Many people don’t know about the thyroid and what it does until after they’ve been diagnosed with hypothyroidism.
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. It’s tasked with producing thyroid hormone, which controls a host of activities in the body, including how quickly you burn calories and how fast your heart beats. Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid is sluggish and does not make enough thyroid hormone, causing many of the body’s functions to slow. It’s typically treated with replacement thyroid hormones, and most people will need to remain on the medication for the rest of their lives, according to the American Thyroid Association
1.Thyroid Medication Usually Needs Tweaking
“Many people may feel frustrated when they first start taking replacement thyroid hormones as there can be a lot of trial and error before we get the right dose,” says Melanie Goldfarb, MD, director of the Endocrine Tumor Program at John Wayne Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. “It can take three to four weeks for the medication to take effect, and it can take a while to get on the right dose, too.”
2. Medication Should Be a Morning Ritual
I’ve learned to take my medication as soon as I get up along with a warm lemon water with my thyroid medication..
Lemons are loaded with healthy benefits, and particularly, they’re a great vitamin C food source. One cup of fresh lemon juice provides 187 percent of your daily recommended serving of vitamin C — take that, oranges! Lemon juice also offers up a healthy serving of potassium, magnesium and copper.
It Aids in digestion and detoxification. It tricks the liver into producing bile, which helps keep food moving through your body and gastrointestinal tract smoothly. Lemon water also helps relieve indigestion or ease an upset stomach.
I’ve also learned to wait 1 hour before I eat and wait 4 hours before you take any other vitamin supplements because it can interfere with the absorption of your medication. I’ve also found out that If I wanted to drink coffee I must wait 1 hour after I’ve taken my medication because it can also interfere with the absorption of your thyroid medication and to never ever to forget to eat breakfast! I need fuel but I have to wait 1 hour After I’ve taken my thyroid pill.
3. Let thy food be thy medicine
Food is not just calories it is information. It talks to your DNA and tells it what to do. My most powerful tool to change my health was my fork. I needed to stop going long periods of time without food. My body always needed energy. If my blood sugar starts to drop this creates a stress reaction and now your adrenal glands will do what it needs to do to maintain my body’s function by releasing more cortisol or adrenaline. Eating often would help put my body back in its normal cycle. I needed to eat foods that nourish my body and not hinder it.
I really had no idea how powerful food really was until after I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism. Many people with hypothyroidism are deficient in Magnesium, B-12, Zinc, Iodine, B2, Vitamin C, Selenium, Vitamin D and Vitamin A.
The Standard American diet in a nutshell is loaded with unhealthy saturated and trans fats. Our meals are unbalanced, over-sized and loaded with sugar, salt, artificial ingredients and preservatives. We have an abundance of food at our finger tips but yet we are extremely malnourished and mineral deficient. We are literally starving our bodies to death! People are not obtaining the basic nutrients their bodies needs in order to fuel what is needed to perform its proper functions. We are literally running on empty! There is about 20 million estimated Americans with some type of hypothyroid disorder.
Although my thyroid is small, it produces a hormone that influences every cell, tissue and organ in the body. My thyroid determines the rate in which my body produces the energy from nutrients and oxygen. So I need to start eating foods that fed my thyroid. I needed to start nourishing my body back to health with foods that jump kicked my metabolism too.
4. There is no one size fits all diet for Hypothyroidism
I started to research to begin to try to understand that there’s really not a one size fits all diet for us with hypothyroidism but there are certain ways we can eat that will certainly help begin the healing process. Diet alone wasn’t enough to help my body start fighting this battle that is raging in your body. I needed to start addressing other area’s in your life that can cause inflammation like Dietary Allergies, Addressing gut health and avoiding Chemical toxins and endocrine disruptors.
5. I had become my own advocate for my health
After being diagnosed my priorities were made more clear. I had to start listening to my body, stop taking my health for granted and continuing to research to figure out what I needed to do to “fix me”. I started making my own cleaning products, lotions and deodorant’s. Our skin is the largest organ in our body and it absorbs everything we put on it. Here is a recipe that I make all the time for homemade deodorant.
(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.
6. Stop Stressing the Small Stuff
My thyroid has been having a relationship with my adrenal gland. It’s never been straight forward with my body and it never will be. The butterfly shaped gland that sits in front of my neck does more than control my metabolism. My thyroid puts out hormones in my body that knock on every cell and tells it what to do basically but for some reason with my hypothyroidism those cells simply refuse to answer that door.
My adrenal gland is only the size of a walnut and are locked on top of each of your kidney’s. She is in charge of producing vital hormones that help regulate your body’s functions which include two major important things in your life my sex hormones and my cortisol levels. When you have hypothyroidism your cortisol levels are naturally higher than someone without hypothyroidism. You see I’ve learned that my Cortisol is more than just a steroid hormone that is made in the cortex of the adrenal gland. It has a greater task than just being tagged as your fight or flight response system. Almost every cell in my body contains receptors for cortisol. When my stress levels are high cortisol is released into my blood stream. Our bodies aren’t designed for us to be in a constant state of emergency. Our adrenal glands doesn’t know the difference between a true emergency or just being stressed out. So in return she will continue to produce extra cortisol into our blood stream. After a while of pumping out the constant need for cortisol she will become weakened and start decreasing her ability to produce cortisol and instead produce extra adrenaline. So do you see why we must get our stress under control and not stress the small stuff! Let things roll off our back like a duck does water.
7. Start Addressing the Root Cause of my Hypothyroidism
I needed to understand or get a idea of how everything has a part to play in my body. Being diagnosed with hypothyroidism wasn’t just here take this pill and it will fix my issues. Hypothyroidism had a root cause. Once I started addressing the root of your problems then my body can start healing itself. My body is an awesome design but there is a complex balance between everything. It’s a domino affect. If I had something in my body that is overworked it can cause a major shift in my body. Two things I needed to start doing immediately is getting my immune system in check and decreasing inflammation. Inflammation disrupts the production and regulatory mechanisms of thyroid hormones. 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 I had hypothyroidism. It could be a wide range of things from celiac disease, Hashimoto’s, leaky gut, autoimmune disease disorder, nutrient deficiency’s, adrenal fatigue, exposure to chemicals, gluten or other food allergies, and hormonal imbalance. It most defiantly started with the foods that I was eating and the chemicals in the environment, my thyroid could be influenced by many different circumstances. I needed to start figuring out what the root cause of my hypothyroidism was.
8. Start Loving Myself Again
All I do is run, run and run! I am exhausted and felt so guilty anytime I needed to have down time because there was things that needed to be done. So I started to allow myself to take a day and do nothing. I mean absolutely nothing. WHY? Because my body needed to recharge and stop being ran into the freaking ground. I am not a machine. I started taking Epsom salt baths. I will also take a day where I lay around and watch movies. Get up take a shower and put on more pajama’s.
We all have to die someday but do me a favor. Don’t die not trying, Don’t die not seeking after the truth, don’t die just accepting this is your fate. It’s up to you to make a difference in your life. This your life, your body and your choice. We all have a story. You are the author of your book, make it fantastic.
I want to thank you for reading my latest blog. Please let me know if you need any support with it.
Otherwise, are we friends on Facebook yet? If not let’s do that now, healing Hypothyroidism. I like to connect on a more personal level there and often; offer social media only products that can only be accessed on my page and share daily updates along with recipes. Remember sharing is caring. Please share and post a comment to this blog! I would love to hear from you. Sign up for my blogs @ thehypothyroidismchick.com . You can also Follow me on instagram @ Thyroidismchick or Follow me on twitter @Thyroidismchick.
