The Flu Shot: Hashimoto's and the flu vaccination

Hashi Warriors and the Flu Vaccine

Stay healthy this flu season

by amping up your immune system

with energy movement

   Much debate happens every year on whether people should or need to get the year's influenza vaccination. Quite frankly, the whole issue of vaccinations is a touchy subject in the states  among folks...a topic for another time - I have strong feelings on the side of NOT vaccinating, but that is not today's topic.
Is the flu shot necessary....does it help...will this miracle shot  save your life? Are you in the Center for Disease Control's categories of those who "probably" should not get the influenza vaccination? A really good resource on this topic is Dr. Kirk Gair who has written a few books on the subject and who started his quest to learn all he can because the information saved his wife from the devastating affects of  a Thyroid Storm. Click on his link to see what he has to say about Hashimoto's and the flu shot.
   If you are like me, whenever I received the influenza vaccination, I battled illnesses the rest of the season. I documented and have proof that demonstrated I would have one cold or virus run into another, I would catch lots of viruses and minor flus I came into contact with....it seemed to bog my immune system down. Now there is scientific evidence that supports my personal claims. Or rather, if my Hashimoto's is in hyper drive and very active, it has been found to be detrimental and is more like poking the bear living inside me...and I'm not the only one!
   According to the Holter Medical Group, "Although it is unclear exactly why some patients with these health conditions have complications(to the influenza vaccine), there are a few possible explanations. It could be related to mitochondrial dysfunction, which many of these patients have. It could also be directly related to the immune response elicited by the vaccine. One physician who has treated over 2,000 Hashimoto’s patients reports that 80% of his patients have infection with the Epstein Barr virus in their history. This is thought to play a role in the onset or exacerbation of the condition for many Hashimoto’s patients.Interestingly, there is some evidence that Influenza B may also be involved as an initiating factor. Even if it is not directly related, it affects the same part of the immune system as Epstein Barr. This also happens to be the part of the immune system that attacks the thyroid in autoimmune thyroid conditions."
   While I'm no physician or doctor, or nurse or practitioner, I am one heck of a researcher and I am an award winning journalist! In America, it's a little bit tougher to find out certain kinds of information (hot topics like vaccines or abortion that have a lot of money into the outcomes) but it is out there in small doses and under pages of professionals finally being able to piece the puzzle together.  I encourage you to look into these website addresses to look into this topic for yourself :)

Knowledge is personal power on your quest for good health! And the more we share, the more we can do what is best for each one of us and not be one of the "herd".

http://www.healthcentral.com/chronic-pain/c/5949/145399/fibromyalgia/
 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12428064

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12428064

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18240111

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/02/04/zinc-garlic-vitamin-d.aspx

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/02/04/zinc-garlic-vitamin-d.aspx

So if you follow my blog, you'll know how natural I attempt to be. I limit chemicals entering my body via by the food and drink or by environmental exposure and skin products. I strive to limit my chemical exposure and I firmly believe this alone helped to calm my Hashimoto's down when it was in a whirlwind.

   So how do I avoid the flu? The flu is air borne and knowing this information is half the battle! In our home, we spray essential oils in the air, we use the old pan of water and essential oils and boil that down into the air. We have hand sanitizer right by the front door when we get home from a social event, and we use it! We eat organic, healthy foods from all the food groups (even the gluten free family members). Eating processed food or food with preservatives is limited. We boost ourselves with vitamin C and echinacea, we consume elderberry and overall try to get quality sleep and quality exercise....and we laugh a lot.

Our Family.....

has fun and laughs :)

Just being happy is another trick to fostering a good immune system. We incorporate energy work, like Reiki, or Yoga, into our every day lives. Our body's energy systems need movement within them to function properly.

I hope I've helped you find some resources to help you learn and get another step into recovery for you or your loved ones Hashimoto's or other autoimmune condition!
Blessings!

Our rainbow girl being ME :)

Goals, giggles and great things

   Well my fellow Hashi Warriors, thyroid peeps and the like....HI!

