Your body is an awesome design but there is a complex balance between everything. It’s like a domino. One thing in your body that is overworked can cause a major shift in how things operate. Sometimes we have to do a little pruning of the branches, in order for the tree to be healthy again. There is not one size fits all.

See when your thyroid isn’t working properly it can wreck havoc on your life. Your thyroid is responsible for so many things. it regulates your metabolism, makes energy, adjusts your mood, helps you sleep, even helps aid in good digestion but your see this is where you come into play. Like anything else in life you get back what you give.

You must understand that your thyroid physiology is very complex and  the treatment along with misdiagnosis is very common with hypothyroidism. Not everyone is the same. What has caused my hypothyroidism might not be what has caused yours. 

In most cases, hypothyroidism is caused by a beginning rooted immune system issue. According to Dr. Datis Kharrazian, 90% of people with hypothyroidism have Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune hypothyroid condition, whereby the immune system attacks thyroid tissue. Therefore, to cure thyroid disease, or any autoimmune condition, you have to get to the source of the imbalance; focusing on suppression of symptoms with medication alone is simply barking up the wrong tree.

3. Detox your lifestyle

We are creating a toxic shit storm within our very own bodies. I’m not speaking from a place of Prejudice or judgement because what you do with your life is entirely your call. The real reality is we are damaging our DNA and we are changing our genetic makeup for future generations. These chemicals in our food, beverages, vaccines and pharmaceuticals create a breeding ground for sickness. Have you heard of gene mutation? It’s when the cells are changed by chemicals they are either damaged, lost or copied.  These processed foods that are full of man-made chemicals, fluoridated municipal tap water, genetically modified foods, Artificial sweeteners, Vaccines and the yearly flu shot – often contain mercury, aluminum, formaldehyde and MSG, Pharmaceutical medications and a lot of the Pharmaceutical medications are loaded with fluoride, OTC (over-the-counter) medications for colds, allergies, headaches and fever – often contain heavy metal toxins, artificial sweeteners and toxic industrial-based food dyes. All of this is what is keeping us sick and these corporations rich.

Did you know that most of these products we use every day contain toxic chemicals and has been linked to women’s health issues? They are hidden endocrine disruptors and are very tricky chemicals that play havoc on our bodies. “We are all routinely exposed to endocrine disruptors, and this has the potential to significantly harming our health.

4. Try Adaptogen Herbs 

Adaptogen herbs are  in a unique class of healing plants that promote hormone balance and help tp protect the body from a wide variety of diseases, including those caused by excess stress. They also boost your  immune functions. Research shows that various adapotogens — such as ashwagandha, medicinal mushrooms, rhodiola and holy basil Studies show that holy basil can helps to regulate cortisol level, protect your organs and tissues against chemical stress from pollutants and heavy metals, which are other factors that can lead to hormone imbalance.— The unique healing herbs can—

• Improve thyroid function
• Lower cholesterol naturally
• Reduce anxiety and depression
• Reduce brain cell degeneration
• Stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels
• Support adrenal gland functions

** keep in mind that  certain herbal supplements  can affect thyroid function negatively, causing changes in your TSH, including guggul, tyrosine, kelp, bladderwrack supplements and products containing iodine, such as certain vitamins. So please beware and read labels.

5. Address Food sensitivities

Food allergies 

If you allergic to certain foods it is will involve your the immune system. Your know that your immune system controls how your body defends itself. Your body see’s inflammatory foods as invaders and will kick in your autoimmunity responses.  For example if you have a food allergy to cow’s milk, your immune system will see cow’s milk as an invader. In-return your immune system overreacts by producing antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction to start fighting for your body. Being tested for food allergies seems to be easiest way to check to see if you have any food allergies so you can start avoiding these foods and help your immune system become strong again.

Avoiding Food Allergens*

Many people are unaware that certain foods are actually working against their bodies. You should see a specialist and be tested to ensure you have no food allergies. Your lymphatic system can also be affected by your gut. If your gut is inflamed and not healed this is taxing on your immune system which in return is taxing on your lymphatic system. Consider adding prebiotics and probiotics to help support gut health along with eating properly and avoiding these common food allergens. In this book, you will find all the recipes have been created and catered around these common food allergens along with being Keto. I’ve taken them out. After 1 month you can slowly add some back in and see how you react. This certainly wasn’t an easy task but one that I am most proud of. 