Health and Happiness,
Audrey
XoXo
Disclaimer
The information and recipes contained in blog is based upon the research and the personal experiences of the author. It’s for entertainment purposes only. Every attempt has been made to provide accurate, up to date and reliable information. No warranties of any kind are expressed or implied. Readers acknowledge that the author is not engaging in the rendering of legal, financial, medical or professional advice. By reading this blog, the reader agrees that under no circumstance the author is not responsible for any loss, direct or indirect, which are incurred by using this information contained within this blog. Including but not limited to errors, omissions or inaccuracies. This blog is not intended as replacements from what your health care provider has suggested. The author is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions, preparations or procedures discussed in this blog. All matters pertaining to your health should be supervised by a health care professional. I am not a doctor, or a medical professional. This blog is designed for as an educational and entertainment tool only. Please always check with your health practitioner before taking any vitamins, supplements, or herbs, as they may have side-effects, especially when combined with medications, alcohol, or other vitamins or supplements. Knowledge is power, educate yourself and find the answer to your health care needs. Wisdom is a wonderful thing to seek. I hope this blog will teach and encourage you to take leaps in your life to educate yourself for a happier & healthier life. You have to take ownership of your health.
Every day in the news, we see health stories that can create confusion, uncertainty , fear, and self-doubt. They advertise , a particular food is the best thing in the world for you — and the next we’re told to run for the hills.
I really enjoy reading questions from my viewers , other bloggers and from the online community about something they’ve read or heard. They’re not sure how to take which health fears are founded on evidence — and which ones need to be banished.
To help, I’m sharing some of the most common health tips I’ve heard that I think are worth questioning: Hope you enjoy!
1.”We need dairy for strong bones.”
We certainly have seen some creative advertising schemes that has been successful at convincing us that dairy is this extremely important thing that we must have tons of, or else we’ll get all sorts of nutrient deficiencies and diseases.
The truth is, you don’t necessarily need milk or cheese or yogurt to have strong bones. In the good ole U.S., dairy consumption rates are amongst the highest in the world — and yet we also have some of the highest rates of osteoporosis. Studies have suggested that drinking more milk doesn’t protect against fractures.
Yes, calcium is essential to our bones. But no one mineral is an island. Vitamins and minerals work in synergy: It’s not just calcium we need but also magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin D, vitamin K, and more.
Plant-based sources of calcium such as sesame seeds, kale, black strap molasses, turnip greens, hemp milk, almond butter, great northern beans, almonds, dark leafy greens, rhubarb, broccoli, black berries, oranges, dried apricots, dates , artichoke’s, navy beans and seaweed are more bioavailable to us — meaning we are better able to digest, absorb, and use the calcium in those foods.
2.”Avoid saturated fat because it causes heart disease.”
We spent the last few decades terrified that fat would make us fat and lead to cardiovascular disease. This led to the low-fat and fat-free food craze — which really just replaced fat with sugar and refined carbohydrates.
We’ve now learned that we had it wrong: sugary foods and refined carbs increase our risk of heart disease, while a recent meta-analysis concluded that the nutritional warnings we had received about fats decades ago was unfounded.
In fact, good fats contain a multitude of health benefits, including nourishing the brain and liver and improving our mood. It’s the source of fat that is key: Choose clean, organic sources from either animals or plants to reap the health rewards.
3.”Stay out of the sun and always use sunscreen.”
We’ve long been told that we should avoid the sun and slather ourselves in sunblock when we’re exposed to its “death rays.”
But some sun is incredibly important to our overall health. It’s our primary source of vitamin D, which is crucial to bone health, the immune system, and hormone production. Although vitamin D is found in small amounts in some foods, 80 to 90 percent of our supply comes from being exposed to the sun’s rays.
That means wearing a film of sunscreen can block that crucial absorption from happening. And don’t even get me started on sunscreen itself, what with its toxic chemicals.
Want to enjoy the sun and protect your skin? Covering up well, getting sunshine during off-peak hours, eating sun-protective foods, and whipping up a batch of homemade natural sunscreen are all simple, natural, and effective sun protection strategies.
4. “We have to eat meat to get our protein”
Man has historically been carnivorous. But today, due to delicate stomachs, environmental concerns and an ever-expanding empathy for our four-legged friends, vegetarianism and veganism are becoming increasingly popular. Yet many critics claim a diet without meat is less nutritionally-sound than one that includes it, primarily due to a dearth of protein.
Protein is essential to existence. Hair, skin and muscle are primarily derived from protein. In fact, a protein deficiency can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, hair loss and a variety of other maladies.
The thyroid gland synthesizes thyroid hormones and iodine is an essential trace mineral that is crucial for the thyroid to function properly. Eating foods rich in iodine ensures the thyroid is able to manage metabolism, detoxification, growth and development.
Research has shown that a lack of dietary iodine may lead to enlargement of the thyroid gland, lethargy, fatigue, weakness of the immune system, slow metabolism, autism, weight gain and possibly even mental states such as anxiety and depression.
Sea veggies, cranberries, organic yogurt, navy beans , strawberries, raw cheese, potatoes.shrimp, turkey breast, tuna, eggs
Be aware of your required iodine intake, based on age and gender. Depending on your age and gender, you will need to ensure you are getting a certain amount of iodine each day.
If you are 0-6 months: you need 110 micrograms per day (mcg/day) of iodine.
If you are 7-12 months: 130 mcg/day.
If you are 1-3 years old: 90 mcg/day.
If you are 4-8 years old: 90 mcg/day.
If you are 9-13 years old: 120 mcg/day.
If you are male and 14 and older: 150 mcg/day.
If you are female and 14 and older: 150 mcg/day.
Women who are pregnant or breast feeding need higher amounts of iodine. Speak to your doctor about exactly how much iodine you should be getting every day based on your age, gender, and other factors, such as pregnancy
6.”Soy products are adequate substitutes for meat and dairy products”
There is little doubt that the billion-dollar soy industry has profited immensely from the anti-cholesterol, anti-meat gospel of current nutritional thought. Whereas, not so long ago, soy was an Asian food primarily used as a condiment, now a variety of processed soy products proliferate in the North American market. While the traditionally fermented soy foods of miso, tamari, tempeh and natto are definitely healthful in measured amounts, the hyper-processed soy “foods” that most vegetarians consume are not. –
Processed soy foods are also rich in trypsin inhibitors, which hinder protein digestion. Textured vegetable protein (TVP), soy “milk” and soy protein powders, popular vegetarian meat and milk substitutes, are entirely fragmented foods made by treating soybeans with high heat and various alkaline washes to extract the beans’ fat content or to neutralize their potent enzyme inhibitors These practices completely denature the beans’ protein content, rendering it very hard to digest. MSG, a neurotoxin, is routinely added to TVP to make it taste like the various foods it imitates –
On a purely nutritional level, soybeans, like all legumes, are deficient in cysteine and methionine, vital sulphur-containing amino acids, as well as tryptophan, another essential amino acid. Furthermore, soybeans contain no vitamins A or D, required by the body to assimilate and utilize the beans’ proteins (115). It is probably for this reason that Asian cultures that do consume soybeans usually combine them with fish or fish broths (abundant in fat-soluble vitamins) or other fatty foods. Parents who feed their children soy-based formula should be aware of its extremely high phytoestrogen content. Some scientists have estimated a child being fed soy formula is ingesting the hormonal equivalent of five birth control pills a day (116). Such a high intake could have disastrous results. Soy formula also contains no cholesterol, vital for brain and nervous system development. –
7. ” Microwaving Foods Kills Nutrients” Microwaving is actually among the best ways to keep all the good things in your veggies intact. Boiling can leech out valuable vitamins and minerals, but because microwaving heats up food without using a lot of water, it helps foods to stay nutrient-packed.
8. The More Grains, the Better While grains are certainly preferable to refined white flour because they contain more fiber and vitamin B, you shouldn’t fall into the multigrain trap. Just because a product has multiple grains doesn’t mean those grains aren’t processed and stripped of many of the good things you want from them. “In processing grains for convenience, you’re potentially losing the nutrients and changing the degree to which they are absorbed,” says Nicolette Pace, a spokesperson for the New York State Dietetic Association.
9. Fat-Free Salad Dressings Are Healthier Fruits and vegetables have fat-soluble nutrients that your body can’t absorb without fat—like the lycopene in tomatoes, which has been linked to a lower cancer and stroke risk. Opting for a fat-free dressing may deprive you of those benefits. Try olive oil-based options, or add avocados and nuts to your salad, both of which contain healthy fats.
10. 4: You Should Avoid White Vegetables Nutrition experts advocate for colorful foods—the brighter and more diverse the rainbow on your plate, the better. And that’s still true: Carrots and strawberries are high in beta-carotene, an important antioxidant that fights damaging inflammation in cells. Dark green produce is a rich source of antioxidants, fiber, calcium, and vitamins like C and K.
