Superfoods for Hypothyroidism

Suffers of Thyroid Disease can benefit from the nutrients and vitamins found in the super foods listed below. The list is not all-inclusive but represents some of the best. Foods containing selenium helps boost the body’s production of T3 hormone, which is key to stabilizing moods, weight, and energy levels. Excellent sources of Selenium are Brazil Nuts and Fish. Vitamins B2, B3, and B6 are important for proper cell oxygenation and needed for the synthesis of Thyroxine. Vitamin C improves the function of the immune system.

Almonds can benefit the body in so many way that it is hard to believe such a small nut can pack so much. The nutrients contained in the almond are vitamin E, Vitamin B2, Protein, Magnesium and Potassium. They are high in dietary fiber and their “good fat” is monounsaturated fat. These little jewels possess an array of healing properties in heart and cellular health, promote weight loss, improve colon health, and protect you from anemia. They contain over 4 grams of fiber. You can eat almonds as an alternative to red meat for a dose of protein. Studies presented in The 2006 Obesity Societies Annual Scientific Meeting showed evidence that almonds help to satisfy hunger. In fact, eating one (1) handful of almonds of day could play a valuable role in weight management.

Apples contain natural ingredients that can help the body protect itself from heart attacks and promote longer life. One apple contains over 3 grams of fiber (peel included) and contains 8% of your daily value of Vitamin C. They are high in potassium content and the fiber found in apples can help to control Type II Diabetes. They contain Zinc, Copper Manganese, Niacin, B6, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K. They can lower your LDL cholesterols up to 16%. Add two (2) apples to your diet daily for optimal benefits.

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and probably carry more nutrients than any other fruit in the world, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, cooper, manganese, selenium, folate, and vitamins C, B6, A, E, and K. The contain pterostilben, which in lab studies has been linked to lowering cholesterol levels as well as demonstrating the remarkable ability to slowing down the aging process. Blueberries were also noted for improving vision, especially night vision. The antioxidants in blueberries contribute to creating less stress on the brain thus helping to prevent age-related problems such as dementia and improving short-term memory.

Garlic can have a powerful antioxidant effect. Antioxidants help to protect the body against damaging “free radicals.” Nutrients include calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, niacin and Vitamins C and B6. A powerful substance called “allicin” is found in garlic and it soon became clear that allicin was a major factor that contributed to the health benefits. Allicin teams up and works with thiamine (vitamin B1); the two combine to become allithiamine, a more power force than thiamine to repair the body. Garlic also contains a substance called “scordine” which is effective for increasing stamina, helping the body recover from fatigue, and for promoting metabolism. Garlic is regarded in Herbal Medicine as a Rejuvenator.

Onions contain many powerful nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, dietary fiber, potassium, copper, folate, and manganese. Onions are potent in sulphur compounds, which can help bring high blood pressure down. Onions also are noted for high antioxidant activity. Onions have many healing benefits. Among the best is their ability to lower blood sugar levels. They promote bone health and act as a natural antibiotic keeping infections and viruses away.

Salmon is loaded with Vitamins B6, B3, B12, D, phosphorus, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Wild Alaskan Salmon is perhaps the best in the world for it is loaded with nutrients that keep our bodies healthy. Fatty acids are good for the body, especially the Omega-3 fatty acid found in Salmon. These fatty acids help prevent heart attacks, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Protects from autoimmune and arthritis disorders. Other benefits include improvement in insulin sensitivity in people with Type-II Diabetes, helping to protect the body against cancer, eases menstrual pain and discomfort, effective in combating dry eye disease. Moreover, Omega-E is linked to lowering the chances of contracting Alzheimer’s or Dementia due to aging.

Tomatoes are loaded with nutrients including Vitamins B1, B6, C, A, K, B5 and contains niacin, potassium, protein, iron, folate, copper and Lycopene. The antioxidant Lycopene helps protect the body against prostate, colorectal, and pancreatic cancer.

