Monthly Archives: May 2025

👑 The Crown Isn’t Just for Show: The Queen, The Gangster, and The Girl Who’s Done Being Tested

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By A.L. Childers | amazon.com/author/alchilders
“She’s a Queen, but beneath her crown, there’s always a touch of gangster and a hint of psycho. Don’t test her.”

🎬 The Real Queens Weren’t Always on Thrones

Let’s be honest — every woman you know has a moment she could’ve snapped… but didn’t.
She smiled. She carried on. She kept the peace, wore the lipstick, answered the phone, folded the laundry, and returned the favor with a thank-you note she wrote while crying in the bathroom.

That’s the duality.
That’s the secret power.
That’s the Queen with a crown… and a switchblade in her purse.

👠 A Touch of Gangster, A Hint of Psycho

What they call “crazy” is usually just a woman fed up with being dismissed.

“You’re emotional.”
No, I’m aware.
“You’re dramatic.”
No, I’m direct.
“You’ve changed.”
No, I woke up.

The woman in the quote? She’s not dangerous because she’s unstable.
She’s dangerous because she’s steady — until she’s not.
And when she flips that inner crown forward and sets it down…
You better believe she’s ready to handle some kingdom business.

🔥 The Modern-Day Queen Isn’t Fragile — She’s Focused.

  • She can file taxes, hold down two jobs, and still remember your birthday.
  • She can cook dinner and drag you through the truth in the same breath.
  • She cries in the car and still shows up to lead.
  • She’s been underestimated, underpaid, and overqualified for most of her life.

And yet — she still walks in heels that don’t apologize.

This blog post is for her — for you.
If you’ve ever been called “too much,” “too loud,” or “too opinionated,” you’re not the problem.
You’re just the woman who remembers who she is.

🧠 Why We Snap (But Don’t Break)

There’s a scientific and spiritual reason women hold both soft grace and sharp instincts.

🔹 Psychologically, the dual response system (fight or flight) gets fine-tuned in women who’ve had to navigate trauma, abuse, or everyday disrespect. That “hint of psycho”? It’s her nervous system saying, “We’re not doing this again.”

🔹 Spiritually, many women are intuitive protectors. Queens of energy. Holders of ancestral memory. You carry the rage of your great-grandmother in your bones… and the hope of your granddaughter in your hands.

It’s not that you’re moody.
It’s that you feel everything and still keep showing up.

📚 For the Queens Who Are Done Shrinking: Read This

If this message struck a chord, you’ll love my books that honor healing, boundaries, and boss-woman survival:

  • 🧬 The Holistic Holy Grail Handbook for Hypothyroidism – For the woman sick of being told her fatigue is “just stress.”
  • 🍲 Hashimoto’s Crock-pot Recipes – Real food for real healing.
  • 🧠 Reset Your Thyroid: A 21-Day Plan – A meal and mindset reboot for worn-out warrior women.
  • 💼 Grown Women Don’t Babysit – My guide for navigating bills, babies, and boys who never grow up.

🔗 Find them all here: amazon.com/author/alchilders

👑 Final Word from a Freckled Oracle

You don’t have to explain your edge.
You don’t need permission to roar, reset, or walk away.
You are allowed to hold your head high while keeping one eye open.

Because being a Queen was never about being sweet.
It’s about being sovereign.
And you, my dear — are a force of nature in heels and grace.

So no, don’t test her.
But definitely, watch her rise.

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This post is intended for motivational, educational, and empowerment purposes only. It does not constitute mental health or medical advice. Always seek licensed professional guidance when needed — and never let anyone gaslight your inner Queen.

✍️ About the Author:

A.L. Childers is a Southern truth-teller, thyroid health warrior, and multi-genre author behind over 200 titles, including The Hypothyroidism Chick™ blog. Known for her sharp wit, deep healing insights, and no-nonsense storytelling, she’s the voice for women who got burned — but still showed up.
📚 amazon.com/author/alchilders
💻 TheHypothyroidismChick.com

📥 Click below to grab your printable PDF:
👉 Download Queen Survival Affirmation Page (PDF)

💥 Bite Back Naturally: Home Remedies for Canker Sores That Actually Work

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Because no one has time for a mouth volcano when they’re trying to survive autoimmune flare-ups and life’s nonsense.

😖 What Are Canker Sores, Really?

Canker sores — also called aphthous ulcers — are those annoying, painful white or yellow sores that pop up inside your mouth, usually on the gums, lips, or inner cheeks. Unlike cold sores, they’re not contagious, but they can pack a mean punch of pain, especially if you’re eating, brushing your teeth, or trying to enjoy life.

