Category: Healthy Diet

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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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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

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Help with Healthy Diet

When diagnosed with Hashimoto’s you can do one of thee things. You can do nothing, leaving you in a downward spiral of declining health. You can cave and submit to the pharmaceutical companies and start taking synthetic medication (without researching), which will leave you on a roller coaster of regulating medication while experiencing additional health issues. Or you can change your lifestyle, eating, exercising, and meditating. Today I’m going to supply you with a list of foods that will support a healthy lifestyle and allow you to heal your body including your thyroid.

I discussed going gluten -in “Getting Clean with Hashimoto’s” and “Do’s and Don’ts of Diet.”

Some foods that are healthy and naturally gluten-free

  • Beans, seeds, and nuts in their natural, unprocessed form
  • Fresh organic cage-free eggs (if you can’t give up eggs)
  • Fresh organic, grass-fed meats,
  • Wild-caught fish 
  • Fresh Organic poultry (not breaded, batter-coated or marinated)
  • Fruits and vegetables

When purchasing nuts and seeds (or any processed product) it’s important to make sure they are not processed in a facility that processes gluten or soy. They should be free from any additives or preservatives.

Grains and starches to use in a gluten-free diet

  • Amaranth
  • Arrowroot
  • Buckwheat
  • Corn and cornmeal (in moderation, watch out for sugar even in its natural state)
  • Flax
  • Gluten-free flours (rice, soy, corn, potato, bean)
  • Hominy (corn) (in moderation, watch out for sugar even in its natural state)
  • Millet
  • Quinoa
  • Rice
  • Sorghum
  • Tapioca
  • Teff

Avoid all food and drinks containing

  • Barley (malt, malt flavoring, and malt vinegar are usually made from barley)
  • Rye
  • Triticale (a cross between wheat and rye)
  • Wheat

It can be difficult to know what products are free from gluten. Wheat products have many aliases’ such as bromated, enriched, phosphated, plain and self-rising

Some other wheat products to avoid:

  • Durum flour
  • Farina
  • Graham flour
  • Kamut
  • Semolina
  • Spelt

Foods you should avoid

Avoid the following foods unless they’re labeled as gluten-free or made with corn, rice, or other gluten-free grain:

  • Beer
  • Bread
  • Cakes and pies
  • Candies
  • Cereals
  • Communion wafers
  • Cookies and crackers
  • Croutons
  • French fries
  • Gravies
  • Imitation meat or seafood
  • Matzo
  • Pasta
  • Processed luncheon meats
  • Salad dressings
  • Sauces, including soy sauce
  • Seasoned rice mixes
  • Seasoned snack foods, such as potato and tortilla chips
  • Self-basting poultry
  • Soups and soup bases
  • Vegetables in sauce
  • Soy – See “Eliminating Soy”

Gluten-Free Food List

The following items are safe if you’re on a gluten-free diet:

  • Herbs, Seasonings, and Condiments: You can go wild here if you watch labels. Ketchup won’t be on this list. You will enjoy mustard, horseradish, tapenade, and salsa if they are free of gluten, wheat, soy, and sugar. There are virtually no restrictions on herbs and seasonings; be mindful of packaged products, however, that were made at plants that process wheat and soy.
  • Vegetables: leafy greens and lettuces, collards, spinach, broccoli, kale, chard, cabbage, onions, mushrooms, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, sauerkraut, artichoke, alfalfa sprouts, green beans, celery, bok choy, radishes, watercress, turnip, asparagus, garlic, leek, fennel, shallots, scallions, ginger, jicama, parsley, water chestnuts.
  • Low-sugar Fruit: avocado, bell peppers, cucumber, tomato, zucchini, squash, pumpkin, eggplant, lemons, limes.
  • Healthy fat: extra virgin olive oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, grass-fed tallow and organic or pasture-fed butter, avocados, coconuts, olives, nuts, and nut butters, and seeds (flaxseed, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, chia seeds).
  • Protein: whole eggs; wild fish (salmon, black cod, trout, sardines); grass-fed meat, fowl, and poultry, (beef, lamb, bison, chicken, turkey); wild game.

