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Sometimes I want to shake people and say, “Wake Up”! You have the power to make a difference in your life. You’ve always had the power. No one can force you to become more aware of what you put on your body and what you put in your body. What you eat is just as important as what you put on your body. Adjusting your life, reading labels and catering to your specific health needs isn’t easy but it will benefit you in the long run. This is one of the smartest decisions that you can make. Not only will you start to look and feel better but think of the medical cost that you could be saving your future self.
Did you know that it takes 26 seconds for the chemicals in personal body care products to enter into your bloodstream? Makeup is an essential beauty item used by women to help enhance one’s personal appearance and self esteem.
Makeup can be fun, and anyone who wants to wear it should. However, I does seem to bother me when women aren’t aware that they are applying hundreds of layers of chemicals on their face. Although you may be enhancing your own personal appearance the chemicals in conventional makeup are often very harsh on the skin.
Beauty products gives me that confidence boost that I personally need to get through my day. It makes me feel comfortable, confident, empowered and bold in my skin. I also believe that it can be a form of art. This allows each individual to express themselves with makeup, body lotions and perfumes. Diet alone isn’t enough to help your body start fighting this battle that is raging in your body. The food you eat is your first line of defense against these hormone-disrupting chemicals are external substances that alter the functions of the endocrine system (the system of glands that produce secretions that help to control bodily activity).You must start addressing other area’s in your life that can cause inflammation.
Endocrine disruptors are tricky chemicals that play on our bodies.They increase production of certain hormones; decreasing production of others; imitating hormones; turning one hormone into another; interfering with hormone signaling; telling cells to die prematurely; competing with essential nutrients; binding to essential hormones; accumulating in organs that produce hormones. You can start avoiding these chemicals by starting with detoxifying your beauty routine.
If you want to protect your body from the harmful ingredients that are used in most commercial brands, you should check out organic skin care products and organic make-up. Start reading labels and asking questions. There is definitely a more-important list when it comes to being Successful to detoxing your beauty routine and Clean Beauty Swaps. I’ve managed to show you where to start—and why you should —along with a list of some easy switch outs.
Government regulations allow virtually any ingredient to be used in the manufacture of products that we use daily on our skin, hair, and nails, and in the water we drink. It only makes sense to start doing your own research.
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) establishes the regulations and standards in the United States regarding the manufacture of drugs & food. The problem is that they do not pay as much attention to skin care and make-up as they should, thereby allowing some very harmful chemicals to be used in creating almost every product that is mass marketed.
Have you taken the time to read or google what is in your personal body care products?
Some of the harmful ingredients that are used frequently in manufacturing the most common non-organic skin care and make-up items include:
Mercury
Dioxane
Nitrosamines
DEA
Cyclomethicone
Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
Alcohol, Isopropyl (SD-40)
Polyethylene Glycol
Polyethylene eth-
Emollients
Humectants
Emulsifiers
Surfactants
Preservatives
formaldehyde
How to Know You’re Buying the Best Organic Makeup Brands
The FDA doesn’t regulate what ingredients go into makeup products or the labels that are placed on them. A lip gloss may be labeled “organic” or “all-natural,” but it could just be a marketing ploy. Manufacturers know that there is a higher demand for natural products these days, so they’ll do anything to convince consumers that what they’re selling is indeed natural. Sometimes these products only contain about 10 percent “natural” ingredients with the rest are those nasty ingredients that are full of toxins – toxins that could be linked to cancer and Alzheimer’s.
In my opinion here is list of some of the top Organic Makeup Brands.
1.Cocoa butter is one of the leading natural moisturizers out there, providing essential fatty acids for healthy, youthful skin. Organic makeup, especially liquid foundation, may have cocoa butter or various nutrient-rich oils to provide a smoother, more youthful look. Your skin is the largest organ on your body. The ingredients in a good body cream will make a difference. Why cover your largest organ aka your skin with a petroleum-based, preservative, plasticizer, and fragrance-infused formulas that exposes you to everything from serious skin irritants to potential carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and other harmful toxins. On the other hand when you switch to a organic clean formula, you start to nourish your skin with benefits from the botanicals it’s made with.
2.This foundation goes on skin effortlessly and provides an instant youthful appearance with its pore perfecting perfection. Eight six percent of those who tried it found fewer lines and smaller pores, something that women with aging skin are sure to appreciate. It’s available in 12 different shades and will beautifully complement a variety of different skin tones. With added SPF 15, it helps to prevent future signs of aging while giving you an all-day finish that makes you feel fabulous and free.
3.Why would you allow yourself to eat what is in conventional lipsticks? You’re consuming dyes that aren’t even allowed in food: petroleum, plasticizers, and optical brighteners, along with the common cohort of endocrine-disrupting, potentially carcinogenic preservatives and “fragrances”.
