*deep breath* This post has been a long time coming. While I started this blog as a journey to chronicle my health and hypothyroid symptoms, I’ve found that changing my fuel (read: food) helped to increase my athletic abilities. I started by transitioning to pescatarian, then vegetarian, and finally vegan.
How I Helped My Hypothyroid Symptoms With A Paleo Diet
And then I got pregnant with Smalls and everything went to hell in a hand basket, except for the kid. I’ll happily keep him.
While I am proud to say that I maintained a vegan diet for my entire pregnancy, I gained over 60 pounds (yes, you read that right), and I’m still fighting to get the extra weight off. Part of that fight has to do with my hypothyroid diagnosis.
About 6 months ago, when I couldn’t keep my eyes open, couldn’t care for my son, and quite seriously thought that I was severely depressed because I quite honestly didn’t care about anything, I was told that all of these symptoms (which some blood work confirmed) were caused by an under active thyroid, and that I would have to take a pill for the rest of my life.
The news hit me hard.
I felt like a failure, broken, and completely hopeless. Hypothyroid means:
- weight gain,
- fatigue,
- low energy,
- low body temperature…
…and what’s worse, it can cause infertility. Smalls just turned 3, and I want another child at some point. So I started researching. And I went a little crazy. I read EVERY.SINGLE.BOOK. I could find that had anything to do with Hashimoto’s or Thyroid disorders.
I Didn’t Stop There.
So I started looking into other options: diet, natural supplements, even baltic amber. I tried amber, and it did nothing for my thyroid levels.
I tried to adjust my vegetarian diet to accommodate the rather large list of things that I should not be eating (cauliflower, broccoli, kale…a LOT of my staples)…don’t even get me started on my attempts at gluten free cooking!
Maybe if I’d had a good gluten free cookbook I would have done better…. But I didn’t seem to be improving no matter what I did. I was told that it would take up to 3 months for me to feel “normal” again.
Holy cranky!
But all the Synthroid did was make me foggy, cranky, and generally really, really bitchy. Not something that I’m proud of, and I’m sure that Ish wasn’t terribly thrilled that I’d morphed into a constant ball of PMS. I certainly didn’t like myself much. But I kept my head down and waited. It had to get better…right? But you know what? I didn’t get better. If anything, I got worse.
So while I waited for “normal” to appear, I started looking for other options. I found that most people who struggle with Hypothyroid aren’t terribly successful on a vegan or vegetarian diet because of the restrictions, especially if you choose whole, natural foods over processed.
During this research, I came across Essential Oils, and read some amazing testimonials of people who had seen an improvement in their symptoms with some natural supplements (I am 100% sure that a healthy diet plays a part, too, but if you want to heal, you have to rebuild your damaged thyroid gland).
After about 2 months of personal deliberation, I took the plunge and placed an order.
I was VERY skeptical.
I was super skeptical that these supplements could help me with my struggle. But they did!
So I did more research and chose supplements that science said would help my thyroid recover and I started stalking the poor Fed Ex guy (he must think I’m nuts…seriously). While I was waiting, I dug deep down and had to look inside myself….
I need meat.
I spent a long time doing a lot of deep soul-searching, prayer and had a lot of internal struggles. I knew that I had to change my diet, and everything was pointing me toward a Paleo or Primal diet. Every piece of research, every successful testimony that I read involved *gulp* meat.
I originally changed my diet because I wanted to lose weight, but after reading a number of amazing books (Skinny Bitch
Paleo? Maybe?
I was far from it. I was sicker than I’d ever been, gaining weight like crazy, even though I was working out a crazy amount of time every day (2.5 hours!), and eating less than 1,250 calories. Something had to change. A girlfriend loaned me her book Practical Paleo
I also started to talk to my Paleo and Primal friends. They were feeling amazing. They were losing weight. Major health issues (ADD, ADHD, depression, thyroid dysfunction) were disappearing. But I still had to make that mental leap. If I was going to heal, I had to start eating meat. Quite honestly, the thought of eating meat made me a little bit nauseous. Okay, a LOT nauseous. But I knew that what I was doing was not working and that if I wanted to heal, I had to take some drastic measures.