Common food allergens that can contribute to an inflamed gut are:

Nightshades

Eggs

Grains (gluten)

Dairy

Legumes

Corn

Soy

Dairy

lectins 

You can find great inflammation and recipes in my book Beyond the Bite: The Keto Autoimmune Protocol Healing Book for Women. 

6. Change Your Diet

We are creating a perfect storm within our bodies. The less nutrients we consume, more toxins we add, create this world win of health issues. It’s sad that our western diet is made up of red meats, vegetable oils, white flour and sugar. Who would of thought that something so simple as eating has become so complicated. Food does matter. It talks to your DNA . Food can change your DNA!

For goodness sake please eat enough calories along with it being nutrient based! If your body is put in starvation mode it can cause metabolic damage over time(a reduction in what’s known as your basal metabolic rate).  So if you are not eating enough calories  your hypothalamus will tell your body to burn less over time thus causing metabolic damage.
The foods you eat have a major impact on autoimmune disease —  It affects your gut health and along with increasing or decreasing the inflammation in your body. Unfortunately, our western world diet are full of foods that have a bad impact on both your gut and your inflammation. Start with eating whole foods that are anti-inflammatory.  For instance, omega-3 wild fish, leafy greens and turmeric. If it was made in a lab , avoid it. Do a little research and you will find that our western diet that is made up of processed, fake foods, chemicals, sugar and corn oils are all highly flaming the fan of your inflammation.  begin to start reading labels. You will soon discover that health foods such as low-fat and gluten-free packaged foods, which are often loaded with sugar, additives, and preservatives. Avoid Grains, dairy, legumes, eggs, corn, and soy  which these foods are not the  cornerstones to a healthy diet anymore they can contribute to a leaky gut and inflammation.  Did you know that Gluten  triggers the release of a chemical called zonulin, which tells the walls of your intestines to open up and by doing so this releases toxins into your bloodstream.

*Did you know that the over-consumption of soy products which contain high levels of isoflavones, can increase  TSH ? Soy also can impede cell receptors and disrupt the feedback loop throughout your entire endocrine (hormonal) system.

*Gluten has a molecular composition of thyroid tissue. Those of us with Hashimoto’s, it’s simply a case of mistaken identity on our bodies. By eating  gluten it increases the autoimmune attack on your thyroid.

*Eat cooked cruferious vegetables. Raw cruferious vegetables can enlarge the thyroid and reduce its responsiveness to TSH. Goitrogenic foods include turnips, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, radishes, cauliflower,  rutabaga, cabbage and kale.

7.Reduce Your Toxic Burden

These are commonly found in items like antibacterial soap, deodorant, lotions, and makeup. These things are poisonous. Your skin is the largest organ in the body. Whatever you put on your skin goes into your body. I can’t preach this enough. If you can’t eat it, then don’t apply it to your skin. I understand this might not be 100% doable but every little bit helps your body. Everyday we are exposed to a huge number of chemical toxins without our own doing. It’s in our water,  the pollution in our air,  the insecticides and herbicides that are is sprayed on our food and the chemicals that are spray on our lawns.

Environmental chemicals and toxins, pesticides, BPA, thyroid endocrine disruptors, iodine imbalance, other medications, fluoride, overuse of soy products, cigarette smoking, and gluten intolerance. All of these play a very important role in your thyroid health. A nonprofit group called Beyond Pesticides warns that some 60 percent of pesticides used today have been shown to affect the thyroid gland’s production of T3 and T4 hormones. Commercially available insecticides and fungicides have also been involved. Even dental x-rays have been linked to an increased risk of thyroid disorders.

Homemade Deodorant

3 tbsp virgin coconut oil
2 tbsp shea butter
3 tbsp baking soda
2 tbsp cornstarch
5 drops essential oil of  your choice

Mix baking soda and arrowroot together. Melt your coconut oil & shea butter 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. Let cool.

Natural Peppermint Toothpaste

1/2 cup coconut oil

3 Tablespoons of baking soda

15 drops of peppermint food grade essential oil

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

** Start making  your own all natural Cleaning Supplies.

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

8. Relieve Your Stress

Believe it or not but high levels of stress can affect your thyroid. Stress has a negative influence on your body.  When you become stressed it releases more of the stress hormone, cortisol, and cortisol is stored in your belly region.  Elevated cortisol levels affects learning and memory, lower immune function and bone density, increase weight gain, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease and your thyroid gland. There are many ways one can become stressed Social stress, Physical stress and this includes to much exercising, emotional stress, stress of daily life, not getting enough  sleep.  Stress affects everyone differently and what may bother me might not bother you. 