This easy-to-use lip crayon is perfect for those that want softly colored lips that are perfectly poutable. Available in six different shades, KissZing is made with meadowfoam seed and jojoba oil to nourish lips while Shea butter keeps them soft and supple. These super soft lip crayons glide on smooth and add perfectly blended color. It doesn’t make lips crack and is perfect for all skin types. If you’re looking for soft, smooth lips splashed with delicate color, Origins’ KissZing may just become your new go-to lip color.
4. This amazingly blendable foundation is designed to reveal and enhance healthier looking skin, not just cover it up. It reduces the appearance of pores while rejuvenating the skin and is so lightweight you’ll feel like you’re wearing nothing at all. It can be used as a heavier foundation or as a light concealer depending on the look you’re going for. The coverage it provides turns out even and completely flawless no matter how you decide to wear it, and it will leave skin luminous. It’s available in five different shades to compliment a variety of skin tones.
Non-Toxic Ingredients
Created by Celebrity Make-Up Artist Rose-Marie Swift
5.Not your typical eyeshadow, RMS Eye Polish offers a veil of metallic hues in eight different inspiring shades. They are subtly glossy and offer a dramatic-as-you-wish look while leaving you with a youthful finish. It actually doubles as a fabulous eye cream that moisturizes and nourishes the delicate eye area, making them truly amazing for dry or aging eyes. Apply it sparingly like you would moisturizer and feel the fabulous results of a shimmer that makes eyes pop with a fashion forward finish.
6.This full-coverage formula available in four different shades will make it possible for you to start the day in comfort and confidence. It blends right into skin and provides incredible coverage leaving a flawless finish that will let you tackle anything your day brings while looking your best.
No Parabens, Nanos, Bismuth Oxychloride, Gluten or Talc
7.This very blendable powder foundation is one of the best organic makeup foundations out there, and it’s available in 19 different shades that look amazing on any skin type. Yep – even oily skin. It leaves skin soft and moisturized while providing flawless coverage. This is truly a pharmaceutical grade finish using all natural products that contain no chemical-based ingredients. It’s also gluten-free and won’t make you feel “funny” if you’ve got gluten sensitivities. This foundation gives you the coverage you desire without the need to risk your health to do so. If you’re looking for one of the best natural foundations you can find, Afterglow may be just what it is you’re after.
Infused with Soothing Organic Botanicals
Available in 19 Wearable Shades for All Skin Types
8.Available in both black and brown, this is the go-to for natural liquid eyeliners. It is silky smooth and draws on lids, effortlessly making lashes look fuller and eyes pop. Made with neem extract, jojoba and rose, this liquid liner won’t smudge or bleed and is certified free from any synthetic ingredients or preservatives.
9.This subtly shiny all-natural lip gloss adds just the right amount of shimmer when you’re looking for a glowing smile from luxurious lips. Gloss glides on smooth and can be worn alone or over your regular lipstick. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, the rose or ruby shades offer lips a glossy finish. Mango butter and apricot kernel oil are added to moisturize lips, while mica adds a gorgeous natural shimmer. This is a must-have for the natural girls who love their gloss.
10.Conventional lip balms and cheek tints are made primarily of petroleum jelly, with potentially toxic fragrance, flavors, and texturizers added in.
Tata Harper’s long-lasting lip and cheek tint is a must-have for ladies who like a splash of color on their cheeks to brighten up their look. Tata Harper has combined natural pigments with the latest natural anti-aging technology to bring a youthful glow by adding a bit of color while filling in age lines. This lip and cheek tint offers a plump appearance to make you feel gorgeous all day long.
11.When you switch from conventional to clean fragrance it not only saves your skin, your nasal and sinus passageways, and your lungs from exposure to a laundry list of problematic ingredients. These endocrine disruptors and are potential carcinogens. The word “fragrance” is a legal loophole where beauty companies can hide whatever ingredients they’d prefer to not list on their labels. At the same time, clean fragrances don’t just smell good—the botanical aromatics used can have homeopathic and aroma therapeutic. While not technically makeup, Love Potion had to make it onto this list because of just how sweetly this scent stimulates the senses. This blend of ten of the world’s most potent aphrodisiacs automatically inspires a strong sense of inner confidence and sensuality. Jasmine, orange peel, sandalwood and Ylang Ylang are just some of the aromas that will permeate the air as you embrace your inner goddess with this seductively sensual scent.
Blend of 10 of the World’s Most Potent Aphrodisiac Essential Oils
An Aromatheraphy of Love to Stimulate The Senses
$42.00
Dr. Hauschka Skin Care Lip Liner
12.This collection of lip crayons comes in twelve gorgeous shades, goes on smooth, lasts all day, and is made without parabens, sulfates or phthalates. Whether you like a soft pink, a striking red or a nice nude, you’ll find it in these fabulous matte cream lip crayons. Orange peel wax locks in moisture and color lasts throughout the day, and they’re gluten-free and made with food-grade ingredients. This is the perfect natural lip crayon for whatever color you choose to pucker up with.
