Category: Uncategorized

A Vision Board

by Healthy Rhythms of Hashimoto Living, posted in Uncategorized

When diagnosed with a medical condition, we have two choices in life.

Either we choose to stay the same or we show up & change our lifestyle.

I have been making drastic changes in lifestyle. I am pursuing quality of life vs. suffering. What would you like to choose today?

Be gentle and kind when establishing realistic expectations about your health journey. Self-compassion is a key ingredient for healing. I’ve been making ‘small changes’ one day at a time. This morning, I deleted an order, a gluten-free snack, I truly enjoyed in the mornings. I realized some of the ingredients may be contributing to body inflammation. This was a ‘small change’ yet quite impactful.

Our bodies are composed of a physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual wellbeing. Are we nourishing each one of them on a regular basis? I just created a vision board to ensure 2025 is a better year. I want to be intentional when nourishing every aspect of my ‘being’.

We need to slow down every day, journal what is working and what is not, and reset as often as needed. I plan on being mindful of diet, hydration, movement, and spiritual growth one day at a time.

Be encouraged to reflect on what are the changes you would like to make for 2025. Think about anchors such as the following: a) nutrition, b) hydration, c) movement d) sleeping hygiene practices, e) rest during the day, f) spiritual growth and/or meditation, and g) stress management. Other anchors can be career, relationships, finances and hobbies.

You are welcome to share your thoughts on your vision board 2025 in the comments.

Routines Do Change

by Healthy Rhythms of Hashimoto Living, posted in Uncategorized
Christmas (2024) with the family at the World Equestrian Center.

My sister, her family and I reunited in Ocala, Florida after our mother’s passing in November. When we have family in town, our routines undoubtedly change.

We participated in so many fun activities at the World Equestrian Center in the evenings on Friday and Saturday. The entire family had a meal at Stone Creek Grill Golf Club on Saturday afternoon and attended Church service on Sunday morning. It was quite hectic yet memorable and fun.

We did have unexpected changes in schedule (e.g., a quick run to McDonalds with our seven-year-old twins). Changes in schedule keeps life interesting. Having family in town is priceless, no doubt in my mind.

When preparing for a special weekend, keep in mind about the potential changes in schedule that may throw us ‘off’ from our healthy rhythms that promote wellness. Life happens and time runs faster than expected!

I am learning ‘how to’ maintain quality of life with Hashimoto Thyroiditis and planning ahead is key. Creating ‘anchors’ or habits help us keep up with daily rhythms of wellness.

These are the most important anchors when managing an autoimmune condition in a fast-paced, Holiday season. Anchors such as: Hydration, Sleep hygiene practices, Supplement/Medication intake, Movement, Stress Management, and Diet.

Yes! The ‘diet’ anchor is a tricky one …

Tips:

a) Set up an alarm on the phone to remind yourself about hydration, every hour.

b) Pacing is key. Do not multitask. Keep it simple.

c) We do not have to participate in all activities. For instance, I chose to meet my family a couple of hours after their arrival to the hotel. They were able to get acquainted with the World Equestrian Center while I was taking a hot shower then relaxed in my living room while hubby was finishing up with work.

d) Set up another alarm on the phone for supplements and/or medication intake. Yikes! I forgot to take my Omega 3 one of the evenings.

e) Make a healthy choice and determine what time is a reasonable time for bedtime. It may be a bit later than our daily routine and that is okay. It is also alright to be excused earlier than expected. Since I no longer drink alcohol due to Hashimoto and cellular inflammation, I skipped the evening drinks.

f) Take healthy snacks on-the-go and a refillable water bottle to hydrate.

g) When eating at a local restaurant, make healthy choices (low in carbohydrates, gluten-free is preferable).

h) Enjoy movement! I was able to take so many additional steps tracked by my smart watch.

i) If feeling tired or drained, it is okay to excuse yourself and catch up with the rest of the family a bit later.

j) Since fast-paced holiday events cause additional stress, I plan to start taking
L-Theanine Max supplement mid-day to reduce the adverse impact of acute stress in my body moving forward and continue using the Copa-Calm Essential Oil Blend spray from Jordan Essentials (Rhythms4Wellness.JordanEssentials.com) to relax throughout the day.

