On my journey of self discovery, I’ve come across some many articles that say “eat this, not that”. I want to be live a long life full of great health, happiness and wisdom. There is always room for improvement. After finding out I had hypothyroidism 15 years ago. It’s been on a never ending battle to feel normal again. What is normal, you ask? Well, we all have what we consider to be our own “normal”. What’s normal for me , might not be normal for you. My main goal is to eat to cater to my body. It can be overwhelming and mind boggling to figure out exactly what I should be eating. So I start with the basic’s. My hypothyroidism. Next, whatever else is bothering me. I listen to my body. Right now, the 2nd thing that I am concentrating on is anxiety.
Anxiety can be a symptom from hypothyroidism. Along with dry skin, hair loss, weight gain, unable to lose weight, heart palpitation’s, depression, memory problems, frequent constipation, high cholesterol, changes in your menstrual cycle, sensitivity to cold, Muscle cramps and aches, slurred speech, jaundice, decreased libido, dry hair, knot in throat, & tightness in your throat.
You don’t have to encounter every one of these symptoms to be diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Everybody’s experience with the disorder is different. While you may notice that your skin and hair have become dry and rough, someone else might be plagued more by fatigue , depression or anxiety.
The thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level reflects the severity of the hypothyroidism. For example, if you have a mild form of hypothyroidism and a relatively lower TSH level, you may not notice—or even have—symptoms. That’s because your hormone levels haven’t decreased to the point where they have a major impact on your metabolism. The more hypothyroid you become, the more symptomatic you’ll be.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism aren’t always noticeable, but it’s important that you understand what to look out for. Recognizing hypothyroidism early on will allow you to manage the disorder and prevent it from interfering with your life.
So I’ve been reading The Mood Cure and The Anti-anxiety Food Solution writing down notes, crossing comparing notes of foods that will cater to bringing my anxiety down. I’ve always believed that you are what you eat and food is the key to our good health. think of your body like a car engine. You have to put the right fluids in it to get it run properly. Feed it the right things or it will break down eventually or refuse to run all together! While reading The Anti-Anxiety book I came across many interesting things. It’s full of awesome information. Gut damage, food intolerances and nutrient deficiencies play a key role in many of our problems. We can’t expect to feed our bodies processed , sugar loaded, fake foods, artificial crap and expect it to be okay with it.
So, this is what I’ve learned and how to cater to my anxiety while fighting hypothyroidism.
1.Avoid sugar, processed foods and “white foods”
This should already go without saying since we have hypothyroidism. We should be eating gluten free. Having hypothyroidism it makes us more sensitive to gluten. Some of us have gluten intolerances and don’t even know it. key thing is to listen to your body. Avoid junk food, refined sugar, all of the white foods ( white flour, white rice, white bread and so on) processed foods, soda’s, sugary beverages and alcohol. We must keep our blood sugar stabilized.
Try to always eat organic (pesticide free), non-genetically modified, whole-foods. If you cannot afford organic there is a list here of fruit and vegetables that retain pesticides but it does not include berries particularly blueberries which are high on the list).
2. Eat Enough protein
Are you eating enough protein? Don’t immediately think of meat when I say this. Plants can give you plenty of your protein needs along with adding a scoop of Raw Meal to your smoothies.
3. Eat breakfast, along with a good protein and fat
You should always take your thyroid medication with lemon water and then eat after 1 hour of waking.
Gluten free oatbran with coconut oil ( good fat) , Ceylon cinnamon ( heart health, blood sugar, anti inflammatory, cancer fighter) , flaxseed ( Good fat and fiber) , smashed banana ( potassium) . Along with 1 cage free boiled egg( protein) .
or you can make your self a smoothie!
1 cup organic Romaine lettuce,1/2 organic cucumber peeled, 1 diced whole organic apple with peeling, 1 organic celery stalk, 1 cup of filtered water, Add a scoop of Raw Meal.