Yoga with my Finn while camping

Chica the husky was doing her own pose..downward dog, maybe :).

  It's again been too long since I've talked with you! Have no doubt that you have been on my mind as I thoroughly enjoy our little Finn girl. We feel so blessed everyday to be able to look upon her with wild fascination. We take no moment for granted, knowing that many of you wish so much for the same miracle to come into your lives. It's summertime in our part of the world so our days are filled with lots of great activities like hiking, swimming and gardening and our nights have campfires and hammocks...I love this life!

My happy birthday this year

   News from my postpartum world is HUGE....my lifestyle changes have made a tremendous impact on my hypothyroidism. I am no longer required to supplement my thyroid with medication. I'm drug free so to speak! My body is producing enough on its own! I will continue to monitor my thyroidism to see if this is long-term. I cannot stress enough how important it is for you to find the root of your thyroidism whether it is hyperthyroid or hypothyroid and fix the issue. Be your own scientist. Be your own sleuth. We wouldn't have our Finn here with us if it not had been for my belief that you can in fact heal your thyroid. Especially if you are trying to conceive with little results, or have incurred several miscarriages as we did, you must get to the root of the problem. I read lots of books, like Root Cause by Dr. Izabella Wentz. Click on the link and check it out! If you'd like to know more about the changes I made, please email me-I love talking about this and helping others find their path!
   Now....back to our little Finn! What a joy! We are learning all about her - and have adjusted pretty flawlessly. We wanted her so much for so long. Our other children seem to have adjusted to her arrival as well. People have asked me if it is like starting over again with there being nearly 14 years difference between our now middle child with our youngest. It's not starting over to me. I'm still a mom and always was one. I would say I thoroughly enjoy every moment - even when she has cried solid for two hours. This time will pass and one day I will miss it. It has been an adjustment for all of us, but a welcomed one. We have two daughters, just out on their own, who come visit us more frequently to forge a relationship with their sister. It warms our hearts to see that. She started laughing last week and the little giggles bring our 14-year-old to her side every time.

Breastfeeding in the hammock!

   Most of the Hashi people I've met, are like me, they were always healthy eaters, big into fitness. That's probably because you noticed your weight fluctuated so much and you needed to stay on top of whatever was going on. My postpartum journey on that side of things has been trying....after Finn arrived, my midwife checked my abdominal muscles and I had a whopper five-inch abdominal muscle separation, also known as Diastasis recti.  Not a huge surprise since this was my fourth live birth and actually eighth pregnancy. Resting those muscles are crucial for a healthy recovery---no heavy lifting, abdominal work or engaging those muscles at all. It's a little tough at times.  It took FOREVER for it to fuse back (nearly 12 weeks) and I'm still working on complications due to the condition. My hips are continually misaligning themselves and my lower back is weakened because of it.

We can, however, finally get back into the pool after three months of diastasis recti Hell :) BRING ME MY SUPERSUIT....regardless of how much extra skin I have floating around my mid-section! Bodies come in all shapes and sizes and despite this journey, my body has really served me well. I'm breastfeeding and with my gluten free/ low dairy diet, it hasn't been hard for me to melt away. I have had to incorporate some Sunflower Lecithin for healthy fats so my milk isn't like skim milk but that's a topic for another day. In the meantime, let's get those muscles strengthened! Finn is ready to join us in the pool!

Blessings!

Surviving postpartum with your thyroid monster

   AAAAHHHH the little bundle you've been waiting for has arrived!

Hopefully, you got to have the amazing birth experience you have been striving for like we did! Our journey that led with our Finn in our arms was miraculous, beautiful and soul quenching.....and then we spent our recovery time monitoring not only my recovery but prepping for the probable thyroid issues that moms with hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism have to endure after bringing a life into the world. Thyroid issues..it is a flurry of symptoms that can hit at any moment when your hormones fluctuate severely like they do after you have a baby. It can't be avoided. The best you can do is prepare for it by pre adjusting your medication while you are recovering from labor and delivery and following your recovery directions to every detail. Pay attention to your body and how it feels. Rest ALOT and eat properly. Continue to take your supplements. I cannot express how important it is to stay off your feet. After two weeks, even one event will deplete your energy levels and you know what? That's perfectly fine and to b expected. Your energy will eventually return! Just spend time enjoying your little wonderful miracle!