The Great Outdoors

by Healthy Rhythms of Hashimoto Living, posted in Uncategorized

I soaked all the Vitamin D I could, breathed deeply, relaxed a bit and enjoyed the great outdoors’ set-up this morning. I recently heard the benefits of being outdoors surrounded by shrubs, trees, and flowers. Who knew? I was blown away! I definitely need an umbrella in our new outdoor patio so I can use my laptop some days.

At the Longevity Fest 2024, Dr. Melissa Sundermann, also known as “The Doctor Outdoors,” shared her insights: “When you’re surrounded by trees, they release plant cital compounds, which are organic volatile compounds we breathe in. These natural chemicals, like phytoncides, boost natural killer (NK) cells, reduce inflammation, improve focus, and leave us feeling refreshed and energized.”

I’m all for it, how about you?

Inflammation

by Healthy Rhythms of Hashimoto Living, posted in Uncategorized

Did you know Inflammation triggers Alzheimer’s disease, Cancer and other chronic illnesses?

I requested blood work today in order to assess the inflammation in my body.

Two markers:

a) C-Reactive Protein must be <1, and

b) Homocysteine must be <7,

Lastly, Toxic load must be reduced. To assess the body’s toxic load: a comprehensive ToxTest is recommended I have not asked for the ToxTest yet. We will be focusing on the gut and body’s inflammation in my next bloodwork.

One step at a time.

There are several stressors that have an adverse impact on our internal homeostasis. When we lose our balance, our bodies suffer and become vulnerable to disease(s).

After prolonged time of distress, my dysregulated body started to show signs and symptoms of a chronic illness … inflammation at a cellular level must be addressed.

Stressors may include poor sleep, mental stress, water pollutants, processed foods, sedentary lifestyle and environmental toxins to just name a few. I would also add ‘chronic stress’ at work.

It is definitely a ‘juggling act’ when maintaining a healthy lifestyle!

The reason as to why I asked the medical provider to assess the level of inflammation in my body was the weight retention I noticed after making drastic lifestyle changes.

The gradual weigh loss was quite disheartening.

I had reduced the calorie intake per day, maintained a low carb/gluten-free and high fiber diet. No sugar or dairy — I learned ‘how to’ maintain a clean diet in the last three months. I excluded processed food and fast food. I increased daily movement and hydration. Yet, I was only losing 1-2 lbs. a month! This is weight retention and is quite common among those who suffer from Hashimoto, an autoimmune condition.

AbsoImmune

by Healthy Rhythms of Hashimoto Living, posted in Uncategorized

Check out “Dr. E’s Choice” website:

To boost your immune system, my functional medicine provider just recommended the AbsoImmune. It has 20% off this week so I purchased 3 bottles (6 months’ supply).

http://www.doctorestore.com

I conquered cold-like symptoms this past week. I bet I will do much better taking this supplement moving forward.

The AbsoImmune has 600 mg. Vitamin C, 62.5 mg. (2,500 IU) Vitamin D, 25 mg. Zinc (as Albion Minerals Zinc Bisglycinate Chelate), 600 mg. N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine USP, and 250 mg. Quercetin Dihydrate.

“I had a successful medical consultation earlier today.” Adriana

The medical consultation actually lasted for approximately 30 minutes. It pays off to do research and read independently! Don’t google medical information. I would visit the local library and check out books that may be related to your medical concerns. In the past three months, I have read about the gut, adrenal gland, immunity, autoimmune condition (Hashimoto) and I am currently reading about body’s inflammation (the leading cause for cancer, Alzheimer’s and other chronic illnesses).

“I had so many educated questions. I was quite overwhelmed at the end of today’s visit.”