13.This refreshing coconut-based liquid eyeshadow offers an all-natural youthful look. It makes eyes look and feel fresh and also contains argan oil, which only adds to the moisturizing and nourishing benefits of hydrating coconut. If you’re a girl who loves a little color swept over her lids, you’ll find six shimmering shades to brighten up your eyes and make you feel beautiful.
14.A good BB cream can take your look from polished to perfect, and lucky for us ladies that love them, Physician’s Formula has come out with a blendable BB cream made with all-natural ingredients and added vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. While thicker than some BB creams you may be used to, it is easy to spread and doesn’t look at all cakey.
15.Most conventional mascara formulas are made with with a petroleum-combustion byproduct called coal tar, synthetic preservatives and plasticizers. Mascara is a makeup essential, and the extensive line that Physician’s Formula is free of chemical solvents and uses natural biopolymers, natural preservatives and 100 percent natural color pigments. You can choose between their assortments of both regular and lash boosting varieties for whatever look you’re going for.
16.“Bloom” and “Summer Rain” are both two of their best-selling colors and after using Living Nature’s lipstick you’ll be sure to know why. Whatever color you decide on (and they’ve got quite an array), your lips are sure to stay moist while your color stays on. They don’t taste like anything either, which any woman that loves her lipstick knows is a huge bonus.
17.For all-natural liquid foundation, Living Nature can’t be beat. It goes on smooth, looks natural and offers a beautiful glow to your complexion. This foundation covers brilliantly, leaving you with a flawless finish that can easily be worn during the day or done up more dramatically at night.
19. Deodorants:
I’ve been making my own deodorant for years. I wanted to share a recipe out of my latest book, A Survivor’s Cookbook Guide to Kicking Hypothyroidism’s booty. It all started when I came across an article on the Internet about how aluminum-based
antiperspirants may increase the risk for breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease
and kidney disease. (Scientists noticed that dialysis patients who
had these high aluminum levels were more likely to develop dementia
too.) Our bodies are supposed to sweat. Sweat isn’t inherently stinky
either. In fact, it’s nearly odorless. The stench comes from bacteria that
break down from one of two types of sweat on your skin. Deodorant
advertisers have done a pretty neat job of convincing us that we’re disgustingly
smelly people who in fact need to be refined and save our
stinky selves by their products. We’ve been wonderfully brainwashed
into thinking sweating is a bad thing. Sweating from the heat, sweating
from exercise, and sweating from stress are all different, chemically
speaking. Stress sweat smells the worst. That’s because smelly sweat
is only produced by one of the two types of sweat glands called the
apocrine glands, which are usually in areas with lots of hair—like our
armpits, the groin area, and scalp. The odor is the result of the bacteria
that break down the sweat once it’s released onto your skin. Fun fact:
While women have more sweat glands than men, men’s sweat glands
produce more sweat.
(You can pick your favorite scent. I like lavender or grapefruit.)
Mix baking soda and arrowroot together. Melt your coconut oil in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl. Mix all ingredients (the baking soda and arrowroot powder) with the oil. Pour into clean small mason jar. Add your essential oil to the mason jar; close with the lid. Give it a good shake to combine the essential oil with the other mixture. By doing it this way, you can still use that bowl to eat with. Once you mix that essential oil in the bowl, it can only be used for the purpose of making your deodorant. Everything you’ve used is edible except the essential oils.
20.SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONERS:
Hair products are loaded with powerful toxic fragrances and sulfates, endocrine-disrupting preservatives, potentially carcinogenic plasticizers and dyes are common ingredients. Switching to clean hair products are easy and its really easy to make your own for pennies on the dollar. This will make a big difference in your toxic chemical exposure levels, and not to mention the health of your hair. commercial shampoos also are strip your hair of the natural oils.
You can start avoiding these chemicals by making your own all natural cleaning supplies and being aware of the chemicals that you may purchase for your home and yard. In the books listed above, there are many recipes for all natural cleaning supplies. If making your own all natural house cleaning products isn’t your thing. Method is a good company that can ship it right to your door. They have a whole line of safe products.
Ingredients to Avoid
Forms Found in Cosmetics and Possible Negative Side Effects
Aluminum
Thought to contribute to Alzheimer’s Disease.
Found in almost all antiperspirants.
Works by blocking pores so sweat cannot be released by the skin.
Artificial colours
FD&C, derived from coal tar.
For example, Azo dyes are a risk to asthmatics, eczema sufferers and people sensitive to aspirin.
Causes hyperactivity in children, severe headaches, blurred vision and itchy/watery eyes and nose (Antczak, 2001).
Benzoates
Benzoates Benzoic acid, sodium benzoate or parahydroxy benzoate.
Used as a preservative in cosmetics and fizzy drinks.Causes gastric irritation, numbing of the mouth and aggravates asthma (Antczak, 2001).
Certain essential oils
Rosemary is harmful to epileptics.Sage is not recommended for pregnant women.