So I took the plunge. I started with bacon (sourced from a local farmer who loves his animals) omelets in the mornings. It was amazing the amount of energy that I had! I didn’t need to take a nap after my workout!
What happened next
Initially, I kept to my veggie roots with lunch and dinner, and have been slowly been introducing more and more Paleo/Primal/whole foods meals. I found even more awesome meal planning resources and a couple of delicious recipes in a few eCookbooks and haven’t looked back. Smalls wasn’t sure at first, but he’s enjoying the variety now. Ish was ecstatic.
After about a week, my Young Living order showed up (I’m cheap, and I could have overnighted it, but I chose the cheapest shipping option), and can honestly say, I’ve never been more excited to get a package in the mail! I may or may not have hugged the Fed Ex lady.
NOW I was ready. To help myself feel better, I knew that I needed to try:
- Thyromin,
- Endoflex (which supports a healthy lifestyle)
- Digest & Cleanse, and
- Cortistop.
Please consult your endocrinologist or primary care physician before you start any natural thyroid regime in conjunction with medications.
Change is GOOD.
It’s been a long, long road, and has required a lot of self-care and reflection, but honestly, I am just glad to feel like me. Finally.
So there it is. I’ve felt like I couldn’t really be myself for these past few months on the blog, but with this out there, now I can share my joy with everyone. I’ve found that there is a path that each individual has to find for themselves, and sometimes that path may be a bit surprising (it certainly was to me! I was not prepared for this to work, but it did!), but no one person’s path is right for another.
You have to find the path that makes you the best YOU that you can be. That’s what this journey is all about.
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, and was on a very low dose of Synthroid. Please consult your physician or naturopath before you begin a natural regime to regulate any glandular dysfunction or any function that you are currently medicated for. Everybody is different. Please take care and follow the advice of your doctor. If you’re not happy, seek a second opinion, but don’t go this alone.
I went through something very similar. I still struggle with eating meat (we are paleo here too) and one thing that REALLY helped me was we purchased a side of beef from a local farmer that does grass fed cattle. What we purchased from one cow lasted us all year- so I could make some peace with that! The cow was treated well, the end was quick, and it took us all year to use up one life. Perhaps you should look into something like that.
Also a YL lover here! Using Thyromin & EndoFlex got me off my thyroid prescription too!
It is truly a nice and helpful piece of information. I
am satisfied that you shared this helpful info with us.
Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing. I am 30 pounds heavier than I EVER imagined possible and found out recently my thyroid is sucking the ever living life out of me. I too take Thyromin and I use Myrrh and Cedarwood. One day I hope to add Endoflex if it’s ever in stock ; ) praying for energy to begin moving again and the weight to start dropping with healthy diet too of course. Discouraged but hopeful. Edie
I was just curious…do you know your blood type? It sounds like you are an O. Positive or neg. doesn’t matter, just an O. O’s tend to have thyroid counts lower than others and NEED meat to be healthy. So, that is why I was wondering. Great post! Thanks for sharing and may God bless you and your family in continued health!
I’m O+…interesting.
I am also an O+ and am recently hypo. I went farm fed organic meat after being vegan for 5 years for my arthritis (which healed being vegan) to help my thryoid function. Interestingly my arthritis has not come back with farm organic meats. I am doing some oils but need to stay consistent. Thank you for your testimony! My doctor doesn’t want to increase my dose of armour but I know that it is still too high for me because of the symptoms I am still having (TSH is 2.75 and everything else is in range), so I am determined to help myself with the oils. Probably a blessing in disguise. I’m also pregnant which makes my levels higher than normal.
