thyroid health

A Cautionary Tale About Stress & Your Thyroid

The word “stress” has become so overused that it gets watered down. We’re desensitized to the effects of stress even though we’re all walking around in a stressed-out state. We keep running on empty to the point where we’re unaware of the major impact that stress can have on our bodies. And sooner or later, it makes us sick.

It happens to me, too. I go through bouts of stress, and it eventually catches up with me. This is coming from someone who should be an expert in my own health. That is to say, even those of us who are well-versed in the effects of stress will get caught off-guard when stress sneaks up on us.

And that is what happened to me this past year. So, I wanted to address that in the context of what stress is and how it works in our bodies.

The Science of Stress

The major organs or glands that affect and help manage our stress management system include the adrenal glands. These small, walnut-shaped glands sit right on top of your kidneys. Nutritionally and biochemically speaking, adrenal glands require a ton of B vitamins, along with vitamin C, to function and to help you manage your day-to-day stress.

Let’s take a normal stressor in most people’s lives, like the holiday season. We often allow the alcohol, sugar, lack of sleep, financial pressure, and social events to catch up with us. That’s all on top of normal, everyday stress, like waking up, driving in traffic, making sure we have a lunch packed, making sure the kids’ backpacks are ready to go, making sure dinner is prepared and planned, buying groceries, and just doing the run-of-the-mill everyday stuff on top of the stress that may come with your job.

Look at What You Can Control

In these scenarios, look at things that you can control. Can you somewhat control the holiday situation? Are there toxic people in your life? Do you need to be around them? If so, how will you manage that to minimize the stress that they may or may not be causing you? What about excess things that you’re putting into your diet?

It’s things like that, that add to the stress on our system. Yet you can control a lot of that. You don’t have to have a glass of wine every night before you go to bed. You don’t have to drink every weekend to excess. You don’t have to have a dessert every single night with all the sugar.

Is There Good Stress Vs. Bad Stress?

When I do one-on-one consultations with people, some people might come across as not stressed out. They don’t feel very stressed. They have a pretty easy life. They don’t worry about money. They don’t worry about kids, or whatever it may be. But then we dig deeper, and we find that there are some stressors in their life that have been there for so long they don’t even realize how it impacts their health.

Think of the people who say “I really love my job, but I work 12 hours a day. So it’s kind of a good stress. It’s just that I work long hours.” And then some people will say, “Yeah, I’m really stressed out dealing with an elderly sick family member.”

The thing is, we mentally compartmentalize good stress and bad stress. The body doesn’t know the difference.

I always use the example that whether you’re planning for a funeral or planning for a wedding, which should have very opposite feelings, they’re both stressful. Both of them are causing problems in your stress management system.

The Thyroid-Stress Link

How does this apply to thyroid people? The stress management system needs to be optimized and intact for everybody, not just thyroid patients; but thyroid patients tend to have a weaker response to stress. They’re not as hardy when it comes to added stressors.

As someone who has dealt with thyroid cancer and other thyroid issues for a long, long, long time, I have seen over and over again that stress and thyroid dysfunction do not play well together. Any excess stress for a longer period of time wipes me out.

Sometimes I see it coming, and other times I don’t. This last time I did not see it coming. I had added a lot of stuff to my business, and I’d put a lot of pressure on myself when it came to my business and other things going on in my life. I had one child graduating from high school and moving to college, and another one moving and starting her last semester of college.

By the time October and November came around, I was flatlined for 2022. It literally took me out of the game. I laid on the couch every day, practically for a few months. I did the bare minimum of what I had to do for my business, for my house, for myself.

It got to the point where I needed a med change because of all this. That’s what’s scary, when you don’t have a thyroid gland and you are 100% dependent on thyroid medication. It’s very scary when all of a sudden you don’t seem to be absorbing the medication.

Recognizing Your Stress Patterns

Whether you have a thyroid problem or you are someone who has a lot of stressors pulling you in different directions, try to think of a different way of navigating your life:

  • What can you do to get rid of stressors?
  • Who or what do you need to cut out of your life?
  • What do you need to say no to?
  • What boundaries do you need to put up?
  • What do you need to do to actually help yourself when it comes to fueling those adrenals and helping that stress management system in your body?

When our stress is supported, our stress management system is supported, and we are able to get through things a lot easier than without. You can start by not underestimating the stressors in your life. Try journaling a personal assessment of your stressors, what you can do to change them, and how you can bring more control to situations that feel chaotic.

If you’re looking for more support in navigating stress, consider the All Year Resolution membership. This affordable, group-type program is for anyone wanting to do something differently without turning to quick fixes. We use real food, real lifestyle changes, lots of nutrition, education, and health education — all at fraction of the cost of working one-on-one with me.