DEA, MEA, TEA
Causes allergic reactions, irritating to eyes and dries out hair and skin (Fairley, 2001).
Dibutyl phthalate
Found in all persons tested by the CDC (Center for Disease Control, USA) in a 2000 Fall study.
Highest levels were found in women of reproductive age.
Causes birth defects in animals, and damaging to the male reproductive system (ABC News, Internet Ventures 2000).
Used in cosmetics to assist the absorption of other ingredients.
Formaldehydes
A preservative.
Causes skin reactions.
Imidazolidinyl urea is the second most identified preservative causing contact dermatitis ( American Academy of Dermatology: Fairley, 2001).
DMDM hydantoin
Quaternium 15
Diazolidinylurea
2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1
3-diol
Fragrances
Can contain up to 200 undeclared substances (Fairley, 2001).
Major cause, in addition to artificial colours, of skin irritations and allergies (Antczak, 2001).
May cause dizziniess, skin irritation and hyperpigmentation (Fairley, 2001).
Genetically Modified Organisms
Soy, Corn
Effects still undetermined.
Isopropyl Alcohol
Drying agent, from petroleum.
Keratolytic chemicals
Such as hydroxyl acids, retinoic acid.
Corrosive, used in skin peels.
Dissolves the stratum corneum of the epidermis (outermost layer), making skin more sensitive to sun damage.
Accelerates production of dead skin cells; the skin thickens to repair its surface so that vulnerable skin cells underneath are protected from the effects of skin peeling.(Antczak, 2001).
Methylisothiazolinone
Causes allergic reactions and irritations (Fairley, 2001).
Parabens
Petroleum product.
Triggers skin irritations and may be an xerestrogen (Fairley, 2001).May play a role in falling sperm counts and rising breast cancer rates (Fairley, 2001).Used in 99% of all cosmetics (Fairley, 2001), and in many so-called ‘natural’ products.
Parraffin
Derived from petroleum.
In the form of wax, mineral oil or petrolatum.
Comedogenic, i.e.blocks pores.
Propylene Glycol
When derived from petroleum.
Increases the amount of acid in the body, resulting in metabolic problems.
Large amounts are needed to produce this effect (Agency forToxic Substances and Disease Registry or ATSDR, 2003).
Sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate
Forms carcinogenic nitrogen compounds when combined with specific ingredients.
Irritating to eyes, skin and lungs (Antczak, 2001).
Harmful if swallowed and may cause damage to eyes (Antczak, 2001).
Tallow
Animal fat.
Not suitable for vegans, and may be a skin irritant.
Toluene
Found in many nail products and nail polish removers.
Produced during the process of making gasoline and other fuels from crude oil or coal.
Evaporates into the air when products containing toluene are opened.
May affect the nervous system, and/or cause tiredness, confusion, weakness, nausea, or loss of appetite.
This is a New Year and a new you. I want you in 2017 regardless of the many daily issues and tasks that life throws at you. I want you to start putting YOU and YOUR health first. Try a new recipe, pull out that blender and make a smoothie, throw some ingredients in a crockpot, stop grabbing that take out burger. At the end of the day, the food we eat is the most important step in achieving best health. Eating is also entirely within our grasp. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, famously said, ” Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”. In other words, food can be your friend and it can be your foe. It’s all up to you. It’s always been up to you. Eat with thought!
You and your health are important to me, Bon Appetit!
-A.L. Childers aka Thehypothyroidismchick
I want to thank you for reading my latest blog. Please let me know if you need any support with it.
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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.
Most people when they switch to armour thyroid except that their extra weight will magically start shedding off…
And about 90% of people who make the switch don’t see those results.
Why does this happen?
While Armour Thyroid is a great medication (that will probably help reduce your symptoms even if it doesn’t help you lose weight) it isn’t enough for weight loss by itself.
If weight loss were that simple, then Doctors would be prescribing low doses of Armour to every patient!
The truth is that your thyroid is probably only contributing to about 10-20 pounds of extra weight you may be carrying right now.
If you have more than that to lose there is a good chance your extra weight is from something else entirely.
Another hormone imbalance…
Poor diet…
Too much stress…
You get the picture.
So let’s talk about the 5 main reasons that patients who make the switch to Armour Thyroid don’t lose weight and what you can do to FINALLY lose those extra pounds:
1. You Aren’t Being Dosed Correctly
One of the biggest issues is that many patients are being under treated or under dosed.
Armour thyroid contains a combination of T4 (the inactive thyroid hormone) and T3 (the active thyroid hormone).
One of the main reasons that patients feel BETTER on Armour Thyroid is because of the active T3 portion.
This means that when transitioning from T4 only medication to armour thyroid many patients are usually under treated!
It’s also important to note that many providers aren’t as comfortable dosing Armour Thyroid as they are levothyroxine and so they will intentionally under dose patients because they are concerned about side effects.
Transitioning from T4 only Medication to Armour Thyroid
If you transitioned from Levothyroxine (T4 only medication) then you should know how to properly convert your medication.