4. Keep a food diary
You must keep a food diary to see how you body reacts to certain foods. Write down what you eat. Monitor how you feel after you’ve eaten certain foods. You could have a food intolerance dairy, gluten, legumes,
5. Improve your digestion.
I’ve read so many articles that have stated your stomach is your 2nd brain. You are what you eat! Having bad guy flora can contribute to anxiety and a whole list of health problems. The digestive system actually has it own nervous system and over 95 % of serotonin is made in the guy. Having a sluggish thyroid can contribute to constipation, food allergies can contribute to digestive distress, which can cause you to have low zinc, low magnesium and adrenal fatigue. Add more high fiber whole foods to your salads like zucchini, celery and carrots. Mushrooms and cucumbers are excellent choices too. Add a simple vinaigrette. Evoo & balsamic vinegar , Evoo & organic apple cider vinegar.
Enzyme-rich foods include:
- Papaya, pineapple, mango, kiwi, and grapes
- Avocado
- Raw honey (the enzymes actually come from the bee’s saliva)
- Bee pollen
- Extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil
- bone broth
- bitters
- lemon water
- apple cider vinegar
Here is more information on ways to get more digestive enzymes. Click on this link to this article. The Truth About Digestive Enzymes.
6. Exercise
Exercising raises Gaba levels ( the brains natural valium) .
GABA is a calming inhibitory neurotransmitter, it’s like the brains natural endogenous Valium.
GABA enables your brain to put an end to persistent worrying thoughts going around and around in your mind.
We believe the neurotransmitters GABA and serotonin enable the brain to calm and control anxious thoughts, so when they are deficient it can make it almost impossible to stop worrying thoughts dominating and overwhelming our mind and turn into anxiety, even “normal” everyday worries or concerns can ruminate, escalate and cause terrible stress.
Symptoms of lack of GABA/serotonin include:-
- anxiety, feeling fearful, general (free floating) anxiety disorder or GAD,
- panic attacks,
- nervy/stressed disposition,
- persistent worrying thoughts going around and around in the mind, cannot switch of the mind,
- inability to relax,
- insomnia due to an anxious mind or cannot switch off the mind,
- physical aches and pains because the nerves keep firing, possibly causing/contributing to fibromyalgia,
- headaches,
- IBS
- carbohydrate cravings.
A taking walk outside in the sun is a good stress reliever plus you getting much needed vitamin d. Yoga has been proven to be a stress reliever. Jumping on a rebounder is excellent too. A study showed that the increased G-force helped increase Lymphocyte activity. The lymph system transports immune cells throughout the body and supports immune function. For this reason, rebounding is often suggested as a detoxifying and immune boosting activity. Click on this link to order yours today
7. Nourish your body.
Eat Grass fed meats, pastured poultry, wild fish, cage free eggs, whole organic fruits and veggies, flax seed oil, avocado’s ( good fats) pumpkin seeds, organic apple cider vinegar, lemons, mushrooms, garlic, coconut oil, zucchini, celery, more fiber, brown rice and quinoa. Eat 2 snacks and 3 meals a day. Make sure you getting plenty of vitamins. Drink plenty of water! You should take you body weight & divide it by 2, that is how many ounces you are to drink per day. I also drink 2 tablespoons of braggs organic apple cider vinegar per day.
Stay away from sugar, dairy ( until you know if you can tolerate it) , all gluten, no white foods, no processed foods, artificial colors and addictive’s.
Having Hypothyroidism you are to limit raw Cruciferous vegetables intake it can hinder the absorption of your medication. Read more here about it. Please do eat your cancer fighting cooked veggies.
Are you still confused about what to eat? Maybe you shouldn’t think about what your not eating and focus on what you can. Having hypothyroidism and anxiety isn’t a curse it’s a chance to become better from the inside out. Here is a sample menu of what my day looks like. Don’t forget to keep a food log!
4:oo am wake up 20oz of lemon water with thyroid medication
4oo – 4:30 exercise rebounder ( when your adrenals are low you shouldn’t exercise more than 45 minutes due to your already high cortisol levels in your body) Click on these links to find out more about that.
Click Link 1 Help! What To Do About High Cortisol Levels
Click link 2 Cortisol and Thyroid Hormones
Click link 3 Adrenal fatigue: Healing a hormone imbalance
Breakfast
1 boiled egg, 1/2 cup gluten free oat brand, 1 teaspoon coconut oil, 1/4 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon flaxseed meal, banana
Gluten free oat bran because- it’s gluten free, high in protein , high in soluble fiber. It’s high in vitamin B and has iron. This is a stick to your guy breakfast.
