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-edge-newspaper-2011/jun-03b.html
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15543918
http://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-events-education-media/about-hypothyroidism/
http://hyroidpharmacist.com/articles/soy-and-hashimotos/

Posted on by

Gigartina Red Marine Algae and Hashimoto’s

Recently someone asked me why I use Red Marine Algae. The question brought me to this post.

Red Marine Algae is an alga that grows in the ocean and has been used for centuries by Chinese and Japanese cultures for its nutritional benefits. I use Gigartina Red Marine Algae so that is what I will discuss today. Gigartina Red Marine Algae is one of 4000 species of red algae and one of the most beneficial.

Gigartina Red Marine Algae Benefits

When I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, I went on a quest to find a way to live a healthy lifestyle while getting control of my thyroid. One of the things I came across in my research was the benefit of red marine algae. Gigartina (papillate) is an active strain found to benefit the skin and immune system. It’s rich in sulfated polysaccharides, unique protein-bound carbohydrates that are found to support the body’s immune response to bacteria, viruses, fungi, and toxins.

Gigartina Red Marine Algae contains carrageenan, which is a sulphuric acid extracted from sea vegetables. The carrageenan component in Gigartina Red Marine Algae appears to help direct the beneficial immune-enhancing effects of Gigartina toward the skin. It is also believed to boost the immune system and protects against the shingles virus, HIV, and cold sores.

In addition to boosting the immune system, Gigartina Red Marine Algae is found to support Eye and skin health. Red algae contain zeaxanthin and lutein, two antioxidants that are shown to prevent macular degeneration.

Reducing Pain and Inflammation

Red marine algae are one of many algae that relieve pain and inflammation due to high amounts of chlorophyll and omega-3 fatty acid content. It is a natural source of compounds containing biological properties some of which are gastroprotective, analgesic and anti-inflammatory disorders. Anyone with Hashimoto’s knows the value of reducing pain and inflammation.

Because red marine is packed with antioxidants, it is known to boost the immune system. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and assist in moving toxins out of the body. For this reason, they are considered a natural detoxifying and may assist in detoxification of heavy metals, encourages weight loss, and restores blood pH levels.

In addition to the above algae has been shown to naturally lower cholesterol and protect against herpes.

Learning More About Red Marine Algae

The scientific community has proved that Red Marine Algae has anticoagulant and/or antithrombotic, immunomodulatory ability, antitumor and cancer preventive, antilipidemic and hypoglycemic, antibiotics and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. When you have an autoimmune disease, finding a product that reduces inflammation and boosts your immune system is promising.

There is much to learn about our bodies and what we put in them. It is through research I found answers that are helping me live a healthy lifestyle. I continue with research hoping to learn more about how I can live a better life. I will share whatever I learn with those who are open-minded and willing to verify any information I post.

 I have been using Gigartina Red Marine Algae successfully for three years and would recommend it to anyone who suffers from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4446615/

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2015/825203/

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/plant-genetic-resources/article/potential-of-marine-algae-sea-weeds-as-source-of-medicinally-important-compounds/2676ECE7F87ADD74E58C330DD1974BDF

Posted on by

The Effect of Dairy on Hashimoto’s

Some people roll their eyes and shake their head when you discuss gluten intolerance or dairy intolerance. We hear the argument. “People have eaten these foods for hundreds of years, and now all of a sudden everyone is allergic to them.” I will admit, I used to be one of those people. When I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s I began reading and researching the effects of certain foods on the thyroid. What I found shocked me. What surprised me even more, I found that when I eliminated these foods from my diet, I was more focused, had more energy, and lost weight without exercising. Not only that, my TSH dropped considerably. Today we explore one of the foods I eliminated from my diet from day one. Dairy.

I Grew Up Consuming Dairy

I have Hashimoto’s. I grew up drinking milk, eating cheese and yogurt, and eating ice cream. I never had stomach aches or problems with my digestion. I did, however, experience fatigue, headaches, hair loss, joint pain. I could go on, but I think you get the picture.