And for those of us with hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, or autoimmune conditions, we’re more prone to them due to inflammation, gut imbalances, and nutrient deficiencies.

💡 The Good News?

Nature’s medicine cabinet is full of mouth-friendly remedies that can help kick these ulcers to the curb — without trashing your thyroid.

Here are 9 tried-and-true natural canker sore remedies I’ve used myself, all backed by research and blessed by Southern grandmas and wellness nerds alike.

🍯 1. Raw Honey (Especially Manuka Honey)

Why it works: Honey is nature’s liquid gold. Manuka honey is antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. It promotes wound healing and coats the sore to reduce irritation.

📖 Reference: Al-Waili, N. (2006). “Topical honey application vs. acyclovir for the treatment of recurrent herpes simplex lesions.” Medical Science Monitor.

👉 How to use: Dab a little raw or Manuka honey directly on the sore. Do this 3x a day and don’t eat or drink right after.

🌿 2. Aloe Vera Gel (Food Grade or Pure Inner Leaf)

Why it works: Aloe soothes inflammation and promotes tissue repair. It’s often used in oral health rinses.

📖 Reference: Babaee, N., et al. (2012). “Evaluation of the therapeutic effects of Aloe vera gel on minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis.” Dental Research Journal.

👉 How to use: Swish with aloe juice or apply gel directly. Repeat 2–3x daily.

🧂 3. Baking Soda & Salt Rinse (pH Reset Power)

Why it works: These pantry staples neutralize acid, kill bacteria, and speed healing.

📖 Reference: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research – “Self-care and Mouth Sores”

👉 How to use:

  • Mix 1 tsp baking soda + ½ tsp sea salt in warm water. Swish, spit, repeat.
  • Do this 2–3x daily for 30 seconds at a time.

🥥 4. Coconut Oil (Yes, Even for Your Mouth)

Why it works: Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing — perfect for reducing pain and infection risk.

👉 How to use: Dab on with a Q-tip or try oil pulling — swish 1 tbsp for 5–10 minutes, spit (not in the sink!), and rinse.

🍵 5. Chamomile Tea Compress

Why it works: Chamomile contains bisabolol, a natural healing compound that reduces inflammation and acts as a mild painkiller.

📖 Reference: Srivastava, J. K., et al. (2010). “Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future.” Molecular Medicine Reports.

👉 How to use: Steep a tea bag, cool it, and press it gently against the sore for 5–10 minutes.

🌿 6. Licorice Root (DGL – Deglycyrrhizinated Only)

Why it works: Speeds up healing and soothes mucous membranes. DGL is safe for those with thyroid concerns because it’s processed to remove glycyrrhizin, which can affect cortisol.

📖 Reference: Das, S. K., et al. (2012). “Herbal treatments for oral ulcers.” Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine.

👉 How to use: Crush a DGL tablet or use powdered form. Mix with water, swish and spit 2x daily.

💊 7. Zinc, B12, or Iron Supplements

Why it works: Deficiencies in these nutrients are linked to frequent canker sores, especially in those with autoimmune thyroid conditions or poor absorption.

📖 Reference: Nolan, A., et al. (2002). “Recurrent aphthous ulceration and hematinic deficiency.” Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine.

👉 How to use: Ask your doctor to test your levels, and supplement under supervision — especially if you’re hypothyroid.

🛑 8. Avoid the Sneaky Triggers

Certain foods and ingredients are canker-sore bullies, especially when your immune system is already in overdrive. Common offenders:

  • Citrus
  • Pineapple
  • Gluten
  • Spicy foods
  • Chocolate
  • Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in toothpaste

👉 Try SLS-free toothpaste like: Hello, Burt’s Bees, or Tom’s of Maine.

🌱 9. My Secret Weapon: Slippery Elm Lozenges

Why it works: Slippery elm coats and protects the mucous membranes in the mouth and throat. Excellent for soothing soreness and boosting comfort.

📖 Reference: Singh, B. (2017). “Slippery elm: A potential herb for oral and digestive disorders.” Herbal Medicine Today.

👉 How to use: Suck on slippery elm lozenges or drink as a tea.

✋ Final Thoughts from a Freckled Truth-Teller

If you’re navigating hypothyroidism, autoimmune chaos, or just trying to live your life with fewer mouth fires, these remedies aren’t just helpful — they’re essential.

And guess what? Your mouth often shows you what your gut (and immune system) are going through. So treat the sore, but also check in with your nutrition, inflammation, and stress levels. Your body tattles in mysterious ways.