Consume These Foods in Moderation

  • Non-gluten grains: amaranth, buckwheat, rice (brown, white, wild), millet, quinoa, sorghum, and teff. Something to consider when purchasing non-gluten grains. When they are processed for human consumption (milling whole oats and preparing rice for packaging), their physical structure changes, and this increases the risk of an inflammatory reaction. That’s why you should use in moderation.
  • Legumes (beans, lentils, peas). Exception: you can have hummus (made from chickpeas).
  • Carrots and parsnips.
  • Whole sweet fruit: berries are best; be extra cautious of sugary fruits such as apricots, mangos, melons, papaya, prunes, and pineapple.

It can be overwhelming to change your lifestyle overnight. But when your life depends on it, it becomes more manageable.

My suggestion to you is, start out small. You may be bored for a while, but you won’t get overwhelmed and quit. When I decided to change my diet, I put together a menu for a week. I ate the same thing for a week, only changing out certain fruits and vegetables. My menu consisted of wild-caught salmon or grass-fed organic chicken, a vegetable, and sweet potato for lunch. And grass-fed organic chicken or beef and vegetable for dinner. Most nights I stayed away from carbs for dinner. The menu was simple and manageable. By the end of the first month, I was more creative, and my menu was more expansive. Remember start small.

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Lime Basil Chicken Recipe

I’ve been sharing my experience and information for a few months now. Today I am sharing a recipe that you might like to try. It’s simple and healthy. Some of you may choose not to eat meat at all. If you are one of us that continue to eat meat, try to find organic, grass-fed chicken and beef. You want to stay away from the hormones and antibiotics if possible.

Lime Basil Chicken

½ cup cider vinegar                                                           ½ teaspoon turmeric

1 teaspoon salt                                                                   juice of 1 fresh lime

1 garlic clove (minced)                                                     1 teaspoon basil

1Tablespoon of pureed onion                                        4 boneless Chicken Breast

Place chicken breast in zip lock bag. Mix remaining ingredients together. Add to chicken. Let marinate overnight.

Place chicken in a casserole dish (I spray the dish with grapeseed oil before placing the chicken). Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes (or until done).

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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.

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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

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31 Foods Containing Soy

When I started researching Hashimoto’s I was surprised to learn that soy is one of the worst foods you can eat. Some might argue that point, but I can tell you from personal experience that soy is one of the contributing factor to Hashimoto’s in my case. When I stopped eating soy, my condition improved. It took time to clean my body of the toxicity of many of the food I once ate. It also took hours of label reading because of the many name’s soy is masked under. Listed below are some foods where you may find soy hiding.

  • Cold-pressed, expelled, or extruded soy oil*
  • Edamame
  • Miso
  • Natto
  • Shoyu
  • Soy (soy albumin, soy cheese, soy fiber, soy flour, soy grits, soy ice cream, soy milk, soy nuts, soy sprouts, soy yogurt)
  • Soya
  • Soybean (curd, granules)
  • Soy protein (concentrate, hydrolyzed, isolate)
  • Soy sauce
  • Tamari
  • Tempeh
  • Textured vegetable protein (TVP)
  • Tofu
  • Asian cuisine (including Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, Thai and Vietnamese)—even if you order a soy-free item, there is a high risk of cross-contact
  • Vegetable Gum
  • Vegetable starch
  • Vegetable Broth
  • Baked Goods
  • Canned broths and soups
  • Canned tuna and meat
  • Cereals
  • Cookies
  • Crackers
  • High-protein energy bars and snacks
  • Infant formulas
  • Low-fat peanut butter
  • Pet food
  • Processed Meats
  • Sauces
  • Soaps and moisturizers

*Highly refined soy oil is not required to be labeled as an allergen. Studies show that most people with soy allergy can safely eat highly refined soy oil as well as soy lecithin. If you are allergic to soy, ask your doctor whether you need to avoid soy oil or soy lecithin.1

You can see why I spent hours reading labels. On occasion, I would purchase a food item, get it home and realize it had soy in it. I believe one of the biggest contributors to soy in my diet was the Special K shake. I started drinking the shakes when a nutritionist told me I needed more protein in my diet. It was a quick way to supplement my diet with protein. I had no idea at the time it had soy as an ingredient. The lesson here – read your labels.