Many of us find ourselves in this cycle of so much responsibility that at times it seems impossible to manage. We are over worked and the chronic stress is breaking us down. Chronis stress keeps our cortisol levels elevated. If our cortisol levels are staying elevated, it begins to interfere with many other area’s of our body which are the immune system, digestion, sleep, and even the ability to produce other essential hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and YES you named it last but not least our THYROID which can cause an autoimmune reaction. Do you see the cycle?

We must try to begin to tackle our stress and start to manage it.
Stress not only effects your immune system but by revving up your immune system, it begins to produces a wave of inflammation.

Inflammation will cause damage to you entire body. Many things can be the reason for the rise in inflammation in your body such as trauma, infections, bacterial overgrowth syndromes and chronic pain syndromes.

Let’s face it your immune system needs a long vacation from all the stress you’ve put it through. Just enough for a fighting chance to get back on track.

Take a walk, read a book, take a relaxing Epsom salt bath, start a yoga class, meditate, walk your dog. The key is to figure out what works for you and relaxes you.

9. Address Chronic Candida

Hypothyroidism causes low body temps which allows fungal overgrowth. Get the temps up and the fungal/yeast will have nowhere to live.”

Our lives already seem to be on hold from our hypothyroidism.  Did you know that an overload of Candida was picked up at birth or shortly thereafter? We were supposed to be getting good friendly bacteria from our mother’s at birth, but “our”  mother’s had Candida overgrowth and unknowing passed it on to us. And over the years, our bodies has become more and more compromised.  Your gut microbes could be dramatically affecting your thyroid health. There is a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding about Candida.  Both from the medical profession and on the internet. It is easy to get fooled into thinking, as many sites will try to convince you, that all anyone needs to do is to take their product or buy their e-book. Of course, they will all have testimonies. What they don’t tell you in those testimonies is how the Candida came back — in a month or two or in six months. However long it took for the Candida to overgrow enough to start causing symptoms again. It is important to know that dealing with Candida is not an easy fix.

If  you think you have chronic candida read this blog  Chronic Candida Attacking Your Thyroid?

10. Meditation-High Cortisol

Start your day our with meditation and a grateful heart. There are many people who weren’t able to wake up and live another day.   I can’t even begin to express the importance of  the power of meditation has over the body. It’s been proven to lower your  levels of  cortisol which is also known as the stress hormone. I like to start my day off listening to mediation music to clear my head while I have my legs up against the wall using this yoga pose.

Legs up the wall pose will not only help with your thyroid functions but it also relieves back pain, helps with insomnia, improves posture, helps with anxiety, naturally adjusts your spine, improves your digestion and it starts a lymphatic circulation. Your  lymphatic system doesn’t have a pump and relies on our movements and gravity to circulate lymph fluid where the toxins in this fluid can be eliminated from your body. If we sit all day the lymph fluid becomes stagnant and start to collect toxins. By simply reversing the flow of gravity in your legs, you begin to circulate the lymphatic fluid and encourage the body to start the elimination of toxins.  Dry brushing also will simulate the lymphatic system and improve skin tone.

11. Always take your thyroid medications alone and wait 4 hours before taking any iron tablets, vitamins with iron and calcium supplements. never take it  at the same time as you take your thyroid medication. Calcium and iron can disrupt the absorption of thyroid replacement. Allow two to four hours between the time you take your thyroid medication and your iron and calcium supplements.

12. Address nutritional deficiencies

Having  nutritional deficiencies isnt the cause of hypothyridism but it certainly adds gas to the fire. When you are deficient it can aggravate the symptoms: vitamin D, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, zinc, copper, vitamin A, the B vitamins, and iodine.

Having nutritional deficiencies certainly adds gas to the fire. When you are deficient it can aggravate the symptoms: vitamin D, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, zinc, copper, vitamin A, the B vitamins, and iodine.

Garden of Life Multivitamin for Women – mykind Organic Women’s Once Daily Whole Food Vitamin Supplement, Vegan, 60 Tablets

13. Rule out other causes of your symptoms

• Iron imbalance
• Blood sugar imbalances
• Nutrient deficiencies
• Selenium deficiency
• Vitamin D deficiency

The most important thyroid nutrients and their doses (for adults) are zinc (30 mg/day), selenium (200 mcg/day), iodine (150 mcg), and iron (18 mg). The uber-cool thyroid pharmacist Izabella Wentz also suggests that low thiamine (vitamin B1) may be an issue for Hashimoto’s sufferers, and that supplementing this nutrient may be helpful and a th B-complex.

