7 natural tips for Autoimmune Thyroid Disease {from my own experience}

Proverbs 4: 20-22

 My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. 

Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; 

for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. 

Hey y'all- Monday blues around here. I will not let that stop me from bringing purpose to this day. 

Enjoy.

So for the past week I've been feeling sluggish. Migraine, stomach pain, and a swollen thyroid..... 

Note: Do consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of this condition. 

I was diagnosed with "Hashimotos" by a specialist four years ago. I am typically hypothyroid (thyroid does not produce enough hormone) however once a month I experience flare up's and go completely hyperthyroid (thyroid produces an overload of hormone). This can last a couple days or even a couple weeks from my experience. It's been a battle of "take your medication" .."don't take your medication"- it's overwhelming. I am currently in the process of switching specialists- on the search to find the proper care. My last Endo recommended I may need to have it removed (especially with babies in the near future). I want to make sure I explore ALL my options first. 

Hashimotos: is an autoimmune disease in which the thyroid gland is gradually destroyed
Learn More here: Wikipedia Hashimotos
I'd like to mention how IMPORTANT the thyroid gland is: Thyroid hormones affect your metabolism. This means how fast or slow your brain, heart, muscles, liver, and other parts of your body work.

I put Hashimotos in quotations because I refuse to proclaim this over my life. However, this is very real and a very common disease. We all know as Christians that Jesus has the power to heal us from all of our diseases. We were made clean through him the day he laid his life on the cross. The closer I stay to Jesus the better I feel; makes sense right? His word says that if we turn our ears to his word and keep them in your heart it brings us life and health. There is so much more truth in His word but I was led to share that verse with you today. {See Proverbs 4:20-22}

I have good days and bad days. Just like anyone else battling sickness, sin, temptation, addiction, the list goes on. These are not from God- know that! His word will bring you so much strength and health. 

I am not a doctor or expert and I am still on my own journey to finding the best healing that works for me. I'm here to tell you what I do know from my own personal experience of battling autoimmune disorder.  

1. The medicine that works best for me is... JESUS! Anyway you can get his word, worship, fellowship, prayer- find it! Don't let it go. This is easier said than done. I turn to him daily. I started following Jesus 4 years ago. It was not the cure all in my life. It was the start to a new beginning and journey. It was by far the BEST decision I have ever made in my life. **Remember, It's a start to a new journey. I'm growing and learning every single day and will be for the rest of my life. 

2. Organic Green Tea- Besides Jesus I swear a mug of HOT green tea is a cure all when I'm experiencing a thyroid flare up! Research shows that tea can be good and potentially have a negative effect on the thyroid. (Please consult your doctor) However for ME.. It calms my thyroid, stops the burning, and calms me. Only 36 mg of caffeine (see #6) Much less than coffee. 

My go to Organic Green Tea: Teatulia Green Tea

3. Go 100% GLUTEN free- Oh my goodness... Just typing that makes me laugh. It is SO difficult for me to stay true to this statement. Eating gluten can increase the attack on your thyroid by your immune system. The negative side effects from eating gluten are so completely obvious for me. I feel the aftermath right away. You think my thyroid is swollen now... give me a piece of gluten bread and watch out!!!! Even my mood changes. You think I would be better at resisting the temptation (something I'm working on). 

Check out this blog on Autoimmune Disease; I'm just diving into it but I think you may find it very helpful: Autoimmune Wellness

4. Stress Free- Stay away from ANYTHING that can trigger stress. I'm laughing hysterically as I type that because we all know that's such an unrealistic statement to make. BUT... there are so many ways to practice relaxation.

1. Yoga (my fav)
Check out my FAVORITE Yoga instructor: Sanela Yoga
There is something about her presence that is so relaxing and her practice takes all the stress away.
2. Running (this works WONDERS for me- 

but it's not the most enjoyable on a daily basis, hehe)

3. Reading, journaling, or blogging 

(blogging for me is a miracle worker)
4. Take a hot bath- LOVE!!! 
5. Get a massage

5. Vitamins- I actively receive vitamin B12 injections. B12 is a deficiency linked to the the dysfunction of the thyroid gland. I notice a difference with the injections. More energy less fatigue. Are bodies cannot produce vitamin B12 so it is important to get checked for a deficiency. 

I get my injections at Vitality Med Spa. If you are in the Phoenix area check them out! Very affordable, friendly and worth it. 
Vitality Med Spa: Locations in Mesa, Scottsdale, and Peoria/Glendale

6. Say NO to caffeine- Ugh. Caffeine is horrifying for me. Increases my heart rate, jitters, anxiety, sweating. One cup of coffee and it's OVER. I believe around 1 cup of coffee has 95 mg of caffeine. You are probably wondering why I drink tea (non herbal has caffeine). Like I said- it eases the stress on my thyroid and when I have a migraine green tea and DARK chocolate take away the pressure of the migraine instead of having to take non natural medication. It really balances out especially in very small doses and not often. 

Ghirardelli Chocolate- Yummy! 

7. Probiotic or Digestive Enzyme- I've been using PURE Digestive Enzyme Ultra capsules. I have always had stomach "problems". These capsules of joy help relieve that and also help digest dairy.. I typically steer clear of dairy. It's kind of like caffeine for me. Deadly! (not literally) It simply helps with the digestion process and it works.

I felt compelled to get this all out as it was a downer day for me and I was led to bring purpose. I hope someone somewhere can take something away from this. I pray that YOU and I continue to get more answers and gain knowledge. 

Whatever you may be battling: Put your HEALTH first. Take care of yourself and love yourself. We only get one chance.

{Be Proactive}

XOXO

LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me. 

Psalm 30: 2