But that doesn’t mean that their white cousins are nutritional failures. In fact, cauliflower, garlic, onions, mushrooms, and, yes, even potatoes are good sources of fiber, antioxidants, and potassium. And while the white potato has become off-limits for dieters, adding a moderate amount of potato to your diet won’t derail your weight-loss efforts. In fact, because it’s so full of fiber, a little goes a long way toward making you feel full and helping you eat less overall. “It’s something you can use as a vehicle to build a meal,” says McDaniel. “If you add broccoli and little bit of cheese, it can be a satisfying meal for someone trying to lose weight.”
11. 5: Juice Cleanses Help You Eliminate Toxins “People think juice cleanses are a good way to detox the body,” says McDaniel. “But I remind my clients that you have a built-in detox organ, the liver, and it’s very good at what it does.” It probably won’t harm you if you go on a juice cleanse for a day or so, but as a way to lose weight, it’s not such a good idea since it deprives you of proteins and fats and may lead to muscle loss.
12. Coffee Will Only Make You Thirstier While the caffeine in coffee is a diuretic, meaning it draws water out of your body, the amount of water in coffee means that overall, it can actually be a thirst quencher. Pure water is still your best option to stay hydrated, but you don’t have to avoid coffee just because you think it will dehydrate you.
13. Eggs yolks should be avoided because they are high in cholesterol, which increases your risk for heart disease
We’ve been advised to cut back on whole eggs because the yolks are high in cholesterol.
However, cholesterol in the diet has remarkably little effect on cholesterol in the blood, at least for the majority of people .
Studies have shown that eggs raise the “good” choleserol and don’t raise risk of heart disease .
One review of 17 studies with a total of 263,938 participants showed that eating eggs had no effect on the risk of heart disease or stroke in non-diabetic individuals (15).
However… keep in mind that some studies have found an increased heart attack risk in diabetics who eat eggs .
Whole eggs really are among the most nutritious foods on the planet and almost all the nutrients are found in the yolks.
Telling people to throw the yolks away may just be the most ridiculous advice in the history of nutrition.
14. All calories are created equal , it doesn’t matter where they come from
It is simply false that “all calories are created equal.”
Different foods go through different metabolic pathways and have direct effects on fat burning and the hormones and brain centers that regulate appetite,
A high protein diet, for example, can increase the metabolic rate by 80 to 100 calories per day and significantly reduce appetite.
In one study, such a diet made people automatically eat 441 fewer calories per day. They also lost 11 pounds in 12 weeks, just by adding protein to their diet .
There are many more examples of different foods having vastly different effects on hunger, hormones and health. Because a calorie is not a calorie.
15. The more grains, the better
While grains are certainly preferable to refined white flour because they contain more fiber and vitamin B, don’t fall into the multigrain trap. Just because a product has multiple different grains doesn’t mean those grains aren’t processed and stripped of many of the good things you want from them. “In processing grains for convenience, you’re potentially losing the nutrients and changing the degree to which they are absorbed,” says Nicolette Pace, spokesperson for the New York State Dietetic Association.
Check the label and look for the word “whole” before any grains listed. And make sure the whole grains are the first thing among the ingredients, which confirms that they make up the most important part of the food.
Another clue is the fiber content. “If you’re seeing that an 11-cracker serving contains 1g of fiber, there’s probably not a lot of whole grain in there,” says Pace.
Try eating more of these grains listed .
Whole Rye. This cereal grain has more nutrients per 100-calorie serving than any other whole grain. …
Quinoa. …
Oats. …
Barley. …
Millet. …
Brown Rice. …
Buckwheat. …
Spelt.
16.
Plastic chopping boards are more hygienic than wooden ones
Plastic boards are supposedly safer, as, unlike wood, they don’t harbour the bacteria that can make you sick. But wooden cutting boards, says Harold McGee, soak up meat juices, drawing the bacteria away from the surface, plus wood also often contains natural anti-bacterial compounds. Plastic cutting boards are easier to clean (and can be put in a dishwasher) but they develop scars, in which bacteria will lodge. Scrub both plastic and wooden boards vigorously after cutting meat, and when a plastic cutting board develops scars, replace it.
17. ZERO grams trans fat on the label means you’re not getting any trans fat in your food.
FALSE! The FDA allows any food with .5 grams of trans fat or less to claim “0 grams trans fat” on the label. If you happen to eat several servings or a few different ‘trans fat-free’ foods during a day, you can wind up consuming a measurable amount, which leads to increased levels of artery-clogging, bad (LDL) cholesterol. Don’t be fooled! Check the ingredient list, and if you see “hydrogenated” or “partially-hydrogenated oil” listed, step away from the package.
18. Sugar-free and fat-free items are practically calorie-free or very low in calories.
FALSE! Items that decrease sugar or fat to qualify as “sugar-free” usually increase fat and sodium content and vice versa for “fat-free” (defined as less than .5 grams of sugar or fat per serving) products. Additionally, sugar-free items can use artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols that could cause digestive issues (gas, bloat, diarrhea … not pretty.)
19. Nuts are fatty.
TRUE and FALSE! Although nuts do contain fat, there’s no need to be fat phobic. Most nuts contain healthy, monounsaturated fats that help promote heart health and may even stabilize blood sugar. Almonds, for example, provide a satisfying mix of protein and fat that can also help you slim down without compromising crunch and with an added bonus of fiber and calcium.
20. Brown eggs are healthier than white.
FALSE! This one’s easy. The only reason some eggs are brown and others are white is because the chickens that hatch the eggs have different colored feathers! Save some green in your wallet – there’s no nutritional difference between brown and white eggs. Do try to buy organic, cage-free, or free-range eggs. Make sure they have the organic seal. Organic operations have a much higher level of oversight than conventional farms do. To maintain their certification and use the organic seal on their product, farms have to be inspected annually, at a minimum, by a third-party certifier with USDA accreditation. Compare that with the sporadic oversight of conventional facilities by the FDA, which has been chronically strapped for resources. Which does requires that the poultry receive organic feed, are cage-free, and have “outdoor access.
Read what these labels really mean:
Certified Humane Raised and Handled
Meets the standards of the Humane Farm Animal Care program—an independent nonprofit. The standards include being cage-free and having sufficient space to engage in natural behaviors such as dust bathing and perching.
United Egg Producers Certified
The eggs were produced in compliance with industry-codified standard practices. (More than 80% of commercial eggs carry this seal.)
All Natural
The hens eat vegetarian feed, with no animal slaughterhouse products.
Cage-Free
Hens must live in an open space, not a cage or a coop, but the “open space” can be inside a crowded henhouse. Both organic and conventional hens can be cage-free.
Free-Range
Similar to cage-free, except that birds have some degree of outdoor access—though the amount, duration, or quality of that outdoor time is not specified.
Pasture-Raised
Hens are allowed to range on fresh pasture. Often they are housed in trailers that can be towed to different fields.
Organic
Hens must be given organic feed, which contains no toxic pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides and no GMOs or slaughterhouse by-products. They must never be caged, and they must have outdoor access. The USDA certifies this designation.
21. Breakfast isn’t important.
FALSE! We’ve long been told that breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day, and now there are many scientific studies backing up this claim. For Better Breakfast Month. You have no excuse to not eat breakfast now. I have many slow cooker recipes in my latest E Book! Click on this link and download it for free!
1/4 cup cashew butter (or nut/seed butter of choice)
1/4 + 2 T cup pure maple syrup
3/4 cup pumpkin puree
1 medium banana, mashed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup quinoa flakes
1 cup rolled oats
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon all spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
Whisk together the flaxseed meal and water, and set aside.
Beat together cashew butter, syrup, pumpkin, banana and vanilla in a large bowl. Add flax egg and mix to combine.
Pour in oats, quinoa flakes, baking powder, spices and salt to the bowl and stir together. Fold in chia seeds (if using).
Drop 2 tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet and repeat until no dough remains. Gently flatten the cookies with your fingers before you pop them in the oven.