(Note, this is health information, not health advice)

Revive

by Healthy Rhythms of Hashimoto Living, posted in Uncategorized
Essential Oils Diffuser was a gift
Revive! Perfect for immune system support

I never valued the benefits from 100% essential oils until my friend Tina gifted me with an essential oils’ diffuser for the Holiday season! I immediately searched for the essential oils that would support my immune system. Voila! Revive was the perfect match for me. It had over 1,000 reviews and people seem to recommend the product line. The Immunity boost is a blend of Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon Bark, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary essential oils. This combination promotes stress relief, mood support, pain relief, headache relief and most importantly immunity support.

Benefits of essential oils

Promotes relaxation

Encourages a sense of calm

Improves sleep cycles

Increases alertness

Improves mood

Reduces muscle tension

Unblocks respiratory airways for better breathing

Jordan Essentials offers 100% pure essential oils. I did a bit of research and authors highly recommend for us to use the essential oils intermittently for 60 minutes at a time.

Be mindful of possible olfactory tiredness.

Lemon + Sweet Orange + Peppermint Energizes and uplifts the mood while helping to reduce tension. Peppermint provides a cooling effect, perfect for muscle relief.

Chillax: Lavender + Frankincense + Sweet Orange Promotes calm, helps ease anxiety, and creates a peaceful environment. Ideal for bedtime or stressful moments.

Clear the Fog: Peppermint + Lemon + Frankincense Boosts mental clarity, enhances focus, and helps relieve mental fatigue. Great for an afternoon refresh.

Soothing Muscle: Lavender + Peppermint Soothes sore muscles and reduces tension. Lavender adds a calming element, perfect after physical activity.

Happy: Sweet Orange + Lavender + Lemon Uplifts mood, encourages relaxation, and balances energy. Suitable for emotional balance throughout the day.

To purchase 100% pure essential oils, go to: Rhythms4Wellness.JordanEssentials.com

(Note, this is health information, not health advice)

Daily Movement

by Healthy Rhythms of Hashimoto Living, posted in Uncategorized

Since I have been eating a ‘low-carbohydrate and low sugar’ diet in the past three months, I no longer physically crash in my living room couch by 2 p.m. or have cravings for bread or dessert. I never knew this would be possible.

The best news ever … I have energy for a 2-mile outdoor walk mid-afternoon.

“There was an afternoon breeze today in Stone Creek today!” Adriana

Leah Carver, a health coach, acknowledged the value of one’s energy level in her book titled, “Undoing Hashimoto’s: A Guide to Managing Symptoms, Relieving Overwhelm & Living Well”. Carver considers our energy level to be the most critical commodity in our lives. I completely agree with her.

Leah Carver highly recommends for us to pace ourselves daily. By pausing and resting during the day, our bodies rejuvenate, and the stress hormones remain in-check.

Since I have been taking frequent breaks during the day, mid-morning & mid-afternoon, I am continuously building up the energy reservoir. I now have more energy to accomplish relevant tasks at work and at home effortlessly.

I added a new cycle to my daily rhythms of Hashimoto living. I am taking frequent breaks during the day, engaging in a relaxing activity (e.g., journaling, reading, listening to worship music, piano playing) at sunrise, taking a 20 minutes’ walk mid-afternoon or after lunch to regulate glucose levels, and building the energy along the way.

If we do not take time to unwind throughout the day, our energy account will be depleted by daily stressors. If our bodies are stressed, we will then release the stress hormone, cortisol. High amounts of cortisol in our bodies will contribute to the following: Adrenal gland fatigue, weakened immune systems, disrupted sleep patterns, irregularities in our sex hormones (e.g., low libido, irregular menstrual cycles) and changes in mood (e.g., anxiety and depressive episodes). Just to name a few issues!

Let us break the cycle of stress and regulate cortisol levels daily.

(Note, this is health information, not health advice)

Twelve Markers on a Thyroid Panel

by Healthy Rhythms of Hashimoto Living, posted in Uncategorized

I was hearing a podcast a couple of weeks ago and learned more about the twelve markers on a thyroid panel. There are more than twenty-two types of dysfunctions of the thyroid when a thyroid panel is done.

