Category: Healthy Living

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Hashimoto’s Health Regime A New Beginning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Living with Hashimoto’s

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Adding Essential Oils to Your Health Regiment

Essential Oils have become a popular means to support a healthy lifestyle. I jumped on the essential oil bandwagon when I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. I went so far as to become certified as an essential oil coach.

I’m not sure there are many people still in the dark about essential oils, but if you are one of those still wondering “why essential oils” then hopefully this post will answer some questions for you.

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years. Now that the science behind the use of essential oils is better understood, people are becoming more comfortable with using them from everything from sleep aid to immune protection to hormone balance.

Hormone balance has become important to me and drives my ability to function. If you have Hashimoto’s, you know that your hormones need all the help they can get. When the thyroid doesn’t function properly because of an autoimmune disease, it gets sluggish to the point where it barely functions. In some cases, it stops working, and the sufferer will submit to prescription medication. My goal was to avoid pharmaceuticals. I’m doing that by changing my diet, adding supplements, and making essential oils an everyday part of my life. I mix a blend of essential oils that I massage on my neck in the area of my thyroid, helping stimulate the gland and encourage healing.

If you’re wondering what essential oils are, I would say they are compounds extracted from plants by distillation or cold pressing. These extracts are ultra-concentrated.

Essential oils can be applied topically, inhaled, or ingested depending on the type of oil and concentration. Some oils need to be applied in a carrier oil because they are too potent to be placed directly on the skin.

There are many carrier oils available for use with essential oils: Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Avocado Oil Jojoba oil. And the list goes on.

When using essential oils, it is important to consider many factors. If you are pregnant or nursing, if you are a young child or if you are considering the use for your pet, be sure to know your oil before applying. There are many essential oils not suitable for pets. Others should never be applied to a woman who is pregnant, and you should do your research before using them on young children. If you are an adult that is sensitive to environmental effects, you may want to stay away from essential oils.

For this post, I want to talk about stress, how it affects your thyroid, and how essential oils can help in healing.

Do you work in a stressful environment? If so, you may want to consider options to help release or reduce the stress you deal with daily. Chronic stress is one of the most significant factors influencing our hormonal health. Stress affects not only our hormones but many bodily functions. It also affects our metabolism, immune system regulation, hormone production, and our emotional response.

I’m not going to go into the medical definition or explanation of stress. I will say that stress takes its toll on the body, breaking down our immune systems and causing fatigue, cognitive issues, sleep deprivation, and digestive issues.  More importantly, at least for this article, stress that causes hormone imbalance is serious, especially for those who have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Major stress can decrease thyroid function and eventually lead to type 2 diabetes, autoimmune conditions, and heart disease.

So, now we get to the point of this post—essential oil use and how it can support a healthy lifestyle by assisting in the reduction of stress. Self-care is most important for lowering stress levels.

There are many books and articles available that offer information on ways to use essential oils to reduce stress. One of the most popular essential oils is lavender. Inhaling lavender soothes the mind, calms the nervous system, and relieves tension/anxiety. Bergamot is another soothing essential oil. It dissolves anxious feelings while uplifting one’s emotions. It cleanses and purifies the mind and body. Frankincense is another popular essential oil that promotes feelings of calm and relaxation and supports the immune, nervous, and digestive systems. Some of the others that support thyroid health are cedarwood, clary sage, clove, lemongrass, and wild orange.

While essential oils are not a cure-all for everything, they can be an important part of your healing arsenal. It’s amazing how as we get back to nature, we heal.

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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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Hashimoto’s and the Road to Recovery

Life is a journey. Each step you take in life is a step that either brings you to a life of pure living or causes you to stop dead in your tracks because your body can’t process the chemicals you ingest daily.

We live in a world of contradiction. On the one hand, we are blessed to experience such advanced technology that we can clone organs and animals. On the other hand, we experience a barbarism inflicted by big business where they brainwash the public to believe if they take more and more medicines, that medicine will cure them.

Nothing could be further from the truth. What makes us think that injecting the human body with chemicals or swallowing synthetic versions of herbs, will make us healthy?

The human body is made to consume and absorb plant-based products — healthy fruits and vegetables. Our bodies are screaming for that which grows naturally in soil free from pesticides. If we don’t return to the earth and nurture what we sow, we will be doomed to a life of illness and disease.

Cancer is on the rise, not because of global warming or spending too much time in the sun. Cancer is increasing because of the chemicals we put on our skin and in our bodies. We eat processed foods that are foreign to our bodies. Our cells are reacting to the toxins and pollutants by mutating and changing our genetic makeup, which presents itself as cancer.

Diabetes is running rampant in the world on an epidemic level that should be making the medical community stand up and take notice. For years doctors have told patients that insulin is the answer. The reality is if that patient is educated on the way the pancreas and liver process sugar, they will be able to cure themselves. Real food is the answer.

