Healing from Hypothyroidism is so darn complicated. Healing from any thyroid imbalance is complicated. Let me tell ya.
I am healing but learning step by step as I go. I am here to share that healing is POSSIBLE. You need to be well armed w/ education about your thyroid and ready to debate physicians for adequate care.
And while I am not on the other side of healing my thyroid, I am well on my way to best understanding 'how to heal'. So, I want to share what I have learned with you. I appreciate when people who have healed or in the midst of healing, pass along their experience to me as well.
As I said, healing the thyroid is complicated. Alright, it's more than complicated, its - at times - downright maddening. It's a difficult balance because in order to heal your thyroid, your adrenals need to be healthy. Your entire endocrine system is entwined - all organs & hormones depending upon the health of the other. If you have sluggish adrenals, those need to be not only treated but well on their way to 'healed' for you to address your thyroid health. If you treat your thyroid prior to your adrenals, it's similar to pushing down the gas pedal of your car, increasing speed uphill......with absolutely no gasoline in the tank. It's basically fueling burnout.
So, women remain in this state of sluggishness, overweight, low metabolisms resulting in low stamina and frustration - depression - desperation. And they are turning to their physicians for answers who are recommending diet and exercise OR a good psychiatrist. It's an academic mess if you ask me. It's a shame. I realize I am dwelling on this fact - someone needs to! It sickens me how many people are being misdiagnosed w/ depression or told to 'eat better' when in fact their thyroid is not working properly. The doctors focus on the TSH labs and treat you as a 'lab profile' vs. responding to your symptoms. The horror stories are real and life altering. And for the record, let me share that the TSH is archaic (Medical Disclaimer: I am not a doctor - just a patient who believes this to be true). We are wise patients - even more wise consumers and the education is out there for us hence the resources I have provided. And healing is happening.
This is what I know to be clinically true. The book 'Stop The Thyroid Madness' has been a staple resource in my healing my body. Everyone should go buy that book and/or at least check out the website here. I am telling you, if you have endocrine challenges, your answers are in that book. If you have any form of Dystautonmia, your answers are in fact in that book. Without that resource, I wouldn't be functioning in life. And that is statement I say literally. I have taken every last piece of advice from Janie, the author. I even found my physician team through her database.
There are also two additional resources that I have found particularly helpful, Dr. Mercola's site here (simply search 'thyroid' on his site and a phlethora of articles will come up - start educating yourself) & Women's Health Network here.
I have learned more from these sites & book then I have from 'most' physicians I have personally visited with as a patient. Well, with the exception of my Integrative Physician who is amazing.
The truth is, you need to rely on yourself as the 'CEO' of your health. You need to fight for healing. You need to fire physicians who aren't on board. You need to walk into their offices equipt with clinical knowledge. You need to know to interpret all of your own lab results. And you need to essentially know how to push for treatment. It's tough but it's doable.
You are worth fighting for. You have to know that.
Sooo.....
What can you do 'out of a physician office' for your thyroid to ensure it is in optimal shape?
Follow a balanced eating plan: The foods you eat have a profound impact on your thyroid gland. In order to keep your thyroid healthy and keep you free from fatigue, we suggest the following eating guidelines:
Optimize nutrient intake: Even the healthiest diet cannot supply the complete spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients needed for optimal thyroid balance. It’s important to ensure that you get adequate iodine, selenium, zinc, copper, beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6.
Use phytotherapy and nutritional supplements to support your thyroid: Adaptogenic herbs work with the body to ensure adequate production and utilization of thyroid hormones. Many nutrients and herbs, including iodine, selenium, ashwagandha, bacopa, sage, and others, help the body better manage the adverse impact of fluctuations in thyroid hormones. Daily use of a multi-spectrum thyroid support formula can help alleviate your moderate to severe symptoms.
Gently exercise to a healthy body: Every woman needs an exercise program to keep her body healthy. When you are fatigued and your thyroid hormones aren't balanced, you must be careful to not overdo the exercise. Finding a gentle exercise regimen can facilitate thyroid healing. Much like diet, variety is key.
Keep a positive outlook: Stress wreaks havoc on your adrenal health, and this in turn can have a negative impact on your thyroid health. Why? When you worry, your adrenal glands produce a hormone called cortisol. Excess cortisol directly interferes with the production and conversion of thyroid hormones. This results in symptoms that can be severe. Minimizing stress and worry and maximizing emotional wellness plays an important part in maintaining overall hormonal balance.
Engage in a de-stress practice: Yoga, meditation, or conscious relaxation can all help you better manage the stress of life.
Be good to yourself!
I am healing but learning step by step as I go. I am here to share that healing is POSSIBLE. You need to be well armed w/ education about your thyroid and ready to debate physicians for adequate care.