To make the point I’m getting to I will use a study done by the US Library of Public Medicine.1 The 2014 study isolated and tested 83 Hashimoto’s patients for lactose intolerance. The results found 75.9% of the patients were lactose intolerant. They found the intolerance reported in Caucasians to be 7% to 20% higher than those of Asians and African American descent. During the study 38 of the patients began a lactose-free diet that lasted 8 weeks.

The results showed over time the patients’ TSH dropped. The drop in TSH proved they were absorbing their thyroid medication better. In my case, my doctor hadn’t prescribed medication yet so by my eliminating dairy my TSH dropped to within normal range. I now believe that eliminating dairy from the diet shows an intolerance that affects the function of the thyroid.

Does Your Medication Contain Lactose?

If we are going to discuss dairy intolerance as related to Hashimoto’s, then we need to address another important concern. If you have a thyroid issue and are taking medication for that condition, you could be consuming dairy. If you have given up dairy and you aren’t seeing a change in your TSH or body composition, it may be because you haven’t given up dairy 100%. Your medication may be causing your reaction and keeping you in the Hashimoto zone. In addition to the lactose intolerance, you could also have an allergy to dairy proteins; double trouble in the arena of autoimmune disease. The result of both dairy intolerance and allergy will result in a rapid decline in thyroid function.

If you’re taking thyroid medication you will want to know which ones contain lactose as a filler.

  • Synthroid
  • Euthyrox
  • WP Thyroid
  • Nature-Throid
  • Most generic brands of levothyroxine
  • Some compounded medications- check with your pharmacist

The following are lactose free medications

  • Tirosint
  • Armour Thyroid
  • Cytomel
  • Levoxyl
  • Some compounded medications may use lactose as a filler – check with your pharmacist

Other Contributing Factors

Additional research finds a disruption of TSH can be the result of absorption disorders like lactose intolerance, atrophic gastritis, IBS, celiac disease, H. Pylori infections. Patients with Hashimoto’s commonly have a difficult time getting their Hashimoto’s in remission because of the forementioned disorders. If we take this information into consideration, it is easy to see how our body systems must work together to keep our body healthy.

Compromised Health

Now we know the effect of dairy on the thyroid, let’s look at the 2 ways it can compromise your health.

  • Milk Protein
  • Milk sugars

Milk Protein -Cross-reactors

Milk protein, known as cross-reactors and gluten share a similar protein structure and are as follows:

  • Casein (alpha & Beta)
  • Casomorphin (a protein resembling morphine)
  • Milk butyrophilin
  • Whey

Because these proteins resemble those in gluten, it is understandable that people become frustrated when they remove gluten and still experience symptoms that are related to gluten intolerance.

Milk Sugars – Lactose

If you are taking a thyroid medication the sugar in dairy may be making your medication ineffective. Even in small amounts milk sugar has an impact on your ability to absorb your thyroid medication. Not only that but remember those medications mentioned listed above that contain lactose? The medication is defeating its purpose.

I could go on for hours about how dairy affects your thyroid. From your ability to absorb your medication to digestion issues, to additional autoimmune disorders. For now, I want you to know that dairy does have a significant impact on the thyroid function. If you take away one thing from this post, I hope it is that I have given you enough information to prompt you to at least research further the effect of dairy on your thyroid. My hope is for you to see the impact of eliminating dairy from your diet. You will feel better and enjoy better health.

References

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24078411
  2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17123345
  3. http://www.rxlist.com/tirosint-drug.htm
  4.  http://www.researchgate.net/publication/271022933_Thyroxine_softgel_capsule_in_patients_with_gastric-related_T4_malabsorption
  5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24078411 
Posted on by

Hashimoto’s and Hair Loss

Anyone who has Hashimoto’s knows that hair loss can be a big concern. I know it was for me. Right before my doctor diagnosed me with Hashimoto’s, I was losing a lot of hair. I would find large clumps of it in the shower. Each pass through my hair with the comb was a death sentence for my hair. Every day I’d look in the mirror and notice the skin on the sides of my forehead becoming more noticeable. It got to the point that I was afraid to comb my hair.

