Tag: Wellness

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.

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)