Alternatives to Coffee:

Green or Black Tea is a great alternative to coffee. Researchers suspect that the catechins (helpful phytochemicals) in green tea may trigger weight loss by stimulating the body to burn calories and mildly decrease body fat. So indulge in either a cup of hot or cold tea.

Hypothyroid Symptoms

Hypothyroidism is the medical term for a sluggish thyroid. It can lead to a wide range of hypothroidism symptoms:

• Severe fatigue, loss of energy, sleep disruption, insomnia, early awakening, unrestful sleep, excessive napping
• Weight gain, difficulty losing weight, obesity, cellulite, disruption of normal appetite
• Depression and depressed mood, anxiety, irritability, feelings of being overwhelmed, dysthemia, seasonal affective disorder, obsessive-compulsive feelings, attention deficits
• Dry skin, brittle nails, Brittle hair, itchy scalp, hair loss
• Joint and muscle pain, headaches, slow healing of sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fascitis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, costochondritis.
• Reduced circulation, all over achiness as if your tissues lack oxygen
• Irregular periods, PMS symptoms
• Difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature, temperature consistently a degree below 98.6 or lower
• Difficulty with calcium metabolism
• Constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, gallbladder disease, gout
• Sleeping more than average
• Diminished sex drive
• Fluid retention, edema, puffiness of face(smooth, unwrinkled face), swelling of hands, ankles and feet, bloat, congestive heart failure, pleural effusion
• Hoarseness
• Bruising/clotting problems
• Elevated level of LDL (bad cholesterol)
• Heightened risk of heart disease, heart palpitations, angina, tachycardia, mitral valve prolapse, eventual cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure
• Allergies that suddenly appear or get worse
• Persistent cold sores, boils, or breakouts
• Tingling sensation in wrists and hands, ankles and feet
• Memory loss, fuzzy thinking, difficulty following conversation or train of thought
• Slowness or slurring of speech

Subclinical hypothyroidism may present itself with milder versions of hypothyroidism symptoms.

It is important to note that without treatment or relief of the underlying causes of hypothyroidism, the symptoms will generally worsen over time, eventually resulting in permanent damage. In the most extreme cases, such as Hashimoto's disease, the body forms antibodies that fight its own thyroid gland cells, creating permanently low thyroid function.

If you suffer from several or more of the above symptoms and are worried that you could have a thyroid problem, your next step is to visit your medical provider, to discuss options including a Comprehensive Thyroid Blood Panel. This should be included to help with recommendations for treatment along with the patient reports.

It is important to locate a physician who specializes in Thyroid Health:

http://thyroid. about. com/cs/doctors/a/topdocs. htm

I found my doctor through the above link. With her background, she was able to identify, direct and recommend a course of action specific to my needs.

Ten Delicious Dishes to Help Defeat Diabetes

The food you eat plays a crucial role in your health. Certain foods can even help in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. In diabetes, the cells of the body cannot get the sugar they need. Glucose, a simple sugar, is the body’s main fuel. It is present in the blood even if you don’t eat any sugary foods, because the foods we eat are broken down into glucose. A hormone called insulin signals the body’s cells to let glucose in. In people with diabetes, glucose cannot get into the cells where it is needed.

Low-fat, fiber-rich diets built from legumes, vegetables, whole grains, and fruits help individuals avoid diabetes and control blood sugar levels. Such diets can also prevent complications in people who already have diabetes.

Choosing the right foods can make a world of difference to your health. Look for delicious, minimally processed foods from plant sources. Here are ten tasty choices for the prevention and management of diabetes:

1. Mixed Greens with Apples and Walnuts — This low glycemic index fruit is a great choice, along with fresh apricots, peaches, and pears. The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how quickly a food releases its sugars. Foods with low GI raise blood sugar levels more slowly than high-GI foods. It’s helpful to raise blood sugar slowly so that your body can properly remove them from the blood. Walnuts are high in important omega-3 fatty acids, which do not adversely affect glycemic control, unlike the saturated fats found in meats and cheeses. Omega-3 fatty acids also help keep your heart healthy by decreasing triglyceride levels in the blood and reducing the risk of fatal cardiac events.

