Thyroid Health: My Hashimoto’s Journey + Products I Use

Thyroid Health: My Hashimoto’s Journey + Products I Use

Thyroid issues seem to be coming up more and more, and it’s something I’ve personally been navigating for years. After being diagnosed with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s, I began looking more closely at my health, the way I was feeling, and the different ways I could support my body.

For a long time, I didn't feel like myself. I was exhausted, anxious, inflamed, and frustrated that I couldn't seem to get to the bottom of what was happening.

I wanted to understand my body better and take a more active role in my health.

Today, I’m sharing a little about my thyroid journey, what I’ve learned along the way, and some of the products and practices I personally incorporate into my routine.

My Thyroid Journey

After years on birth control in my 20s and what I personally experienced as a pharmaceutical injury, I was eventually diagnosed with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s.

Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Over time, that inflammation can affect the thyroid’s ability to produce enough hormones.

I can't say exactly what caused my thyroid condition, and I know there can be many contributing factors. But my experience made me want to take a closer look at my overall health, hormones, nutrition, and lifestyle.

For a while, I avoided pharmaceutical medication because I was so passionate about natural approaches to wellness. When my thyroid needed additional support, though, I had to make a different decision.

I started taking Tirosint, a prescription thyroid hormone replacement medication.

Honestly, I initially struggled with the idea of needing medication. I felt like I was somehow failing at healing naturally. But I've come to understand that supporting your body doesn't have to mean choosing between conventional medicine and lifestyle changes.

Sometimes both have a place.

My goal is to support my overall health while working with my healthcare provider to monitor my thyroid function and determine what my body needs.

What I'm Doing to Support My Thyroid

There isn't one supplement, food, or routine that can fix an autoimmune condition. But I believe in taking a thoughtful approach to my overall health and making daily choices that support my body.

Here are some of the things I've incorporated into my personal routine.

1. Selenium + Brazil Nuts

Selenium is an essential mineral that plays a role in thyroid hormone metabolism and normal thyroid function.

One of my favorite food sources is Brazil nuts. They're naturally rich in selenium, so I include them in my routine rather than automatically reaching for another supplement.

One thing to keep in mind: Brazil nuts contain varying amounts of selenium, and more isn't necessarily better. Just one nut can contain a significant amount. Too much selenium over time can be harmful, so be mindful of your intake, especially if you're also taking a thyroid supplement containing selenium.

2. Red Light Therapy

Red light therapy, also called photobiomodulation, is another practice I've been exploring.

I use my LumeBox and incorporate light therapy directly over my thyroid area as part of my personal wellness routine.

I've seen a 50-point drop in my TPO antibodies since starting, which is encouraging to me.

>> Click here for my current Red Light Therapy discount links + codes.

3. An Anti-Inflammatory, Gluten-Free Diet

Food has become a big part of how I approach my overall health.

I focus on nourishing meals, whole foods, and reducing highly processed foods. I also personally follow a gluten-free approach.

Hashimoto's and celiac disease are associated with one another, so it's worth discussing celiac screening with your healthcare provider if you have Hashimoto's or symptoms that could suggest gluten sensitivity.

That said, a gluten-free diet is not automatically necessary for everyone with Hashimoto's, and current evidence does not establish that removing gluten will reverse the condition.

For me, this is a personal choice that fits into the way I want to nourish my body.

4. Thyroid Support Supplements

I also incorporate supplements into my wellness routine.

Some nutrients, including selenium, are involved in normal thyroid function. But supplements aren't one-size-fits-all, and taking more doesn't necessarily mean better results.

If you have Hashimoto's, it's especially important to be careful with high-dose iodine and thyroid support blends. Excess iodine can actually worsen thyroid problems in some people with autoimmune thyroid disease.

I recommend reviewing your supplements and lab work with a knowledgeable healthcare professional before adding anything new.

5. Castor Oil Packs

Castor oil packs are another practice I've incorporated into my routine.

I use a castor oil pack from Queen of Thrones along with organic castor oil.

Castor oil packs are popular in the natural wellness space, but there isn't good clinical evidence that they improve thyroid function, remove toxins, or treat Hashimoto's. I view this as a personal self-care practice, not a thyroid treatment.

>> Click here for my current Queen of Thrones discount link + code.

6. Supporting Movement + Overall Wellness

Movement is another important part of my routine.

I use a vibration plate and have also incorporated Kineon into my wellness practices.

I enjoy having different ways to incorporate movement and recovery into my day.

I think it's important to be honest about what we're using and why. These are tools I personally enjoy, not medical treatments.

Medication Is Not a Failure

One of the biggest lessons I've learned through this journey is that natural wellness and medication don't have to be opposites.

I currently take Tirosint, a prescription form of levothyroxine. I chose to discuss this option with my provider because it has a relatively short inactive ingredient list compared with some other formulations.

The capsules contain levothyroxine along with gelatin, glycerin, and water. Always check the specific product labeling and discuss ingredients with your pharmacist if you have sensitivities.

Thyroid hormone replacement works by providing the hormone your body isn't making enough of. For many people with Hashimoto's-related hypothyroidism, medication is an important part of ongoing care.

I hope to continue learning about my body and supporting my health.

Products I'm Currently Using

These are some of the products and resources I've incorporated into my personal wellness routine. They are not all clinically proven thyroid treatments, and everyone's needs are different.

Advocate for Your Health

If there's one thing this journey has taught me, it's how important it is to advocate for yourself.

Ask questions. Understand your lab work. Find a healthcare provider who listens to you. Don't be afraid to get another opinion if you feel like your concerns aren't being heard.

I also want to remind you that healing isn't always linear. Needing medication doesn't mean you've failed, and choosing a natural approach to certain parts of your wellness routine doesn't mean you have to reject conventional care.

I'm still learning, still making changes, and still figuring out what works best for my body.

If you're looking for a provider who takes a more comprehensive approach to health, check out Dr. Josh Redd and his team at Red River Health and Wellness.

We're all on our own health journeys, and what works for one person may not work for another. My hope is that sharing mine encourages you to ask questions, learn more about your body, and feel empowered to be part of your own healthcare decisions.

 

A Note Before You Go: This post shares my personal experience and is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice, and the products and practices mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent thyroid disease. Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism require individualized care. Work with a qualified healthcare professional before changing medications, starting supplements, or making significant dietary changes.

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