📚 Featured Books by A.L. Childers

If you want deeper healing tools, meal plans, and thyroid-safe living wisdom, check out my other titles:

  • 🥣 Hashimoto’s Crock-pot Recipes: How I Put My Hashimoto’s into Remission
  • 🧠 Reset Your Thyroid: 21-Day Meal Plan for Hashimoto’s Recovery
  • 🌿 The Holistic Holy Grail Handbook for Hypothyroidism: Herbs, Energy & Truth Bombs

➡️ Find all my books here: amazon.com/author/alchilders
📝 Or join me on the blog: TheHypothyroidismChick.com

⚠️ Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting new supplements, herbs, or remedies — especially if you have a thyroid disorder, autoimmune condition, or are pregnant or nursing.

Your free downloadable PDF is ready! 🎉

✅ Canker Sore Natural Remedy Guide
✅ Thyroid-Safe Oral Care Checklist
✅ Shopping List for Natural Mouth Health

📥 Click below to download your printable copy:
👉 Download Canker Sore Remedy Guide (PDF)

🥒 Dill Pickle Chicken Salad That Loves Your Thyroid Back

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A Hypothyroid-Friendly Recipe That Delivers Flavor, Comfort, and Function

By A.L. Childers | amazon.com/author/alchilders

If you’ve been navigating the frustrating maze of hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s, you already know: not all foods are created equal when it comes to supporting thyroid health. But what if I told you there’s a creamy, crunchy, flavor-packed chicken salad that actually loves your thyroid back?

Enter: Dill Pickle Chicken Salad
This isn’t your grandma’s chicken salad. It’s a protein-rich, anti-inflammatory powerhouse wrapped in a tangy, satisfying bite—perfect for meal prep, midday snacks, or an energizing lunch.

And yes—it’s got the zing of pickles, the creaminess of real mayo and sour cream, and the healing touch of fresh herbs.

🥗 Thyroid-Boosting Ingredients and Their Benefits

Here’s what goes into this delicious mix—and why your thyroid might just do a little happy dance:

✅ 2 cups shredded chicken

High in lean protein, which helps stabilize blood sugar and energy levels—critical for managing fatigue and brain fog associated with hypothyroidism.
Bonus: Chicken is a great source of selenium, a mineral essential for thyroid hormone conversion.

✅ 1¼ cups chopped dill pickles

Pickles support gut health with naturally occurring probiotics (if fermented). A healthy gut means better nutrient absorption—including iodine and selenium, both necessary for thyroid function.

✅ 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

Eggs are rich in iodine, selenium, and choline—three major nutrients for thyroid hormone production and brain support.
Bonus: The healthy fats in egg yolks also support hormonal balance.

✅ ½ cup chopped scallions (green onions)

Scallions offer antioxidants and natural detoxifiers that support the liver—which is responsible for converting T4 into the active T3 hormone your body needs.

✅ ¾ cup mayonnaise (choose avocado oil or olive oil-based)

Healthy fats are vital for thyroid health. Opt for a clean mayo made with avocado oil or olive oil to reduce inflammatory seed oils. These good fats help regulate hormones and boost energy.

✅ ¼ cup sour cream (organic or grass-fed if possible)

Provides calcium and gut-friendly bacteria that support digestion and nutrient absorption—important for anyone on thyroid medication or managing leaky gut.

✅ 1 Tbsp yellow mustard

Mustard contains turmeric and vinegar—both natural anti-inflammatories. Inflammation is a major trigger in autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s.

✅ 1 Tbsp sweet relish (or skip for sugar-free version)

If using, go for a no-sugar-added version to avoid glucose spikes. Keeping blood sugar stable is key to managing thyroid symptoms.

✅ 1 Tbsp chopped fresh dill

Dill is more than just flavor—it’s a digestive aid and rich in antioxidants. Fresh herbs help reduce inflammation and support immune health.

✅ ½ tsp garlic powder

Garlic supports immune regulation and inflammation reduction, which can calm the autoimmune response associated with hypothyroidism.

✅ Salt & Pepper to taste (opt for pink Himalayan salt)

Pink salt provides trace minerals, including iodine and magnesium, which support adrenal and thyroid function.

🥄 How to Enjoy It

  • Serve it on a bed of fresh greens
  • Scoop it into cucumber boats or avocado halves
  • Pile it high on a slice of gluten-free sourdough or almond-flour crackers
  • Make a protein-packed lettuce wrap

💡 Hypothyroid-Friendly Tip:

Avoid serving it with standard wheat bread if you’re sensitive to gluten. Gluten can be a trigger for many with Hashimoto’s or autoimmune thyroid disease. Opt for cassava, almond, or coconut-based alternatives.