2. Steamed Artichokes — Serve this beautiful vegetable upright on a plate with rice wine vinegar as a dipping sauce. Artichokes are low in calories, nearly fat free, and delicious. They’re also rich in fiber, which slows down the absorption of natural sugars from the starchy foods we eat and has been shown to reduce insulin resistance.

3.Hummus Dip with Baby Carrots — Hummus is a hearty dip made from chickpeas, sesame seed paste, garlic, and lemon. Chickpeas provide protein and fiber, while sesame seeds are a great source of vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help protect and improve circulation in the eyes. Use carrots to dip with and get double the eye- and anti-oxidant protection from the beta-carotene in the carrots. People with diabetes frequently develop eye problems, particularly diabetic retinopathy, or damage to the retina. This can lead to a gradual loss of vision.

4. Old-Fashioned or Irish Oats with Fresh Strawberries — Here’s a breakfast that fills you up without filling you out. It’s also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and soluble fiber. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and a potent eye protector, while vitamin B6 may help prevent diabetic retinopathy (retina damage). Soluble fiber, in addition to helping keep blood sugar under control, can help lower blood cholesterol levels. People at risk for diabetes—and those already coping with it—have a high risk for heart disease. Therefore, it’s important to choose meals that decrease cholesterol levels.

5. Quinoa Tabouli — This protein-rich whole grain can help head off those carbohydrate cravings with a healthy choice. Some individuals crave muffins, cookies, cakes, and white bread—all foods that raise blood sugar levels unnecessarily. Tasty and healthier whole-grain foods can satisfy the need for carbohydrates.

6. Mushroom Barley Soup — Barley has the lowest glycemic index of any grain, and mushrooms are tasty and magnesium-rich. Magnesium helps maintain nerve cells and may also play a role in preventing diabetic retinopathy (retina damage).

7. Edamame (boiled fresh soybeans in the pod) — A delicious, hearty, protein- and fiber-rich snack that is fun to eat and chock-full of disease-fighting phytosterols (a plant compound that can lower cholesterol, among other things). Look for fresh edamame at your local farmer’s market, or check the frozen vegetable case in the supermarket. Most kids love them.

8. Fruity Spinach Salad — An attractive salad decorated with sunflower seeds, oranges, sweet red pepper, and cucumbers and flavored with raspberry vinaigrette fat-free dressing makes a delicious first course or side dish. Spinach is great for magnesium; sunflower seeds provide vitamin E, selenium, and magnesium; and oranges and red peppers are good sources of vitamin C. Selenium is an important antioxidant. This mineral protects the cells of the heart and blood vessels from damage, which is important because of diabetes’ strong association with heart disease.

9. Curried Cauliflower and Peas — This dish is low in fat, high in potassium (which lowers blood pressure), rich in disease-fighting phytochemicals, and high in flavor. Serve it as a main dish with brown rice and a side salad for a simple but delicious meal.

10. Basmati and Wild Rice Pilaf — Whole grains and nuts are good sources of chromium. Chromium works with the hormone insulin to get glucose into the cells, where we can use it for energy. A deficiency in chromium can lead to high blood glucose levels. Chronically high blood sugar levels damage the body, especially the eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