Snack
Pineapple cup ( anti-inflammatory with digestive benefits, vitamin C, copper, B1 and B6, improves thyroid function) with 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds ( ( tryptophan, vitamin E, Vitamin k, iron potassium, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium and good fat) and dried unsweetened coconut flakes ( good fat)
Lunch
Smoothie or a Simple salad or you can have your smoothie for breakfast and eat your oat bran for lunch? There are many options
Smoothie- 1 cup organic Romaine lettuce,1/2 organic cucumber peeled, 1 diced whole organic apple with peeling, 1 organic celery stalk, 1 cup of filtered water, Add a scoop of Raw Meal and I also add a teaspoon of dulse flakes a few times a week. Having Hypothyroidism makes you have very low iodine. Dulse flakes is an excellent way to boost your iodine naturally thru foods.
At lunch I also take what my body needs in vitamins, although it might seem like a lot to some, it is what my needs right now.
Organic life vitamins, Super b complex, caltrate (D3), probiotic
Snack
organic apple with 1 boiled egg( protein)
Dinner
Quinoa with Grilled Zucchini, Garbanzo Beans, and Cumin
Along with a simple salad and here are 3 thyroid friend salad dressing recipes
( Yes, I checked to make sure I am not overdosing on any of my vitamins)
Epsom salt foot soak ( magnesium) I don’t do this everyday but a few times per week. If you have high blood pressure this isn’t a good option for you. It can raise your BP.
For adults, the recommended dietary reference intake for vitamin C is 65 to 90 milligrams (mg) a day, and the upper limit is 2,000 mg a day. Although too much dietary vitamin C is unlikely to be harmful, megadoses of vitamin C supplements may cause: Diarrhea
Want more tips and information on Hypothyroidism/anxiety food fighting recipes and suggestions? Keep an eye for my latest E Book that will be able to download by your finger tips soon! The Kicking hypothyroidism’s booty ( Anti-anxiety style) I am still working on the title but the book is in motion.
Here is a breathing exercise video that does work By Dr. Pratt.
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Disclaimer
The information and recipes contained in blog is based upon the research and the personal experiences of the author. It’s for entertainment purposes only. Every attempt has been made to provide accurate, up to date and reliable information. No warranties of any kind are expressed or implied. Readers acknowledge that the author is not engaging in the rendering of legal, financial, medical or professional advice. By reading this blog, the reader agrees that under no circumstance the author is not responsible for any loss, direct or indirect, which are incurred by using this information contained within this blog. Including but not limited to errors, omissions or inaccuracies. This blog is not intended as replacements from what your health care provider has suggested. The author is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions, preparations or procedures discussed in this blog. All matters pertaining to your health should be supervised by a health care professional. I am not a doctor, or a medical professional. This blog is designed for as an educational and entertainment tool only. Please always check with your health practitioner before taking any vitamins, supplements, or herbs, as they may have side-effects, especially when combined with medications, alcohol, or other vitamins or supplements. Knowledge is power, educate yourself and find the answer to your health care needs. Wisdom is a wonderful thing to seek. I hope this blog will teach and encourage you to take leaps in your life to educate yourself for a happier & healthier life. You have to take ownership of your health.
references:
http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/hypothyroidism/symptoms-hypothyroidism
http://www.healthnutnation.com/2013/11/07/10-ways-naturally-stimulate-digestive-fire/
http://www.balancingbrainchemistry.co.uk/peter-smith/26/GABA-Deficient-Anxiety.html
http://www.chrisbeatcancer.com/rebounding/
http://thyroid.about.com/od/symptomsrisks/a/All-About-Goitrogens-thyroid.htm
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/oat-bran-vs-rolled-oats-1761.html
http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-raw-pumpkin-seeds-6627.html
http://healthylivinghowto.com/1/post/2013/02/what-to-do-about-high-cortisol.html
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
https://bragg.com/products/bragg-organic-apple-cider-vinegar.html
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