14. Start Supporting my Adrenal Glands

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

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

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

( hypothalamus-a region of the forebrain below the thalamus that coordinates both the autonomic nervous system and the activity of the pituitary, controlling body temperature, thirst, hunger, and other homeostatic systems, and involved in sleep and emotional activity)

The hypothalamus is a part of the brain about the size of an almond, located below the thalamus, at the center for many critical bodily functions. The hypothalamus creates “releasing hormones” that stimulate or inhibit the secretion of pituitary hormones. The pituitary gland used to be considered the master gland, but now we know that the pituitary is receiving its orders from the hypothalamus’s hormones.)

Healthy fats, B vitamins, vitamin E, and glandular support  are typically used to support the hypothalamus, but eliminating inflammation is key. This gland usually responds quickly to a inflammation fighting and nutrient based diet.

20. Detoxifying your Pineal Gland

Over time your pineal gland has had tiny phosphate crystals formed around it creating this hard shell where it has become calcified.

Fluoride, chlorine, lead, pesticides, synthetic calcium, artificial sweeteners, synthetic fragrances, and mercury, are well-known endocrine disruptors that can lead to pineal calcification. Eat organic produce (from small, responsible farms), and drink only clean, healthy drinking water. When drinking or cooking with tap water, use a filter that removes fluoride and chlorine.   I know a whole house water filter might be out of he budget for most of us that is why I use a British Berkefeld. I also have a filter for my shower. Believe it or not we do breathe a lot of fluoride and chlorine and other chemicals into our lungs when we shower with tap water, and chemicals are absorbed through the skin.

Stop wearing sun glasses and chemically produced sunscreen. Your body & eyes need the natural sunlight. No, I am not saying go outside and look directly in the sun or lay out in your swimming trunks all day to get a tan. You can make homemade sunscreen or purchase many sunscreen that aren’t loaded with hormone disrupting and cancer causing chemicals.

Antioxidants are a big help to the pineal gland and the endocrine system as a whole. Try some Oregano oil which is a very powerful antioxidant. Neem oil also helps remove the harden shell from an existing calcification within the pineal gland.  Raw apple cider vinegar is another natural detoxifier that can assist with decalcification of the pineal. Iodine is also imperative for strong pineal function, but supplementing with too much can cause problems as well.

Vitamin K2 is vital for our bodies ability to properly know what to do with calcium. K2 also helps remove calcification and puts that calcium to work elsewhere. Vitamin K2 deficiency is common in modern society and has been connected with a wide array of health ailments. K2 is the new D. Routine blood work can tell  you if  you are low on any nutrients. 

Prunes, dried basil, parsley, , cucumbers, asparagus , sauerkraut, blueberries,  Cruciferous veggies like Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, collard greens but remember if you have hypothyroidism eat these cruciferous veggies cooked and limit it to no more than 3x’s per week.

Boron, naturally present in beets, can also be taken in supplemental form and can help decalcify and remove fluoride from the gland.

Pineal Gland Smoothie 

( you can also juice this recipe)

1/2 organic cucumber, washed, peeled, seeds removed and diced

2 prunes, make sure it doesn’t have any seeds

1/4 organic beet, washed, peeled and diced

handful of fresh parsley

1/4 cup of organic blueberries

small piece of ginger ( about the size of half  your thumb) peeled

8oz of filtered water

ice ( optional )

Blend and drink, if you are juicing you  might not need to add any water depending on your taste.

21. Reduce your inflammation

Chronic inflammation can spread and have more harmful effects than just one area in your body. Your body can experience things like higher blood pressure , allergies, create autoimmune issues, experience joint pain, cause heart problems, harmful swelling, bone loss, it can lower your iron levels and it just have a negative impact on your entire well-being. Did you know that chronic inflammation can also raise your reverse T3, which means this might be the reason why your hypothyroidism was created in the 1st place. We must get the inflammation under control. Cut out foods like gluten, sugar, refined carbs, fake foods, soy, and vegetable oils and add in fresh whole fruits, healthy fats and fiber. Start creating your own body lotions and cleaning supplies.