       I cannot thank my husband and my family enough for taking such good care of me during my recovery. My husband was by my side every hour for the days he was absent from work, changing Finn and allowing me to adhere to my week long bedrest mandate ordered by our midwife. My mom filled our pantry and fridgerator/freezer with easy to make meals and family favorites so my husband and daughter could handle mealtimes with ease. We were so blessed with her foresight for that....we had food for weeks! Our daughter kept up with the household chores. My father-in-law, who happens too live next door, made himself available when my husband had to return to work for any small requests that might arise. We are so blessed! It took me a good two weeks for my symptoms to level out. The brain fog lifted, the rapid heartbeat, the added profuse sweating, the insomnia finally left. The blues didn't take hold like they can with thyroid people....Smiles were all around our little house!

  When your thyroid hormone wildly fluctuates from delivery, it can swing from hypothyroid, which means your thyroid isn't making enough hormone and you supplement that, to hyperthyroid, which means you have too much thyroid hormone in your system. Symptoms can range from headaches to rapid heart rate, inability to handle heat, severe sweating, dehydration, vision changes, swollen eye lids, fatigue, insomnia, joint pain and much more. Not only are you recovering from the pregnancy, you are dealing with these symptoms all while adjusting to supplying milk to your wee one too.
   In severe cases, a thyroid storm can occur which can be fatal in adults. If you have any of the following symptoms, please contact your midwife or obstetrician immediately.

• A very high fever of 100 degrees to as high as 106 degrees.
• A very high heart rate, which can be as high as 200 beats per minute (BPM). 
• Palpitations, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
• High blood pressure.
• Confusion, delirium, and even psychosis.
• Extreme physical and muscle weakness
• Extreme fatigue and exhaustion.
• Extreme restlessness, nervousness, and mood swings.
• Exaggerated reflexes, especially in knee and ankle areas.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Profuse sweating or dehydration.
• Stupor or coma

Please take care of yourself as you recover from your miraculous journey! Blessings from our family to you!

Anti-Anxiety: Five things that gotta give for happiness

   Hey everybody! I'm still here :) I've had quite a bit going on from school events, art passions, to a work situation to doing the impossible....throwing a birthday party for our daughter for over 25 people to attend...in our home! And we all survived, including me! AND the best part was the exciting activities didn't evoke a flare from the outer reaches of hell.

The beginning of a

cocoa nib GF birthday cake

   I am going on month 6 of a complete dietary change of removing gluten, cutting down on soy because of my thyroid medication and incorporating a rash of supplements to help my body function "normally"....well like everybody else anyways. The changes I've noticed Hashimoto's has most likely plagued me my entire life, so this new me takes some getting used to! Every day I've decided is an adventure!

Summer's favorite-Cocoa Nibs and Lavender

in my own inner workings haven't been my kind of normal ever! We've come to learn that my
   Which brings me to the topic of the day---just what brings happiness? Is it a person, is it a place or is it maybe a something? Being on a Hashimoto's journey puts things in perspective for a person and for their whole family. Hashimoto's is a mostly invisible disease that can be seen through blood work. A Hashi person can explain all day to healthy folks what it is like. At best, the usual outcome is sympathy rather than empathy and then there are those  that simply won't believe because of their ignorance and lack of an empathetic soul. It can make for a frustrating, uncomfortable and humble existence until you decide on just being happy.

My book I wrote, illustrated, edited and compiled

arrived! And it's Chica approved!

    5 Things That You Need To Give Up to Be Happy

I know! I'm telling you that you need to give up a few other things on your Hashimoto's journey that you haven't already.

