Everywhere you look social media is advertising some sort of weight loss miracle products. They are promising amazing results with their  “flowery language” if only  you buy me.  Giving you a little nudge of hope and motivation that you will  lose weight.  What if I told you that I’ve found a revolutionary breakthrough; A little magical bean that has scientists saying.” They’ve found the  weight loss cure for every body type” and it’s a very easy  answer to bust that body fat for good.

There isn’t a magical bean and I can’t twitch my nose like Samantha on Bewitched to make it all change. I had to come to the realization that this was on me. As I look in the mirror with disgust. This isn’t what I envisioned me looking like at 45. Why did I have a ridiculous notion that I could put on a pair of pants and not have a layer of skin hanging over.

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism after the birth of my twins when I was 25. Like many other people with this illness, I was misdiagnosed and “labeled” with many different things  for years before my real issue was recently discovered. I started seeing a new doctor and asked him to do a entire thyroid panel on me, to check me for thyroid antibodies and to check anything that you can check in that tube of blood. Finally, I had answers and it wasn’t wait I wanted to hear but it was what I expected. My body has been taken over and invaded by Hashimoto’s.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis; an autoimmune condition where my immune system attacks my  thyroid like it is alien invader.  The same way the body attacks a cold or the flu. My thyroid wasn’t producing the hormones my body needed to function. Those hormones—named triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) suppress the level of TSH in the body. When T3 and T4 levels are low, the TSH level in the blood tends to climb. After many years of being attacked, my thyroid has became inflamed and had stopped producing the T3 and T4 hormones my body needed to regulate my metabolism.

The clinical list of  Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is commonly defined by weight gain, fatigue, brittle hair, difficulty concentrating, tiredness, feeling colder than normal, dry and itchy skin and  goiters. Let’s not forget to mention you can also be labeled with depression. So many doctors tried to force antidepressants on me and with every fiber of my being I refused and couldn’t scream loud enough ,”I AM NOT DEPRESSED, IT’S SOMETHING ELSE!”

Keep in mind that your thyroid has a relationship with all the hormones. It’s a very complex balance and there is no straight forward treatment of just treating your thyroid alone. 1st you must make sure your adrenal glands are in total support. Adrenal fatigue is a very common. Next, I had to get my cortisol levels stabilized. Now, with already having hypothyroidism my cortisol levels were already above average. Then I had to find the right medication for me. I knew this wasn’t an easy task but I was up for the challenge.

I had to forge a new lifestyle, make it fun and create my new normal. Mentally I had to prepare for this and keep in mind that the old me wasn’t a lesser person; she is a total superstar, and I’m very proud of who I was. It’s lead me to who I am  today.  I also couldn’t focus on all the years that I struggled terribly with the wrong diagnosis. So, I put on my big girl panties and charged ahead like a warrior queen

1.Start Supporting my Adrenal Glands

Your adrenals produce over 50 hormones that tell almost every bodily function what they need to be doing. These hormones affect every function, organ and tissue in the body. Eating refined foods and sugars will cause a spike in your blood sugar levels, which in return cause the body to release insulin and as a result the adrenal glands will release more cortisol. When your adrenal glands are compromised this puts your body in a catabolic state. Which means your body is breaking down. Since your thyroid glands controls the metabolic activity of the body, it will attempt to slow down the catabolic state by slowing down your metabolism. Many of the foods that I had been eating blocked nutrients from being absorbed such as whole grain bread, beans and tofu/soy products. These foods also created inflammation in my digestive tract. When there is inflammation in the digestive system undigested proteins leak into the blood stream creating a heightened immune reaction that often exacerbates thyroid issues. I had to focus more on eating the most nutrient dense foods possible and find my trigger food sensitivities. lastly, eliminate all processed food, high carbohydrates, gluten, corn, soy and sugar, plan meals around protein and healthy fats then load up my plate with vegetables.

I had to start eating  nutrient-dense foods that were  easy to digest and have healing qualities such as

• Coconut
• homemade bone broth
• grass fed meats
• pastured meats
• wild game
• pastured organ meats
• natural fats such as coconut oil
• grass fed butter/ghee
• full fat grass fed dairy
• mineral rich Himalayan sea salt
• wild fish
• Olives
• Avocado
• Cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, etc.) Cooked…. (Limit 2x week)
• Fatty fish (e.g., wild-caught salmon)
• Organic hormone free Chicken and turkey
• Seeds, such as raw pumpkin, chia seeds and flax seeds
• Kelp and seaweed
• Celtic or Himalayan sea salt
• fermented foods

2.Avoid Fluoride Blocks Iodine Receptors

Did you know that fluoride was Once Prescribed as an Anti-Thyroid Drug?   Up through the 1950s, doctors in Europe and South America prescribed fluoride to reduce thyroid function in patients with over-active thyroids (hyperthyroidism). (Merck Index 1968).   If you haven’t already, you should invest in a water filtration system to rid your tap water of fluoride. Do we really know how safe tap water is? Look at the recent events in Flint Michigan! Can you really trust the water companies? Although fluoride concentrations in tap water are relatively low and are considered “safe” for human consumption, it is not. Fluoride has long-term neurological and hormonal affects.  Fluoride is not an essential nutrient.  It is also that chemical that is commonly found in most toothpaste brands.  There is clear evidence that, when ingested at high doses, fluoride causes neurotoxicity. Fluoride also is understood to interfere with the absorption of iodine, possibly leading to an iodine deficiency and ultimately hypothyroidism.  To benefit your health, use fluoride free tooth or make your own tooth paste. Get a good water filtration system and purchase a filter for your shower head. We use a British Berkefeld.

