Medications and Toxins Can Target Thyroid Function

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The thyroid gland can be a major player in a person’s struggle to lose weight.

Ordinary thyroid imbalances can cause weight gain and hinder a person’s struggle to keep weight off. However, new studies have found that a person who has never had thyroid issues in the past can still develop them due to toxic environmental chemical invasion and certain medications.

Environmental toxins have a similar chemical makeup as those found in hormones of the thyroid, therefore making it easier for them to enter through cellular receptors of thyroid hormones.

Dr. Davis Lamson, of the Tahoma Clinic, is a leading researcher chemical toxins affecting thyroid. Dr. Lamson has been featured in Suzanne Somers latest book on hormone and weight topics. “When thyroid function is affected by these chemicals, it can’t do its job of helping to normalize your metabolism. Without a functioning metabolism, you can’t control weight gain” said Somers.  The researchers have found that environmental toxic metals such as lead, mercury, and fluoride metals contained in water can have sever effects on thyroid function. A good way to find out of you thyroid is in trouble is to get blood tested for ordinary problems, and then perform a chelation test to test the metals in your body. 

Somers also points out that research has shown that several ordinary medications can impact thyroid function. These medications include, but are not limited to, lithium, birth control, beta-blockers, antihistamines, and ant-acids. “Many of these same chemicals also mimic estrogen, testosterone, and other hormones like insulin. This chemical assault now confuses the endocrine system, which is your hormone making system. Remember if one hormone is off, all hormones are off” states Somers. 

Thyroid complications don’t end with just weight imbalances. This issue can spill over into countless other bodily issues, such as, irritability, mood swings, insomnia, skin disorders, bloating, puffiness, and sensitivities to temperature. This slippery slope can be very debilitating and can bring down health and quality of life over time.

The good news is that these thyroid related problems are very treatable and help is always attainable. Don’t continue to live life feeling miserable, unhealthy, and out of balance. If you feel you are having any thyroid issues, seek help immediately from physicians that specialize in age management, bio-identical hormones, nutrition, and environmental toxins. The road to a healthier hormone balanced life is always achievable! 

 

Primary source reference:  Somers, Suzanne. (2013) I’m Too Young For This!: The Natural Hormone Solution to Enjoy Perimenopause: Foreword by Prudence Hall, MD: New York: Harmony Publishers.

Going Gluten Free – My Experience

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Taking The Leapwake boarding wipe out

After hearing about the “Gluten-Free benefits” for years, I finally took the leap after discussing the topic with Vitali-T. Needless to say I needed someone to sit me down, look me in the eyes, explain how they’ve benefited from a gluten-free diet and why. After Brandon Bahr (Vitali-T’s weight loss expert) explained the dangerous additives to grain-rich products, and the benefits he’s noticed from gluten-free, I agreed to give it a shot. 

Disclaimer: Everyone reacts differently to a gluten-free diet. Whis was my experience and reflects my opinions, not those of the Vitali-T staff.

 

Barrier To Entry

I love snacking on bread, cereal, pastries…all of that good stuff. Not sure what to expect, my biggest barrier to entry was that it seemed as though I didn’t have any snacking options. As an avid snacker, this posed a big barrier to entry, and I almost immediately failed Day #1 of my gluten-free attempt by mindlessly eating Cheerios. -Woops.

Slipping up is human. Don’t beat yourself up about it, just get back on the horse.

 

Be Prepared To Go Gluten Free:

The first 2-3 days are the hardest. You still crave wheat and grains at this point so it’s imperative to be prepared!

1. Clean out your kitchen / pantry of gluten so you don’t make the dreaded mindless “Cheerio-mistake”….idiot.

2. Have gluten-free snacks readily available. (Udis has great options for gluten-free snacking.)

3. Protein is your friend. Nuts, fish, lean meats and protein mixes are essential to helping you feel full on a gluten-free diet. 

4. Mix up your vegetable game. Sick of salad? That’s fine, make up some healthy stir fry, a vegi-omelette or a kale smoothie.

5. Love beer? Who doesn’t…but let me warn you, there are some incredible gluten-free beers… and some gag-worthy gluten-free beers. Try a few different gluten-free brews out to find one to your liking. 

6. Fruits are great in moderation. Perfect to curb a quick mid-day craving, just don’t over-do it on the natural sugar. -Your vegis and protein are what will help fill you up throughout the day.

 

$Pay To Eat Healthy Now, Versus Paying (in medical expenses) Later

 
There might be a slight increase in spending for your gluten-free diet at first. However, after you learn to navigate the waters, it’s more a matter of a preparation game. Gluten-free cooking and preparing tends to be more time-consuming but doesn’t have to break the bank. 

For some reasonably priced gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free protein bars I decided to make my ownBrit's-Protein-Bars

Those who know me are already cringing at this thought (I’m a terrible cook and wildly impatient in the kitchen). However, after browsing a few protein-bar recipes I got the general idea of what makes up a homemade *hopefully tasty* version. 

Purchased:

  • Corn meal
  • Protein powder
  • Coconut flakes
  • Udis vanilla granola mix
  • Butter
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla almond milk
  • Bananas
  • Dark chocolate chips (fine, mine weren’t 100% sugar-free bars…judge me.)

Mixing the ingredients together in a large bowl (I don’t measure but I’ll take a stab at the measurements on the full recipe here). I cooked them for about 15mins at 300 degrees. Cut them up, and threw them in the freezer to cool.

Mountains were moved that night and the bars turned out incredible!! -Perfect for a quick healthy snack when you need it.

 

Weight Loss

Gluten-free is a great way to lose weight (checkout: Wheat Belly by William Davis). After eating gluten-free for a few days I noticed my craving for bread, eating more, etc. dissipated almost completely. This is great for individuals trying to lose weight.

Sidenote: Individuals suffering from hormone imbalance will continue to have a hard time losing weight. By simply balancing your hormones, your body will function more efficiently. –This results in metabolizing food faster and easier. 

 

How To Maintain Your Weight On A Gluten-Free Diet:

For those of us not looking to lose weight (rather eat healthier & cleaner) I have some advice:

  • Increase your protein game.
  • Eat later at night (if you start losing weight enjoy a late-night steak every once in a while).
  • Healthy fats are a delicious easy add to meals: Avocados, nuts and olive oils (salad game-changers).
  • Utilize store-bought corn meal, almond meal, etc. to make your own pastries / breads.
  • Increase your natural sugar intake: Bananas, oranges, dried fruits and smoothies are a great way to do this.

 

Hopefully this helps persuade any indivuals on the fence about going Gluten-Free. Get past the first 3 days and you’re golden!

 

Have a Gluten-Free story? Please share it with us at info@vitalitmed.com!