1) Dwelling on the past.
We can all sit around a lament that we can't eat that big fat cinnamon roll, or maybe all we really want is a nice cold malt beer with the crew after work. Yeah I'd love to be able to sit down at a restaurant and not spend the entire time worrying and watching for the signs to begin that I've been "glutened" (and for me that means I'll be spending the next 12-20 hours swollen everywhere, in excruciating joint pain and sleeping in a pool of my own sweat). I like to center on how fulfilled my life has become and I've accepted that I am a person with a chronic illness. Does this mean my life ended as I know it? On the contrary! My life began because I learned how to be me and know my own code---I'm not as sick as I used to be!

2) Negative Self Talk
It's easy to get in the habit of getting annoyed with the little tweaks and pains associated with this or any autoimmune condition. Nobody enjoys fluctuating internal temperatures, body inflammation, skin so dry it cracks and bleeds, hair loss, never ending waves of nausea, ringing ears, I could go on, but you get the idea.

This is how I measure my hair loss

every week.

Giving yourself negative talk puts negativity in motion. "I suck!" or "Ugh look at that fat roll!" or "I'm such an idiot!" All of these comments do nothing to forge you forward and only hold you captive in a negative space.

3)Complaining

   This condition puts me in yet another higher category for heart disease, among several others.  I was feeling disgusted and was talking that over with my husband as I huddled in our bed under  a cozy, luxurious blanket. "You have always been active and made health a priority, right," said my husband. A muffled "yeah" came from my blanket fort we've knick-named 'Kick-Ass'. "Did you ever think that maybe, just maybe, you are still here on this earth with me because you are one of those people.  The ones that took such good care of your health through diet and exercise before you were diagnosed that you are one of the ones that actually made it and not one of those you hear of that died on the treadmill underaged  and were the epitome of health...maybe those folks had

Hashimoto's and just didn't get diagnosed in time." I was quiet and then sincerely gave my thanks.  I didn't take the time to think of it like that because I was too disgusted to keep being informed of all health diseases that are linked to this condition. Since that realization, I marvel at myself! I always thought I was pretty amazing but now - WOW! I kick some booty :)  I'm still here and that is something to celebrate! Everything else people complain about are really small and quite frankly, most of the small stuff you can change.

"A New Life"

by Cris Ness

4) The Need To Impress Others
   When my husband and I first met, we were talking about good deeds. The discussion went on about if there is really such a thing as a good deed without strings attached...can a good deed be done without the need to feel superior about doing said deed. Something that we continue to ponder and banter about :) Thinking about that got us thinking about how good deeds might be done to impress people and therefore it is not a good deed. The need to impress friends, family, neighbors, school mates and coworkers...
    Anyhow, most likely it took several things to happen to you  to FINALLY get diagnosed with Hashimoto's. In Western medicine, it takes the failing of some organ to see it has been under siege  being attacked by you for quite some time even though several symptoms were probably there and now your own body has  nearly killed part of  itself.

Or maybe you've had some trouble conceiving or you've gotten pregnant a few times only to go through the devastating scene of losing a child due to your condition. In these cases, it's really easy  to not care after events like these. You really aren't in a position to care who has the newest car on the block, who is wearing designer clothes, or if the fact that someone didn't "like" one of your pictures or posts means that you should worry the person may or may not be upset with you. You have no time to worry about these things because you are learning about the new rules for you. That and you are battling fatigue that encompasses all your days and nights until you get on top of your Hashimoto's and all the components of it.

5) The Need For Other's Approval
   I've said it before and I'll scream it from the highest Alp, I'm the luckiest woman in the world. My family is the most compassionate and caring people for me. I'm blessed to have everything in my life. We love each other, we celebrate our differences, we try to be empathetic and in most cases we are fairly successful. Is our family perfect? Nope, but it certainly is perfect for us. With autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's, unless folks are practically living with you, they won't 'see' your disease. They won't experience an anxiety attack, they won't see the 18 hours you sleep when you 'aren't feeling well' and they won't notice the brain fog associated with it. This separates the friends from the acquaintances. This disease has shown me who my real people are and who are the ones that can't see beyond their own glass lives. I can thank my condition for that-it's a glorious thing to be alive and not striving for other's approval.

