Tag: hypothyroidism

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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/

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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.

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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.

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Essential Oils for Use With Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Essential oils are compounds that many are including in their lifestyle change. There are those who remain skeptical about the effectiveness of essential oils, but I believe they play an important part in healing, in my case, the thyroid. I’m not saying essential oils alone can heal. What I am saying is that including them in your daily practice of healthy living, will increase the chances of your return to good health.

I’m not sure if you’ve been exposed to essential oils so I will provide a quick overview of what an essential oil is and where they come from. You may be surprised to know that before the days of pharmaceutical companies, the medical community turned to plants as a resource for many illnesses and diseases.

Extracting the Essence

Essential oils are extracted from plants of which many we find in the wild. Some are herbs that you grow in your garden. I grow many herbs, some for culinary use while others I use as medicinal and cosmetic. I will discuss these topics in more depth in future blogs.

Essential oils are extracted from plants by a few different processes. You can remove the essential oils by distillation or by extracting using a mechanical process called cold pressing. The result of extraction is a compound that is ultra-concentrated. The point I’d like to stress related to essential oil use, is to be sure you use organic oils, especially if you are using essential oils internally. Another point to make is that not all oils are suitable for internal use. Make sure to do your research before taking any essential oils internally. Oregano is a good example of when to use internally. You could take oregano internally, but only for 10 days at a time. Abusing internal essential oil use, can cause liver damage, among other health concerns. You should check with your health care provider before adding internal essential oil use to your health care regiment.

Essential Oil Application

Essential oil’s may be used in in different applications. They can be inhaled, applied topically, or ingested, depending on the oil and the concentration. Some essential oils need to be combined with a carrier oil such as olive oil or jojoba oil, while others may be applied neet (straight from the bottle.

For the purpose of this post, we are discussing Essential oils for use in supporting a healthy thyroid. Never use essential oils on pets, children, nursing mothers, or the elderly without consulting someone certified in essential oil use. It is always best to contact your health care provider before introducing anything new into your healthcare regime.

Most people use essential oils successfully to overcome stress and assist with overall health.

Essential Oils – Indeed

Today I want to share with you the essential oils that I have used successfully in my thyroid healing routine. They are oils that have been used successfully by the natural health care providers. I categorized them for convenience.

Boosts Immunity

  • Oregano
  • Myrrh
  • Ginger
  • Lemon
  • Eucalyptus
  • Frankincense
  • peppermint
  • cinnamon

Improving Digestion

  • Ginger essential oil
  • Peppermint.
  • Fennel
  • Lemongrass
  • Marjoram
  • Black pepper
  • Juniper berry

Boost Energy Levels

  • peppermint oil 
  •  Grapefruit
  • Lemon
  • Lemongrass
  • Eucalyptus
  • Rosemary

Improve Brain Function

  • Peppermint
  • Lavender
  • Rosemary (Focus)

Reduce Emotional Stress & Anxiety

  • Lavender
  • Roman chamomile
  • Bergamot
  • Ylang ylang
  • Orange
  • Rose
  • Frankincense
  • Vetiver

Alleviate Aches and Pains

  • Lavender
  • Peppermint
  • Eucalyptus
  • Chamomile
  • Rosemary
  • Majoram
  • Thyme
  • Frankincense
  • Turmeric
  • Ginger
  • Myrrh

Boost Skin and Hair Health

  • Lavender
  • Roman chamomile
  • Frankincense
  • Tea tree
  • Geranium
  • Myrrh
  • Helichrysum
  • Rosemary
  • Clary sage

Reduce Toxicity in Home or Work

  • Grapefruit
  • Orange
  • Lemon
  • Lemongrass
  • Eucalyptus
  • Cinnamon
  • Peppermint
  • Tea tree

Relieve Headaches and Migraines

  • Lavender
  • Peppermint
  • Eucalyptus
  • Rosemary

Promote Restful Sleep

  • Lavender oil
  • Roman chamomile
  • Ylang ylang
  • Bergamot
  • Vetiver

Essential Oil Everyday

There are many essential oils that can assist in different areas of healing. I use a combination of frankincense, clove, and clary sage on the lower part of my neck where the thyroid is located. You could also mix together lemongrass oil and myrrh and rub on the thyroid area and the reflexology points on the feet (the big toes) and on the wrist multiple times a day.