These markers are the following:

a) TSH,

b) Total T4,

c) Total T3,

d) Free 4,

e) Free 3,

f) T3 uptake,

g) Free Thyroxine Index (FTI),

h) Thyroid-Binding Globulin,

i)TPO antibodies,

j) Thyroid Globulin antibodies,

k) Reverse T3, and

l) Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin.

When I was diagnosed with Hashimoto condition, the functional medicine provider had requested the TSH, T3, T4, TPO antibodies and the Thyroid Globulin antibodies. If I’m not mistaken, the Hashimoto’s markers are both the TPO antibodies and the thyroid globulin antibodies.

It is my understanding that a great deal of people may be diagnosed with hypothyroism but traditional doctors may or may not test for Hashimoto condition.

Since our thyroid is being attacked and possibly getting destroyed by our own immune system, we definitely need to explore the triggers, the root, driving the Hashimoto condition. Exploring the triggers take time, intention and focus. For instance, I had a couple of flare-ups this past week… digestive issues (e.g., bloating, irritable bowel distress) to allergies (e.g., food sensitivities perhaps).

I plan on requesting a ‘Food Sensitivity Test’ in my next medical consultation.

Keep a journal! Write everything down.

(Note, this is health information, not health advice)

Impact of Lifestyle Changes

by Healthy Rhythms of Hashimoto Living, posted in Uncategorized

The holiday season is fast approaching! I cannot believe Thanksgiving is next week. Typically, we are eager to make New Year’s resolutions. I am the first one to admit that these New Year’s resolutions do not last for more than one or two months.

When we are making environmental and lifestyle changes, let us be realistic. Daily changes can overwhelm us indeed. We may quit altogether if we are stressed. High level of stress will release the stress hormone, cortisol; this hormone will have an impact on our adrenal glands. Personally, I have been recovering from adrenal gland fatigue in the past three months. Recent lifestyle changes have made an impact! I no longer crash on my living room couch by 2 pm. I have the energy to walk 2 miles after lunch.

Let us be patient and kind to ourselves when we are establishing new habits.

This is my timeline in stacking new habits to my daily rhythms of wellness. I am a visual learner so here you go! I hope you find it helpful.

TimelineDownload

(Note, this is health information, not health advice)

Let Us Get Organized

by Healthy Rhythms of Hashimoto Living, posted in Uncategorized
“Having a pill case helps me stay ‘organized’ throughout the week. I no longer have to think twice about whether I took the supplement or not for the day. I also don’t like to take too many supplements at once.” Adriana, #HashimotoStrong.

Daily Omega 3 twice a day, and weekly Vitamin D capsule (50,000) were both highly recommended by my current medical provider for better health. Since I have been researching in the past two months, I have found other supplements to be beneficial for physical health. Please ensure, you have a professional consultation prior to taking any supplements. As you know, I am not a medical doctor although I would enjoy being a functional medicine practitioner today (lol)! Unfortunately, that is not going to happen. I am content being a Licensed Psychologist who is an avid reader and researcher.

Did you know…?

CoQ10 with Bioperine: Non-GMO, Vegan free, Gluten free and Soy free. It helps with the mitochondria and thyroid connection (cellular level). It is an antioxidant and helps protect the mitochondria from oxidative damage. It also improves the vascularity of thyroid gland and treats fatigue and brain fog.

The suggested dosage is 30-90 mg per day.

Acetyl-L-Carnitine: It transports fatty acids into the mitochondria and helps produce energy. It also acts as an antioxidant and reduces free radicals. It protects the thyroid and mitochondria connection. It improves fatigue and brain fog.

The suggested dosage is 1-2 gram/day.

Zinc with Picolinate for best absorption: Note, Zinc is poorly absorbed from food. This supplement is needed for the production of thyroid hormones as well as for the conversion of T4 hormone to T3. If we consume higher than 30 mg/day, excessive amount of Zin can lower our copper levels. Zinc consumption is critical for reversing Hashimoto disease.

The suggested dosage is 30 mg/day.