Pictured left to right, daughter Summer, daughter Sydnie,

Me, daughter Keira, and my parents Daryl and Meri Jo.

There you have five. You have five ideas to churn over and see if you can find your happiness. Look at yourself and see if changing any of these five things can make an impact in your life. It really has in mine and has been a big pull in my recovering with my Hashimoto's and Hypothyroidism. I hope it helps you - even if you don't have a chronic illness, these five things can help you find your happiness!

Interested in my newest book? It's adorable!
Click here


Blessings Lovlies :)

Just being natural.... It could save your life!

Cold/flu medications are not recommended for thyroid conditions!

Interaction with your blood pressure can cause severe

 heart problems and damage---even heart attack!

After spending five months taking the necessary steps of healing from the inside out...taking required vitamins and minerals, adopting an autoimmune diet, relieving my adrenal glands, finding the correct dosage of my synthetic thyroid medication, it has happened----I caught a cold/flu virus from my work that has been sending ordinary folks to the doctor after bronchitis sets up in their lungs. Foolishly, I quietly was measuring
my goddess self on how far I had come by seeing if I would contract this highly contagious plague. I felt it coming in and waves of failure feelings and setbacks washed upon my broken spirit.

So, what's a person to do???................

Being hypothyroid, it usually doesn't take much to give me an excuse to crawl into our cozy, soft bed. Turn to the the old fashion remedy of sleep!

And what do you do if you are so miserable, you just can't?

All Natural Tips for Dealing with Colds and Flus

• Apple cider vinegar: Try 1-2 teaspoons of it in an 8 ounce glass of apple juice or water. This remedy has been used for centuries and shortens the life of the virus while giving you a good immunity boost. Drinking ACV in your teas and juices throughout the day gives you an amazing boost and kills germs in your system.
• Vitamin C: Although most over-the-counter products are taboo for thyroid patients, vitamin C packets, vitamin C lozenges will speed up healing and ease sore throats. Double check the ingredients for any stimulants.
• Cinnamon candies: When medication won't do and you have a fire burn in your throat, look for extremely hot cinnamon hard candy to suck on.
• Essential oil for the steamy bath or in a steam vapor: I love my essential oils! Not only do they cure most of what ales me from infections to wounds to lifting my spirits, they can also attack any nasty little viruses that decide to invade my body through the air. I personally enjoy lavender, tea tree, orange, frankincense and eucalyptus oils. Put a few drops in your steam bath and this will help clear your breathing paths. Put about 20 drops of your favorite with distilled water in a spray bottle to kill any airborne germs and spray surfaces in your home or office. For a direct steam method, use distilled water and 2 drops each of your favorite oils in a saucepan and boil. Put a towel over your head and the pan and breath deeply. Doing this two times a day is all that is needed. I also make my own Vicks with coconut oil and eucalyptus and rub this on my chest and under my nose!

• Neti pot? If not, go out and get one and do it! A neti pot is a grand way to clear excess debris and mucous from your sinuses and it staves off the risk of getting a sinus infection from things not moving through your system. My only caution is for anyone that has plugged ear canals, you can tell if they are swollen and plugged by pinching your nose and blowing---if they pop or crackle, you are good to go; if they hurt and do not pop, that means you may want to throw in some Lavender and a carrier oil in your ear to make the swelling go down and infection doesn't set up in there, compounding the problems you are having already.
• Zinc it up! Zinc is critical in speeding up the process. Taking zinc within the first 24 hours of the onset of symptoms has been beneficial in shortening the life of the virus. There has been research that has contrary information about zinc, but from my experience, this mineral is great! I have been using it to "beef" up my weakened immune system.
• Drink fluids! Drink your fluids to rush this invader out of your system. Green tea, one cup of coffee, salty water, juice, plain ole water...get your digestive tract flowing to usher this illness out the door! It will help you to sleep better too, especially if you are losing fluids through temperature and sweating.
• Lastly, celebrate you conquering this junk with your own amazing body and compromised immune system! Your immune system is so amazing it not only fights itself, it fights intruders as well! #hashimotoswarrior #thyroid #autoimmune  As with any advice, talk to your healthcare team about the pros and cons of these tips or any vitamin/mineral and you can decide if it is the right thing for you.

