Women And Thyroid

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!

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! ​

Get Your Protein!

If you follow me on this blog, podcast or socials, chances are you have heard me talk about the importance of consuming enough protein in each meal. Having a thyroid gland plays an important role in the body’s metabolism and regulating hormones. But if you don’t have a thyroid, protein is even more critical because it helps your body to function properly. Eating enough of the right kinds of proteins can help you maintain muscle mass and strength, as well as healthy bones and heart. It can also prevent fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms that can arise from not having enough protein in your diet. In this article, we will discuss the importance of consuming protein when you do not have a thyroid gland and provide general tips on how to ensure you get enough each day.

Not All Proteins Are Created Equal

The first step in understanding how much protein you should be consuming is to recognize that not all proteins are equal. Different types of protein can provide different benefits and nutrition, so it’s important to select the best sources for your body. Animal-based proteins like meat, eggs, dairy products, fish, and poultry contain all the essential amino acids your body needs in order to function properly and should form the foundation of your daily diet if you don’t have a thyroid gland. Plant-based proteins such as beans, nuts, seeds, and legumes can also supply certain essential amino acids but may lack some of the others found in animal proteins so it’s important to choose foods from both categories when planning meals.

Symptoms of Not Consuming Enough Protein

There are a variety of symptoms that can arise if you’re not getting enough protein in your diet. Some of the most common ones include fatigue, muscle weakness, impaired wound healing, and slowed growth. If you’re experiencing any of these signs or other health problems, it’s important to consult with your health practitioner to determine if an increase in protein consumption is necessary.

How Much Protein Is Necessary If You Don’t Have a Thyroid Gland

Generally speaking, it’s recommended that individuals without a thyroid gland should aim to consume at least 0.8-1g of protein per kilogram (2.2lbs) of body weight each day. For example, someone who weighs 70kg (154lbs) should aim for 56-70g of protein every day. It’s also important to note that this amount can vary depending on individual factors, such as gender, age, activity level, and medical conditions.

Consuming the right types of proteins can be a challenge if you don’t have a thyroid gland. To ensure you get enough each day, try to plan out your meals ahead of time and make sure they include animal-based proteins like meat or fish and plant-based proteins like legumes or nuts. You may also want to consider supplementing with protein powders or bars if needed.

It’s important to be aware of how the lack of protein can further affect your body if you don’t have a thyroid gland. By consuming the right types of proteins and making sure you get enough each day – and more importantly, in each meal –, for individuals who do not have a thyroid gland. Eating enough of the right types of proteins can help maintain muscle mass, strength, healthy bones, and heart health as well as prevent fatigue and other symptoms from arising.

Not sure where to start?  Download my free 7-day meal plan and you’ll get an introduction to eating balanced meals and snacks.  In my free meal plan, you’ll get 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners and 7 snacks that help you do just that.

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! ​

Doing All The Right Things But Still Feeling Fatigued?

Women’s hormones play a crucial role in overall health and wellness. Knowing your hormone levels and getting them optimized can have significant benefits for everything from energy, mood, and weight to sleep, fertility, and libido. In this post, we’ll discuss why it’s important to know your hormone levels, what happens when your female hormones are off balance, and what happens when you get them optimized. Let’s dive in!

Doing All the Right Things but Still Feeling Off?

Do you still feel tired? Are you not losing the weight? Are you not even losing inches? If this sounds like you, it sounds like you’re in the same situation as a lot of people that I’m working with right now. They too are not feeling very energetic right now. So, what you probably haven’t done is that you haven’t optimized your hormones.

Why You Should Know Your Hormone Levels

Regularly monitoring your hormone levels is an important part of maintaining good physical and mental health. As women age, hormonal imbalances can become more common due to lifestyle factors such as stress or diet that can cause shifts in estrogen and progesterone levels. Regular hormone testing can help you identify if these imbalances are present and provide the opportunity to take preventative steps before any issues worsen.

What Happens When Your Female Hormones Are Off-Balance

When female hormones such as estrogen and progesterone become unbalanced, many physical and emotional symptoms may arise. Common symptoms of hormonal imbalance include mood swings, irregular or heavy periods, acne, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, fatigue, headaches or migraines, low libido, night sweats, anxiety and depression. If left untreated these symptoms can get worse over time and lead to more serious health problems down the road.

What Happens When Your Hormones Are Optimized

Balancing your hormones can have a positive impact on many different aspects of your health. When hormone levels are optimized, you may experience improved energy, better mood and sleep, regular menstrual cycles, less acne or skin issues, weight loss or easier weight management, heightened libido, and reduced anxiety and depression. Additionally, balanced hormones can help with fertility and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers.

Ultimately knowing your hormone levels is essential for supporting healthy functioning both now and in the future. If you’re interested in finding out more about how to get optimized contact me in the bio for personalized advice!

Need a Health Reset?

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

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.

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! ​

Does Going To The Doctor Make You Anxious?