🛍️ Want More Hypothyroid-Friendly Recipes Like This One?

Grab my healing books below:

📘 “Hashimoto’s Crock-Pot Recipes: How I Put My Hashimoto’s Into Remission”
📗 “Reset Your Thyroid: 21-Day Meal Plan to Reset Your Thyroid”
📕 “Fresh & Fabulous Hypothyroidism Body Balance: Organic DIY Products for Skin, Health & Home”
📘 “A Women’s Holistic Holy Grail Handbook for Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s”

✨ Find them all at: amazon.com/author/alchilders

Or visit: TheHypothyroidismChick.com

🧡 About the Author

A.L. Childers is a Southern health advocate and wellness author who’s helped thousands of women reclaim their energy, mood, and mental clarity through holistic living, thyroid-safe nutrition, and good old-fashioned grit. She writes with heart, humor, and real experience—because she’s lived it.

🛑 Disclaimer

This blog is based on personal experience and research. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace the advice of a licensed medical provider. Always consult your healthcare practitioner before making dietary changes, especially if you are on thyroid medication.

📄 Download the Recipe PDF:
Dill_Pickle_Chicken_Salad_Thyroid_Friendly_Recipe.pdf

🛒 Download the Shopping List PDF:
Shopping_List_Dill_Pickle_Chicken_Salad.pdf

🍂 The Craving for Autumn: Why Fall Awakens the Soul

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By A.L. Childers

“I crave the sight of colorful leaves.
Magical pumpkins…
and cinnamon-scented breeze.”
— The October Poet

There’s something about autumn that pulls at us. It’s not just the pumpkin spice or the Instagram-worthy foliage—it’s something deeper, something almost ancestral.

Fall is the season that whispers, “Slow down. Breathe. Feel.”

🍁 Why Do We Crave Autumn So Deeply?

1. It’s Nature’s Last Dance Before the Stillness

The vibrant colors of the trees aren’t just beautiful—they’re nature’s farewell performance before winter’s hush. In psychology, seasonal shifts trigger emotional shifts, and autumn often brings introspection, nostalgia, and a longing to reconnect—with ourselves and others.

2. We’re Wired to Nest

The cooler air stirs up an instinctual desire to cozy up, gather loved ones, light candles, and bake. It’s why cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove feel like comfort. Studies show that scent is the strongest sense tied to memory—and cinnamon, in particular, has been linked to feelings of safety and happiness.

3. Pumpkins and Leaves Spark Creativity

Whether you’re carving jack-o’-lanterns or watching leaves dance in the wind, autumn ignites the imagination. The return of crisp air and warm drinks is a cue to shift from survival mode to soulful mode.

4. It Signals Time for Rebirth

Oddly enough, while things are dying in nature, many people experience fall as a beginning. A new school year, new habits, a return to routine—all signal opportunity for change.

🧡 What This Season Teaches Us

Autumn tells us it’s okay to let go.
It’s okay to shed the dead things.
It’s okay to rest.

That craving you feel for fall?
It’s your soul saying, “I’m ready for stillness. For magic. For a moment that smells like cinnamon and sounds like crunchy leaves.”

✍️ About the Author

A.L. Childers is a multi-genre Southern writer known for weaving soulful truths into everyday stories. Her voice is part warmth, part wit, and always honest. Whether she’s writing about health, history, or heartbreak, A.L. believes in the power of words to ground, uplift, and connect us. Explore more at TheHypothyroidismChick.com or discover her books at amazon.com/author/alchilders.

🛑 Disclaimer

This blog is for inspirational and informational purposes only. It reflects the opinions and personal experiences of the author and is not intended to substitute medical or psychological advice. For mental health support, please consult a licensed professional.

🍂 Takeaway Thought

So go ahead—crave the color. Light the candle. Let the cinnamon-scented breeze wash over you.

You’re not being sentimental.
You’re being human.
And fall… is the most human season of all.

“Anxiety Is Loud—Even in Silence”

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Understanding the Battle Within When Your Mind Won’t Quiet Down
By A.L. Childers

If you’ve never lived with anxiety, you won’t understand me when I say this:
I am my own worst enemy.

And that isn’t just a cute Instagram quote I throw around when things feel heavy—it’s a reality that lives in my bones.

My brain doesn’t know what “off” means. It churns like an old washing machine, stuck on the spin cycle, sloshing the same fears and “what ifs” over and over again until everything is soaked in overthinking.