Thanks for reading....now it's time for a quick nap! :)

Really, I am a fierce WARRIOR!!!

   I've always been an active person...swimming, yoga, running 10k, teaching cardio and water yoga classes, volunteering at local schools in the running department...yes I'm active. Many times I would be contacted via online or text to give someone the push needed to get off the couch and I will gladly do it! After all, I needed to work out that day too...I treated every day as a new exciting chapter and I included exercise as part of my daily ritual. It kept my mood light, I felt good about myself and I knew those pesky pounds would stay away! My scale could be two pounds light or heavy depending on the hour, so despite the aches and pains, I thought a girl has to do what a girl has to do! I needed to be a shining example to our daughters, coworkers and family...fitness is where it's at! Below is daughter Sydnie and I doing partner yoga at one of our favorite lakes where we live. The next shot is me, 40 years old, at the aquatic managment position I held for 10 years.

   Since my Hashimoto's diagnosis in the beginning of 2016, I've spent much of my time and energy on learning how to deal with this autoimmune condition. I am finally ready to admit I have chronic pain with my condition. My usual routine of dealing with this was through yoga, spiritual teachings and absolutely no medication. I never lined up for over-the-counter remedies. I always believed mind over matter. Eventually, I would become so run down, I might be laid up in bed for three days, possibly put on anxiety medication and told to alleviate stress. Soon, I would pick myself back up and start my daily rituals again.
   Chronic pain is not something you'll hear me talk about much. I keep my aches and pains to myself.  My philosophy is that whining about it will do nobody in my life any good and that includes me. Once I've admitted the many, many ways I hurt, my awesome family can now recognize the signs of me having a "bad" day....slightly puffy eyes, moving just a half step slower than my regular speeding. People at work might ask me if I have got enough sleep because I look tired. When I hear these things, that means it's time for me to identify what's going on to stay on top of my Hashimoto's.

   This is me and my fierce and feisty, sweet and loving girl, Chica, cuddling and resting like I sometimes need to. See my thyroid eyes ;)
  I battle inflammation in my joints daily. I control the inflammation with a morning cocktail! No I'm not binging alcohol but a lovingly mixed drink of 4 oz. Orange juice, 1 tsp turmeric powder, 1/8 tsp cream of tartar, 1/8 tsp pink sea salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper...this is a refreshing treat for my adrenal glands and hits my inflamed joints! Depending on the day, I may indulge in this amazing wonder drink up to three times a day. Incorporating turmeric in my body has changed my life! Last month, I swam the butterfly stroke for 20 minutes and my shoulders haven't been able to perform that stroke in a decade!
   Experts are finding that although exercise is very important for Hashimoto's people, it is also important to allow the down time for your body to heal. With a very anxious, worried mind and a rather large gulp, I cut back my workouts to 2 to 3 times per week. I watched and I waited. With the extra time that I normally devoted to myself, I continued to center on me by resting and researching while I did it. I've invested lots of my time to healing my immune system through autoimmune dietary changes and incorporating vitamin and mineral supplements to balance my systems.
   Results aren't immediate, and once you've started on the Hashimoto's road, you'll quickly discover results are seen in minimum 6 weeks to 3 months. Change is slow. I try to remember I didn't get this way overnight. My family supports my healing process. They see many many more good days happening. There's no shame in becoming the champion cuddle warrior to help speed the process of healing from the inside out....while I daydream of participating in my private ironman competition.