Navigating through medical appointments and tests can be a daunting task and dealing with anxiety is an added burden. Anxiety about doctor visits and upcoming scans or blood work can range from mild to severe, making it difficult for individuals to go through with their scheduled appointments. However, there are certain steps that one can take in order to better manage the anxious feelings associated with these visits. In this post, we will discuss a few tips to help you cope with your anxiety when going to doctor appointments, scans or blood work.

Understanding What It All Means:

Understand what your blood work means and how that compares to how you are feeling. For example, if you have a tumor marker that’s being monitored on a regular basis, then you need to know what that tumor marker is, what it means, and then how it relates to other conditions. Conditions that result in some of the symptoms you may be feeling. So basically having the knowledge helps you feel more in control and that you can talk with your healthcare provider about it in a lot better.

Just Do It:

Step forward and take control of your health, and I guarantee that once you get through it, you’re going to feel so much better. Have a friend or family member come with you to the appointment if possible, as this can help reduce stress levels. Even if they are not physically there with you, just having someone to talk to before and after can be very helpful in managing anxiety.

General Tips:

  • Be Mindful of Your Anxiety: Observe the anxious thoughts and feelings without judgment. Practice mindfulness by being aware of your body’s reactions and sensations as a way to be present in the moment. Focus on your breath as a way to ground yourself, and practice calming affirmations such as “I am safe” or “This too shall pass”.
  • Rely On Support: Find someone who can provide emotional support before, during, and after the appointment or test. Whether it is a friend, family member, mental health provider or spiritual leader; relying on a support system can make all the difference in managing your anxiety.
  • Prepare: Research beforehand what the appointment or test entails so that you have realistic expectations of what’s going on. Gather all relevant information ahead of time such as lab results, any necessary medication, and any other information your doctor might need. This will help to ensure that you are well-prepared for the appointment.
  • Create Healthy Coping Strategies: Focus on using healthy coping strategies such as exercising, mindfulness meditation, journaling, or connecting with nature to help manage anxious thoughts and feelings. These activities can help to bring you into the present moment and distract you from worrying about what might happen in the future.

Dealing with anxiety around doctor appointments, scans or blood work is challenging but not impossible. By understanding what these tests/appointments mean and relying on a strong support system, an individual can better cope with their anxiety surrounding these events. Additionally, by preparing ahead of time and focusing on healthy coping strategies one can better manage their anxiety and better prepare for the appointment.

Taking control of your health is essential to living a balanced life; so, take charge and get through this!

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!

How Many Plant Foods Do You Eat Each Week?

Eating plant foods is essential for a healthy diet. It’s not only important to take in adequate amounts of plant-based nutrition, but also to choose the right kind of plants. With an increasing number of people suffering from digestive problems and chronic diseases, eating more plant-based foods has become a priority for many health-conscious individuals.

But how many plant foods are you actually eating each week? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer as some people need more plants than others due to their age or lifestyle factors. However, everyone should prioritize eating plenty of nutrient-dense plant foods for maximum benefit. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of getting enough plant foods in your diet and provide tips for adding them to your meals.

Why Are Plant Foods Good for You?

Plant foods are full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which are beneficial for overall health; they provide energy without the calories found in animal proteins; and they supply dietary fiber which helps keep us regular as well as aiding digestion.

Different types of plants provide different types of nutrition, so it’s important to eat a variety. Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables are great sources of vitamin A and C, while legumes offer protein and complex carbohydrates. Fruits like berries, apples, oranges and bananas are all high in antioxidants that fight inflammation and disease.

How it Impacts Your Gut Health

Eating enough plant-based foods can have a huge impact on gut health. Plant-based diets have been linked to improved digestion and regularity as well as a reduced risk of colon cancer. Additionally, the dietary fiber found in plants helps feed our ‘good’ gut bacteria which helps keep our microbiome healthy.

Finally, eating more plant-based foods is associated with a reduced risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Eating plants can also help reduce inflammation, which has been linked to a wide range of health conditions.

Recommendations

It’s recommended that you eat at least five servings of plant-based foods each day. This could include leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, legumes, fruits and nuts or seeds. Try to mix it up and explore different varieties, as this will ensure you get maximum benefit from the nutrients found in plants.

Getting started on your journey towards eating more plant-based foods doesn’t have to be difficult. Start by adding one new vegetable to your grocery list each week until you’re eating five servings of plants each day. You can also experiment with different recipes or try out some vegetarian meals a few times per week.

Eating more plant-based foods is essential for optimal health and wellness. Start by assessing your current diet to see how many plants you’re consuming each week and make the necessary adjustments from there. With the variety of plant-based foods available, it’s easy to find delicious ways to add these nutrient dense superfoods into your diet. Eating more plant-based foods will help improve gut health, reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic disease – all key components in achieving improved overall wellbeing.

Download My Free Meal Plan

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! ​

© 2023 Rock Bottom Wellness

Facebook Instagram

TERMS & CONDITIONS

PRIVACY POLICY