Sometimes, I even annoy myself.
Ever get mad at your own thoughts?
Yeah. That’s anxiety.

It’s walking into a room and feeling like everyone’s eyes are on you—when nobody’s even noticed you walked in.
It’s getting an attitude over an event that hasn’t even happened yet.
It’s crawling back into your shell until it feels “safe” to be seen.

Anxiety is:

  • Believing everyone will eventually hurt you
  • Feeling like your best will never be good enough
  • Doubting your own motives, your actions, your voice—every step of the way

And the cruelest part?
It’s not even other people.
It’s you, battling yourself.

🧘🏽‍♀️ 5 Quick Ways to Calm the Storm

Here’s one thing anxiety hates: presence.
When you’re truly in the now, anxiety has no room to breathe.

Try this simple but powerful 5-step grounding tool the next time your thoughts are spiraling:

🌿 1. See

Look around and name 5 things you can see.
A tree, your shoes, a crack in the wall, a lamp—anything. It brings you out of your mind and into the room.

🖐️ 2. Touch

Find 4 things you can physically feel.
The fabric of your shirt, the floor under your feet, the chair beneath you. Focus on sensation.

👂 3. Hear

Notice 3 distinct sounds.
It might be a ticking clock, traffic, your own breath, or even a bird outside. Let your ears do the grounding.

👃 4. Smell

Name 2 things you can smell.
Even if you don’t smell anything right away, breathe in and try. You might notice your shampoo, fresh air, or coffee nearby.

👅 5. Taste

Acknowledge 1 thing you can taste.
It could be gum, toothpaste, or just the air. Take a sip of water or bite of something small if needed.

💬 This is called the “5-4-3-2-1” technique. It works like a reset button for your nervous system—and it’s completely free.

💡 And can I tell you a little secret?

I’ve had moments where even a Halls cough drop pulled me out of a spiral.
Yep. The menthol hits, your focus shifts, and suddenly your brain gets the memo: We’re still here. We’re okay.
Never underestimate the grounding power of something small—a mint, a breeze, a prayer, or even a Halls.

💭 What I’ve Learned Along the Way:

  1. You’re not broken—you’re human.
    You don’t need fixing—you need compassion and tools.
  2. Your anxiety is trying to protect you.
    It’s just overdoing its job. You’re allowed to tell it, “Thank you, but I’ve got this.”
  3. You are not your thoughts.
    You’re the observer of them, not the prisoner to them.

✍️ Author Notes from A.L. Childers

I didn’t write this to complain—I wrote it to connect.
To say out loud what so many of us whisper in silence.
If anxiety has ever made you feel broken, please hear this: you are not broken.
You are sensitive, intuitive, and strong enough to face battles no one sees.

This blog is for every woman lying awake at 2 a.m.
Every man second-guessing a sentence he said two days ago.
Every teen hiding tears because they think they’re “just dramatic.”
You are not alone. And you are not your anxiety. 💛

🛑 Disclaimer

This blog is based on personal experience and is not intended to replace medical advice. If you’re struggling with anxiety or mental health challenges, please contact a licensed mental health professional. You matter, and support is out there.

📚 Resources

🔗 About the Author

A.L. Childers is a Gen X storyteller with a heart for healing, humor, and hard truths. She writes from the front lines of life—with freckles, faith, and a whole lot of fire. Explore her mental wellness blogs and holistic health books at TheHypothyroidismChick.com, and shop her titles on Amazon at amazon.com/author/alchilders.

Your free printable PDF is ready!

📄 Download here:
Grounding_Pocket_Guide_by_AL_Childers.pdf

Gen X and Hypothyroidism: Why Our Generation is Feeling the Burnout

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By A.L. Childers

It’s Not Just Exhaustion—It’s Your Thyroid, Darling
We’re the generation that grew up microwaving fish sticks and fixing our own after-school snacks. Now we’re running households, caregiving for both our kids and our parents—and wondering why we’re bone-tired even after 8 hours of sleep. Gen X is facing a silent epidemic: hypothyroidism.

And no, it’s not just “getting older.” It’s chemical exposure, chronic stress, hormonal changes, and a medical system that told us we were fine when we were falling apart.

The Alarming Rise of Hypothyroidism in Gen X
According to the American Thyroid Association, over 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease—and women are 5 to 8 times more likely to be affected. Most of them? Unaware.

Many of us went undiagnosed in our 20s and 30s. We thought our weight gain, anxiety, or hair loss was just part of life. Now in our 40s and 50s, the symptoms are louder, and we’re finally listening.

