Tag: autoimmune condition

Comprehensive Testing is Priceless

by Healthy Rhythms of Hashimoto Living, posted in Uncategorized

I am so grateful to be alive today after being a victim of a broken healthcare system. Please know, I have high respect for all medical professionals who provide quality care.

I had my first ultrasound for my thyroid this past week. It will be the baseline data. I’m eager to find out how much damage Hashimoto has done so far…

Did you know if your C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is higher than 3, the likelihood for a stroke or heart attack increases? Doctors usually don’t test for the CRP.

One year later, I was only given Vitamin D for deficiency.

Nine months later… I thank God for giving me a wakeup call in September 2024 after leading me to a functional medicine practice; however, my immune system had gone rogue at this point!

Since my diagnosis of Hashimoto condition, I’ve been reading, attending master classes and learning from Dr. Heather Stone, DC who lives in Texas and now from another functional medicine provider who lives in Tampa, Florida.

Comprehensive testing must be done, and our existing healthcare system just focus on the disease model instead of being proactive… just know, our body is meant to heal.

Why wait until I have a fatty liver stage #? or Diabetes 2? Or a cancer diagnosis or a stroke?

Comprehensive testing done by a functional medicine doctor who can conceptualized your clinical case and spend 1.5 hr. reviewing blood work results with you along with an individualized care plan is the alternative approach to our existing healthcare system who sees 15 patients in one shift alone or close to 30 patients on one day. Note, these comprehensive testing are an ‘out-of-pocket’ expense. So, I would highly recommend adding an extra line on your budget when prioritizing your health. Without health, most of us struggle showing up at work…

Non-inflammatory lifestyle is the key for autoimmunity. I recently learned from a 5-days Masterclass.

Functional medicine focuses on the root of our health issue, and it is proactive.

I have made drastic lifestyle changes and symptoms have significantly improved and I’m able to function during the day (without crashing down in my living room couch by 2 pm without much energy to take my next breathe.)

I cannot wait to sit with my new consultant in 2/28/25 to review new blood work.

I thank God for this next chapter in my health ~ a proactive type NOT the disease model!

I have a better chance to heal today, thank YOU, Jesus for your daily mercies.

Advocate for yourself today!

We are born to heal.

Jumping Rope Again

by Healthy Rhythms of Hashimoto Living, posted in Uncategorized

I cannot remember the last time I jumped a rope! It is a fun cardiovascular exercise indeed. I am adding fun activities to my weekly, exercise routine in 2025. My first bone density test was ‘normal’ and I am forever grateful.

As we age, we lose muscle and balance without a doubt.

In addition, inflammation (e.g., gluten sensitivity) breaks down our bones, calcium & magnesium deficits, medications (e.g., steroids, anti-depressants), estrogen loss, eating disorder (e.g., Anorexia Nervosa), and sedentary lifestyles are several reasons for loss of bone density.

Why wait to start losing muscle? or why wait to be diagnosed with Osteoporosis?

I am jumping rope again … It increases our heart rate, burns additional calories, improves coordination and balance, keeps our bones strong due to impact and it is fun and easy to do.

When jumping the rope, it is highly recommended to rest intermittently. For instance, I may want to jump for 60-90 seconds, rest for 30-60 seconds then repeat the sequence ten times. Start slow. Be gentle and kind as you build up the exercise routine.

Other recommendations include strength training, weight training, and squads. The suggested dosage for daily calcium intake is 800 mg. Magnesium, Vitamin D, Vitamin K2 are highly recommended supplements to consider. Eat enough protein and ensure water intake has minerals. Decrease daily amount of stress and correct cellular inflammation.

Consult with your doctor if you are having orthopedic issues.

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

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)

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)

No Need to Search

by Healthy Rhythms of Hashimoto Living, posted in Uncategorized

I witnessed how both of my parents embraced debilitating diseases over the decades. They both had a good fight until their last breath. Dad faced Parkinson’s disease like a champion and mom persevered through the ‘ups and downs’ of Alzheimer’s disease like a true pioneer. Both of them never gave up. As a matter of fact, they were both reunited recently for an eternity.

Since my most recent autoimmune diagnosis, physical health is top priority!

I am saying ‘no’ to environmental toxins moving forward.