Bake cookies on center rack for 15 – 18 minutes until edges are golden brown. Remove and let cool on the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
Enjoy at room temp or slightly reheated in a microwave
Simple Slow Cooker Overnight hot quinoa and steel cut oats
This is a power filled breakfast! It’s a blend of quinoa and steel-cut oats.
½ cup steel cut oats – I use BoB Red Mill’s gluten free oats
½ cup well rinsed quinoa – You can find a brand that is pre-washed so you don’t have to rinse it
3½ cups (28 ounces) filtered water –
¼ teaspoon fine Himalayan sea salt
Spray your slow cooker with non-stick spray. In a mesh strainer, rinse out the quinoa for about 3 minutes. If you didn’t purchase the already rinsed quinoa. Combine the steel cut outs, rinsed quinoa, water and sea salt into the slow cooker. Mix well. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until liquid has been absorbed
Mix all the ingredients together in a glass jar. Stir well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
The next morning, remove from the fridge, top off with your favorite fruit, and enjoy.
What health advice or tips make you skeptical? Let me know in the comments below. I would love to hear what you have to say. Please like and share my blog.
Please Like and share my blog!
I don’t know where to start
Hang in there. This wont happen overnight.
I know, there is so much information overload that most people are confused as to where to start. You can start by taking ownership of your health. I wanted you to understand or get a idea of how everything has a part to play in your body. I am on a path to help you, lead you and inform you through this terrible illness. Being diagnosed with hypothyroidism isn’t just here take this pill and it will fix your issues. Hypothyroidism has a root cause. Once you start addressing the root of your problems then your body can start healing itself. Your body is an awesome design but there is a complex balance between everything. It’s a domino affect. If you have something in your body that is overworked it will cause a major shift in your body. Don’t worry the good news is it can be healed.
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.
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.
1. (a) S Fallon and M Enig. Nourishing Traditions, (New Trends Publishing; Washington, D.C.), 2000, 5; (b) Breeds of Livestock. Oklahoma State University, Department of Animal Science. 2. Breeds of Livestock. Oklahoma State University, Department of Animal Science. 3. W Bender and M Smith. Population, Food, and Nutrition. Population Reference Bureau;1997. 4. B Carnell. Could vegetarianism prevent world hunger?. Accessed on January 3, 2002. 5. M Purdey. The Vegan Ecological Wasteland. Journal of the Price-Pottenger Nutrition Foundation [hereafter referred to as Jnl of PPNF], Winter 1998. 6. Ibid. 7. R Audette with T Gilchrist. Neanderthin. (St. Martins; NY), 1999, 200-2. 8. S Fallon and M Enig, Nourishing Traditions, 6. 9. M Purdey, op cit. 10. Ibid.
11. (a) L Dunne. The Nutrition Almanac, 3rd ed. (McGraw Hill; New York), 32-33; (b) AL Rauma and others. Vitamin B-12 status of long-term adherents of a strict uncooked vegan diet (“living food diet”) is compromised. J Nutr, 1995, 125:2511-5; c) MG Crane and others. Vitamin B12 studies in total vegetarians (vegans). J Nutr Med, 1994, 4:419-30; (d) I Chanarin and others. Megaloblastic anaemia in a vegetarian Hindu community. Lancet, 1985, Nov 2:1168-72 ; (e) M Donaldson. Vitamin B12 and the Hallelujah Diet.(f) MS Donaldson. Metabolic vitamin B12 status on a mostly raw vegan diet with follow-up using tablets, nutritional yeast, or probiotic supplements. Ann Nutr Metab, 2000, 44(5-6):229-234 12. (a) S Ashkenazi and others. Vitamin B12 deficiency due to a strictly vegetarian diet in adolescence. Clin Pediatr, 1987, 26:662-3; (b) G Cheron and others. [Severe megaloblastic anemia in 6-month old girl breast-fed by a vegetarian mother.] Arch Fr Pediatr, 1989, 46:205-7; c) T Kuhne and others. Maternal vegan diet causing a serious infantile neurological disorder due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Eur J Pediatr, 1991, 150:205-8; (d) MC Wighton and others. Brain damage in infancy and dietary vitamin B12 deficiency. Med J Aust, 1979, 2:1-3. 13. (a) PC Dagnelie and others. Vitamin B12 from algae appears not to be bioavailable. Amer J Clin Nutr, 1991, 53:695-7; (b) L Lazarides. The Nutritional Health Bible. (Thorsons Publishing; CA), 1997, 22-23; c) V Herbert. Vitamin B12: plant sources, requirements, and assay. Amer J Clin Nutr, 1988, 48:852-8. 14. (a) IE Baille. The first international congress on vegetarian nutrition. J Appl Nutr, 1987, 39:97-105; (b) A Smith. Soybeans: Chemistry & Technology, vol 1 (Avi Publishing Co; CT), 1972, 184-188. 15. L Dunne. Nutrition Almanac, 22-23. 16. (a) HL Abrams. Vegetarianism: An Anthropological/Nutritional Evaluation, J Appl Nutr, 1980, 32:2:53-87; (b) M Rose. Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in Australian adolescent vegetarians. Lancet, 1976, 2:87. 17. (a) L Dunne. Nutrition Almanac, 31; (b) J Groff and S Gropper. Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism, Third Edition. (Wadsworth/Thomson Learning; CA.), 1999, 298. 18. WA Price. Nutrition and Physical Degeneration. (Keats Publishing; CT.), 1989, 256-281. On page 279, Price stated that, “It will be noted that vitamin D, which the human does not readily synthesize in adequate amounts, must be provided by foods of animal tissues or animal products. As yet I have not found a single group of primitive racial stock which was building and maintaining excellent bodies by living entirely on plant foods.” 19. RL Horst and others. Discrimination in the metabolism of orally dosed ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol by the pig, rat, and chick. Biochem J, 1982, Apr 20:4:185-9. 20. Krispin Sullivan, CN, personal communication
On my journey of self discovery, I’ve come across some many articles that say “eat this, not that”. I want to be live a long life full of great health, happiness and wisdom. There is always room for improvement. After finding out I had hypothyroidism 15 years ago. It’s been on a never ending battle to feel normal again. What is normal, you ask? Well, we all have what we consider to be our own “normal”. What’s normal for me , might not be normal for you. My main goal is to eat to cater to my body. It can be overwhelming and mind boggling to figure out exactly what I should be eating. So I start with the basic’s. My hypothyroidism. Next, whatever else is bothering me. I listen to my body. Right now, the 2nd thing that I am concentrating on is anxiety.
Anxiety can be a symptom from hypothyroidism. Along with dry skin, hair loss, weight gain, unable to lose weight, heart palpitation’s, depression, memory problems, frequent constipation, high cholesterol, changes in your menstrual cycle, sensitivity to cold, Muscle cramps and aches, slurred speech, jaundice, decreased libido, dry hair, knot in throat, & tightness in your throat.
You don’t have to encounter every one of these symptoms to be diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Everybody’s experience with the disorder is different. While you may notice that your skin and hair have become dry and rough, someone else might be plagued more by fatigue , depression or anxiety.
The thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level reflects the severity of the hypothyroidism. For example, if you have a mild form of hypothyroidism and a relatively lower TSH level, you may not notice—or even have—symptoms. That’s because your hormone levels haven’t decreased to the point where they have a major impact on your metabolism. The more hypothyroid you become, the more symptomatic you’ll be.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism aren’t always noticeable, but it’s important that you understand what to look out for. Recognizing hypothyroidism early on will allow you to manage the disorder and prevent it from interfering with your life.
So I’ve been reading The Mood Cure and The Anti-anxiety Food Solution writing down notes, crossing comparing notes of foods that will cater to bringing my anxiety down. I’ve always believed that you are what you eat and food is the key to our good health. think of your body like a car engine. You have to put the right fluids in it to get it run properly. Feed it the right things or it will break down eventually or refuse to run all together! While reading The Anti-Anxiety book I came across many interesting things. It’s full of awesome information. Gut damage, food intolerances and nutrient deficiencies play a key role in many of our problems. We can’t expect to feed our bodies processed , sugar loaded, fake foods, artificial crap and expect it to be okay with it.