Let’s Connect!

Say goodbye to fatigue and hello to a full and vibrant life! Join me over in my Facebook group where we are talking all about how to take back control of your health!

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Do You Have Sunday Night Anxiety?

Sunday nights can be a source of anxiety for some people. Life can feel hectic, and the thought of having to start the work week again can be daunting and stressful. Little things like feeling overwhelmed by tasks or worrying about not having enough time to complete them can cause feelings of dread. Thankfully, there are ways to help reduce Sunday night stress in order to create a more meaningful, productive start to the week ahead.

Why Do Some People Feel Anxious on Sunday Nights?

Sunday night anxieties are often rooted in worries about the upcoming week. Thoughts such as work deadlines, social obligations, or household tasks can lead to feelings of overwhelm that leave one feeling anxious. Even something as small as planning meals for the week can seem overwhelming, leading to a feeling of being overwhelmed by all the tasks that need to be completed. Other common causes of Sunday night anxiety are fear of the unknown and worrying about what could go wrong with upcoming events or activities.

How to Change Your Sunday Routine:

To help reduce feelings of anxiety on Sunday nights, there are certain things that one can do in order to create a more positive start to the week.

1) Clear Your Mind & Set Your Intentions for The Week Ahead:

It is important to take some time each Sunday evening to set goals and intentions for the week ahead. Take some time alone to focus on what you would like to accomplish during this upcoming week, as well as any worries or concerns that you may have. Writing down these intentions can help to provide clarity and focus, as well as create a sense of direction for the week ahead.

2) Organized Yourself:

Prepare for the upcoming week by getting organized. This can include purchasing groceries, planning meals, organizing your work documents or setting up reminders in your calendar. Taking time to plan ahead and organize yourself can help reduce stress and anxiety.

3) Create A Routine Around Your Mental & Physical Health:

Make sure that you are taking care of your mental and physical health on Sunday nights. Take some time for yourself with activities such as yoga, meditation or reading. Make sure that you are eating nutritious meals, staying hydrated and getting enough sleep so that you feel rested when Monday morning comes around.

4) General Tips:

Finally, here are some additional tips for reducing Sunday night anxieties:

• Make a list of tasks that need to be completed during the week and set aside specific times to complete them

• Get outside and take a walk or bike ride to help clear your mind

• Spend time with friends or family members who can provide support and laughter

• Listen to calming music or nature sounds.

Remember, it is important to recognize that everyone experiences anxiety differently and that there is no “one size fits all” solution. Taking the time to recognize what works best for you and using these tips as a guide will help reduce Sunday night stress and make Monday mornings much easier to face.

By following these tips, you can help reduce the anxiety associated with Sunday nights and have a more productive start to the week ahead. Taking time for yourself on Sundays is essential in order create healthy habits that will last throughout the week and beyond. With some planning, organization and self-care, you can make Sunday nights a positive experience.

Let’s Connect!

Say goodbye to fatigue and hello to a full and vibrant life! Join me over in my Facebook group where we are talking all about how to take back control of your health!

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The Possible Connection Between Your Thyroid and Migraines

Migraines and thyroid dysfunction are both common medical conditions that many people suffer from. Migraine headaches cause intense, throbbing pain often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Thyroid dysfunction is a condition where the body produces too much or too little of the hormone thyroxine. Both conditions can significantly reduce quality of life if left untreated, making it important to understand any potential connections between them.

In this post I will discuss the possible connection between suffering from migraines and having thyroid issues. We will also look at some of the main causes of migraine headaches and what might lead to thyroid dysfunction in order to help better inform individuals who may be struggling with either or both conditions.

Is there a connection between Migraines and Thyroid Dysfunction?

Research suggests that there may be a link between migraine headaches and thyroid dysfunction. Studies have found that people with thyroid disease are at an increased risk of developing migraines, due to the fact that abnormal levels of thyroxine can lead to changes in serotonin levels which can trigger headaches. It is not definitively known if low or high thyroid hormones are more likely to affect migraine frequency, as both have been associated with migraine occurrence.

What are the main causes of Migraine Headaches?

The exact cause of migraine headaches is unknown; however, they tend to run in families and certain factors may increase your likelihood of experiencing them such as hormones, stress, certain foods or drinks, and environmental changes. Hormonal changes are a common trigger for migraines in women due to the fluctuations of estrogen during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Stress can also be a major factor in triggering migraines, as well as certain foods like aged cheeses, processed meats, and alcohol.

What are the causes of Thyroid Dysfunction?

The underlying cause of thyroid dysfunction is not always easy to determine. It’s most commonly caused by an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto’s disease which leads to the body attacking its own tissues and producing antibodies against them. Other causes can include iodine deficiency in the diet, a family history of thyroid dysfunction or certain medications.