In the past two months, I changed all my toiletries, cosmetics and household items to paraben free items. I minimized the amount of toxins in my personal space, body and environment. Clean products promote stronger immune systems indeed. I searched for paraben and gluten-free items on amazon every day until I replaced all consumable items in my house.

Yes, the search took time, diligent effort and focus.

I realized the biggest organ we have is our ‘skin’. Be mindful of the products you use. I see the benefits of clean products today. When using clean products, the first benefit is that the products we use on a daily basis won’t be taxing our immune system.

I am trusting in Jordan Essentials today! These products are paraben, talc, aluminum, gluten, mineral oil and phthalate F-R-E-E.

Subscribe for updates about these clean products at Rhythms4Wellness.JordanEssentials.com

Not Ready 2 Quit

by Healthy Rhythms of Hashimoto Living, posted in Uncategorized

Since I’m not ready to quit drinking coffee, I searched for alternative products and reduced the amount of coffee each day. I used to drink a total of 24 oz. a day (12 oz. in the mornings and 12 oz. in the afternoons). I am now drinking 16 oz or less. My next goal is to drink coffee in the mornings (8 oz. or less) and skip the afternoon break.

New habits take intention, commitment, focus, and time.

I no longer drink the original blend from Dunkin’ yet I am still keeping the Lite Coffee mate. Honestly, I did not enjoy the taste of the organic creamer. I would encourage y’all to try new products and assess what works best for you.

The Fabula Coffee, light roast, freshly ground is organic. It has low acid, is non-GMO, does not contain any chemicals, and it is mold free (less toxins for our bodies). It is perfect for coffee lovers who have an autoimmune condition.

I recently learned the negative impact of coffee among patients with Hashimoto Thyroiditis. It may interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication (e.g., Levothyroxine). Coffee also has an impact on our heart rate, metabolism, wakefulness, and adrenal gland.

Did you know coffee disrupts the regular rhythms of cortisol? Personally, I need to decrease the amount of coffee so I can address the adrenal gland fatigue in Hashimoto Thyroiditis. I know I have been under chronic stress for way too long due to career pursuits, most recent relocation and other psychosocial stressors. Drinking coffee will trigger the ‘fight or flight’ response in our bodies leading to higher levels of cortisol release. The cortisol release will then contribute to adrenal gland fatigue. It is definitely a vicious cycle in my opinion!

It is time to reduce the level of stress and the amount of coffee I drink

so, the adrenal gland can get quality ‘rest’ and maintain regular rhythms of cortisol.

Cooler Temperatures

by Healthy Rhythms of Hashimoto Living, posted in Uncategorized

Prior to my diagnosis of Hashimoto Thyroiditis, I was only sleeping approximately 5 hours/night. I would wake up tired, irritable ‘cranky’ and sometimes overly stressed. My body was under significant distress … joint & muscle acute pain was an everyday, debilitating experience.

I was miserable!

The body needs the rest and most importantly it needs ‘quality’ sleep at night. A ‘good night sleep’ means we sleep for at least seven hours each night. This is the recommended amount of sleep for us, the adults. This is how our bodies detoxify and heal overnight.

The benefits of sleep are multiple. It improves mood, promotes a healthy heart, regulates blood sugar, improves mental function including memory, restores immune system, manages stress, and decreases cravings or hunger. We are born to heal.

My medical provider suggested a supplement, L-Theanine Max, to improve my sleep pattern; however, it only relaxed me at bedtime. But it did not keep me asleep all night.

The game changer was to drop the A/C temperatures to 71 degrees. Yes! it may increase the electricity bill. The benefits of quality sleep outweigh the higher costs of utility bills. I now fall asleep within 10 minutes and sleep all night. I am able to wake up refreshed and rejuvenated after 8 or 9 hours of sleep at night. Most importantly, I know my body is healing today.

Other strategies to consider may include maintaining a consistent sleep routine, limiting the exposure to light including the ‘blue’ light from television, phone, or computer screens. In addition, consider wearing light-blocking glasses to protect from the blue light of electronics, limiting caffeine products or water at bedtime, avoiding action-oriented television shows or movies that trigger the ‘fight-or-flight’ response, and wearing comfortable & light clothes Lastly, I am adding one or two stress-reduction strategies (e.g., meditation, reading a fiction book, breathing exercises, prayer) 30 minutes prior to bedtime. I want to ‘be ready’ for a good night sleep.

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