Most conversion charts will show that 100mcg of T4 = 1 grain of Armour thyroid.
In my experience 1 grain of Armour Thyroid is closer to 50mcg of T4.
Using this conversion you can see how most people end up under-treated.
They are previously on 100mcg of T4 medication and are subsequently switched to 1 grain of Armour and they feel no different, when in reality they have most likely just cut their thyroid dosing in half.
More accurate conversion looks like this:
50 mcg of T4 = 1 grain of Armour
100mcg of T4 = 2 grains of Armour
150mcg of T4 = 3 grains of Armour
But remember:
If you are transitioning from a T4 only medication do NOT start yourself off at the maximum dose of Armour.
If you dose your Armour too quickly you are likely to end up with side effects from the T3: Heart palpitations, Anxiety, Heat intolerance, etc.
Instead start off on a lower dose and titrate up SLOWLY every 10-14 days.
2. You Need More T3 Added to your Thyroid Hormone Replacement
While Armour does contain some T3, your body may actually need more.
Armour thyroid (and other forms of Natural Desiccated thyroid) contain fixed ratios of T4 to T3.
Meaning the amount of T3 in each grain of Armour is always the same.
In both of these conditions patients may require higher doses of T3 to saturate cellular receptors and allow thyroid hormone to get into the cells.
How do you know if you are someone who needs more T3?
Patients who need more T3 usually fall into one or more of the following categories:
They have high levels of Reverse T3
They have Leptin Resistance
They have Diabetes, Prediabetes or Insulin Resistance
They have extremely low body temperatures
They have a personal history of bipolar disorder or a strong family history of mental health disorders
They have a personal history of Fibromyalgia or Chronic fatigue syndrome
If you fall into any of the categories above AND you aren’t losing weight on Armour thyroid then you should talk to your Doctor about adding T3 to your regimen.
Adding T3 to Armour Thyroid
One problem with armour thyroid (and NDT in general) is the static dosing in each individual grain of hormone.
Each grain gives you 38mcg of T4 and 9mcg of T3.
This is ok for some patients but doesn’t allow for altering individual dosing of the T4 and T3 if necessary.
Patients with high stress, high levels of inflammation, leptin resistance, insulin resistance, etc. will generally require more T3 relative to T4.
Supraphysiologic dosing of T3 not only helps to overcome these hormone imbalances.
In my experience (and if used safely) lowering T4 dosing and increasing T3 dosing provides improved weight loss and improved lipid metabolism.
This is also confirmed with studies which have shown that transitioning from T4 to T3 dosing (based off of pituitary and TSH testing) improves all of these markers.
In many patients dropping armour thyroid total dosing and adding T3 can be sufficient to improve symptoms and provide improved weight loss by itself.
T3 can be added to armour thyroid with the following medications: Liothyronine, Cytomel or SR T3.
Leptin is a hormone that is pumped out by your fat cells (yes they pump out hormones!).
As fat cells grow, leptin levels increase. As they increase they are supposed to tell your brain to increase metabolism and start burning off that extra fat you just gained.
When you have leptin resistance the exact opposite happens: your body thinks you’re starving so it decreases metabolism and increases appetite (even though you have plenty of fat).
If you have leptin resistance it doesn’t matter how little you eat, how much you exercise or what your dose of thyroid hormone is…
Leptin levels can be tested easily in the serum and fasting leptin levels higher than 10-12 indicate leptin resistance.
Patients with leptin resistance generally require higher levels of T3 only medications to help reduce the T4 to reverse T3 conversion that occurs with this condition.
It’s important to note that leptin resistance is generally a late finding and indicates that heavy metabolic damage has occurred.
Leptin resistance is often accompanied by insulin resistance and thyroid resistance (all three conditions are caused by the same thing).
Patients with leptin resistance generally require aggressive treatment to reverse leptin levels to help with weight loss.
To see a case study example treatment plan please refer to this post.
I’ve outlined how to treat leptin resistance in this article.
4. You are Reacting to Inactive Ingredients in Armour Thyroid
Not all forms of Natural Desiccated thyroid are created equal.
While it’s true 1 grain of armour thyroid contains the same amount of active thyroid hormone (AKA active ingredients) as a grain of WP thyroid or Naturethroid – they differ in the inactive ingredients that they contain.
And it is the inactive ingredients that may cause non specific reactions in the body.
In addition these inactive ingredients may alter the breakdown and digestion of which then alters the absorption of thyroid hormone in the body.
It’s also possible that you may simply be reacting to the inactive ingredients and wrongly attributing your “negative” symptoms to thyroid hormone component.
Using the table below you can see that the NDT form of thyroid hormone with the least amount of ingredients is WP thyroid – though this doesn’t necessarily mean that it is the “best”.
These changes in inactive ingredients help to explain why some patients react poorly to Armour thyroid with symptoms like headaches, worsening fatigue or rashes – only to find that these symptoms completely resolve upon switching to naturethroid.