Symptoms Gen X Can’t Afford to Ignore

  • Chronic fatigue even after rest
  • Brain fog (losing your keys, forgetting your sentences)
  • Hair thinning or loss
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Constipation
  • Weight gain despite eating healthy
  • Depression, anxiety, or mood swings

Sound familiar? You’re not lazy. Your thyroid may be crying for help.

The Gen X Factor: Why We’re Vulnerable
We were the first microwave generation. Raised on Velveeta, Kool-Aid, and MSG. Add in endocrine-disrupting chemicals like PFAS, BPA, phthalates, and glyphosate in our food and water, and our thyroids never stood a chance.

Add to that:

  • Perimenopause and menopause transitions
  • Chronic stress and burnout
  • Over-medication and under-testing

No wonder our metabolism clocked out before we did.

Real Food, Real Fixes: What We Can Do

  • Get tested: Ask for a full thyroid panel (not just TSH!)
  • Filter your water: Avoid fluoride and heavy metals
  • Ditch fragrance-loaded products: Switch to clean skincare
  • Eat selenium-rich foods like Brazil nuts and eggs
  • Avoid ultra-processed junk—your thyroid hates it

Hypothyroidism and Hormones: The Hidden Link The thyroid is the thermostat of your body, regulating everything from metabolism to mood. When it’s off, your other hormones—estrogen, progesterone, cortisol—go haywire.

That’s why so many Gen X women are told “it’s just menopause” when in fact, it’s a thyroid storm happening under the surface.

Resources & References

About the Author
A.L. Childers is a Southern-rooted truth-teller, bestselling author, and lifelong survivor of both government cheese and thyroid dysfunction. She writes with humor, heart, and a heavy dose of “bless your heart but here’s the truth.”

🛒 Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/alchilders

📚 Must-Read Books:

  • It Wasn’t a Diet—It Was Just Being Broke: A Gen X Survival Memoir
  • From Tap Water to Thyroid Wreckage: What’s Really Making Us Gain Weight
  • Silent Struggles: Navigating Parenthood with Undiagnosed Neurodivergence

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any health decisions.

🔑 SEO Hashtags:
#HypothyroidismAwareness
#GenXHealth
#ThyroidFatigue
#ToxinsAndHormones
#PerimenopauseProblems

🎯 Search Keywords:
“Gen X thyroid symptoms”
“Hormones and hypothyroidism”
“Why am I tired all the time at 40”
“Clean living for hormone balance”
“PFAS and thyroid dysfunction”

Gen X Clean Living Tips: Healing Our Bodies in a Toxic World

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By A.L. Childers

It Wasn’t Just the Air Fresheners, Y’all We survived lawn darts, metal monkey bars, and powdered milk—but no one warned us about endocrine disruptors in our shampoo. Gen Xers grew up tough, but even we weren’t ready for what came next: PFAS, phthalates, xenoestrogens, and microplastics in places they were never meant to be.

Now we’re trying to heal decades of toxic exposure without losing our minds or our savings. If you’ve got joint pain, hormone chaos, mystery weight gain, or thyroid flare-ups, it’s not just “getting older.” It’s time to detox with wisdom, wit, and a little Gen X grit.

Why Gen X Is Waking Up Now We didn’t grow up in a “clean living” culture. We grew up in a “use Windex on everything and drink from the hose” culture. But now?

  • Our hormones are on a rollercoaster
  • Our hair is falling out
  • Our kids have food allergies we never heard of

And suddenly, we’re realizing clean living isn’t a trend—it’s survival.

Step 1: Detox Your Water, Not Your Wallet Tap water today often contains PFAS, heavy metals, chlorine, and even trace pharmaceuticals. Start small:

  • Use a Brita or PUR if that’s what the budget allows
  • Upgrade to a Berkey or reverse osmosis when you can
  • Avoid bottled water in plastic (hello, microplastics!)

Step 2: Say Goodbye to Fake Fragrances If your lotion, laundry detergent, or plug-in air freshener lists “fragrance” without details, you’re likely getting a dose of hormone-disrupting phthalates.

  • Switch to fragrance-free or essential oil-based products
  • Use baking soda and vinegar for household cleaning
  • Your house should smell like peace—not chemical peaches

Step 3: The Label Reading Revolution We used to shop by price. Now? We shop like detectives.