Natural Tooth Paste Recipe

Natural Peppermint Toothpaste

1/2 cup coconut oil

3 Tablespoons of baking soda

15 drops of peppermint food grade essential oil

Melt to soften the coconut oil. Mix in other ingredients and stir well. Place your mixture into small glass jar. Allow it to cool completely. When ready to use just dip toothbrush in and scrape small amount onto bristles.

Homemade Coconut Oil Toothpaste Recipe

6 tbsp. coconut oil

6 tbsp. baking soda

15-20 drops of a food grade essential oil (peppermint, cinnamon, grapefruit or lemon taste great)

Melt to soften the coconut oil. Mix in other ingredients and stir well. Place your mixture into small glass jar. Allow it to cool completely. When ready to use just dip toothbrush in and scrape small amount onto bristles.

3.Natural Hormone Balancing

One approach to fixing thyroid issues  is the use of hormone therapy. You really need to meet with a holistic expert. There are many great holistic and naturopath doctors. Most often, synthetic hormones like Synthroid, Levoxyl, or Levothroid are used, which contain only the T4 hormone and no T3 – two hormones produced by the thyroid gland.  Thyroid conditions are serious business. You should always seek a professional who knows how to help you.  Our organs and glands like your thyroid, adrenals, pituitary, ovaries, testicles and pancreas regulate most of your hormone production, and if your hormones become even slightly imbalanced it can cause some other serious health issues.  Our gut health can also play an important role in hormone regulation.  Start loading up on up on rich sources of natural omega-3s like wild fish, flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts and grass-fed animal products. People don’t boost their omega-3 foods intake to balance out the elevated omega-6s they consumed. To many mega-6 foods will cause inflammation and lead to chronic disease. Eating more coconut oil, salmon, grass fed butt like Ghee and avocados will start to provide your body with essential fats that are fundamental building blocks for hormone production.  Supplements like digestive enzymes, probiotics, bone broth, kefir, fermented vegetables, and high-fiber foods can start to repair your gut lining, which also can help to balance your hormones. Caffeine will rise your cortisol levels and then it lowers your thyroid hormone levels and basically creates havoc throughout your entire body. Replace your morning coffee with herbal teas. Matcha tea is a great caffeine replacement and is loaded with antioxidants, weight loss benefits, and cancer fighting properties, heart health, brain power, skin health and a good Chlorophyll Source.  Last but not least GET OUT IN THE SUN! Free vitamin D, baby. 20 minutes a day is a great way to soak up some that free essential vitamin.  On the days where you can’t sit out in the sun you can supplement with a good D3 vitamin.

4.Fix your Gut  

A nutrient dense lower carb diet can help start to restore your  health  and improve  thyroid function but when digestion is impaired it may not be enough. Supplements can help produce thyroid hormone.  Get your level checked and supplement if low. Often people with Hashimoto’s have a very poor balance of beneficial strains of bacteria in their colon. This dysbiosis in the gut, caused by too much sugar, antibiotics and stress, can exacerbate autoimmunity. Taking a good quality probiotic is beneficial and eating fermented foods will help add back those lost beneficial strains of bacteria needed. A healthy gut plays a significant role in hormone regulation. Having a leaky gut or a lack of probiotic foods lining your intestinal wall can help cause a hormonal imbalance. For most of us, taking a quality probiotic supplement doesn’t have any side effects other than higher energy and better digestive health. As a society we have drastically cut back on our consumption of vegetables and of beneficial essential fatty acids ( flax, pumpkin, black current seed oil, dark green leafy vegetables, hemp, chia seeds, fish)  such as those found in certain fish (including salmon, mackerel, and herring) and flaxseed. This will allow give your body a boost to detox.  Detoxification and cleansing on a regular basis is beneficial for your thyroid gland because it helps lower inflammation.

5. It’s Okay to Say NO 

I’ve always been that type of person who put myself last. How can I take care of anyone else when my tank has ran empty. It’s okay to start saying no. It is vital that I start allowing myself to heal. I need to rest, de-stress and even pamper myself at times. If someone asks me to do something, I will think about how that will affect my life. I now understand that it is okay to not be so busy. It is okay to just rest on the weekends and not be a social butterfly. I have to start making  time for self care such as detox baths, mediation, walking, writing a gratitude list, doing EFT and even yoga. I’ve also changed jobs many times until I found one that was less stressful.