So, this is what I’ve learned and how to cater to my anxiety while fighting hypothyroidism.
1.Avoid sugar, processed foods and “white foods”
This should already go without saying since we have hypothyroidism. We should be eating gluten free. Having hypothyroidism it makes us more sensitive to gluten. Some of us have gluten intolerances and don’t even know it. key thing is to listen to your body. Avoid junk food, refined sugar, all of the white foods ( white flour, white rice, white bread and so on) processed foods, soda’s, sugary beverages and alcohol. We must keep our blood sugar stabilized.
Try to always eat organic (pesticide free), non-genetically modified, whole-foods. If you cannot afford organic there is a list here of fruit and vegetables that retain pesticides but it does not include berries particularly blueberries which are high on the list).
2. Eat Enough protein
Are you eating enough protein? Don’t immediately think of meat when I say this. Plants can give you plenty of your protein needs along with adding a scoop of Raw Meal to your smoothies.
3. Eat breakfast, along with a good protein and fat
You should always take your thyroid medication with lemon water and then eat after 1 hour of waking.
Gluten free oatbran with coconut oil ( good fat) , Ceylon cinnamon ( heart health, blood sugar, anti inflammatory, cancer fighter) , flaxseed ( Good fat and fiber) , smashed banana ( potassium) . Along with 1 cage free boiled egg( protein) .
or you can make your self a smoothie!
1 cup organic Romaine lettuce,1/2 organic cucumber peeled, 1 diced whole organic apple with peeling, 1 organic celery stalk, 1 cup of filtered water, Add a scoop of Raw Meal.
4. Keep a food diary
You must keep a food diary to see how you body reacts to certain foods. Write down what you eat. Monitor how you feel after you’ve eaten certain foods. You could have a food intolerance dairy, gluten, legumes,
5. Improve your digestion.
I’ve read so many articles that have stated your stomach is your 2nd brain. You are what you eat! Having bad guy flora can contribute to anxiety and a whole list of health problems. The digestive system actually has it own nervous system and over 95 % of serotonin is made in the guy. Having a sluggish thyroid can contribute to constipation, food allergies can contribute to digestive distress, which can cause you to have low zinc, low magnesium and adrenal fatigue. Add more high fiber whole foods to your salads like zucchini, celery and carrots. Mushrooms and cucumbers are excellent choices too. Add a simple vinaigrette. Evoo & balsamic vinegar , Evoo & organic apple cider vinegar.
GABA is a calming inhibitory neurotransmitter, it’s like the brains natural endogenous Valium.
GABA enables your brain to put an end to persistent worrying thoughts going around and around in your mind.
We believe the neurotransmitters GABA and serotonin enable the brain to calm and control anxious thoughts, so when they are deficient it can make it almost impossible to stop worrying thoughts dominating and overwhelming our mind and turn into anxiety, even “normal” everyday worries or concerns can ruminate, escalate and cause terrible stress.
Symptoms of lack of GABA/serotonin include:-
anxiety, feeling fearful, general (free floating) anxiety disorder or GAD,
panic attacks,
nervy/stressed disposition,
persistent worrying thoughts going around and around in the mind, cannot switch of the mind,
inability to relax,
insomnia due to an anxious mind or cannot switch off the mind,
physical aches and pains because the nerves keep firing, possibly causing/contributing to fibromyalgia,
headaches,
IBS
carbohydrate cravings.
A taking walk outside in the sun is a good stress reliever plus you getting much needed vitamin d. Yoga has been proven to be a stress reliever. Jumping on a rebounder is excellent too. A study showed that the increased G-force helped increase Lymphocyte activity. The lymph system transports immune cells throughout the body and supports immune function. For this reason, rebounding is often suggested as a detoxifying and immune boosting activity. Click on this link to order yours today
7. Nourish your body.
Eat Grass fed meats, pastured poultry, wild fish, cage free eggs, whole organic fruits and veggies, flax seed oil, avocado’s ( good fats) pumpkin seeds, organic apple cider vinegar, lemons, mushrooms, garlic, coconut oil, zucchini, celery, more fiber, brown rice and quinoa. Eat 2 snacks and 3 meals a day. Make sure you getting plenty of vitamins. Drink plenty of water! You should take you body weight & divide it by 2, that is how many ounces you are to drink per day. I also drink 2 tablespoons of braggs organic apple cider vinegar per day.
Stay away from sugar, dairy ( until you know if you can tolerate it) , all gluten, no white foods, no processed foods, artificial colors and addictive’s.
Having Hypothyroidism you are to limit raw Cruciferous vegetables intake it can hinder the absorption of your medication. Read more here about it. Please do eat your cancer fighting cooked veggies.
Are you still confused about what to eat? Maybe you shouldn’t think about what your not eating and focus on what you can. Having hypothyroidism and anxiety isn’t a curse it’s a chance to become better from the inside out. Here is a sample menu of what my day looks like. Don’t forget to keep a food log!
4:oo am wake up 20oz of lemon water with thyroid medication
4oo – 4:30 exercise rebounder ( when your adrenals are low you shouldn’t exercise more than 45 minutes due to your already high cortisol levels in your body) Click on these links to find out more about that.
Click Link 1 Help! What To Do About High Cortisol Levels
Gluten free oat bran because- it’s gluten free, high in protein , high in soluble fiber. It’s high in vitamin B and has iron. This is a stick to your guy breakfast.
Snack
Pineapple cup ( anti-inflammatory with digestive benefits, vitamin C, copper, B1 and B6, improves thyroid function) with 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds ( ( tryptophan, vitamin E, Vitamin k, iron potassium, phosphorus, zinc and magnesium and good fat) and dried unsweetened coconut flakes ( good fat)
Lunch
Smoothie or a Simple salad or you can have your smoothie for breakfast and eat your oat bran for lunch? There are many options
Smoothie- 1 cup organic Romaine lettuce,1/2 organic cucumber peeled, 1 diced whole organic apple with peeling, 1 organic celery stalk, 1 cup of filtered water, Add a scoop of Raw Meal and I also add a teaspoon of dulse flakes a few times a week. Having Hypothyroidism makes you have very low iodine. Dulse flakes is an excellent way to boost your iodine naturally thru foods.
At lunch I also take what my body needs in vitamins, although it might seem like a lot to some, it is what my needs right now.
Epsom salt foot soak ( magnesium) I don’t do this everyday but a few times per week. If you have high blood pressure this isn’t a good option for you. It can raise your BP.
For adults, the recommended dietary reference intake for vitamin C is 65 to 90 milligrams (mg) a day, and the upper limit is 2,000 mg a day. Although too much dietary vitamin C is unlikely to be harmful, megadoses of vitamin C supplements may cause: Diarrhea
Want more tips and information on Hypothyroidism/anxiety food fighting recipes and suggestions? Keep an eye for my latest E Book that will be able to download by your finger tips soon! The Kicking hypothyroidism’s booty ( Anti-anxiety style) I am still working on the title but the book is in motion.
Please LIKE and Share this and post your comments below!
Disclaimer
The information and recipes contained in blog is based upon the research and the personal experiences of the author. It’s for entertainment purposes only. Every attempt has been made to provide accurate, up to date and reliable information. No warranties of any kind are expressed or implied. Readers acknowledge that the author is not engaging in the rendering of legal, financial, medical or professional advice. By reading this blog, the reader agrees that under no circumstance the author is not responsible for any loss, direct or indirect, which are incurred by using this information contained within this blog. Including but not limited to errors, omissions or inaccuracies. This blog is not intended as replacements from what your health care provider has suggested. The author is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions, preparations or procedures discussed in this blog. All matters pertaining to your health should be supervised by a health care professional. I am not a doctor, or a medical professional. This blog is designed for as an educational and entertainment tool only. Please always check with your health practitioner before taking any vitamins, supplements, or herbs, as they may have side-effects, especially when combined with medications, alcohol, or other vitamins or supplements. Knowledge is power, educate yourself and find the answer to your health care needs. Wisdom is a wonderful thing to seek. I hope this blog will teach and encourage you to take leaps in your life to educate yourself for a happier & healthier life. You have to take ownership of your health.