  • Avoid ingredients you can’t pronounce (Google is your BFF)
  • Look out for parabens, sulfates, and dyes in personal care
  • Ditch plastics with BPA and switch to glass or stainless steel

Step 4: Clean Eating on a Gen X Budget We remember when $5 could feed a family. Now that it barely buys lettuce, try these:

  • Buy in bulk: beans, rice, oats, frozen veggies
  • Shop Aldi, local farmers markets, and discount stores
  • Cook at home (your Crock-Pot is your 80s bestie reborn)

Step 5: Protect Your Peace, Too Clean living isn’t just physical—it’s mental.

  • Unplug from doomscrolling and toxic people
  • Spend time outdoors and move your body
  • Meditate, pray, or just breathe deep like it’s 1987 and you’re hiding in your room from your siblings

Resources & References:

  • EWG.org: Environmental Working Group product ratings
  • MadeSafe.org: Product safety certifications
  • NIEHS.nih.gov: Research on endocrine disruptors

About the Author: A.L. Childers is a Southern-rooted truth-teller, bestselling author, and lifelong survivor of both government cheese and thyroid dysfunction. She writes with humor, heart, and a heavy dose of “bless your heart but here’s the truth.”

🛒 Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/alchilders

📚 Related Books:

  • It Wasn’t a Diet—It Was Just Being Broke: A Gen X Survival Memoir
  • From Tap Water to Thyroid Wreckage: What’s Really Making Us Gain Weight
  • Silent Struggles: Navigating Parenthood with Undiagnosed Neurodivergence

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your trusted healthcare provider before making major lifestyle changes.

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#ThyroidHealthAwareness
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#ToxinsInFoodAndWater
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From Tap Water to Thyroid Wreckage: What’s Really Making Us Gain Weight

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By A.L. Childers

The Weight We Carry Isn’t Just Ours It’s not just age. It’s not just your metabolism slowing down. And it’s definitely not just that midnight snack. For Gen X women (and honestly, all of us breathing modern air), something deeper is going on—and it’s soaked into our water, food, and even shampoo. Welcome to the age of uninvited weight gain. The silent saboteurs? Endocrine disruptors, forever chemicals, and hormone hijackers that weren’t in your grandma’s garden.

PFAS: The Forever Chemicals Living in Your Blood Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are in your tap water, your nonstick pans, your makeup, and your takeout containers. These chemicals are linked to:

  • Thyroid dysfunction
  • Hormonal weight gain
  • Infertility and early menopause
  • Autoimmune issues

EPA and medical journals have sounded the alarm, but these chemicals don’t break down easily—they accumulate.

Why Gen X Had It Better (for a While) We grew up in the 70s and 80s, when dinner was made from scratch and food labels didn’t require a chemistry degree. Now? We’ve got artificial dyes, plastic particles, and hormone-disrupting additives in everything from cereal to salad dressing.

We weren’t overweight because:

  • We didn’t have 24/7 access to ultra-processed food
  • We had recess, chores, and walked everywhere
  • Our shampoo didn’t contain xenoestrogens
  • Our chicken wasn’t pumped full of hormones

It’s Not a Lack of Willpower—It’s a Systemic Problem You can’t out-Zumba endocrine disruptors. They mess with your hormones, metabolism, and brain chemistry. PFAS mimic estrogen. BPA disrupts insulin. Phthalates damage thyroid function.

And all of these are found in everyday items:

  • Tap water
  • Canned foods
  • Perfumes and lotions
  • Plastic containers

What You Can Do to Fight Back You don’t need perfection. You need awareness.

Start here:

  • Switch to glass or stainless steel for food storage
  • Filter your water with a reverse osmosis or Berkey filter
  • Read ingredient labels—fragrance = red flag
  • Choose organic when possible, especially meat and dairy
  • Support local farms and co-ops

Small changes can ease the burden on your body—and your thyroid.

Resources & References

About the Author A.L. Childers is a Southern-rooted truth-teller, bestselling author, and lifelong survivor of both government cheese and thyroid dysfunction. She writes with humor, heart, and a heavy dose of “bless your heart but here’s the truth.”

📚 Check out her latest memoir: It Wasn’t a Diet—It Was Just Being Broke — and more titles exploring thyroid health, environmental toxins, and survival with sass.

🛒 Author link: amazon.com/author/alchilders

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

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It Wasn’t a Diet—It Was Just Being Broke

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The Truth in the Twinkie: Why We Stayed Skinny in the 80s We weren’t counting carbs—we were counting fish sticks. If you survived on bologna, powdered milk, and your grandma’s leftovers, this one’s for you. Our “accidental diets” weren’t planned—they were a result of hard times, early store closings, and no delivery apps. We were broke, busy, and somehow still fit in our Toughskins.