I just received Thyromin and Endoflex that I ordered to start using and I am excited to try it. I am also on the lowest dose of Synthroid and was wondering how you knew you were able to get off of it? I would really like to be able to do without it but wasn’t sure how to know if I could stop or not. Thank you!
I was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism. My natropath nurse prescribed Westhroid 65 mg. for me to take each day. It is a natural thyroid medication. I use a lot of essential oils. I was wondering if anyone knows if I can take the combination of the supplements and oils you have listed here on this post and still take my Westhroid tablet (and one Hight Blood P tablet) each day. I don’t know if all the oils and YL supplements I am consuming are making me worse because they are interacting with the Westhroid. Please help with any info that might direct me as to what to do. Thank you.
I could seriously cry reading this post. I am on Synthroid (100) and I still feel like garbage 6 months after starting it. I’m tired, achy, and may or may not be bitchy on the daily. I am so overwhelmed at the thought of never feeling better and someone just mentioned how great essential oils are so I’ve ordered my first cart full and I’m so excited for them to arrive. Anyway, THANK YOU for sharing your journey, it gives the hopeless a little bit of hope that if it worked for you, just maybe it might work for me. 🙂
You are welcome!!
Thank you for sharing your experiences! I was wondering if you could share how much of each essential oil you are taking? Are you taking them all orally?
Only the Thyromin 🙂
Hi There! I love your blog. It brought me to tears as I have been struggling with many of these issues. I have struggled trying to lose weight for years and began to display a lot of symptoms for Thyroid disease. I was recently diagnosed and decided to switch to Paleo. My doctor prescribed a bunch of meds and I decided to try the natural route. I wanted to inquire, besides the thyromin, what blend of the oils listed do you use? Or do you use them all individually? Thank you for any insight you can give!
I use the oils individually. They help SO much!!
I too have hypothyroidism and am new to essential oils. How often and where do you apply the oils. Which ones do you use daily? Have you tried ingesting oils in a vegetable capsule? I too have gained weight that refuses to leave. (25 lbs. in one year) despite extensive exercise and diet. I’d love to hear more about what has worked for you. Do you continue your regiment daily?
I do!
I am currently taking Synthroid and am not pleased with my result. Di you use the products along with the Synthroid or did you discontinue Synthroid and only use the oils and ?
At my doctor’s advice, I gradually migrated from one to the other. I do not recommend stopping your medication, as I am not a doctor, and can only speak as to what worked for me. Good luck!
thanks for this post! I have been hypo for the last 6 years. I’m looking to try another natural alternative, and thyromin has the best reviews. I kind of balked at the price at first, but your testimonial has almost convinced me!
I agree, I hate factory farming. I only buy from local, ethical farmers for meat and eggs.
You are welcome!
Thank you for sharing this. I have been hypo for 13 years and just found out it is Hashimotos as well. So…..all the information can be soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo overwhelming. This seems doable to me.
You are welcome! Big hugs!
Just curious what your oil “concoction” is for the oils? Placing my order today!
1 drop of each oil, and the thyromin at night before bed 🙂 And YAY! Let me know if you need help ordering!
I also suffer from hypothyroid, and I absolutely hate taking my medication. I didn’t know how serious hypothyroid was until reading this post. For the past 3 weeks, I’ve been eating paleo, exercising on my elliptical 20 minutes a day, strength training, and drinking water and I haven’t been able to shed a single pound! I must also admit, during those 3 weeks, I wasn’t taking my synthroid like I was suppose to…I’m a very stubborn person. However, as of today, I’m recommitting myself to workout routine plus I’m going to purchase these oils, so I can hopefully get off the synthroid. I have a question. You said you take 2 drops of the thyromin before bed @ 9:30. I usually go to bed around 4am, so should I take it then or still take it at 9:30? So glad I signed up for the newsletter or I wouldn’t have found this!
Hi, Christal! I take it at 9:30 because my Endocrinologist recommended taking it between 9 and 11 p.m. I’m glad I could help! I hope you get everything squared away. Make sure that your doc is aware if you’re taking anything supplemental as it may affect your treatment.