Again it’s not the difference in the concentration of thyroid hormone in each individual medication but most likely a reflection of digestion and absorption.
These are the inactive ingredients in armour thyroid that may cause some patients to either do better on the medication or worse.
You can think about methylcellulose as a glue which holds on tight to the thyroid hormone component of the medication, and in order for absorption your body must break the grip.
Unfortunately many patients with hypothyroidism also have gastrointestinal issues including low stomach acid.
This may result in decreased absorption of thyroid hormone or a “delayed” release of the medication into the blood stream.
This exact process is what happens when patients take Sustained release T3.
The “slow release” comes from the fact that it is harder to digest and absorb in the body, but this also reduces the overall amount of hormone available in each dosage.
In general patients with GI related issues tend to do better on WP thyroid or tirosint which both have fewer inactive ingredients and absorption tends to be better.
Bottom line: If armour thyrod isn’t helping you (either with weight loss or you still remain symptomatic) you might consider switching to a different from of NDT like Naturethroid or WP thyroid.
5. Your Reverse T3 is too High
If you aren’t familiar with Reverse T3 please read this article.
To recap:
T4 = INACTIVE storage form of thyroid
T3 = ACTIVE thyroid hormone
Reverse T3 = INACTIVE thyroid metabolite that competes with T3 for cellular binding
The higher Reverse T3 generally the more hypothyroid you will feel (unless the Reverse T3 is compensatory due to supraphysiologic levels of free T3).
Because T4 has the ability to turn into T3 or Reverse T3 we need to concern ourselves with what causes the body to preferentially create more reverse T3.
Reasons your body may produce Reverse T3 from T4:
Thyroid medications containing T4 (Synthroid, Levothyroxine but also NDT like armour thyroid) – This acts as substrate and in the presence of inflammation or other hormone imbalances your body may produce Reverse T3 over T3
Inflammation – From conditions like SIBO, Hashimoto’s, Food allergies, nutrient deficiencies, medications, etc.
LPS – Usually caused by increased intestinal permeability (SIBO, SIFO, SIBO, leaky gut, etc.)
Certain Medications: Anti-depressants, diabetic medications, anti seizure medications, blood pressure medications, Narcotics, etc. (Please don’t stop taking these medications if you are on them, but consider discussing options with your Doctor)
Two things should pop out to you after reading that list:
1) Thyroid medications containing can contribute to elevated reverse T3 levels
2) If you fall into one or more of the categories listed above AND you are taking T4 medication (including Armour thyroid, but especially T4 only medications like Synthroid or Levothyroxine) then your medication may be contributing to your inability to lose weight.
What happens when Reverse T3 levels are too high?
As Reverse T3 levels climb your cells will have more difficulty taking up active thyroid hormone.
This leads to a situation where you will have the symptoms of hypothyroidism but your lab tests may be “normal”.
Your temperature will drop, your metabolism will drop, your appetite will increase in an attempt to compensate for the low metabolism, etc.
All of these changes ultimately lead to weight gain.
The real question is what do you do about it?
How do you fix high Reverse T3 levels?
Because high levels of reverse T3 can be caused by different factors, the best way to treat it is to identify the cause in your body and attack that.
For instance:
If you have high levels of insulin – you need to lower them (use this as a guide)
If your T4 containing medication is too high you may need to decrease your T4 dose and/or increase your T3 dose.
Etc.
BUT addressing and fixing the cause of the high reverse T3 usually isn’t enough by itself.
For the most benefit this therapy should be coupled with a reduction in the total amount of T4 medication and an increase in the total amount of T3 medication you are taking.
Armour Thyroid is a great medication and it CAN help you lose weight but it is not a magic weight loss pill.
At most it will help you lose 10-20 pounds. If you have hypothyroidism and are more than 20 pounds overweight there is a high chance your weight gain is due to some other hormone imbalance.
If you switched to Armour recently and haven’t lost ANY weight then make sure you have addressed these 5 areas: your dose, how much T3 you are taking in addition to Armour, your leptin levels, your allergies and sensitivities to inactive ingredients in medications and finally your reverse T3 level.
Remember:
You won’t be able to lose weight unless all 5 of those areas have been addressed and reversed (if necessary).
Now I want to hear from you:
Are you taking Armour Thyroid? Has it helped you lose weight?
Why or why not?
Leave your comments below!
This is a New Year and a new you. I want you in 2017 regardless of the many daily issues and tasks that life throws at you. I want you to start putting YOU and YOUR health first. Try a new recipe, pull out that blender and make a smoothie, throw some ingredients in a crockpot, stop grabbing that take out burger. At the end of the day, the food we eat is the most important step in achieving best health. Eating is also entirely within our grasp. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, famously said, ” Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”. In other words, food can be your friend and it can be your foe. It’s all up to you. It’s always been up to you. Eat with thought!
You and your health are important to me, Bon Appetit!
