Tag Archives: #brainfog

Welcome to the Hypothyroidism Family Kicking and Screaming

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 It’s the scariest thing to walk into a room and completely forget why I walked in there in the first place or to be driving somewhere and completely space out for a moment forgetting where I am headed. My brain fog is so terrible at times that I’ve literally broken down and cried. Making mental notes is the thing of the past. I am constantly writing myself my very own honey-do list.

Waking up in the morning and never knowing what to expect. I have to treat each day like it’s a new day.  Will I have enough energy today to pull myself out of bed? Will I have enough energy to do the must needed things that need to be done or to play with my children? I do know if I don’t pace myself then the following day I will be beyond exhausted. Having hypothyroidism gives me good days and bad days, but mainly I feel as if the world is slowly passing me by.

This is invisible chronic illness that people can’t see and certainly don’t understand. It really bothers me when people view me as just being fat and lazy.  Sometimes, I wish, I could wear a sign that says,” I’m sick”.

I realize people can’t understand because they are not living my life. This daily battle of brain fog, complete body fatigue, hair thinning, heart palpitations, extremely dry skin,   racing heart rate and aches and pains. It feels as if my bones actually ache on some days. If you can imagine that?

All the years that my doctors pushed anti-depressants down my throat and I refused each time. I am not depressed “I KEPT SHOUTING”!! There is something more going on with my body that apparently you don’t understand and don’t have the skill-set to understand or were they just greedy-money hungry liars who were trying to keep me uneducated where I would remain sick, in doing so their bottom dollar wasn’t affected because I had no choice but to keep coming back? Was that too harsh for me to say?

My anxiety isn’t a normal type of anxiety but what would you classify as a normal type of anxiety?  If my doctors at the time would of just did a complete thyroid panel and checked to see if my body was lacking anything then they would have seen that my body was completely out of whack. It was screaming to be healed!

Let’s not mention how my body overreacts to stress. Having hypothyroidism I already have a higher than normal cortisol levels that like to gather and remain at my waist. So this muffin top isn’t a regular muffin top it’s a cortisol collection crime zone. I just can’t handle any type of stress, period. That’s why I don’t keep many people in my life. I don’t have a ‘collection” of friends and I keep it this way to try to control this area of stress in my life that comes with ‘people”.  I kicked myself out of the “drama club”.

I really wish people would stop telling me it’s all in my head. It’s not. Yes, I look normal on the outside and I try to hide my condition with a fake smile on most days.

I’m certainly not anti-social or lazy but it certainly does seem that way when you are on the outside looking in.

Looking back on certain things that I’ve discovered over the years. One being that I can’t blame the memory loss solely on hypothyroidism because it could be a number of things that were beginning to develop or change in my body and being low on b12 was one thing that I found out that I was low on. After finding a good doctor whom listened to me and didn’t want to throw me in a padded room.  The initial blood work that was taken showed a number of deficiencies, food allergens and also thyroid antibodies. Slowly I began to tweak my supplements and my food to adjust and cater to my specific body needs.

So, I take each day as it comes. I understand that my health is in my hands and I am no longer healthy but with each day passing, I begin to get stronger, I am more aware and my friend, Knowledge is power. I listen to my body and I certainly don’t care what others think anymore. The loss of the old me was the beginning of a new me. My hypothyroidism has actually been a blessing in disguise because it has lead me on this journey of discovery and I truly understand what it means to have chronic pain and a chronic illness.

I want you, my readers, to find hope between the pages of all my books. I want you to know that you have power and always try to be positive.  By reading my books, if you find any of my books to be just “Average” and perhaps its not for you or what you needed please pass it on you may never know this could be someones else saving grace.

In many of my books, you will find everything you need to know about  healing your hypothyroidism. The guess work has been taken out.   I can assure you that even in the toughest cases, you can heal your thyroid.

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

Poisoned Profit

Orders yours today. Click on this link! $10.00 

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Dieting for Your Thyroid

When it comes down to it, the proper diet for our thyroid is one that has balance. We need to constantly be incorporating a healthy amount of the three major sources of macronutrients:

  • Proteins
  • Fats
  • Healthy Carbohydrates

The mix here is important, and by purchasing my book  A survivors cookbook guide to kicking hypothyroidism booty, I will show you exactly how and what you should be working each day  into your diet so that you start healing  your health.  Break that cycle today, start eating to cater to your thyroid and replenish your life.

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Pick up my latest book!  order Yours today!

The Best Little Hypothyroidism Autumn Cookbook

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We need to be kind to ourselves. Give our bodies a fighting chance. If you constantly feed your body crap then you are making it susceptible to inflammation, virus’s and disease. I want to help you become successful in your healthy journey by applying the empowering techniques many of my blogs have to offer. This article has been written by a person who has had real struggles with a hypothyroidism but has worked through them. I am going to “keep it real” with you.