Turmeric Curcumin with Ginger & Bioperine – Best Vegan Joint Pain Relief, Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant & Anti-Aging Supplement with 10mg of Black Pepper for Better Absorption. 100% Natural Non-GMO

What tests should I have ran for my thyroid?

Basic Thyroid Panel:

1). TSH: for diagnosis of hypopituitary, NOT to diagnose or dose your hypothyroidism (unless it’s high). If you allow a doctor to diagnose or dose you by this lab test and range i.e. to say you are normal simply because it’s in range or below 10…you could still be hypothyroid.

2). Free T4 and Free T3 (note “FREE”–important since it measures what is unbound and available.)

3). Reverse T3: to be done at the same time you do the Free T3. Then calculate your ratio with the results and measurements.

4). Thyroid Antibodies: anti-TPO and TgAb will help diagnosis Hashimotos. You need BOTH, not just one of them. You can add TRAb and TSI for the Graves antibodies–some people have all three.

5). Four iron labs: Ferritin, % Saturation, TIBC and serum iron (sometimes the latter will just say Iron, or total iron). A high ferritin can also point to inflammation. Up to five days off iron supplements is necessary to see what your body is holding onto.

6). Adrenal Cortisol levels: Saliva, NOT blood. Blood is measuring both bound and unbound cortisol and does NOT give results you can go by. You’ll need to be off all cortisol-containing supplements for two weeks before testing.

7). B-12 and Folate

You NEED to have your Vitamins and MINERALS checked.

8). Magnesium and Potassium, plus Calcium, Sodium, Glucose, etc (All the latter are part of the Comprehensive Metabolic Profile–CMP blood test. You can also ask for the RBC (Red Blood Cell) versions of Mag. and Pot, which measures cellular levels. For potassium, make sure the rubber tourniquet is not left on more than 60 seconds, says this study. Also note that the Buccal Mg lab test is finally available and seems to be more correlated to cardiac health than RBC Mg, but is expensive and not always easy to get.) You will want to be off these mineral supplements for several days so you can measure what your body is hanging onto.

9). Vitamin D3 (25-hydroxyvitamin D lab test) and read why you may need another Vitamin D test.

10). Sex hormones: progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, etc. (If you are a woman who is still menstruating, the reproductive hormones should be tested 19 to 21 days past the first day of your last period)

11). MTHFR gene: if you have high levels of mercury, copper, lead, iron or B12 and/or a strong family history of cancer, heart disease, stroke, miscarriages, IBS. 60% of the population has a MTHFR mutation. It will help guide you in your treatment.

PLUS: others your doctor may recommend, including tests for Lyme disease, heavy metals, Candida, food sensitivity, etc.

Ultrasound of the thyroid gland

Our issues are H.A.T. – hormones, adrenals and thyroid. You MUST treat your adrenals before your thyroid meds will work. When one is out of balance, it can throw the others out of balance

For Hashimoto’s disease – Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOAb), Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb)

For Graves’ disease – Thyroid Receptor Antibodies (TRAb), Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulins (TSI)

**If your iron, ferritin, Vit D, Vit B12 are too low, you may have trouble with thyroid hormone replacement. They need to be in optimal ranges for your body to tolerate and utilize thyroid hormone properly.

***Low or high cortisol (adrenal hormone) can present a problem as well. Cortisol levels should be at the highest when you wake in the morning and gradually come down throughout the day, with the lowest level between 10 and midnight. A 8-9am and 4-5pm serum cortisol test is recommended. A 24 hour saliva cortisol test is best. Reproductive hormones also need to be balanced. Low cortisol is a sign of low T3.

10 Monitoring Tests You May Need if You Have Hypothyroidism To keep on top of other aspects of your health, consider talking with your doctor about these 10 tests, most of which use blood or urine samples:

1. Lipid panel. This test looks at the lipids, or fats, in your blood. People with hypothyroidism may have elevated total and LDL cholesterol levels. Total cholesterol, which includes your good HDL cholesterol, should be below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) and LDL cholesterol below 130 mg/dL. If your cholesterol is high when you start thyroid treatment, your doctor might test again after thyroid hormone levels stabilize. “A lot of patients with high cholesterol can have their cholesterol reduced just by treating their thyroid,” says David Borenstein, MD, an integrative medicine physician in private practice at Manhattan Integrative Medicine in New York City.