It didn’t dawn on me that my hair loss might be due to Hashimoto’s. Other warning signs pointed to Hashimoto’s, but I didn’t make the connection. I thought I was getting older and my body was not functioning optimally; when we get older our body’s slow down. Right?

Not necessarily. I’ve learned a lot since my diagnosis. I’ve spent many hours researching and educating myself on Hashimoto’s. I may not be a doctor, but I know enough now to be able to share my experience and any information I’ve learned about coping with Hashimoto’s.

Hair Loss and Hypothyroidism

I mentioned at the beginning of this blog my ignorance about the reason for my hair loss. I had many symptoms of hypothyroidism which I discuss in my blog “Let the Lesson Begin.” If you look at those symptoms, you will realize they are symptoms that could be related to many disorders and illnesses. Hair loss is one in the long list of symptoms.

Thyroid imbalance is the most common form of hormonal imbalance leading to hair loss. It is also the most underdiagnosed hormonal disorder. Many people are diagnosed and treated for (let’s say) depression when they have a thyroid disorder. It’s scary but true.

When I was twenty-nine, my doctor diagnosed me with fibromyalgia. My symptoms were those that mirrored hypothyroidism. I didn’t know it at the time because my labs came back within the normal range for a thyroid condition. That statement brings me to my next one.

Confusion and Thyroid Labs

Conventionally recommended labs for thyroid ranges are too broad. Many doctors look at the lab, versus the symptoms and condition of the patient. The oversight causes many doctors to overlook a lot of thyroid-related symptoms.

Thyroid symptoms can be too high (hyperthyroid) or too low (hypothyroid). Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid is unable to process the thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) necessary for healthy functioning body systems.1 Often hypothyroidism is caused by Hashimoto’s which is an autoimmune condition. I go into more detail in my blog “Let the Thyroid Lesson Begin.” Hyperthyroidism is the overproduction of the thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). We will be focusing on hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s for this post.

Keeping Your Hair With Hashimoto’s

Thyroid function affects every part of your body. We are talking about hair loss here, so we’ll leave other functions and symptoms for another post. Hair loss is one way your thyroid affects your hair. Hair loss usually follows earlier conditions such as brittle and dry hair. We are all familiar with the make-up of hair. Each strand of hair is made up of medulla, cortex, and cuticle. The root of the hair is lodged in a follicular involution of the epidermis or “follicle.”3 The hair follicle has a receptor site for the thyroid hormone, which binds to the receptor site. The thyroid hormone that resides within the receptor site is what turns on and off, normal hair growth. It doesn’t matter if it is insufficient or excess thyroid hormone production, the disruption will cause hair to shed.

Adequate T3 and T4 hormone cause the hair follicle cycle to last longer causing increased or healthy hair growth. The T3 and T4 hormone also encourage pigmentation of the hair. When T3 and T4 levels are inadequate, you see thinning all over the head or in some cases on the sides of the head. I experienced hair loss on the sides of my head along the temple area.

Complete Thyroid Testing Requires More Than the Thyroid Panel

If you are experiencing hair loss along with any of the symptoms of Hashimoto’s, you should check with your doctor. You should ask your doctor to test the following 2:

•    Thyroid panel: TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, TPO Antibodies, Anti-TGB Antibodies.

•    Vitamins and minerals – these are key in converting T4 (inactive) hormone to T3 (active hormone): Ferritin, vitamin D and B12 at the very least.

•    Sugar levels: glucose (fasting blood sugar), HA1C and insulin.

•    Lipid Panel: total cholesterol, LDL, HDL triglycerides.2

Part of having healthy hair is being healthy. The best way to accomplish good health is by changing your diet. I discuss diet in my blog “Healthy With Hashimoto’s.” When we change our diet, we affect the symptoms of Hashimoto’s and begin to feel better.

Looking Good, Feeling Good

We live in a society that constantly reminds us of how important it is to look good. More importantly, we should feel good. Part of feeling good is having a healthy body and properly functioning body systems. If you have Hashimoto’s you know how difficult it is to focus on feeling good and looking good. When we lose our hair, our confidence is affected. When our confidence is affected, we feel worse and accomplish less.