-A.L. Childers aka Thehypothyroidismchick
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.
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.
Sometimes we have to do a little pruning of the branches, in order for the tree to be healthy again. A number of things can be the reason why you have hormonal imbalances, food intolerances, thyroid issues, adrenal fatigue, weight gain, insomnia, personality changes, leaky gut, depression, an autoimmune disorder, chronic pain, no metabolism and low sex drive, bloating, anxiety, menstrual problems and infertility. It starts with becoming aware and how your health can be influenced by many different circumstances.
How would you define good health? Logically one would define good health as absence of a disease or following some sort of ground rules that avoid developing a disease. This book can help you begin to understand what a Keto Autoimmune protocol is and start guiding you in the redevelopment and healing of your body. You will begin to 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. Along with helping to reset those adrenals, boosting that energy and doing a little ass kicking to those hormones that have decided to act like a wild college student and pull an all-nighter the day before final exams.
Your health doesn’t have to be a difficult situation but a positive realization that things need to change. This new lifestyle change has many parts to it and I hope you will embrace not only the physical but the spiritual awakening. Common food intolerances that are known to trigger inflammation are eliminated in this Keto AIP protocol are Nightshades, Eggs, Grains (gluten), Dairy, Legumes, Corn, Soy, Dairy and lectins.
This is a 21-day Meal plan to reset your thyroid and jump start your weight loss journey. It is filled with 21 smoothies breakfast recipes( bonus 14 other thyroid friendly breakfast idea’s) , 21 lunch recipes and 21 dinner recipes. They are packed full of nutrients, healthy fats and proteins. All are easy to make and I’ve done all the thinking for you! All you have to do is prepare the foods and eat. It takes 21 days to form a new habit, it will most likely take that long for your mind and body to stop opposing your new lifestyle change. Three weeks really isn’t a very long time. If you find yourself in a rut and coming up with excuses. You can regain control by reminding yourself that you only have to do it for 21 days. Motivate yourself to exercise. Choose something you honestly like to do and won’t loathe at least 3 times a week. Create an exercise plan that seems easy to accomplish. (And, stick to it!) Give yourself a chance and commit to yourself to stay with the program for 21 days.
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.
Throughout my latest book, you will find useful, informative and easy to understand recipes for your mind, body and spirit. When I started writing this book, I wanted to introduce you to the idea of a cleaner less toxic world and for you to learn just how simply easy it is for you to start creating your own cleaning recipes throughout your home but this book has transformed into so much more than just a book full of all natural DIY recipes.
This book will enlighten you and help you have a deeper understanding of not only why you should be more aware but how to be more aware.
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.
Buddha bowls are a powerhouse packed with nourishing comfort foods that will fill your belly and soul. They are an abundance of healthy goodness piled in a single bowl. These beautiful bowls will make you appreciate a way of eating is thought to be “ideal” for reducing toxins in the body and lowering your risk of chronic diseases. These bountiful bowls are similar to macrobiotic aka macro bowls in that the preparation and presentation stems from the roots of the eating principles of Chinese and Japanese medicine and include raw or roasted veggies, beans, healthy whole grains , like brown rice, farro or quinoa, and sometimes fish, with every meal. Budda bowls are an illustration of clean eating at its finest. Each powerful ingredient is beneficial and jammed packed with nutrients. Not only do these bowls fill you up, but they help ease constipation and promote healthy bacteria growth in our bellies! Sounds like a Win – Win – Win situation to me.
Make Your Own Budda Bowl
It’s so simple to make and the best part is there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to make a Budda bowl. Here are some ideas to make a well-balanced, more-rounded, mouth watering bowl. Let TASTE and VARIETY be your guide. Your possibilities can be endless if you try to follow the basic formula of grain + green + protein.
Whole Grains = 20-30% of the bowl
Start your bowl with a sturdy foundation. Aim for whole grains such as brown rice & fluffy quinoa.
Grains are rich in nutrients, fiber, B vitamins, antioxidants, and trace minerals. They will help fill you up and also keep your bathroom visits more frequently. let’s not for get the they promote healthy bacteria growth in your gut too.
Vegetables = 40-60% of the bowl
Eat the rainbow. Add veggies in various forms, with the ability to layer. Avocado, onions, sweet potatoes, snap peas, sprouts, mushrooms, cucumbers, red bell peppers, tomatoes, asparagus, carrots, zucchini, and squash are great options.
Vegetables are great they give you of potassium, fiber, beta-carotene, calcium, folic acid, vitamin A, and vitamin C. They will help you maintain healthy blood pressure. Vegetables also reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. So eat your veggies today!
Protein = 5-10% of the bowl
An important source that’s vital to give you energy. Pair your protein to pull out the flavors with beans, boiled eggs, turkey, chicken, steak, fish, spiced chick peas, or cheese.
Protein are a vital source to the maintenance of your body. It serves as the building block for bones, muscles, skin, cartilage, and blood. Keep in mind you don’t have to get your protein solely from meat. Beans, quinoa, eggs and vegetables have sustainable amounts of protein too.