2. Complete blood count (CBC).“With more severe hypothyroid disease, you are at risk for mild anemia and bleeding problems, and that can have an effect on clotting factors and platelets,” says Dr. Smallridge. A CBC examines five blood components with the following normal ranges:

Red blood cell count: 3.9-5.69 millions per cubic milliliter

Hemoglobin: 12.6-16.1 grams/dL

Hematocrit: 38-47.7 percent

White blood cell count: 3.3-8.7 thousands per cubic milliliter

Platelet count: 147-347 thousands per cubic milliliter

3. Liver enzyme exam. Liver function tests check on the health of this organ. Not only does the liver play a role in the chemical process that develops thyroid hormones, but untreated hypothyroidism can cause problems in liver function over time. Additionally, sometimes people with hypothyroidism also have liver problems that need attention. The results of a liver panel test can’t diagnose a condition, but the pattern of results along with symptoms will help your doctor decide on any next steps. This blood test can look at alanine aminotransferase(ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, albumin, total protein, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase, and prothrombin time.

4. Prolactin test. This hormone stimulates lactation, or breast milk — and people with hypothyroidism often have increased prolactin levels. Normal levels for women who are not pregnant are 0 to 20 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) and for men,0 to 15 ng/mL. Because galactorrhea (spontaneously producing breast milk)improves with thyroid treatment, your doctor might not test for this unless the problem persists.

5. Vitamin B12 test. Your doctor may test your levels of B12 and other B vitamins because they playa role in managing thyroid hormones, Dr. Borenstein says. B12 deficiency also can be related to anemia. Reference ranges can vary widely. Talk to your doctor about your lab results.

6. Vitamin D check. Early research has shown a correlation between hypothyroidism and vitamin D deficiency. The two conditions could be separate conditions occurring at the same time or contributing to one another — researchers don’t understand the relationship yet. However, your doctor might want to check on your vitamin D levels as well. A 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of 20 nanograms per deciliter or greater is necessary for skeletal health. Some doctors recommend a level of 20-40 nanograms per deciliter, while others recommend 60-70.

7. Sodium test. Sodium (salt)is essential to your body’s management of water or fluids. Normal sodium bloodt est results are 135 to 145 milliequivalents per liter (meq/L), but sodium levels might be lower than normal with hypothyroidism.

8. Magnesium check. People with hypothyroidism and certain other deficiencies might also have too little magnesium, an essential mineral. Normal blood test results are 1.8 to3.0 mg/dL.

9. C-reactive protein (CRP) test. This test measures inflammation in your body. Most people who are not fighting off an infection or living with an inflammatory condition have low levels of CRP. Increasing levels suggest increased inflammation in your body. An integrative medicine specialist might want to address overall inflammation with changes in diet and lifestyle in addition to thyroid treatment.

10. Sleep disorder testing. You also may need sleep testing in addition to lab tests. Sleep apnea and disordered sleep can result from hypothyroidism, says Claudia Cooke, MD, an integrative medicine specialist in private practice in New York City. This is because hypothyroidism can affect the tongue’s mobility, causing it to block breathing at night. A sleep study can help you find out if this is an issue by monitoring your sleep in a sleep lab or at home using portable equipment. This test could be warranted if you’ve had thyroid treatment and your TSH levels are acceptable and stable, yet you wake up tired, feel tired during the day, and your bed partner tells you that you’re snoring considerably.

When you go to the new doc take these with you:

A list of your FAMILY history (Mother, father, grand parents. If you have cousins with Autoimmune Diseases add them to the list)

A list of YOUR medical history

A list of what you are taking currently (take the bottles too)

A list of your symptoms, ALL of them A copy of your labs IF they are recent

A list of what you would like to talk about (that’s so you don’t forget)

A list of tests you would like done.

***** Keep these lists saved in your computer so you can easily update them. I suggest saving them with the DATE in the name of the file.

RE: MedicationsIAmTaking09.08.14.doc

FamilyHistory09.08.14.doc

MySymptoms09.08.14.doc

Call the new physicians office and be SURE they do FT3 before you even go. If they don’t, do not waste your money or co-pay.

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.

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

Health and Happiness,

Audrey

XoXo

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.

Orders yours today. Click on this link! $8.99 

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.

Pick up my latest book!  order Yours today!

The Best Little Hypothyroidism Autumn Cookbook $8.99

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.

Click on the link and orders yours today!

Hypothyroidism: The Beginners Guide: How to stop surviving and start thriving.

 

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

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.

 

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