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 :)

Fluoride free, that's the way for me!

   When I was child in grammar school, I was chosen by my teacher to be a character in our class play about tooth decay. My character was called Fluoride Flossy and I got to "save the day" and destroyed the effects of the villain that caused tooth decay to the enamel of our teeth. I portrayed a superhero in the fourth grade! Fluoride has long been touted as the saver of teeth and in the United States, many of the municipalities add the substance to their water.

Hiking and swimming with some of my clan

Black Hills, South Dakota

Many Americans use toothpaste that has fluoride and dental experts all over the land recommend using products that contain it. But there is mounting evidence that Fluoride is harmful to health, especially to people trying to tame their Hashimoto's beasts.
   Since I can remember, I had "bloody" teeth every time I brushed. My parents thought I brushed too hard, maybe I wasn't brushing enough, I needed to floss more, the list goes on and on. I always had bloody teeth after brushing regardless of bristle softness or how often I brushed. This went on into my adulthood....until I ditched fluoride and went fluoride free.
   My real life Thyroid Superhero, Dr. Izabella Wentz, and no I have not in any way by paid to say this, has gone on record about the use of Fluoride and the Thyroid function. "A dose of 2-5 mg of fluoride per day was typically found to be effective for suppressing an overactive thyroid. If you live in the typical fluoridated community and you’re being a “good girl” (or “good boy”) by drinking your 8 cups of water each day, chances are, you are inadvertently taking in enough fluoride to suppress your thyroid. Most adults in these communities are ingesting between 1.6 and 6.6 mg of fluoride per day."
   My goodness, the exhilaration I felt when I spit and it wasn't red...I had to do it again and again. WONDERFUL!!! I started with off the shelf fluoride free toothpaste and after a couple of years, made my own from ingredients I had right in the kitchen!

All Gal hike,

Black Elk Wilderness Area

Black Hills, South Dakota

elevation gain of 3,900 feet

I no long have the dragon breath of a Hashi warrior, I have the healthy smile of a Hashi warrior that takes on my world!

My simple diy fluoride free toothpaste:

• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 2 tbsp. ground sea salt
• 2-3 tbsp. ground egg shells, finely ground
• 20 drops of assorted essential oils like peppermint, cinnamon, clove, tea tree
• Optional ground cloves, ground cinnamon
  

Mix well.

This simple recipe helps a Hashi's teeth and gums heal from the use of Fluoride. Coconut oil calms sore gums and is an antiseptic, the sea salt assists in rebuilding enamel as does the calcium in the egg shells. I am now a bloody free toothbrusher! You will be too if you kick the fluoride out of the picture with fluoride free toothpaste and mouthwash, watching your intake red and black tea and limiting the steep time, checking the ingredients on medications, and adding the supplement Taurine, click on the ink to learn more,  into your diet will help. I encourage each of you to look deeper into this issue of fluoride and Hashimoto's  on your own. I can only attest to what personally happened to me :)

I've got some big things in the works right now and will be keeping you posted as things unfold! Until then, I hope this post finds you and guides you to an easier day and a restful sleep!
Blessings!

"Your day will go the way the corners of your mouth do."

Post partum baby 18 months and

I'm stronger than I've ever been.
Also....I'm STOKED about my bamboo sunglasses!
It's the little things :)

Tumeric paste for YOU

Delicious golden milk...

the drink that feels like a comfy blanket for your belly

   Tumeric…..that lovely spice from India that creates heat and stains everything a buttery golden hue. Tumeric has become a staple of my life! It is the Goddess of ayuda that assists in everything from inflammation to treating little nicks and cuts on my body. I LOVE IT! If you have enjoyed the savory food of the curry variety - then you already have enjoyed the benefits of this lovely tuber.

CELEBRATE! Tumeric got me

down to my pre-pregnancy dress size

this month!

  Hashimoto's Thyroiditis - Hashi's- to those of us who have the autoimmune condition can be prone to developing inflammation throughout the joints in our bodies. Inflammation can be painful ….downright annoying and studies from around the world have shown that over 90% of various types of cancer BEGINS with inflammation.