Fermented = a pinch of probiotics
Pack in some punch with golden sauerkraut or pickled vegetables.
Fermented foods are a great source of probiotics (hello gut and a healthy immune system), not only do they have B vitamins, which will improved mood and energy. The Probiotics also help introduce beneficial bacteria into your digestive system. This will help you absorb more of the nutrients in the foods you eat.
This is a New Year and a new you. I want you in 2017 regardless of the many daily issues and tasks that life throws at you. I want you to start putting YOU and YOUR health first. Try a new recipe, pull out that blender and make a smoothie, throw some ingredients in a crockpot, stop grabbing that take out burger. At the end of the day, the food we eat is the most important step in achieving best health. Eating is also entirely within our grasp. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, famously said, ” Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”. In other words, food can be your friend and it can be your foe. It’s all up to you. It’s always been up to you. Eat with thought!
You and your health are important to me, Bon Appetit!
-A.L. Childers aka Thehypothyroidismchick
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.
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.
Today’s blog is a double duty one. My fellow hypothyroidism suffers often tell me that they know they should eat more salads, but they just can’t find a way to like it. I highly recommend this salad if you want a great, light and easy meal with tons of flavor. Your mouth will be totally impressed! This salad is very refreshing and full of flavor. Every bite packs a hypothyroidism fighting punch! So much of our lives revolve around food. Its a staple everywhere from ads on social media to mouth watering commercials on television. I am such a major foodie to the point where all of my books are about food! I blog about food all the time. Food understands our emotions in ways no words will never. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be so complicated What we eat should be fun, healthy, healing, sometimes funky and always fresh.
Today I will share a recipe that is my GO-To salad recipe that I keep in my fridge. This salad might just be that game changer for you if you loathe your vegetables. I love sharing delicious and easy food ideas.
The three macronutrients – carbs, fat, and protein – make any meal complete. Always add some kind of good protein and lots of healthy fats to your salad for a well-rounded, satisfying meal (the veggies provide your good carbs).
–Some examples of good proteins: beans, nuts, seeds, hemp, lean organic chicken or turkey, salmon, tuna, cooked quinoa
Many over the counter salad dressings are filled with trans fats, sugar, preservatives and artificial ingredients and flavors. Read labels. You would be shocked at some of the ingredients. Do your best to stay away from store-bought and mayo-based dressings, most of the time they’re usually unhealthy and expensive. You can easily make your own with salad dressings with a few ingredients. All it takes is a little extra time and effort. Do you want your dressing to come from a lab or your kitchen? All vinaigrette recipes can be prepared ahead and stored in your refrigerator in a sealed mason jar with a lid for 1 week. If you are needing more recipes check out my book A survivors cookbook guide to kicking hypothyroidism booty where you can find a ton of recipes that fit every hypothyroidism fighting occasion.
My Big 7 layer Hypothyroidism Salad
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Makes 2 large servings
This is my personal favorite combo of salad ingredients, please feel free to add anything you’d like and make it your own. I eat this salad 4-5 days per week and never get tried of it and it never gets old.
Ingredients:
3 handfuls mixed greens, medium chopped
1 cucumber, diced
2 roma tomatoes, diced
2 tbsp. finely chopped red onion
½ avocado, diced
1 red/orange bell pepper, diced
2 tbsp. raw pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup diced green olives
Dressing
1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 slice fresh garlic, chopped or minced
Pinch of oregano
Salt, pepper to taste
4 Tbsp olive oil
1. CLEAN, slice, dice and layer salad ingredients. 2. MIX dressing ingredients in a bowl, stirring with a fork, and give it the sniff test (if it smells too much of vinegar, then add more oil). Add to salad ingredients. 3. TOSS, and enjoy!
P.s. If you decide to add black beans just One cup of black beans contains half you daily dose of hunger-crushing fiber and about 15 grams of protein. But there’s another reason black beans are a dieter’s best friend—studies show adults who eat beans weigh less than those who don’t.
You can pair this salad with a delicious bowl of hearty soups. You find its hard to decide which one to make. What I love about these soups are the fact that I can make them in minutes in my own home. They are gluten free too! Just what your thyroid needs to give it that extra food fighting punch. These dry soups are like no others. From prep to taste its a completely unique experience. The method is simple , fast and easy.
This is a New Year and a new you. I want you in 2017 regardless of the many daily issues and tasks that life throws at you. I want you to start putting YOU and YOUR health first. Try a new recipe, pull out that blender and make a smoothie, throw some ingredients in a crockpot, stop grabbing that take out burger. At the end of the day, the food we eat is the most important step in achieving best health. Eating is also entirely within our grasp. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, famously said, ” Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”. In other words, food can be your friend and it can be your foe. It’s all up to you. It’s always been up to you. Eat with thought!
You and your health are important to me, Bon Appetit!
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.
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.