If you are looking at your hair loss as a symptom of Hashimoto’s, I encourage you to look at all options available to help you return your body systems to normal. Talk to your doctor about natural alternatives to synthetic medications on the market. You may be surprised when you realize it is possible to control your symptoms naturally.

Resources

1. https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/93/11/4381/26272732. 2.https://hormonesbalance.com/articles/what-thyroid-labs-to-ask-for-in- order-to-manage-your-thyroid-and-hashimotos-disease/ 3.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hair

Posted on by

Soy…Again?

By now you’re probably getting tired of seeing the word “soy.” Maybe you’ve heard enough about it and want to move on. I hear you, but I have one more conversation to have about soy.

Freeing Yourself From Soy

Soy is a big business. Not only is it found in almost every prepackaged food, but you also find it in most personal care products. Soy is another area in which I am a little, “nuts.” You can find soy not only in foods, but in cosmetics, lotions, soaps, and other personal care products.

When I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s I cleaned out my cosmetics cabinet (which didn’t take long), and after reading the labels to my cleansers and shampoo, I tossed them as well. Three years ago, I found it difficult to find products that didn’t have soy in them. In addition to that I wanted products that were free from all chemicals. The result was I ended up making my own products. That’s right from shampoo and conditioner, to face cleanser and moisturizers, to body lotions and toothpaste.

When I look at toothpaste, I’m looking at the fluoride. If you remember in my blog Heavy Metals and Hashimoto’s, I discussed the effect of fluoride on the thyroid. Because of the poisonous nature of too much fluoride, I’ve eliminated it from my personal care arsenal. Now I use Coconut oil and activated charcoal or baking soda, cornstarch, almond oil, herbs, or essential oils depending on my need.

You don’t have to make your own products to enjoy soy free personal care. Today I have found a few companies that offer soy free products. I haven’t used their products, but they are soy free and have a good reputation. You may find what you need with Ann Marie Gianni Skin Care. You can also check out Acure Organics. They come highly recommended as well. I still make my own products. I’ve come to find it is the most economical for me and what I make works so I will continue to make my health care products. I know it’s not for everyone, but it works for me.

Dr. Wentz’s Take on Soy Free Cosmetics

I’ve never been someone who focused on cosmetics so I’m probably not the one to speak to cosmetics in general. I read a blog a few years ago while researching Hashimoto’s that may interest those of you who are interested in soy-free cosmetics. Are You Sacrificing Your Health for External Beauty, is a blog posted by Dr. Izabella Wentz, June 6, 2016. Dr Wentz is the Thyroid Pharmacist and a woman who was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. She is the author of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause. I have been reading and following Dr. Wentz’s work for years now. I find her work informative and it has been of great help to me in learning about Hashimoto’s.

Living with Hashimoto’s can be challenging. Eliminating soy from your lifestyle can be exhausting if you let it be. I hope some of the information in this post will help you as you move closer to soy-free living and will inspire you to share your knowledge with others.

Posted on by

Eliminating Soy

The soy debate continues. Some people believe it is a major contributor in thyroid disease, while others think it’s healthy if it’s organic. If you have thyroid disease the one thing you need to remember about soy, is that it’s a goitrogen. That means it causes a reaction in the thyroid that produces goiters. Read more on thyroid and goitrogens in my blog 31 Foods Containing Soy.  Organic soy is a goitrogen, so it still affects the thyroid the same way Genetically modified soy does.

Sneaky Soy

In my last blog 31 Foods Containing Soy, I exposed foods that contain soy. You may find it difficult to remove it from your diet. You will find soy in almost every processed food. Look at the labels.  Some manufacturers add soy to their product and list it on the ingredients under a “stealth” name. Some of these alternatives are:

  • Soy lecithin
  • Bean curd
  • Hydrolyzed soy protein
  • Soy milk
  • Soy sauce
  • Soybeans
  • Vitamin E/tocopherol
  • Glycerin
  • Bulking agents
  • Thickeners
  • Hydrolyzed vegetable/plant protein
  • Guar Gum
  • And mor

Keep these in mind when you are purchasing any packaged foods. That includes vegan products. Because of the effect of soy on my thyroid, I have opted to eliminate it from my diet. I try to purchase only food products from nature (no processing). That includes organic range free beef and chicken, and organic fruits and vegetables.