6.Embrace Life

We live in a fast paced superficial world. Where ever you go, there you are. You can’t always control the world around you. Take time to breathe everything in, think about what is going on and let circumstances unfold as they may. Why not allow the universe catch you.

7.Avoid artificial sweeteners and high fructose corn syrup

Artificial sweeteners are nothing but chemicals that were made in a lab by man. They are poisons and show never ever be consumed. They cause all kinds of health issues. Make sure you start reading you labels and avoid artificial sweeteners and high fructose corn syrup which seems to be in a lot of products. HFCS is a cheap ingredient and it makes us fat.

8.Exercise

Exercise — this is especially important to correct thyroid function. Walking briskly for 30 minutes a day is a good place to start. A rebounder is a good form of exercise too. If you were to use it for 10 minutes a day it will stimulate your immune system and help cleans out toxin from the cells. It also has been proven to reverse the aging process and reduces your body fat; firms your legs, thighs, abdomen, arms, and hips; increases your agility; and improves your sense of balance.

9.Avoid Unnecessary Body chemicals

These commonly found in items like antibacterial soap, deodorant, lotions, and makeup. These things are poisonous. Your skin is the largest organ in the body. Whatever you put on your skin goes into your body. I can’t preach this enough. If you can’t eat it, then don’t apply it to your skin. I understand this might not be 100% doable but every little bit helps your body.

10.   Find a homeopathic Practitioner

One who will start working with finding the root cause to your illness? Everything has a beginning and then it is can be like a domino effect on the rest of your health. Homeopathy is a form of medical treatment that brings the body into balance and can start getting to the root of your problems to find a solution. A good homeopathy doctor doesn’t treat your symptoms like most regular doctors do, they treat the whole person

$11.99 paper back Hashimoto’s Crock-pot Recipes: Added bonus: How I put my Hashimoto’s into Remission

Food is thy medicine, right? Actually it can work one of two ways. Food can be thy medicine or food can be thy death. This book is a guide that will inform you from the perspective of a women. You will also be able to determine what areas in your life that may need a little bit of work and the skills needed to improve those issues along with some fabulous recipes to help get you started on how to eat KETO AIP. I will also help you understand how to fix your gut, strengthen your immunity and fight inflammation with an autoimmune approach. The Keto AIP removes all the common inflammatory food triggers that stimulate a possible autoimmune reaction in the body. We’re going to start resetting those adrenals, boosting that energy and doing a little booty kicking to those hormones that have decided to act like a wild college student and pull an all-nighter the day before final exams.

A Women’s Holistic Holy Grail Handbook for Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s: How I healed my Hypothyroidism and Autoimmune Disorder with Personalized Nutrition

Food is thy medicine, right? Actually, it can work one of two ways. Food can be thy medicine or food can be thy death. This book is a guide that will inform you from the perspective of a women. You will also be able to determine what areas in your life that may need a little bit of work and the skills needed to improve those issues along with some fabulous recipes to help get you started on how to eat KETO AIP. I will also help you understand how to fix your gut, strengthen your immunity and fight inflammation with an autoimmune approach. The Keto AIP removes all the common inflammatory food triggers that stimulate a possible autoimmune reaction in the body. We’re going to start resetting those adrenals, boosting that energy and doing a little booty kicking to those hormones that have decided to act like a wild college student and pull an all-nighter the day before final exams.

The Keto Autoimmune Protocol Healing Book for Women: Strengthen Your Immunity, Fight Inflammation and Love Your Incredible Body

Fresh and Fabulous Hypothyroidism Body Balance: Learn How to Create Organic Non-Toxic Homemade Products for Your Skin, Health and Home

Breaking the Chains of Hypothyroidism: Unlock The Secrets That Help Women Begin to Heal and Get Out of Hypothyroidism Survival Mode

 

I want to thank you  for reading my latest blog.  Please let me know if you need any support with it. 

Otherwise, are we friends on Facebook yet?  If not let’s do that now, healing Hypothyroidism.   I like to connect on a more personal level there and often; offer social media only products that can only be accessed on my page and share daily updates along with recipes. Remember sharing is caring. Please share and post a comment to this blog! I would love to hear from you. Sign up for my blogs @ thehypothyroidismchick.com .  You can also  Follow me on instagram @ Thyroidismchick or Follow me on twitter @Thyroidismchick.

Health and Happiness,

Sources

• American Thyroid Association. http://www.thyroid.org. Accessed April 21, 2014.
• Armour® Thyroid. http://www.armourthyroid.com/. Accessed April 21, 2014.
• STTM. Natural Thyroid 101. http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/natural-thyroid-101/. Accessed April 21, 2014.
• PubMed Health. US National Library of Medicine. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001409/. Accessed April 21, 2014.