 A few years later I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. I’m not saying the Special-K shakes are the cause of Hashimoto’s. I’m telling you I believe they were a major contributing factor. If you have a better understanding of what soy is, you may be more willing to agree with what I’m saying.

Soy comes from the soybean which you may also know as edamame (raw form). As you see from the above list soy is found in many different forms. This makes it easy to add to many products from food to cosmetics and clothing.

I’m not a doctor but from what I’ve read I can tell you that soy blocks the activity of the thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme. TPO is an enzyme made in the thyroid gland that is important in the production of thyroid hormone.2 It has been linked to the development of autoimmune thyroiditis and studies have shown that soy can affect thyroid medications, asthma, and menstrual cycles.

In addition to soy being linked to thyroiditis, many have developed allergic reaction/symptoms such as:

  • Runny nose
  • Trouble breathing
  • Abdominal pain or loose stools
  • Brain fog
  • Agitation or mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Heart palpitations
  • Acid reflux
  • Carpal tunnel
  • IBS
  • Weight gain
  • Many others

I can also tell you that soy mimics the effect of estrogen in the body (xenoestrogen). To simply say, it’s an endocrine disruptor.  The scary thing about this statement is that it can start to affect the endocrine system in utero and the effects can be permanent. So, if you eat a lot of soy when you’re pregnant, then your child is affected by it. So here I pose a question. Is it possible that childhood illnesses are a result of soy in the diet? That’s a question for research. It makes sense though. If Thyroiditis in adults can mimic mental health issues why can’t it affect children too? That’s a topic for another blog.

Another reason soy isn’t good for people with thyroiditis is that soy is a goitrogen. Goitrogens suppress the thyroid gland by interfering with hormone production. When the thyroid is exposed to goitrogens, the thyroid reacts by enlarging to compensate for the reduced hormone production. The result is what is known as a goiter.

Please don’t confuse the goitrogens in soy with that of cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, kale, etc.). The goitrogens in soy are not equal to that on cruciferous vegetables. Soy has been linked to autoimmune thyroiditis, other foods have not and don’t generally pose a threat. This is a misconception I believed when I first began my journey to heal my thyroid.

There are many things to learn about the thyroid and the diseases, illnesses, and conditions that affect it. Not only as a layperson but as a medical provider and those in the scientific community. If they don’t know what causes thyroiditis (in its many forms), and they don’t, how can they know how best to treat it. In most case the medical community is quick to prescribe medication versus changing the patient’s diet, at least initially to see if a change occurs. I’m thankful that my doctor took the time to let me work through and find a natural way to manage Hashimoto’s.

Until we know what causes these thyroid conditions, we must be diligent and look for a natural way to understand our thyroid health. We must listen to our bodies, do our homework, and change our lifestyle’s. If we can be disciplined in our habits and open-minded in our approach, and be willing to spend time researching thyroid health, we can enjoy good health.

 I will do my part to provide you with information that will help you on your journey to a healthy lifestyle. Remember though, I’m not a doctor, and you are your best advocate for your health.

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Diet

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 an awful lot over the last three years and I’m happy to share what I have.

There are many natural or organic options out there for things we already consume. 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 cook with olive oil, coconut oil, grapeseed oil, avocado oil, or rice bran oil (difficult to find the rice bran oil). Remember to pay attention to the temperature that each will burn. It is getting easier to find organic meats so if you still eat meat you can get protein from a source of organic grass fed meat. Just eat meat in moderation.

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 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 creativ)
  • 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
  • Eat sweet potatoes. White potatoes are good too
  • 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 – I found Vibrant Health Gigartina is the best quality, so that is what I use.

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 (can be difficult to digest, so if you have tummy trouble omit.

·         ½ cup Coconut Milk

·         ½ cup frozen berries (Wyman has some good choices and its natural – mixed 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 adaptogen
  • 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 (I like salmon, so I lean toward that daily)

·         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.