Author: The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

~~~~~~
A health diet is very important to our relationships. When we feel healthy our self esteem and confidence is lifted.

Best wishes ~ Brenda

Healthy Life Affirmation ~ Daily Living

Affirmation: I do all I can every day to make a loving environment for all those around me, including myself.

REMEMBER:

Before You Begin Decide what area of your life you want to work on and then decide what you want. There are several important points to know about affirmations:

Use the present or past tense. Do not use the future tense. You want your mind to know it has already happened.

Be POSITIVE. Use the most positive terms you can. Never use negatives in affirmations.

Write them. As you are learning to do affirmations, write them down so you will remember exactly what you want to say. Keep them short and very specific. Personalize them with your name.

Believe. Always believe that what you are saying is happening. The more you believe, the stronger the affirmation.

Repetition. Being repetive and persisteant helps to set them in your head and in your unconscious being.

Time. Always have a specific time daily set aside for your meditations, affirmations and visualizations. This will help set a pattern for you so you will do them daily.

Cancer Fighting Foods

Cancer Fighting Foods

Avocados are rich in glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that attacks free radicals in the body by blocking intestinal absorption of certain fats...They also supply even more potassium than bananas and are a strong source of beta-carotene. Scientists also believe that avocados may also be useful in treating viral hepatitis (a cause of liver cancer), as well as other sources of liver damage.

Oranges and lemons contain Iimonene which stimulates cancer-killing immune cells (lymphocytes, e.g.) that may also break down cancer-causing substances.

Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower have a chemical component called indole-3-carbinol that can combat breast cancer by converting a cancer-promoting estrogen into a more protective variety. Broccoli, especially sprouts, also have the phytochemical sulforaphane, a product of glucoraphanin - believed to aid in preventing some types of cancer, like colon and rectal cancer.

Carrots contain a lot of beta carotene, which may help reduce a wide range of cancers including lung, mouth, throat, stomach, intestine, bladder, prostate and breast....It is important not to cook the carrots.

Chili peppers and jalapenos contain a chemical, capsaicin, which may neutralize certain cancer-causing substances (nitrosamines) and may help prevent cancers such as stomach cancer.

Cruciferous vegetables - broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage contain two antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin that may help decrease prostate and other cancers.

Figs apparently have a derivative of benzaldehyde. It has been reported that investigators at the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research in Tokyo say benzaldehyde is highly effective at shrinking tumors, though I haven't seen this report. In addition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says figs, which contain vitamins A and C, and calcium, magnesium and potassium, may curtail appetite and improve weight-loss efforts. Fig juice is also a potent bacteria killer in test-tube studies.

Flax contains lignans, which may have an antioxidant effect and block or suppress cancerous changes. Flax is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to protect against colon cancer and heart disease.

Garlic has immune-enhancing allium compounds (dialyl sultides) that appear to increase the activity of immune cells that fight cancer and indirectly help break down cancer causing substances. These substances also help block carcinogens from entering cells and slow tumor development. Diallyl sulfide, a component of garlic oil, has also been shown to render carcinogens in the liver inactive. Studies have linked garlic — as well as onions, leeks, and chives — to lower risk of stomach and colon cancer.

Grapefruits, like oranges and other citrus fruits, contain monoterpenes, believed to help prevent cancer by sweeping carcinogens out of the body.

Grapes, red contain bioflavonoids, powerful antioxidants that work as cancer preventives. Grapes are also a rich source of resveratrol, which inhibits the enzymes that can stimulate cancer-cell growth and suppress immune response.

Kale has indoles, nitrogen compounds which may help stop the conversion of certain lesions to cancerous cells in estrogen-sensitive tissues. In addition, isothiocyanates, phytochemicals found in kale, are thought to suppress tumor growth and block cancer-causing substances from reaching their targets.

Mushrooms - There are a number of mushrooms that appear to help the body fight cancer and build the immune system - Shiitake, maitake, reishi, Agaricus blazei Murill, and Coriolus Versicolor. These mushrooms contain polysaccharides, especially Lentinan, powerful compounds that help in building immunity. They are a source of Beta Glucan. They also have a protein called lectin, which attacks cancerous cells and prevents them from multiplying.