 "Chronic inflammation is known to drive many cancers, especially liver cancer. Researchers have long thought that's because inflammation directly affects cancer cells, stimulating their division and protecting them from death. But researchers have now found that chronic liver inflammation also promotes cancer by suppressing immunosurveillance -- a natural defense mechanism in which it's thought the immune system suppresses cancer development."
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/11/171108131856.htm

Tumeric helps me

keep up with four

active daughters!

   I get inflammation...I can weigh around 5-6 pounds more in excess water if inflammation is being an issue. That's when I looked into the benefits of Tumeric and how to incorporate the spice into my life! Inflammation makes my joints feel stiff and sore and every movement can be uncomfortable. Try this simple recipe for a Tumeric Paste to mix in your food or with your morning cuppa. Actually our little family enjoys a cup of golden milk (warmed milk with 1/4to 1/2 tsp. turmeric paste) before we retire for the night. The ingredients are perfect for calming tummies and easing digestion, relieving inflammation and aches.
   Tumeric Tea also known as Golden Milk, gives your immune system a great boost, tastes amazing AND makes you feel great! The oils are necessary for your body to accept the turmeric as is the ground pepper. Another amazing benefit of this paste is it can be given to your four legged friends! Dogs will take this paste willingly in their food and can really help with arthritis, injuries both internal and external!

Golden Paste

1/2 cup turmeric powder 

enough water to make a good paste

2 tbsp. coconut oil or olive oil

1/4 tsp fresh grated ginger root

1/2 tsp. cardamom powder

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. ground pepper

Mix together over heat until well mixed. Store in an air tight container in your cooler for up to two weeks.

The paste can then be used in teas, assorted milks, and coffees to the ratio of anywhere from 1/4 tsp or 1/2 tsp per servings having 2 to 3 servings per day as needed.

I usually begin my day and end my day with this luscious golden paste in my bevies. You really will notice a huge difference in stiffness in your joints or aches in your body of any kind.

Blessings and enjoy the luner eclipse and happy full moon :)

Hi I'm your new SCOBY! Now what????

 

After baby and momma yoga

bevvy of Homemade

Kombucha brew!

  Welcome to the world of Kombucha! Homemade is so much better and tastier than commercial stuff, just like anything. Plus, you can love this little SCOBY knowing it found a wonderful home! So there's a few things you'll need to start your own Kombucha system. If you are lucky enough to have one of my OOLONG SCOBYs, all the better! Also remember to keep clean utensils including hands when handling your SCOBY and any Kombucha equipment. You do not want to introduce a bad bacteria.

1. Keep your SCOBY out of direct sunlight at all times. The "good" bacteria colony does not like the sun's powerful rays.

2. You'll need to brew your kombucha in a one or two gallon glass jar - with or without a plastic spicket without a fitted lid. I use a fresh napkin with a ribbon tied around the neck to keep debris out of the brew but allow it to breath.

3. The newly brewed green or black tea needs to be cooled to room temperature before adding that to the jar. The sweet tea mix your SCOBY will love is one gallon of tea and one cup of sugar. Also the water used must not contain chlorine like in municipal drinking water. I always use distilled or you will get mold on your SCOBY. (the bad bacteria will win the battle)

4. After about a week, dry out a taste of your brew....you decide when it's ready to bottle for the second fermentation. This roughly two day process, is when you add the fruits and delights that will make it wonderfully tasty and fizzy bubbly! You'll know when it's ready when you see little bubbles on the top line. We keep our Kombucha in a cupboard in glass jars. Never use plastic - it explodes and really isn't ideal for the Kombucha brewing process.

5. When you bottle for second fermentation, remember to love your new SCOBY and put it in your own hotel....mine is a box in the cupboard and I use plastic freezer bags to hold it with about a cup of kumbucha or 2 cups of fresh sweet tea mixture.

6. Always keep 10% of your Kumbucha with your SCOBY to start your new batch. If you happen to need to start from a fresh sweet tea mixture, it may take up to 2 weeks for your brew to turn itself into Kombucha!

7. Lastly, love this little colony of goodness! The vitamins and nutrients it provides is amazing! Peace Love and Namaste! Enjoy the process of the brew, new Brew Master!