Magnesium is a mineral that plays a important part in our health and well-being. It’s one of the forgotten minerals and it’s vital for many processes within the body. Magnesium helps to keep the nervous system healthy and to calm your nerves when you are stressed. In fact, did you know that magnesium is the first mineral depleted when you are stressed? So if you have any type of stress in your life magnesium is the first mineral that goes out the window. Magnesium is also an important mineral co-factor for enzymes that have biochemical reactions in the body. In other words it plays a large role in digestive system health as it helps enzymes do their job as well as to loosen the body to relax and ease to support the metabolic processes.
How much magnesium do you need?
About 60% of your magnesium is in your bones, the rest is in body tissues, and only about 1% is in your blood. Adult men should take in 400 mg, while women should get 310 mg; this increases to 420 mg and 320 mg
Other body benefits: Almonds are rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that keeps the immune system strong and eyes healthy. They’re also packed with protein, which helps fill you up and slim you down, as well as heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Other body benefits: Sesame seeds may add some sizzle to your sex life—they’re chock-full of zinc, which can help testosterone and sperm production in men. They’re also a good source of iron and vitamin B-6.
Other body benefits: Sunflower seeds are a surprisingly good source of bone-building calcium. Additionally, they’re high in polyunsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels in your blood when eaten in moderation.
4.Bananas
Magnesium: 33 mg in one medium banana
Other body benefits: When bananas are still a little green, they are one of the best sources of resistant starch, a healthy carb that fills your belly and fires up your metabolism. Bananas also offer a dose of potassium, an electrolyte that can help lower blood pressure naturally.
Other body benefits: A serving of cashews provides nearly 10% of your daily iron needs. The nuts are also a good source of folate and vitamin K.
Best ways to eat them: Have them on their own for a satisfying snack (just buy the unsalted kind). You could also toss them into a stir-fry or on top of a salad.
6.Tofu
Magnesium: 37 mg in ½ cup
Other body benefits: This vegetarian soy protein source gives you 43% of your daily calcium needs in a ½-cup serving. You also get a dose of iron, a mineral the body needs to produce hemoglobin—the protein that helps red blood cells deliver oxygen throughout the body.
( Please remember that if you have hypothyroidism you are to avoid soy products. It hinders your bodies ability to absorb medication per Mayo clinic )
Side note: Since we are talking hypothyroidism at this moment, generally, it’s best to wait four hours after taking thyroid medication to consume any products that contain soy. The same guidelines apply to other products that may impair the body’s ability to absorb thyroid medication, including concentrated iron and calcium supplements, and antacids that contain calcium or aluminum hydroxide per mayo clinic.
Other body benefits: The seeds from your jack-o-lantern are a good source of fiber, with 5 grams per ounce. Pumpkin seeds also have plenty of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, as well as 5 grams of protein per serving.
Other body benefits: A sprinkling of ground flaxseed turns a cup of yogurt or cereal into a heart-healthy breakfast: a tablespoon contains more than half your recommended daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed also gives you doses of fiber and the antioxidant lignan.
9.Milk (skim)
Magnesium: 27.8 mg in 1 cup
Other body benefits: You’ve had the health benefits of milk drilled into your head since you were a kid, but here’s a quick review: a cup of milk provides about a third of your daily recommended intake of calcium, which you need to build healthy bones and keep them strong as you age. Milk is also a good source of potassium, vitamin D, protein, and vitamin B-12.
Side note: If you don’t drink cow’s milk like me you can also Use almond milk. It also can vary in magnesium content depending on whether the company has added magnesium to the product. However, the amount of naturally occurring magnesium in one cup of almond milk is about 16 mg .
However, Coconut Milk is loaded with Magnesium
Coconut Milk Nutrition
The nutritional information outlined in the table below is based on one cup of coconut milk or 240g.
Other body benefits: This healthy whole grain fills you up with folate, fiber, and potassium. Plus, it can help lower cholesterol, and oats are even rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
11.Broccoli
Magnesium: 51 mg in ½ cup cooked
Other body benefits: A serving of the cruciferous superfood contains more vitamin C than an orange. Plus, research shows that people who eat lots of broccoli may have a lower risk of certain types of cancer, including colon and bladder cancer.
( please remember that if you have hypothyroidism raw cruciferous vegetables can harm the thyroid. You would have to really consume a ton of cruciferous vegetables the scientific studies are still out but try to limit raw cruciferous vegetables and eat cooked. Please do eat your cancer fighting veggies)
12.Sweet corn
Magnesium: 33 mg in 1 ear
Other body benefits: Some people say carb-heavy corn is a diet no-no. Though corn does have 6 to 8 grams of naturally occurring sugar in one ear, this healthy whole grain is also a great source of fiber, B vitamins, vitamin C, and plant-based protein.
13.Peas
Magnesium: 48 mg in 1 cup
Other body benefits: A cup of peas provides nearly a day’s worth of vitamin C. Peas also provide protein, potassium, and vitamin A.
Best way to eat them: The possibilities are endless: toss peas in a stir-fry or on top of a salad, make a belly-warming split-pea soup, mix them into pasta, or even eat them raw.
Spinach — 1 cup: 157 milligrams (40% DV)
Chard — 1 cup: 154 milligrams (38% DV)
Pumpkin seeds — 1/8 cup: 92 milligrams (23% DV)
Yogurt or Kefir — 1 cup: 50 milligrams (13% DV)
Black Beans — ½ cup: 60 milligrams (15% DV)
Avocado — 1 medium: 58 milligrams (15% DV)
Figs — ½ cup: 50 milligrams (13% DV)
Dark Chocolate — 1 square: 95 milligrams (24% DV)
14. DIY Trail Mix: Take a handful of walnuts (which have loads of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids), add another handful of gluten free whole-grain toasted oat cereal, 70% dark chocolate bite, handful of dried cranberries, another handful of raw sunflower seeds or raw pumpkin . Toss it all into a baggie, give it a shake, and hit the road. It couldn’t be easier — or healthier!
1 cup of hot water (not boiling)- Can also use strong Chamomile Tea as the base if you want to lighten hair or black tea as the base if you want to darken hair, but you will need to keep in the fridge.
2 tablespoons epsom salts (or more for extra texture)
1/2 tsp Himalayan or Sea Salt (optional but adds stiffness)
1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
1/2 tsp conditioner (optional- don’t use if you have fine/oily hair)
Optional: a few drops of essential oils or a spritz of your favorite perfume for scent- Lavender and citrus are great options
Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon vodka or alcohol- if you want to lighten hair (the lemon juice lightens and the alcohol preserves)
Hair Spray Instructions
Get a spray bottle that holds at least 10 ounces. I used a glass bottle made from an old apple cider vinegar bottle and a regular spray top. I also tripled the recipe to accomodate the size of my bottle.
Put the hot water (or tea) in the spray bottle and add the epsom salts, sea salt (optional), aloe vera, conditioner, scent (optional) and lemon juice/vodka (if using).
Put the cap on the bottle and shake for 1-2 minutes or until epsom salts and sea salt are dissolved. Store in the fridge if using lemon juice or tea base, or at room temperature if you aren’t. Will last 3-4 months or longer.
Steep tea in almost boiling water for 5 minutes. Then discard tea bag.
Combine all ingredients except aloe vera in a reusable spray bottle.
Shake well to dissolve salt.
Let cool completely then add aloe vera.
Keep refrigerated.
Disclaimer
The information and recipes contained in blog is based upon the research and the personal experiences of the author. It’s for entertainment purposes only. Every attempt has been made to provide accurate, up to date and reliable information. No warranties of any kind are expressed or implied. Readers acknowledge that the author is not engaging in the rendering of legal, financial, medical or professional advice. By reading this blog, the reader agrees that under no circumstance the author is not responsible for any loss, direct or indirect, which are incurred by using this information contained within this blog. Including but not limited to errors, omissions or inaccuracies. This blog is not intended as replacements from what your health care provider has suggested. The author is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions, preparations or procedures discussed in this blog. All matters pertaining to your health should be supervised by a health care professional. I am not a doctor, or a medical professional. This blog is designed for as an educational and entertainment tool only. Please always check with your health practitioner before taking any vitamins, supplements, or herbs, as they may have side-effects, especially when combined with medications, alcohol, or other vitamins or supplements. Knowledge is power, educate yourself and find the answer to your health care needs. Wisdom is a wonderful thing to seek. I hope this blog will teach and encourage you to take leaps in your life to educate yourself for a happier & healthier life. You have to take ownership of your health.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), on average we spend 69.54% of our time indoors at home. When you add indoor workplace time into the mix, you could spend over 90% of your time indoors… with some estimates even as high as 96.89%. Your home can be damaging your health and studies have shown some of your highest exposure to polluted air is in your home .