I Was Afraid to Eat Anything I didn’t Prepare Myself

You may think I’m crazy; a neurotic, who has gone over the edge. I will admit, in the beginning I was a little crazy. I was afraid to eat anything that I didn’t prepare myself. But three years later I have learned a lot. Initially, I thought I couldn’t eat broccoli, kale, or cabbage. I know better now. I didn’t want to go out to a restaurant because I was afraid to eat what was on the menu. Today there are many restaurants that cater to food sensitivities. I may have been a little more cautious because my food sensitivity, which affected my thyroid, also prompted migraines; something I have fought with for years. I will discuss my development in the area of food in future blogs. I will also discuss migraine and how that fit into my Hashimoto’s diagnosis.

One thing I want to share relative to my change in diet, is that I feel a thousand times better than I did before my diagnosis.

Dietary Substitutions

Over the last three years I learned to cook without flour, milk, eggs, and butter. You may think it impossible, but it isn’t. Two years ago, I prepared a complete Thanksgiving dinner without any of those ingredients just mentioned. The surprising thing about the meal is no one knew it until after we ate. Then I told them. They were all surprised.

I substitute flour for a gluten free flour mix. I mix my own because I haven’t found a packaged gluten free flour that doesn’t have xanthan gum in it. When I need to use milk, I use coconut milk. Yogurt or sour cream is substituted with coconut yogurt. I use chia seeds in place of eggs. It can be done, you need to do your homework though and experiment…a lot.

I eat more salads now than I ever did before being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. I mention the salads because they can be boring. Most people won’t eat a salad without dressing. Salad dressings are the biggest culprit when it comes to soy. It’s nearly impossible to find a salad dressing that doesn’t include it. Because of this fact, I make my own. I use red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, avocado oil, coconut yogurt, and herbs and spices. Use your imagination. It’s fun to create new recipes. I find it challenging to make something work, even food. I will be sharing some recipes in future blogs for anyone who would like to experiment.

Hashimoto’s and Protein

One of the challenges with Hashimoto’s is protein. When I was first diagnoised, I was told I should eat 25 grams of protein for breakfast. I found it challenging to find a protein powder that didn’t contain soy, dairy or gluten. I ended up using Hemp protein which was free from soy, dairy, and gluten. For months I would start my morning with the same shake; coconut milk, hemp protein, chia seeds, mixed berries, and a banana. I changed out the berries from time to time. Today there are more protein options, such as Rootcology. I’m sure each part of the country has different options. Be sure to read the label before purchasing a protein powder. Many sneak that soy into the product, sometimes under an alternate name (see 31 Foods Containing Soy).

Everything Changes with a Hashimoto’s Diagnosis

When you are diagnosed with Hashimoto’s everything changes. Your diet is the first thing that should change. If you haven’t changed your diet, you should. I’m not one for telling people what to do, and that isn’t my intention here, but I suggest highly you change your diet because you will feel like a new person. You will lose weight, be more focused, your skin, hair, and nails will become resilient, and the pain you have been living with will be reduced significantly, if not eliminated completely. Your mood will improve, and you will see your life through a new point of view. I only share what I say in this post because I want every person with Hashimoto’s to have the information, they need to be a whole person again. I wish you all good thyroid health so you can enjoy living again.

Posted on by

5 Symptoms of Calcific Tendonitis Due to Hashimoto’s

Two months ago, I went to the chiropractor with a complaint of left shoulder pain. When I mentioned it to the chiropractor, he did a range of motion test.  When I told him, the pain increased with specific movements, he said he thought I had a torn rotator cuff. When I left his office, I was confused.

How Could This Happen?

A torn rotator cuff? How could that happen. A month earlier I fell on the ice and injured my right leg and hip. Nothing was broke, thankfully, but I struggled with limited mobility for a little over a week. It was once I regained full use of my leg that my shoulder started bothering me. Originally, I thought it hurt because I was somehow over compensating for my right leg and it affected my left shoulder. That is what prompted me to see the chiropractor.