Nuts contain the antioxidants quercetin and campferol that may suppress the growth of cancers.

Papayas have vitamin C that works as an antioxidant and may also reduce absorption of cancer-causing nitrosamines from the soil or processed foods. Papaya contains folacin (also known as folic acid), which has been shown to minimize cervical dysplasia and certain cancers.

Raspberries contain many vitamins, minerals, plant compounds and antioxidants known as anthocyanins that may protect against cancer.

Red wine, even without alcohol, has polyphenols that may protect against various types of cancer. Polyphenols are potent antioxidants, compounds that help neutralize disease-causing free radicals.

Rosemary may help increase the activity of detoxification enzymes. An extract of rosemary, termed carnosol, has inhibited the development of both breast and skin tumors in animals.

Seaweed and other sea vegetables contain beta-carotene, protein, vitamin B12, fiber, and chlorophyll, as well as chlorophylones - important fatty acids that may help in the fight against breast cancer. Many sea vegetables also have high concentrations of the minerals potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and iodine.

Soy products like tofu contain several types of phytoestrogens — weak, nonsteroidal estrogens that could help prevent both breast and prostate cancer by blocking and suppressing cancerous changes.

Sweet potatoes contain many anticancer properties, including beta-carotene, which may protect DNA in the cell nucleus from cancer-causing chemicals outside the nuclear membrane.

Teas: Green Tea and Black tea contain certain antioxidants known as polyphenols (catechins) which appear to prevent cancer cells from dividing. Green tea is best, followed by our more common black tea (herbal teas do not show this benefit).

Tapioca is derived from the cassava plant. It is one of the many plants that manufactures cyanide by producing a chemical called linamarine which releases hydrogen cyanide when it is broken down by the linamarase enzyme.

Tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant that attacks roaming oxygen molecules, known as free radicals, that are suspected of triggering cancer. It appears that the hotter the weather, the more lycopene tomatoes produce. They also have vitamin C, an antioxidant which can prevent cellular damage that leads to cancer.

Tumeric (curcuma longa), a member of the ginger family, is believed to have medicinal properties because it inhibits production of the inflammation-related enzyme cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2), levels of which are abnormally high in certain inflammatory diseases and cancers, especially bowel and colon cancer.

In general, consumption of fruits and vegetables has been associated with decreased risk of cancers of the colon and rectum.

Source: http://www. cancure. org/cancer_fighting_foods. htm

What is a "Raw" Diet Anyway??

Several years ago, my good friend Patricia was heading to a nutrition camp in upstate New York for women with Lupus (SLE) and other serious health conditions. I hadn't seen her for about one-year but she constantly spoke of how much better she felt, she was growing thin and increasingly energetic, and her skin was vibrant. Well, that self-report was just as accurate as could be. She must have summoned all the angels in the universe as well, she was glowing and their song just seemed to follow her. She was able to reduce the amount of medications and eventually was able to kick her medications to the curb with the help of physician. Her labs, her health, her overall well being improved dramatically. Is this going to happen for everyone, probably not but it could improve your overall health in so many positive ways.

How did this happen? While Patricia was gone she learned to adopt a raw food diet. She was eating nothing cooked. No pasta, no rice and beans, no steamed broccoli. Not even tofu (made from cooked soybeans). Most raw proponents are also vegan and strive for a high percentage of organic foods. No wonder Patricia looked so thin and healthy, she was eating nothing but fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts and grains. And most of the produce she was growing organic in her Seattle garden. FYI: Planters make excellent gardens too.

The thought behind the raw food lifestyle that is in heating food above 116F degrees destroys important living enzymes and other nutrients. Advocates of raw food believe that by preserving the living elements of the food we eat, degenerative disease is prevented, aging is slowed, energy enhanced, and emotional well-being is boosted.

Before I was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, I began making the changes to my diet as well by introducing a number of new Veggie recipes. I started slowly by giving up one or two things at a time: beef and pork, then poultry and so on. It was an easy transition as produce was already a primary staple to my daily diet. I was soaking nuts & sprouting beans and grains. I was reading raw cookbooks both online and purchasing from the bookstore to learn even more. I was making juices and loving the new additions to my daily diet.