1.Clean and replace air filters regularly
2.Stop smoking:
Second-hand smoke can create serious health issues for everyone in your home.
3.Avoid using toxic cleaning chemicals:
You can find non-toxic alternatives to common cleansers.
Electronic air pollution is common in every household that have any type of electronics — giant HD televisions, computer monitors, cell phones, PDAs, etc.
Excessive amounts of positively charged ions like this can potentially cause you…
Increased nervousness…
Added bodily stress…
Annoying sleep interruptions…
Lapses in concentration…
Increased free radical accumulation in your body
You can so something to help offset excessive frequency vibrations while you’re actually using an electronic device is to use beautiful decorative lamps, called crystal salt lamps.
So, how do salt lamps actually work?
It’s really quite simple… a heated crystal salt lamp…
Attracts humidity causing the surface of the salt crystal to become moist
Creates a buildup of ions and removes moisture from your air
Binds excessive positive ions with their negative ions
Helps to neutralize the “electro-smog” in your air and reduces allergens and irritants
Creates potential soothing effects for you from multi-colored salt crystals … Click on the link below to order your Himalayan salt lamp today!
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.
Slow-Cooker Wild Rice with Cranberries and Mushrooms
Wild rice has a wonderfully gluten free nutty flavor and is actually considered an edible grass. Has twice as much protein as brown rice, very rich in antioxidants, high fiber content, essential minerals such as phosphorus, zinc, magnesium and folate, Vitamins A, C and E. Wild rice could even turn out to be one of nature’s superfoods. In Chinese medicine wild rice is used as a treatment for diabetes for it might help to reduce insulin resistance. White button mushrooms can help enhance weight loss and it’s a good source of vitamin D, it has anti-inflammatory benefits, excellent for diabetic’s, helps to protect your liver and kidneys, increases blood flow, helps normalize your cholesterol levels. Mushrooms contain loads of vitamin B2 and vitamin B3 (niacin), just enough to jump start that metabolism. Dried cranberries has antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation. Sounds like this dish is one of those must-eat for your health! Who knew being healthy can taste so good?
Rinse the wild rice in cold water in a mesh strainer. Sauté the onions in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil or ghee. Mix all ingredients except almonds and cranberries. Cover with lid and allow to cook on low heat setting 5 hours until wild rice is tender. In ungreased cast iron skillet, heat almonds over medium-low heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently until they start to brown, once it begins to brown , keep stirring until golden brown and smelling wonderfully fragrant; Stir in almonds and cranberries into rice mixture. Cover and cook on low heat additional 15 minutes. Ladle into bowls and serve.
Need more thyroid friendly slow cooker recipes! Check out my latest E book for free!
Do you walk into a room and forget why you walked in there? Do you have to write yourself a honey do list? Many things can cause brain fog like stress, pregnancy, no sleep, illness, brain tumors, alcohol, head trauma, Vitamin B-12 deficiency, menopause and even medications. Many studies have proven that an underactive thyroid can be damaging to your mental health. This happens to me quite often and frankly its aggravating, very frustrating, and makes me take my worrying to the next level thinking, ” Can it be early signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease?” Don’t fret you can do things to help your memory.
Memory, like muscular strength, requires you to “use it or lose it.” The more you work out your brain, the better you’ll be able to process and remember information. But not all activities are equal. The best brain exercises break your routine and challenge you to use and develop new brain pathways.
Aerobic exercise is particularly good for the brain, so choose activities that keep your blood pumping. In general, anything that is good for your heart is great for your brain.
Sleep is critical to learning and memory in an even more fundamental way. Research shows that sleep is necessary for memory consolidation, with the key memory-enhancing activity occurring during the deepest stages of sleep.
Listening to jokes and working out punch lines activates areas of the brain vital to learning and creativity. As psychologist Daniel Goleman notes in his book Emotional Intelligence, “laughter… seems to help people think more broadly and associate more freely.”
5. Eat a brain-boosting diet
Get your omega-3s. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial for brain health. Fish is a particularly rich source of omega-3, especially cold water “fatty fish” such as salmon, tuna, halibut, trout, mackerel, sardines, and herring.
Limit calories and saturated fat. Research shows that diets high in saturated fat (from sources such as red meat, whole milk, butter, cheese, cream, and ice cream) increase your risk of dementia and impair concentration and memory.
Eat more fruit and vegetables. Produce is packed with antioxidants, substances that protect your brain cells from damage. Colorful fruits and vegetables are particularly good antioxidant “superfood” sources.
Drink green tea. Green tea contains polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that protect against free radicals that can damage brain cells. Among many other benefits, regular consumption of green tea may enhance memory and mental alertness and slow brain aging.
Drink wine (or grape juice) in moderation. Keeping your alcohol consumption in check is key, since alcohol kills brain cells. But in moderation (around 1 glass a day for women; 2 for men), alcohol may actually improve memory and cognition. Red wine appears to be the best option, as it is rich in resveratrol, a flavonoid that boosts blood flow in the brain and reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Other resveratrol-packed options include grape juice, cranberry juice, fresh grapes and berries, and peanuts.
Per thehealthguide.org Research shows that diets high in saturated fat (from sources such as red meat, whole milk, butter, cheese, cream, and ice cream) increase your risk of dementia and impair concentration and memory. Eat more fruit and vegetables. Produce is packed with antioxidants, substances that protect your brain cells from damage
Over 200 million people suffer from a thyroid disorder over time your thyroid gland will produce less hormones and it starts to affect your neurological functioning. A hormone deficiency slows everything down, including your brain functions. This can leave you with a chemical imbalance that can includes symptoms like:
Inability to concentrate
Detachment from personal relationships and activities
Low self-esteem
Depression
Inability to connect details
Short-term memory problems
Slowed mental reactions
Confusion
If memory lapses are bothering you, talk with your doctor to make sure its not a underlying “other” medical condition. Getting to the root cause is the smartest thing you can do it could be an easy fix like getting more sleep, switching a medication, or taking a stress reduction class to get your memory back on track.
Please check out my other books online @ Amazon, Barnes n Noble or Books a Million.
Finally a Holiday cookbook that will have you sincerely appreciating all the hard work that I put into creating it. This cookbook not only has recipes that caters to your hypothyroidism but the recipes are extremely easy to prepare while still being delicious as they promote your health, help you begin to heal, and you’re eating cleaner on top of it all. These recipes can be used year-round not only around the holidays and will be a great addition to your library. I hope you find this Holiday book a godsend to the particularly crazy holiday season. This book includes a good variety of recipes that I know you will find to be delicious, full of flavor, healthy and just perfect for your Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner table. From appetizers to main meals, side dishes and desserts these recipes are just wonderfully delicious. I am not kidding when I tell you that the recipe options in this book are endless and you won’t be disappointed! You will be able to find that perfect recipe in this book that makes your taste buds soar, fits your dietary needs and has your family bragging on your cooking skills. They may even think you secretly took lessons from Gordon Ramsay or Julia Childs
There’s nothing like the aroma of a home-cooked dinner welcoming you at the door. No time to be in the kitchen? The wonderful thing about a crock pot is you have little prep time. You won’t have to stand over a hot stove cooking your food and it’s perfect for those hectic days. We all want that convenience! Do you need foods that promote thyroid health? You can start today healing your body from the inside out. Over 101 wholesome and nourishing Hashimoto’s fighting recipes that will cater to your mind, body and soul. This helpful book will start to guide you in the right direction along with a step by step plan that is clear and doable.
It’s not about being skinny, it’s about energy, vitality & feeling good when you look in the mirror.