If I am experiencing muscle and joint pain and I have time, I take a soothing bath with geranium, clove, myrrh, and lemongrass. This is a luxury for me. I have very little free time and it is not always easy to schedule in the bath. I make a cream with marjoram, black pepper, lavender, and peppermint essential oils and rub it on my joints in the morning and before I go to bed.

When you have Hypothyroidism or in my case, Hashimoto’s, fatigue can be a major issue. Some days it is hard to keep moving. I keep some peppermint, lemon, and grapefruit on hand. I either put in a diffuser or when I’m not home I keep a small essential oil bottle (recycled) and fill it with sea salt and peppermint or lemon and inhale it throughout the day.

When you have a thyroid condition sometimes it is difficult to be remain in a good mood. I use the protocol above but substitute oils for fatigue with chamomile, frankincense, and lavender.

Living with Hashimoto’s can be a challenge. However, incorporating essential oils into your daily habits, can reduce some of the symptoms. By reducing symptom, you have more focus and feel better. The improvement in your symptoms gives you the opportunity to change your thyroid health.

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Teeth Trouble and Thyroiditis

Today I’m getting real, with you. I’m going to share with you a story about a day in my journey with Hashimoto’s. I’m feeling a little vulnerable, but I know each of you will listen to what I tell you and smile. Because you have a similar story.

The week after I went in for my visit that confirmed my Hashimoto diagnosis, I had an experience that was, well it was weird. I woke up one morning experiencing tooth pain in the lower left jaw. If you are familiar with tooth placement relative to a Tooth Organ Meridian Chart you will understand where I’m going with this story.

I woke up in pain. I couldn’t understand how I could be perfectly fine the day before, yet, be in so much pain upon waking. I felt an acute pain in my lower left jaw. The tooth where the pain radiated from was #20. I have a high tolerance for pain and this pain was more than distracting.

I took out the dental floss and started flossing. I thought something must be caught under the gum and was causing the extreme irritation. I flossed without success. The gum was clean. I didn’t stop though, because the pain didn’t stop. I moved the floss around hoping to dislodge the particle of food that was the culprit. Nothing.

I gave up on the floss and turned to peroxide. I brushed my teeth with the peroxide thinking the tooth must be infected. I brushed and gargled, then repeated…many times. The tooth still hurt. Nothing helped. I finally gave up and called the dentist. It must be a cavity, I thought.

Thankfully, the dentist was able to see me later that morning. If it was a cavity, he would take care of it and that would be the end of it. Well, I went in and explained my dilemma. The dentist did an initial exam. When he looked in my mouth, he asked me about the spots under my tong. I was embarrassed to tell him but had no choice. The blisters under my tong were from the peroxide. It burned the inside of my mouth. I was in so much pain that I burned my mouth with peroxide hoping to get rid of an infection that didn’t exist.

The dentist instructed his assistant to x-ray the tooth. When we were done, I sat patiently waiting for his return. What happened next baffled both the dentist and me. There was nothing wrong with the tooth or the gum. He couldn’t explain the pain. I went home in pain and suffered through it for the next few days until it mysteriously disappeared.

It wasn’t until after researching further, Hashimoto’s, that I realized the problem wasn’t the tooth, but my thyroid. If you look at the Tooth Organ Meridian Chart you will see what I saw. The tooth that gave me the trouble is the tooth on the left lower jaw, #20. That tooth is on the thyroid meridian line. Once I saw that, the whole tooth catastrophe made sense.

I share this story with you because I want you to realize you’re not the only one that has or will experience ridiculous situations or instances where you feel helpless, baffled, and frustrated. I want you to know that if you haven’t already experienced a similar situation, you will. And now, when you do you can smile because you’ll know you’re not alone. When you do have that moment, I want to hear about it. I want to help you get through the awkwardness of the unknown. We’re all in this together. I know you’ll get through whatever comes your way in your journey of thyroid health.

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Getting Hashimoto’s Under Control

The first thing I did when I went home was to begin a search for the definition of Hashimoto’s. The first thing I learned was that it’s the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. It’s also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation when antibodies are directed against the thyroid gland.

It’s not known what causes Hashimoto’s, but it often runs in families.

As time passes, Hashimoto’s results in the thyroids inability to produce thyroid hormones and it becomes impaired. This impaired function leads to an underactive thyroid. Hashimoto’s is most often seen in middle age women but can be found in men and children.

