Tag: Healthy Living

I don’t just drink water …

by Healthy Rhythms of Hashimoto Living, posted in Uncategorized

Autoimmunity approved!

Gluten, Soy, Grain, Dairy and Corn free breakfast.

Weight Watchers point system: 8

(2) organic Brazil nuts (source of Selenium to support the thyroid) and scrambled eggs, lettuce & carrots to slow down the digestion (eat first), Applegate Farms Organic uncured turkey bacon, gluten & grain free mini roll from AWG bakery in California and an Applegate naturals chicken & maple breakfast sausage patties.

I was scheduling a visit with our new financial planner for next weekend and encouraged him to select a meal from a local restaurant menu since I wanted to bring the Southern hospitality to Sunshine State, yet I knew I could not cook for him due to my new anti-inflammatory, dietary guidelines.

My new friend appeared to be startled at first then cracked a subtle joke, “so you just drink water?”. He had never heard anyone having to be ‘gluten, soy, dairy, corn and grain free’. He was transparent, genuine and inquisitive.

I proceeded to share the benefits of maintaining a lifestyle that it is highly recommended for Hashimoto Thyroiditis and the beauty of maintaining quality lifestyle without debilitating symptoms.

I would rather follow an enriched anti-inflammatory diet regimen, be creative about it even if I’ve got to order bagels and mini rolls from the west coast and maintain high energy levels and focus throughout the day than being crippled most days by the intensity of symptomatology (e.g., chronic joint and muscle pain, brain fog, sleep disturbance, digestion issues etc.). Most importantly, an ability to carry out a productive day is priceless. I get to work out every morning, exceed the high demands of my career during the day, enjoy hobbies, and connect with family and friends on a regular basis.

Being present and content are the two key fruits of good health.

I just need to relax and learn ‘not to justify’ my ways to others as often as I do.

Glucose Hack!

by Healthy Rhythms of Hashimoto Living, posted in Uncategorized

I was following a (semi) anti-inflammatory diet for five months, and I was able to reverse the ‘prediabetic’ status all on my own. However, I was still drinking 4-6 oz of organic coffee in the mornings and eating gluten-free, plant-based edibles throughout the day.

Early March 2025, I began a strict, anti-inflammatory, nine-month dietary regimen with a concierge, functional medicine practitioner.

By the way I recently learned what a ‘concierge’ medical practitioner was… He or she is a medical expert whom we hire outside of our broken Healthcare system. I am not relying on my health insurance for this specific program that includes 19 medical appointments, weekly health coaching, an educational curriculum, supplements and so much more!

I needed guidance to repair all relevant organs including the pancreas and adrenal glands, after maintaining poor nutrition (e.g., eating processed food, consuming carbohydrates during the day instead of lean protein… you get my drift) and chronic stress for over five decades.

The two medical conditions that are non-negotiables in life for me are a) dementia and b) diabetes. I still have a mental visual of my beloved mother three weeks prior to her death. This is ‘my WHY’ today; I want to reduce cellular inflammation prior to reaching age 60.

I was talking to my health coach yesterday; she addressed one of my concerns. By taking the fasting glucose level every morning, I soon realized the drastic glucose spikes in the weekly graph (77 to 104 back and forth, back to the 80s then 123 and so forth, a true mess!). No wonder I’m insulin resistant today! Weight loss resistance has been one of my symptoms since I was diagnosed prediabetic late Fall (2024). I am ‘data driven’ chick, so the health coach was talking my love language.

It is funny how ignorance works…

I had asked myself at the start of the anti-inflammatory regimen “why do I need to check my glucose levels in the morning if I was no longer prediabetic. Oh well, let us do this anyways… I just paid XXXXX.XX for an individualized, 9-month care plan I must do what I am told!’”

So I did!

My health coach recommended for me to continue with the prescribed nutrition guidelines and protocol of supplements, acknowledged recent progress and encouraged me to eat 2 oz of chicken at bedtime (literally right before toothbrushing).

So I did!

Guess what? The fasting glucose level was 93 next morning for the first time ever.

If I maintain the fasting glucose level within the normal range, my body will decrease the cellular inflammation and weight loss will naturally occur while preventing the likelihood of chronic disease(s) in the future.

The recommended fasting glucose range is 85-95.

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.

Best News Ever

by Healthy Rhythms of Hashimoto Living, posted in Hashimoto, Health, Low Carb diet, Wellness

What?! I don’t need to quit coffee.