Initially I did nothing about the shoulder. I think I was in denial and hoped it would heal on its own. When two weeks later I still suffered with pain, I called and made an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon that specialized in shoulders. The week before the appointment I was talking to my father about the shoulder and he said I should see a different chiropractor; I should get a second opinion.

I gave some thought to what my father said and called another chiropractor who was willing to see me the following day. The result of that appointment was not a confirmation of the diagnosis of a torn rotator cuff, but a diagnosis of calcific tendonitis.

Torn Rotator Cuff or Calcific Tendonitis?

The symptoms of calcific tendonitis are like those of a torn rotator cuff. One major difference, at least as far as I can tell, is with a torn rotator cuff your strength is gone, while with calcific tendonitis (of the shoulder) you retain some strength and the range of motion isn’t as limited. When the second chiropractor did a muscle strength test, I still had some range of motion and strength in the arm. Once he completed the exam and adjusted me, he determined I suffered with calcific tendonitis of the shoulder.

I was relieved that I didn’t have a torn rotator cuff. I know surgery is not always necessary, but the thought of it didn’t please me. I didn’t want to be without use of my shoulder over the summer. That would keep me from my garden. Now I know what ails my shoulder. The chiropractor suggested exercises to help me through what I believe will be a long process of healing, yet without having to be immobile.

Through research I found many people suffer or have suffered with similar complaints as what I mentioned above. In some instances, people suffer such debilitating pain that it keeps them from enjoying life in its simplest form.

Symptoms of Calcific Tendonitis

  • The pain often occurs in the morning.
  • Stiffness in the shoulder – which leads the physician to assume frozen shoulder or a torn rotator cuff based on primary examination.
  • Significant sleep disruption due to pain. I wake up when in my sleep I turn on my left side and experience pain with movement.
  • Reduced range of motion. I can only lift my arm at a 90-degree angle.
  • Limited activities of daily living due to pain. I can’t lift anything over my head or to my left side.

I am fortunate, because I went to a chiropractor knowledgeable enough to recognize the signs of calcific tendonitis. Others haven’t been so lucky. Some of the stories I’ve heard tell of people who have suffered in pain while making visits to orthopedists, physical therapists, and neurosurgeons which resulted in prescriptions and injections and ultimately unnecessary surgery. This, only to experience pain again with no explanation.

Does Any of the Above Sound Familiar?

If so, please have it examined to rule out problems related to joints and surrounding tissue. If you have Hashimoto’s you may want to check your T3, T4, and vitamin D levels to be sure levels haven’t changed. If your lab results change and your thyroid may be under stress it could prompt a secondary condition such as frozen shoulder of calcific tendonitis.

I went to a knowledgeable chiropractor who was able to recommend the proper exercises and massage techniques. If your shoulder pain is due to a change in your thyroid condition, you may want to refrain from rigorous therapy. It may increase the pain.

I began the exercises recommended by my chiropractor and began using Arnica Rub to ease the pain. It helps relieve the pain associated with massage and exercise. Follow your doctor’s guidelines when it comes to exercise. You don’t want to over exert yourself.

On the Mend

It has been a long three months, but I’m on the mend. I have increased mobility of my shoulder. The exercises have helped tremendously and knowing what points to massage has relieved the pain. I’m not fully recovered but expect to be back to my old self in a couple of more weeks.

I share this story with you today because I have been researching shoulder pain with regards to Hashimoto’s and thyroid disease. At this point it is not known why, but people who have thyroid disease often suffer from shoulder pain. Sometimes the pain is a result of adhesive capsulitis also known as frozen shoulder. In other instances, it is a result of calcific tendonitis as in my case.

I hope that by sharing the information in this post it will make more people aware of the possible connection of shoulder pain to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. I am living a good life and continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle medication free. However, on occasion I still experience these little symptoms that remind me I need to focus on good health. I will continue to share these experiences to bring more awareness to Thyroid disease in hopes to help others recognize and heal.