Migraines and thyroid dysfunction are both complex medical conditions that can lead to significant impairment of quality of life. It is important to be aware of the possible connection between them, as well as the causes and triggers associated with each in order to better manage symptoms. If you think you may be suffering from either condition it is best to seek medical advice so that an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan can be established.

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Getting Enough Sleep but Still Feeling Tired?

We all know how it feels to be tired. You can drink coffee or energy drinks until you’re jittery, but sometimes, no matter how much caffeine you consume, you just can’t seem to shake the fatigue. If you find yourself struggling with low energy levels day after day, there could be an underlying cause. Here are some possible reasons why you might be feeling tired all the time, even if you’re getting enough sleep.

1) Vitamin D Deficiency: One of the most common causes of fatigue is a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is essential for many functions in the body, including maintaining proper calcium levels in the blood and supporting immune system function. Most people get their vitamin D from exposure to sunlight, but during the winter months or if you live in a place with limited sunlight exposure, it can be difficult to get enough vitamin D from sun exposure alone. In addition, many people are using sunscreen more often to protect against skin cancer, which can also limit vitamin D production. If you think you might be deficient in vitamin D, talk to your health care professional about getting your levels checked and supplementing with vitamin D if necessary.

2) Poor Gut Health: Another possible reason for fatigue is poor gut health. The gut is home to trillions of bacteria that play a role in everything from digestion to immunity. When the balance of gut bacteria is disrupted, it can lead to symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and digestive issues. Improving gut health requires a multifaceted approach, but some simple steps you can take to improve your gut health include eating more fermented foods, taking a probiotic supplement, and reducing stress levels.

3) Nervous System Imbalance: If you’re constantly feeling tired, it could be due to an imbalance in the nervous system. The nervous system is responsible for regulating many important functions in the body, including energy production, mood, and sleep. When the nervous system is out of balance, it can lead to fatigue, anxiety, and depression. To help rebalance the nervous system, consider adding adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha or rhodiola to your diet or taking a supplement.

Though fatigue is a common issue, it’s important to listen to your body and identify any potential underlying causes. If you’re feeling tired all the time, or you need help with a chronic condition, please see your healthcare professional for your specific health care concerns. I can also help you find the supplements and vitamins you need for your body. Book a free 30-minute call with me so we can talk through your goals, one step at a time.

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This monthly membership will take you through the core symptoms that needs to be addressed when you are looking to optimize your health. You will learn the importance of self-care strategies, overcome emotional eating, and take a deep dive into what you need to do for YOUR body to regain your vitality and feel like yourself again.

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Say goodbye to fatigue and hello to a full and vibrant life! Join me over in my Facebook group where we are talking all about how to take back control of your health!

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2 Nutrient Deficiencies That Keep You Tired

You might be surprised to learn that two of the most common nutrient deficiencies are actually contributing to your feelings of being completely tired and exhausted. Those nutrients are vitamin A and zinc.

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that helps support a healthy immune system, vision, and skin health. Zinc is a mineral that plays a role in cell growth, wound healing, and fertility. It’s also necessary for the proper function of enzymes.

A deficiency in either of these nutrients can lead to fatigue, especially when they’re both lacking. Fortunately, there are plenty of yellow and orange foods containing vitamin A and zinc that can help increase your intake of these essential nutrients.

Some great examples of foods high in vitamin A include:

  • Sweet potatoes
  • Carrots
  • Pumpkin
  • Butternut squash
  • Apricots
  • Cantaloupe

As for zinc-rich foods, consider incorporating more of these into your diet:

  • Grass-fed beef
  • Nuts and seeds

With a little effort, you’ll start feeling less tired in no time.

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Get ready to regain your vitality and feel like yourself again!

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This monthly membership will take you through the core symptoms that needs to be addressed when you are looking to optimize your health. You will learn the importance of self-care strategies, overcome emotional eating, and take a deep dive into what you need to do for YOUR body to regain your vitality and feel like yourself again.

Join the health reset membership that will help you achieve your health goals with nutrition education, live group training, ongoing support PLUS a one-to-one session each month.

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Feed your body well, listen to it, and you will benefit in the long run. In my free meal plan, you’ll get 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners and 7 snacks that help you do just that. Download my free 7 day meal plan and you’ll get an introduction to eating balanced meals and snacks.

Let’s Connect!

Say goodbye to fatigue and hello to a full and vibrant life! Join me over in my Facebook group where we are talking all about how to take back control of your health!

Be sure to follow me on my Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and Pinterest for tips and tricks on how to use nutrition to live your very best life!

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