Dr. Heather Stone, functional medicine provider, suggested for coffee lovers to be wiser when drinking the morning coffee. Stone (2025) will recommend coffee to be eliminated at the start of a customized program when working with her patients.

What happens when we drink coffee on an empty stomach? It can deplete us from essential minerals including magnesium and zinc. In addition, it will release cortisol and disrupt our glucose levels.

“I plan on keeping a closer eye on potential glucose spikes during the day including coffee time.”

Dr. Stone suggested for us to consider the following:

a.) Pair our coffee time with ‘nutrient-dense’ snacks (e.g., boiled eggs, avocado toast or nuts).

b.) Add ‘adaptogens’ like reishi or ashwagandha to balance stress hormones.

c.) Wait 30 minutes after eating to enjoy the morning cup of coffee.

Personally, I plan on pairing my morning coffee with a ‘nutrient-dense’ snack (e.g., a protein bar or almonds).

Easy Blood Sugar Hack!

by Healthy Rhythms of Hashimoto Living, posted in Uncategorized

I have heard about this blood sugar hack from several sources. Jessie Inchauspe, a biochemist, highly recommended a specific order when eating meals in order to prevent sugar spikes.

“I started to implement this new habit in my daily routine as of today. I want to regulate my glucose levels on a regular basis. I also have been walking after lunch and/or dinner meals to regulate my sugar levels.”

The frequency of sugar spikes can be decreased when we eat our meals in a specific order by 75% of the time (Inchauspe, 2025). Chronic ‘sugar spikes’ may lead to premature aging, cardiovascular disease, cellular inflammation, cancer, cognitive impairment (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease) and other chronic illnesses.

“New glucose monitor. I’m determined to regulate blood glucose daily even though the primary care physician has not recommended for me to do so. Why wait? I witnessed mom struggled all of her adult life.”

My mother was diagnosed with cardiovascular issues (e.g., high blood pressure), Diabetes type 1, high cholesterol and triglycerides, and later on (late 60s or early 70s) she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She recently died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 87.

I realized I was heading in the same direction due to my addiction to carbohydrates & sugars, maintaining a sedentary lifestyle, uncontrolled high blood pressure, high cholesterol/triglycerides, and sleeping disturbance. I now have an autoimmune condition.

Our bodies can heal with drastic changes in lifestyles including nutrition, improved sleeping patterns and movement. I am asymptomatic today; however, the glucose is still an issue.

The suggested order for meals will decrease sugar spikes, decrease cellular inflammation, decrease insulin release, decrease hormonal imbalances, increased energy, decreased fatigue and so forth.

Ideal order:

Eat vegetables first (e.g., broccoli, lettuce, carrots),

Second, eat protein & fats (e.g., chicken and avocado),

Thirds, eat the starches (e.g., brown rice),

Lastly, consume the sugars (e.g., plant-based dessert).

I have not been eating starches or sugars in the past 4 months since I’m working on decreasing my cholesterol and triglycerides level. I should get an update on my blood work in the next two days.

(This is health information, not health advice)

Sleep Hygiene Practices

by Healthy Rhythms of Hashimoto Living, posted in Uncategorized

“My sleeping pattern has dramatically improved in the past four months.“

During our sleep, our body repairs & heals; it regulates our blood sugar, restores immune system, combats inflammation, improves our mood, enhances our cognitive functioning, and our bodies detoxify while we sleep. As I was creating some Jordan Essentials samples for few of my neighbors who are struggling with sleep issues, I was compelled to share effective sleep hygiene practices to maximize their restful experience at night.

  • Maintain a consistent bedtime. Relax and prepare for bed.
  • Consider a hot shower or hot bath or sauna. When taking a hot bath, add a tablespoon of Lavender and Eucalyptus dead sea salt to your relaxing bedtime routine. Aromatherapy makes a difference, and the dead sea salt offers magnesium, potassium and calcium, minerals, to your body.
  • Consider relaxing activities at bedtime including medication or deep breathing exercise or prayer.
  • Use motion-sensor, night lights. Turn ‘off’ all electronics.
  • Consider blue-light glasses two hours prior to bedtime.
  • Room Temperature: 68 degrees or cooler (this was a gamechanger for me!).
  • Wear light clothes to ensure body temperature stays cool.
  • Minimize noise level throughout the night.
  • Do not check the time, social media or emails if you wake up.
  • Limit caffeine, alcohol and water intake at bedtime.
  • In the mornings, face the sunrise for 10 minutes to reset the circadian rhythms.

Products are available at Rhythms4Wellness.JordanEssentials.com

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

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)

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)