Once I knew what I was diagnosed with, I moved on to natural cures. I found many sites where I was told once you have Hashimoto’s you’ll have to take medication for the rest of your life. I didn’t like what I was hearing so I continued my search until I found what I was looking for. Now we get to the nitty-gritty.

First, I learned if I was going to live with Hashimoto’s without taking medication, I was going to have to listen to my body. I needed to become familiar with the signs and symptoms of Hashimoto’s and learn how to manage them. I began the process of monitoring my thyroid by paying attention to my body temperature. If you have Hashimoto’s you will relate to always being cold. Well, I used that to my advantage. I began taking my temperature every three hours throughout the day to determine if my lifestyle changes were working. Take your temperature before you get out of bed in the morning, then every three hours after that.

When I began to monitor my temperature, it ranged from 96.8 to 98.5 depending on the time of day, and day of the week. The doctor didn’t instruct me in the temperature taking process. I found the idea when I was on the internet and stumbled across a website for Wilson’s Syndrome. I figured if it was related to symptoms of hypothyroidism, it could help me regulate what I was doing for Hashimoto’s. I knew as my temperature went up so did the function of my thyroid.

I did this for a month as I cleansed my body and changed my eating habits. The American Thyroid Association recommends a TSH range of 0.5 to 2.0mU/L. Mine was 5.12mU/L. Within 30 days I reduced it to 3.1mU/L. It wasn’t perfect, but I was moving in the right direction. Nothing, worth having or being, comes easily or quickly. If you choose to follow this method, it will take time. Every person is at a different place in their health and healing. We all bounce back differently. I have never been a drinker or smoker, so I had that going for me. Your situation may be different. Don’t give up you can get there.

In the next post I will talk about body cleanses. See you then.

Please remember my post’s are a journey toward good health that worked for me. Please check with your doctor before making any changes in diet or medication. I’m not a physician and am not directing any person to follow the information in any of my posts.

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Let the Thyroid Lesson Begin

I drove home that morning, determined I wouldn’t be medicated. I would spend every waking hour researching ways to manage Hashimoto’s without medication. Every indication told me it couldn’t be done.

Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease. The thyroid is dead and can’t be brought back to life, I was told. Don’t always believe what you hear. That’s my motto. With that statement ringing in my head, I began to learn about the thyroid.

Our thyroid is the largest endocrine gland in our body. No wonder people have problems. Think about it. This little butterfly-shaped gland works 24/7 to keep our body systems operating properly. Compare that to your computer, and consider this. If you turn on your computer and open 20 different tabs in your browser, one of two things will eventually happen. The computer will either lock up or crash.

Our bodies are similar on many levels. We don’t eat right or get enough sleep. The food we put in our bodies if packed with chemicals that we are not meant to digest. This one abuse causes our organs to work on overload to clean out toxins that eventually cause health issues.

Consider your thyroid. It is one small gland that we pollute every day. From brushing our teeth to eating meat injected with hormones and antibiotics to slathering our skin with cosmetics that are loaded with carcinogens. That’s only the beginning. We’ll discuss this in depth in a future blog.

So, we know the thyroid is busy. It produces two types of hormones, T3 and T4. These hormones control how and at what rate your body will burn energy. It also regulates how you respond to stress hormones. That’s a big job, considering the stressful lives we live. I will discuss this in a future blog as well.

We now know basically what our thyroid function is. So, it’s time to quickly look at two ways it can malfunction. There is hyperthyroidism, where the production of hormones is excessive. Then there is hypothyroidism, in which the thyroid produces too little hormone. Both situations can be disastrous if left un-checked. There are many things that are affected by your thyroid:

  • Rough skin
  • Weight loss or gain
  • Fatigue
  • Being too hot or too cold (excessively)
  • Depression/Anxiety
  • Digestive issues
  • Frequent urination
  • Low sex drive
  • Trouble breathing
  • Hair loss
  • Vision issues
  • Migraines (a biggie for me)
  • Muscle aches/tenderness

We’ll be talking about all of these and more as the blog develops. My goal is to provide information I’ve found throughout my journey to reconcile my thyroid to my lifestyle. It is also my desire to have as many of my readers share what works for them too. We are all in this together. It is my hopes to bring to the attention to women (and men) everywhere that the thyroid is most likely causing problems for people without realizing it. Again another topic for a future blog. Thank you for taking the time to read, I hope to see you all back here for the next post. I wish you much success in your fight for great thyroid health.