Autoimmune disease is another condition that is increasing. Our guts are screaming at us to clean up our act before our bodies shut down.

Pick your poison; cancer, diabetes, or autoimmune disease, all of these are curable. I know the medical community can’t claim any disease is curable. But if everything is “mind over matter” than minding what we eat, will matter. If we have a positive mindset, we can heal our bodies. If we live a healthy lifestyle in conjunction with positive thinking, then we can rid our bodies of the diseases that dominate and control our lives.

The path you chose will be the road you travel that leads you in either the path to good health or a direction that makes you dependent on the medical community. Take time today to reach out to any of the many resources available to help you on your journey to healthy living.

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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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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.

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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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Your Children and Hypothyroid

I recently read an article, 5 Surprising Facts about Low Thyroid in Children and Teens, which confirmed what I believe is partially the result of poor diet in our children. When I say, “poor diet,” I don’t only mean the diet only of the less financially fortunate, but also children from affluent families who are always on the go.

We Are What We Eat

Some affluent families in our communities are generally on the move. Running to sports events, attending meetings scheduled late into the evening, and spur of the moment vacations. This hurry, hurry lifestyle, leaves these families eating on the go. They buy foods that are quickly and easily prepared. Foods that are as quickly consumed. These foods are highly processed and don’t digest well.

Some Low-income families with children are forced to eat foods that are considered “affordable.” Their budget only allows for foods that can be purchased “on the cheap.” These foods include highly processed foods with foreign ingredients. If you read many of the labels, you will find ingredients that are next to impossible to pronounce.

These families eat synthetic foods and foods that are mass produced including, beef, and dairy injected with hormones and antibiotics, and genetically altered fruits and vegetables sprayed with pesticides.

The Body Makes Do With What it is Given

Children are consuming these poisons in large quantities. The chemicals move through their digestive tracts and into the bloodstream, not to be absorbed into the body, providing nutrients for growth, but poisoning their cells causing virus, illness, and mutated genes. I know, mutated genes? Sounds excessive.

 Well, you may think that ridiculous, but the human body is meant to digest natural compounds. How do you think the body digests something it doesn’t recognize? How do you think the body reacts to the inability to absorb and process these chemicals? It can’t. So, the body does what it can to “make do” with what it’s given.

Our children are most susceptible to these chemicals. Their little bodies are still growing and developing. Their cells are adjusting to their environment. The result?

An Increase in Hypothyroidism in Children

Well, one result we are seeing is an increase in children with hypothyroidism. Yes, I said hypothyroidism; an adult disease, affecting our children. The number of children thought to develop hypothyroidism was one or two per 100 children, now is believed to be two to three in 100 (JAMA Pediatrics). Other autoimmune diseases are on the rise in children too.

To be clear, my belief isn’t based on scientific fact. I don’t believe any producer of processed food would back up such a study. My hypothesis is based solely on common sense. What happens when we subject plants to chemicals and poisons? They mutate. They take on a different form or alter their genetic makeup to compensate for the stress caused by the toxins. The human body is made up of the same building blocks as plants. So, what should we expect to happen?

Consider This

More children and teens are diagnosed with hypothyroidism today than ever. Their little thyroid glands are damaged, slow and can’t produce enough thyroid hormone to grow properly. Low thyroid interferes with normal growth and development. It causes fatigue and can interfere with performance at school.

If you have a child, you should be aware of the following information:

  • Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid disorder in babies, kids, and teens.
  • Statistics show the one in every 1500 – 3000 newborns test positive for hypothyroidism.
  • It can develop later in childhood or as teens.
  • Girls are 4 times as likely to be diagnosed as boys.
  • Families with histories of autoimmune disease, Down Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, type 1 diabetes, or celiac disease are at greater risk of developing hypothyroidism.
  • Some medications can damage the thyroid such as lithium, some epilepsy drugs and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (some chemo drugs), and in some instances, iodine deficiency.

Watch your children for the following symptoms:

  • tiredness
  • feeling cold
  • constipation
  • dry skin and hair
  • Delayed growth (puberty)
  • irregular menstrual periods
  • anxiety
  • attention deficit disorder
  • Excessive weight gain in children and teens isn’t typically the result of a thyroid problem, but it never hurts to ask the question. If your child is carrying extra weight it could be the catalyst resulting in thyroid disorder.

Now What?

You as a parent are your child’s only hope for a healthy future. They are too young to realize their thyroid could be affected by what they eat, and what environmental toxins will pollute their bodies. Their best hope is for you as a parent to advocate for them.

Keep watch over your children. Monitor their moods and behavior. Ask questions and demand answers. It is easier to keep them healthy than it is to treat a disease or disorder. An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.

https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/hypothyroidism

https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=hypothyroidism-in-children-90-P01963

https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=hypothyroidism-in-children-90-P01963

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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.