I wanted to create a user-friendly handbook to help anyone affected by this disorder. I’ve seen many doctors over the years and none offered me ideas on diet change. I’ve included recipes, ideas on solutions for a healthier home, what you should be eating and shouldn’t, how to shed those extra pounds, regain your self-confidence and vitality back into your life. I want you to feel strong, sexy, and beautiful. This is my heartfelt guide to you. Together, once again, you can start to gain that wonderful life that you deserve. I am a student in this thing called life. I want to be remembered as a pioneer who thought, imagined, and inspired. What we feel at times is the impossible or unthinkable. Life is a wonderful journey.
Do you need foods that promote your thyroid health? Let’s heal your body from the inside out. We’ve all heard that our gut is called the “second-brain”. Given how closely the two interact with each other one thing you may not realize is your emotions and weight gain can start in the gut. Your gut and digestion can also cause you to hold onto that excess weight and just feel lousy. I’ve included 101 hypothyroidism fighting recipes that cook themselves. Our main concern is kicking hypothyroidism’s booty. I hope this book inspires you to use your slow cooker more often and create your own new recipes. Let’s together shed those extra pounds, regain your self-confidence and vitality back into your life.
This is a 21-day Meal plan to reset your thyroid and jump start your weight loss journey. It is filled with 21 breakfast recipes, 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.
Hypothyroidism clarity is designed to help give you FREEDOM and EMPOWERMENT. I’m sharing the EXACT STEPS I’ve used to overcome my eating issues WITHOUT dieting. All the recipes are specially crafted to be easy, super delicious and they have been kid tested-mother approved. A family-friendly way to eat that your entire family will enjoy. This book contains wonderfully crafted hypothyroidism recipes for your home and body that will help transform you and your family’s life.
This book thanks everyone suffering from hypothyroidism and looking for answers. Hypothyroidism is the kind of disease that carries a bit of mystery with it. This book is not for readers looking for quick answers. There is not one size fits all. You have to be in charge of your health. I didn’t write this book to sell you any “snake oil” in a bottle. I’ve written this book to be an eye opener for you and to share with you what I have learned on my journey. The solutions in this book has helped so many people. There are many incredible holistic practitioners, authors and researchers with experience and expertise in this area. I’ve done my best to pull from all their expertise, as well as my own knowledge and clinical experience. I want to make it easy for you to find the answers quickly, all in the one place, because I’m all too familiar with that awful side effects of hypothyroidism. I certainly don’t want you to have to spend years finding solutions, like I did. I also what you to understand that there isn’t an easy “one pill” solution, but the “one pill” approach that our current medical system is using is NOT WORKING because the underlying cause for hypothyroidism is not being addressed. Get ready to go on a journey of discovery where you are going to learn how everything ties into one. A lack of knowledge is a lack of power.
I wish somebody had given me a step-by-step road-map back when I was first diagnosed with hypothyroidism. The solutions in this book has helped so many people. I’ve done my best to pull from all their expertise, as well as my own knowledge and clinical experience. I want to make it easy for you to find the answers quickly, all in the one place, because I’m all too familiar with that awful side effects of hypothyroidism. I certainly don’t want you to have to spend years finding solutions, like I did. I also want you to understand that there isn’t an easy “one pill” solution, but the “one pill” approach that our current medical system is using is NOT WORKING because the underlying cause for hypothyroidism is not being addressed. Knowledge is power, educate yourself and find the answer to your health care needs. Wisdom is a wonderful thing to seek. I hope this book 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
I wanted to create a fall cookbook for those of us suffering from hypothyroidism that makes you feel as if you’re inviting an old friend in for coffee. If you’ve been considering switching to a hypothyroidism diet, you may be wondering if you have to give up your favorite foods along with flavor. This is far from the truth. Switching to a hypothyroidism diet means that you are catering to heal your thyroid. You can still enjoy your favorite fall recipes following a hypothyroidism diet- you’ll just need to learn what substitutions you will need to make to create wonderful fall hypothyroidism recipes. This is where this book that I’ve written for you comes into play. In this book, you will find a collection of many fall favorite recipes that you and your family are sure to love. If you’ve ever considered a hypothyroidism diet, this recipe book is a great starting resource.
Audrey Childers is a published author, blogger, freelance journalist and an entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in research and editorial writing. She is also the creator and founder of the website the hypothyroidismchick.com. Where you can find great tips on everyday living with hypothyroidism. She enjoys raising her children and being a voice for optimal human health and wellness.
Disclaimer
The information and recipes contained in blog is based upon the research and the personal experiences of the author. It’s for entertainment purposes only. Every attempt has been made to provide accurate, up to date and reliable information. No warranties of any kind are expressed or implied. Readers acknowledge that the author is not engaging in the rendering of legal, financial, medical or professional advice. By reading this blog, the reader agrees that under no circumstance the author is not responsible for any loss, direct or indirect, which are incurred by using this information contained within this book. 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 book. 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 book 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
European Journal of Endocrinology. December 1, 2009 161 917-921. Treated hypothyroidism, cognitive function, and depressed mood in old age: the Rancho Bernardo Study. http://www.eje-online.org/content/161/6/917.full
Chickpeas are a gluten free source of protein and fiber. Chickpeas also contain exceptional levels of iron, vitamin B-6 and magnesium, vitamin K, folate, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, choline and selenium and Amino acids. Possible health benefits of consuming chickpeas are Diabetes (high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels), Bone health (The iron, phosphate, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc and vitamin K content present in chickpeas all contribute to building and maintaining bone structure and strength) Blood pressure (low-sodium intake is essential to lowering blood pressure) Heart health (high fiber, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin B-6 content, coupled with the lack of cholesterol found in chickpeas, all support heart health) Cancer (Selenium is a mineral plays a role in liver enzyme function, and helps detoxify some cancer-causing compounds in the body. Additionally, selenium prevents inflammation and also decreases tumor growth rates.) Lowers cholesterol, fights inflammation and aids in your Digestion and regularity! So why not eat this “superfood” up? I listed some recipes from my up & coming book! I hope you find these recipes fun & delicious! From my family to yours..
A survivor’s cookbook guide to
Kicking Hypothyroidisms Booty
Copyright, 2015, by Audrey Childers
Simply roasted chickpea
2 tabs extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp. ground cumin
1 tea garlic powder
½ teas of chili powder
1 pinch Celtic sea salt
1 pinch of ground black pepper
1pinch of crushed red pepper
1 (15oz) can chickpeas, drained & rinsed
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Place the chickpeas in a large bowl and toss with the remaining ingredients until evenly coated. Spread the chickpeas in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until crisp, about 30 to 40 minutes
Chili-Lime Roasted Chickpeas
2 15-ounce cans chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans), drained, rinsed and blotted dry
1 tbsp. Chili powder
2 tbsp. olive oil
The juice from half of a freshly squeezed lime
Pinch of Himalayan sea salt
2 tsp cumin
1 teaspoons finely grated lime zest
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place the chickpeas in a large bowl and toss with all the ingredients until evenly coated except the lime zest. Spread the chickpeas in an even layer on a non-aluminum baking pan or in a large cast iron skillet bake until crisp, about 40 to 45 minutes. Sprinkle the lime zest on the chickpeas after cooked. Note: Every 10 minutes shake your pan to move the chickpeas around.
Fire Roasted tomato quinoa penne pasta with crispy chickpeas and zucchini
1 can fire roasted diced tomatoes, not drained
1 cup organic uncooked zucchini, diced
1 can (15 oz) cooked chickpeas
2 tablespoon goats cheese, crumbles
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoon olive oil
8 oz quinoa penne pasta
Celtic sea salt and pepper to taste
Cook pasta according to package. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté zucchini and garlic over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Add chickpeas, and cook until browned and crispy, about 5 additional minutes. After pasta cooked according to the packaging, drain and toss with zucchini, roasted tomatoes, and chickpeas. Cook additional 5 minutes to allow and blend all the flavorings together. Season to taste and sprinkle goat cheese crumbles.
Click on the link below to order your Himalayan salt lamp today!
Slow-Cooker Wild Rice with Cranberries and Mushrooms 
thehypothyroidismchick 