Fast Food Closed by 8PM, Y’all No DoorDash. No late-night munchies. If you missed dinner, tough luck. And that was a blessing in disguise. Most nights, we had to eat what was at home or go to bed hungry.

We Were Skinny Because Life Was Active and Snacks Were Scarce

  • We walked—to school, the store, and friends’ houses
  • We had real recess (and sometimes a black eye from dodgeball)
  • We drank hose water (and lived!)
  • Snacks? Homemade if you were lucky

Enter: Perimenopause, PFAS, and All the Things Now? We’re marinating in toxins. PFAS in the water. Estrogen-mimicking chemicals in shampoo. Microplastics in our bloodstreams. And don’t get me started on the food labels. Our hormones are in survival mode, y’all.

Why Clean Eating Was Easier When You Were Broke

  • No one had money for takeout
  • Dinner came from a Crock-Pot, not a drive-thru
  • Your grandma’s Sunday chicken fed everyone twice

Gen X Parenting Truths: We’re Tired, But We’re Trying We’re raising kids in a world we don’t even recognize. And while we try to model wellness, we’re also navigating full-time jobs, perimenopause, autoimmune issues, and the rising cost of lettuce.

Budget-Friendly Detox Tips for Real-Life Women

  • Buy beans and rice in bulk
  • Filter your water (start with a Brita if that’s what the budget says)
  • Avoid synthetic fragrance (those plug-ins? Toss ‘em!)
  • Google anything you can’t pronounce

Closing Truth Bomb It wasn’t a diet. It was survival. We didn’t choose clean eating—we just couldn’t afford junk food every night. Now we fight new battles with old grit. And we’re still standing.

About the Author
A.L. Childers is a Southern-rooted truth-teller, bestselling author, and lifelong survivor of both government cheese and thyroid dysfunction. She writes with humor, heart, and a heavy dose of “bless your heart but here’s the truth.”

🛒 Grab the book: amazon.com/author/alchilders

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#ToxinsInFoodAndWater
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I Remember Why I Was So Skinny Back Then — It Wasn’t a Diet, It Was Survival

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I Remember Why I Was So Skinny Back Then — It Wasn’t a Diet, It Was Survival

Published on May 29, 2025

Back in the 70s and 80s, I remember being skinny—and not in the “trendy wellness guru” kind of way. No, ma’am. I was skinny because we were broke.

Let me explain.

Fast food wasn’t a daily indulgence. For one, there wasn’t a drive-thru on every corner like now. And two, even if there was, we couldn’t afford it. Places closed early, and if you were hungry, you ate what was in the house… or you didn’t eat. That was the original form of intermittent fasting, Southern edition.

We didn’t have DoorDash. We had DoorDon’t — as in, “Don’t open that door again or you’re letting all the air out!”

🧬 The Modern Mess We’re In

Today, it’s not just bills and life stress—we’re fighting perimenopause, menopause, and a chemical cocktail being served to us through our food, water, and air. That skinny version of me didn’t have to deal with:

  • Plasticizers in the air
  • PFAS “forever chemicals” in our water
  • Endocrine disruptors in packaging
  • GMOs in almost every packaged snack

It’s not aging—it’s exposure. And if you’re over 35, your hormones are doing the Electric Slide whether you RSVP’d or not.

🧠 Real Talk & Real Receipts

  • The Environmental Working Group found over 200 industrial chemicals in umbilical cord blood.
  • PFAS have been discovered in tap water in all 50 states (NRDC Report).
  • The WHO confirms environmental pollutants are a major factor in chronic diseases—including obesity.

❤️ Why This Hits Home

This isn’t about vanity. It’s about survival. I used to blame myself for fatigue, fog, and stubborn pounds. Now I know: it’s not just me. It’s the system—designed to profit from sickness, confusion, and shame.

📚 My Books That Might Just Save You Some Sanity

🛍️ Browse them all here: amazon.com/author/alchilders

⚠️ Disclaimer

This blog is for entertainment and educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Please consult your doctor before starting any detox, diet, or new lifestyle approach—especially when chemicals and conspiracy theories are involved. 😉

👩‍💻 About the Author

A.L. Childers is a Southern-born author and researcher known for blending humor with healing. She writes about parenting, politics, past lives, poisons in your pantry, and how to laugh through the hard stuff. Her books are sold on Amazon and loved by rebels, truth-seekers, and fellow Gen Xers with Wi-Fi.

📬 Learn more at TheHypothyroidismChick.com

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