The Case:
- Judy is a super busy mom successfully juggling family and her career on Wall Street
- Suddenly she started to feel tired all the time. When time off didn’t help, a doctor diagnosed her with Hashimoto’s.
- Doctors told her to take medication and continue to rest but it didn’t work.
Judy’s is such a common case. So many conventional doctors don’t do much more than tell the patient to rest and let the medication get to work. But, when it doesn’t – and you’re used to being unstoppable – the outlook becomes unacceptable.
This was the case for Judy. The medication didn’t seem to help. She found herself struggling with simple tasks, unable to spend quality time with her kids, and feeling like life was passing her by. That’s when I met Judy and I knew we needed to dig deeper to solve her health mystery.
What is the Role of the Immune System in Hashimoto’s?
To help me unravel Judy’s complex symptoms, I invited Beth Mosher to join the conversation. Beth is a brilliant board-certified nutrition specialist and has worked with me in my practice for 13 years. Together, we’ve been solving various thyroid and health mysteries.
One crucial insight I often share with my clients is that our immune system is highly reactive to our autonomic nervous system, which detects danger or safety in our environment. Stress, whether it’s real or just perceived, can mess with our biochemistry and gut health. And since 75% of our immune system is in our gut, you can see how this is a big deal.
How Does the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Affect Hashimoto’s?
Determining if you are in danger (and in need of a stress response) is the job of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in detail. This system constantly checks if we’re safe or in danger. When it senses stress, it slows down blood flow to the gut, increasing inflammation and disrupting the immune system. Chronic stress was a huge factor in Judy’s condition, making her Hashimoto’s worse.
How Does Stress Impact Hashimoto’s?
From my own experience and practice, I’ve seen how stress isn’t just an emotional thing—it’s very physical and can severely impact your health. Chronic stress can overload the immune system, leading to conditions like Hashimoto’s. It disrupts everything from digestion to hormone balance. When our body thinks we’re in danger, it goes into fight-or-flight mode, diverting resources away from essential functions to prepare for survival.
Why is Chronic Stress Harmful for Hashimoto’s Patients?
Beth pointed out that while acute stress responses were great for our ancestors (think: running from a tiger), today’s stressors are different. Now, we’re stressed about things like job security, finances, and relationships. This constant stress keeps our body in a state of alert, leading to inflammation and a weakened immune system.
What Are the Best Ways to Manage Stress and Promote Healing in Hashimoto’s?
In my practice and through this podcast, I always emphasize the importance of managing stress and being present in the moment. These strategies can help your nervous system feel safe, allowing your body to heal. Here are some practical tips I share with my clients:
Mindfulness Practices for Hashimoto’s
Engage in activities that keep you in the moment, like yoga, meditation, or simply focusing on your breath. These practices help calm the nervous system.
How Can Visualization and Breathing Exercises Help with Hashimoto’s?
Visualization and deep breathing creates a sense of safety. Imagine a place where you feel completely relaxed and safe. Breathe deeply and slowly, focusing on your breath and letting your body relax.
Lifestyle Adjustments to Help Manage Hashimoto’s
Simplify your life by cutting out unnecessary tasks and focusing on what truly matters. This might mean saying no to extra commitments or delegating tasks to others.
What Diet is Best for Managing Hashimoto’s?
Follow an anti-inflammatory diet tailored to your needs (here’s the Hashimoto’s diet that works for me). Include foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Avoid processed foods, refined sugars, and too much caffeine.
Healthy Habits for Managing Hashimoto’s
Prioritize sleep, hydration, and regular physical activity. Establish a consistent sleep routine, drink plenty of water, and exercise regularly to boost your mood and energy levels.
How Does the Mind and Body Connection Affect Hashimoto’s?
Beth and I also talked in this episode about the powerful connection between the mind and body. Our thoughts and emotions directly impact our physical health. Chronic worry and anxiety can keep our nervous system on high alert, preventing our body from healing. By cultivating a positive mindset and practicing mindfulness, we can create an internal environment that supports healing.
The Importance of Being Present for Hashimoto’s Patients
Being present means fully engaging in the current moment without distractions. This state of mindfulness can reduce stress and improve well-being. Here are some tips to stay present:
- Set Intentions: Start your day with a clear intention to stay present. Remind yourself throughout the day to focus on the task at hand.
- Practice Gratitude: Reflect on what you’re grateful for each day. This can help shift your focus from worries to positive aspects of your life.
- Mindful Breathing: When you feel stressed, take a few deep breaths and focus on your breath. This simple practice can help calm your mind and bring you back to the present moment.
Why is Emotional Health Important for Managing Hashimoto’s?
We’ve talked many times on this show about the connection between emotional health and your thyroid (check out episodes 132). In this conversation, Beth emphasizes that emotional health is just as important as physical health. Addressing emotional stressors can significantly impact your overall health. Here are some strategies I recommend:
How to Identify Stress Triggers with Hashimoto’s
Figure out what triggers your stress and anxiety. It could be specific situations, people, or thoughts. Understanding your triggers helps you develop strategies to manage them.
Developing Coping Mechanisms for Hashimoto’s
Find healthy ways to cope with stress. This might include talking to a friend, practicing relaxation techniques, or engaging in a hobby you enjoy.
When Should You Seek Professional Support for Hashimoto’s?
Don’t hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional. Therapy can provide valuable tools and strategies to manage stress and improve emotional well-being.
How to Integrate Mindfulness into Daily Life for Hashimoto’s Patients
Making mindfulness a part of your daily routine can create a sense of calm and balance. Here’s how I advise incorporating it into your life:
- Morning Routine: Start your day with a few minutes of meditation or deep breathing. This sets a positive tone for the day.
- Mindful Eating: Pay attention to what and how you eat. Enjoy each bite and avoid distractions like TV or smartphones during meals.
- Mindful Movement: Include mindful movement in your routine, like yoga, tai chi, or walking in nature. Focus on your body and breath as you move.
How Judy Transformed Her Health
Judy made several specific changes under my guidance that significantly improved her health and helped manage her Hashimoto’s. She began practicing mindfulness and staying present in her daily activities, using visualization techniques and deep breathing exercises to calm her nervous system. Judy adopted a low-lectin diet, which reduced inflammation and boosted her energy levels and mental clarity. Following a phased approach, she first focused on nervous system support, then dietary changes, and finally addressed gut and liver support. Additionally, she prioritized a diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, avoided processed foods and excessive caffeine, established a consistent sleep routine, stayed hydrated, and incorporated regular physical activity into her routine.
As Judy started making these changes, she saw significant improvements. Within a few months, Judy lost 10 pounds and reported an 80% increase in her energy.
Judy’s Next Steps & Continued Progress
Judy’s journey didn’t stop with initial improvements. By continuing mindfulness practices and making conscious lifestyle choices, she maintained her progress and further enhanced her well-being. Her story shows the power of addressing both physical and emotional health.
Eliminating Health Mysteries
For Judy, we were able to find that missing piece of the health puzzle and help her regain her health. Could this be the missing clue for you or someone in your life?
Links:
Resources mentioned
Thanks to my guest Beth Mosher. You can connect with her on our website www.innatopiler.com
Suggested Products
Related Podcast Episodes:
Episode 74: Want to Know What a Nutritionist Eats? Episode 132: 4 Ways to Calm the Immune System and Support Hashimoto’sThanks for Listening
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