And while I am not on the other side of healing my thyroid, I am well on my way to best understanding 'how to heal'. So, I want to share what I have learned with you. I appreciate when people who have healed or in the midst of healing, pass along their experience to me as well.
As I said, healing the thyroid is complicated. Alright, it's more than complicated, its - at times - downright maddening. It's a difficult balance because in order to heal your thyroid, your adrenals need to be healthy. Your entire endocrine system is entwined - all organs & hormones depending upon the health of the other. If you have sluggish adrenals, those need to be not only treated but well on their way to 'healed' for you to address your thyroid health. If you treat your thyroid prior to your adrenals, it's similar to pushing down the gas pedal of your car, increasing speed uphill......with absolutely no gasoline in the tank. It's basically fueling burnout.
So, women remain in this state of sluggishness, overweight, low metabolisms resulting in low stamina and frustration - depression - desperation. And they are turning to their physicians for answers who are recommending diet and exercise OR a good psychiatrist. It's an academic mess if you ask me. It's a shame. I realize I am dwelling on this fact - someone needs to! It sickens me how many people are being misdiagnosed w/ depression or told to 'eat better' when in fact their thyroid is not working properly. The doctors focus on the TSH labs and treat you as a 'lab profile' vs. responding to your symptoms. The horror stories are real and life altering. And for the record, let me share that the TSH is archaic (Medical Disclaimer: I am not a doctor - just a patient who believes this to be true). We are wise patients - even more wise consumers and the education is out there for us hence the resources I have provided. And healing is happening.
This is what I know to be clinically true. The book 'Stop The Thyroid Madness' has been a staple resource in my healing my body. Everyone should go buy that book and/or at least check out the website here. I am telling you, if you have endocrine challenges, your answers are in that book. If you have any form of Dystautonmia, your answers are in fact in that book. Without that resource, I wouldn't be functioning in life. And that is statement I say literally. I have taken every last piece of advice from Janie, the author. I even found my physician team through her database.
There are also two additional resources that I have found particularly helpful, Dr. Mercola's site here (simply search 'thyroid' on his site and a phlethora of articles will come up - start educating yourself) & Women's Health Network here.
I have learned more from these sites & book then I have from 'most' physicians I have personally visited with as a patient. Well, with the exception of my Integrative Physician who is amazing.
The truth is, you need to rely on yourself as the 'CEO' of your health. You need to fight for healing. You need to fire physicians who aren't on board. You need to walk into their offices equipt with clinical knowledge. You need to know to interpret all of your own lab results. And you need to essentially know how to push for treatment. It's tough but it's doable.
You are worth fighting for. You have to know that.
Sooo.....
What can you do 'out of a physician office' for your thyroid to ensure it is in optimal shape?
Follow a balanced eating plan: The foods you eat have a profound impact on your thyroid gland. In order to keep your thyroid healthy and keep you free from fatigue, we suggest the following eating guidelines:
- Avoid gluten.
- Eat adequate protein at every meal.
- Eat foods rich in selenium and iodine.
- Avoid food containing soy, or eat soy only in moderation. Remember to check food labels carefully, as soy derivatives are found in a number of foods we eat every day.
- When eating cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, turnips, or Brussels sprouts, always steam or cook them (see our article on goitrogens for more information).
- Eliminate all "white" food — refined sugar, flour, rice, and grains.
Optimize nutrient intake: Even the healthiest diet cannot supply the complete spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients needed for optimal thyroid balance. It’s important to ensure that you get adequate iodine, selenium, zinc, copper, beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6.
Use phytotherapy and nutritional supplements to support your thyroid: Adaptogenic herbs work with the body to ensure adequate production and utilization of thyroid hormones. Many nutrients and herbs, including iodine, selenium, ashwagandha, bacopa, sage, and others, help the body better manage the adverse impact of fluctuations in thyroid hormones. Daily use of a multi-spectrum thyroid support formula can help alleviate your moderate to severe symptoms.
Gently exercise to a healthy body: Every woman needs an exercise program to keep her body healthy. When you are fatigued and your thyroid hormones aren't balanced, you must be careful to not overdo the exercise. Finding a gentle exercise regimen can facilitate thyroid healing. Much like diet, variety is key.
Keep a positive outlook: Stress wreaks havoc on your adrenal health, and this in turn can have a negative impact on your thyroid health. Why? When you worry, your adrenal glands produce a hormone called cortisol. Excess cortisol directly interferes with the production and conversion of thyroid hormones. This results in symptoms that can be severe. Minimizing stress and worry and maximizing emotional wellness plays an important part in maintaining overall hormonal balance.
Engage in a de-stress practice: Yoga, meditation, or conscious relaxation can all help you better manage the stress of life.
Be good to yourself!