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I really like your blog and it is very informative. I, too want to get off my Naturoid and get back to a normal way of life. I agree all suggestions are not for everyone but we must choose our battles. I have been a vegan since 2011 and thinking back this is when things started happening. I am praying to God for guidance on my journey to provide wisdom. I am for essential oils to help and will ask my Endro or Naturalpathic doc about your suggestions concerning the supplements.
Thanks for the blog!
You are so welcome!! Have you done the Whole30? That has really helped me!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing your experience! I have been using YL Oils for 15+ years. I have also been majorly struggling w Hypothyroid for the past 5 years. Today, I ‘happened ‘ to come across my YL catalog & looked up Thryroid & found the Thryromin and the other oils. And then I read your blog. I, too, struggle w the anti-cruelty value of meat-eating but I know my body does better w it (so I do my best to buy from conscious farmers.
I feel my inner guidance took me to my YL catalog today & your blog. (If you could share how you use the oils, that would be great. ) I take full responsibility for my health & how I would use them. Your feedback is appreciated. Shanti! Kati K.
Hi, Kati! I’m actually working on getting that finalized and will have it available in the next few weeks!
First and foremost, I mean none of these comments as “attacking” or mean-spirited. I just want to express my disappointment in your e-book. In essence, I paid $9.97 for information you already have posted on your website. There wasn’t any additional, detailed information. The first 4 pages were content and disclaimer information. The rest of the pages were illustration heavy with little actual “helpful” insights. Again, I’m not angry and am chalking it up as a bad purchase. I appreciate that you share your struggles and information on your website. I just don’t feel the e-book is an honest representation of what is promised. Thank you for your time.
Hello, Tiffany. I am sorry that you were disappointed with your purchase. I have issued you a full refund. If you read this page, you’ll note that this SHORT guide only promised to include the following:
When to take everything
Why you need to take each supplement
How to take and apply each item
I am currently working on an actual ebook which will address the items that you felt were lacking.
Are you diluting the oils at all or just neat?
Hi, Lindsay! I would start with at least a 50/50 ratio and then decrease the dilution slowly. Everyone has different tolerances.
Thank you! this is super helpful.
Do you know if taking birth control pills influence the thyroid level in your body?
Not sure if it is an appropriate question here.
Thanks
I was told to opt for non hormonal BC by my naturopath, if that helps!
Hey thank you so much for taking time to write this! I to am hypothyroid and I am on Levothyroxin 150mcg and my blood work cam back “a little low” so he isn’t raising it even though I told him my symptoms were all still very strong! I started taking all the Young living products and I hope they start working soon. It’s to soon to tell if they are. But I am going to check out this paleo diet. I need to lose a whole person. After 4 kids I am extremely obese. I never knew that about the 9 to 11 being the best time to take the pills, I will start that . I have only been taking 1 thyromin, but im going to move it up to 2. Thank you!
I’m so sorry to hear that your doc is not listening! If you still feel wonky, it may be time to try another med or seek another doc while you get the supplements figured out!
“Ran Into” your writing this morning – how funny…….We are very similar as I too, was unable to lose the pounds, with the workouts, etc…..but mine is the opposite. I am improving withOUT the meat. Started with more of a Paleo (cutting out processed anything), & incorporated a fruit smoothie in the morning. Lots of beans & legumes, broccoli slaw, veggies, salads, etc…. & the longer I am off the meat, the better I feel. Just had my 3 month blood work completed & looking forward to hearing that I will soon be off the Armour Thyroid.
AND, I have lost 14 pounds since the beginning of June. 😉
SO congrats to you! & cheers to the both of us!
It definitely is a lonely road, as what works for one, may not work for the other. So happy you found your balance to! 😉
That is so exciting! I had to add meat back into my diet. 😉 It’s so amazing how everything is different yet so similar. Please keep me posted on your progress!