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. She is the published author of : A survivors cookbook guide to kicking hypothyroidism booty, Reset your Thyroid, Hypothyroidism Clarity,  A survivors cookbook guide to kicking hypothyroidism booty: the slow cooker way,   Hypothyroidism: The Beginners Guide: How to stop surviving and start thriving.      
and   Secrets to my Hypothyroidism Success:: A Personal Guide to Hypothyroidism Freedom.   You can find all these books on Amazon.  You can also find her actively involved in her Facebook Group : Healing Hypothyroidism. This blog may be re-posted freely with proper attribution, author bio, and this copyright statement.
You can always click on this Facebook group and order my books too.  A Survivors Cookbook Guide to Kicking Hypothyroidisms Booty.
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Disclaimer

The information and recipes contained in blog is based upon the research and the personal experiences of the author. It’s for entertainment purposes only. Every attempt has been made to provide accurate, up to date and reliable information. No warranties of any kind are expressed or implied. Readers acknowledge that the author is not engaging in the rendering of legal, financial, medical or professional advice. By reading this blog, the reader agrees that under no circumstance the author is not responsible for any loss, direct or indirect, which are incurred by using this information contained within this blog. Including but not limited to errors, omissions or inaccuracies. This blog is not intended as replacements from what your health care provider has suggested.  The author is not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions, preparations or procedures discussed in this blog. All matters pertaining to your health should be supervised by a health care professional. I am not a doctor, or a medical professional. This blog is designed for as an educational and entertainment tool only. Please always check with your health practitioner before taking any vitamins, supplements, or herbs, as they may have side-effects, especially when combined with medications, alcohol, or other vitamins or supplements.  Knowledge is power, educate yourself and find the answer to your health care needs. Wisdom is a wonderful thing to seek.  I hope this blog will teach and encourage you to take leaps in your life to educate yourself for a happier & healthier life. You have to take ownership of your health. The highlighted links are affiliate links in my blogs.

Do you suffer from hypothyroidism brain fog?

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Thinking Woman

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.

Here are a few suggestions from thehelpguide.org

  1. Exercise your mind

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. 

2. Aerobic exercise

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.

3. Get more Sleep

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.

4. Laugh at yourself

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.

  • If you’re not a fan of seafood, consider non-fish sources of omega-3s such as walnuts, ground flaxseed, flaxseed oil, winter squash, kidney and pinto beans, spinach, broccoli and pumpkin seeds .
  • 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.    

Holiday Hypothyroidism

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

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Hashimoto’s crock-pot recipes: Added Bonus: How I put my Hashimoto’s into remission

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.

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Kicking Hypothyroidism’s booty, The Slow Cooker way: 101 Slow Cooker recipes!

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.

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 A Survivors Cookbook Guide to Kicking Hypothyroidism’s booty.

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.

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Reset Your Thyroid, 21 day Meal plan Thyroid reboot

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.

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Hypothyroidism Clarity

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.

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Hypothyroidism: The beginners Guide

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.

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Secrets to my Hypothyroidism Success: A personal guide to Hypothyroidism freedom

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

secretstomyhypothyroidismsuccess

The Best Little Hypothyroidism Autumn Cookbook

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.

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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.

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Disclaimer

The information and recipes contained in blog is based upon the research and the personal experiences of the author. It’s for entertainment purposes only. Every attempt has been made to provide accurate, up to date and reliable information. No warranties of any kind are expressed or implied. Readers acknowledge that the author is not engaging in the rendering of legal, financial, medical or professional advice. By reading this blog, the reader agrees that under no circumstance the author is not responsible for any loss, direct or indirect, which are incurred by using this information contained within this 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

 

 

Sources:

American Thyroid Association. Thyroid Disease in Older Patients. Accessed April 26, 2013. http://www.thyroid.org/hypothyroidism-elderly/

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

International Journal of Neuroscience. 116:895-906, 2006. Memory Improvement with Treatment of Hypothyroidism. http://ict.usc.edu/pubs/Memory%20Improvement%20with%20Treatment%20of%20Hypothyroidism.pdf

The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, VOL. 19, No. 2. Verbal Memory Retrieval Deficits Associated With Untreated Hypothyroidism. http://neuro.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?articleID=103017

Medicine and Health / Rhode Island. Neurobehavioral Functioning in Thyroid Disorders. Accessed April 26, 2013. http://med.brown.edu/neurology/articles/gt31803.pdf

The Newsletter of the Memory Disorders Project of Rutgers University. Memory Loss & the Brain. Thyroid Disorders. Accessed March 22, 2013. http://www.memorylossonline.com/glossary/thyroiddisorders.html

Thyroid. 2001 Dec;11(12):1177-85. Hypothyroidism and cognition: preliminary evidence for a specific defect in memory. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12186506

Thyroid Foundation of Canada. Thyroid Disease: Know the Facts. Accessed April 26, 2013. http://www.thyroid.ca/know_the_facts.php