I haven't lost any weight but I do feel much better. There is no thought of returning to my previous meat eating ways. I love my lifestyle and know that even though my thyroid health is not optimal, my overall health is. My body feels clean, I love the energy and feel refreshed. To be considered a true "raw foodist" you need to only consume 75% raw food in your daily diet. I can easily maintain that high level of raw food daily.

My Favorite Salad:

I was never much of a cook so raw is a perfect match for me. My daily salad consist of an organic spring mix, chopped beats, red onion, yellow squash, cucumber, spouted lentils, grape tomatoes, carrot, green beans or snow peas, avocado .. mixed with a dressing of fresh lemon juice and balsamic vinegar, chopped garlic clove, fresh chopped basil, kosher salt and pepper to taste.

You can add whatever vegetables are in season. I shop primarily at the local Farmers Market to support local farmers but also to keep my costs down. Enjoy eating raw and local grown!!

Foods To Fight High Blood Pressure

There is a natural food pharmacy embraced by Nutritionists and that the answer to a lot of our health problems lies in what we eat.

1. Oriental Medicine practitioners have long used Celery for lowering high blood pressure. There are some experimental evidence that shows that celery is useful for this. In one study, eating as few as four celery stalks was found to be beneficial in lowering blood pressure in human beings.

2. Garlic is a wonder drug for heart. It has beneficial effects in all cardiovascular system including blood pressure. In a study, when people with high blood pressure were given one clove of garlic a day for 12 weeks, their diastolic blood pressure and cholesterol levels were significantly reduced. Eating quantities as small as one clove of garlic a day was found to have beneficial effects on managing hypertension. Use garlic in your cooking, salad, soup, pickles, etc. It is very versatile.

3. Onions are useful in hypertension. What is best is the onion essential oil. Two to three tablespoons of onion essential oil a day was found to lower the systolic levels by an average of 25 points and the diastolic levels by 15 points in hypertension subjects. This should not be surprising because onion is a cousin of garlic.

4. Tomatoes are high in gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), a compound that can help bring down blood pressure.

5. This vegetable contains several active ingredients that reduce blood pressure.

6. Carrots also contain several compounds that lower blood pressure.

7. Saffron contains a chemical called crocetin that lowers the blood pressure. You can use saffron in your cooking. (It is a very popular spice in Arabic cooking.) You can also make a tea with it. Many Indians add a pinch of saffron in the brewed tea to give a heavenly flavor. Unfortunately, it is very expensive.

8. Spices such as fennel, oregano, black pepper, basil and tarragon have active ingredients that is beneficial in hypertension. Use them in your cooking.

9. Soya beans are believed to reduce levels of harmful blood fats involved in heart diseases, regulate the bowls, stabilise blood sugar levels and combat breast cancer. *Studies have shown that participants drinking soy milk had a significantly greater fall in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, compared with those drinking cow’s milk.

10. Oats are an excellent source of helping to lower blood pressure and sugar levels. The soluble fibre in oats also helps to remove bile acids involved in the formation of cholesterol.

11. Green and Black Teas. Scientists have discovered that tea has an abundance of phytonutrients, also found in fruit and vegetables, which are antioxidants that defend against cell damage that leads to ageing and diseases such as diabetes, cataracts, heart disease and cancer. The antioxidant activity of tea is more powerful than that found in most fruit and vegetables.

12. Omega-3 & Omega-6 Fatty Acids are found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and grains. (almonds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, etc.) Fresh Atlantic Salmon and other fresh fish are good choices as well.

Increased Blood Pressure: a diet high in fat causes thickened blood and blocked arteries increasing the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and other degenerative diseases. According to the American Heart Association: Eating too much saturated fat (meat) can raise your blood cholesterol level, which increases the risk of coronary artery disease (clogged arteries) and heart attack. Plant foods contain no cholesterol. Even lean meats like shrimp and white chicken meat are high in cholesterol.

Tips for reducing your blood pressure:

If your blood pressure is high, reducing your sodium intake is a small lifestyle change that can have a big impact. Other critical measures you take include:

* Losing weight (if you’re overweight or obese)
* Limiting alcohol intake
* Limiting saturated fat in your diet
* Adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet
* Increasing your intake of calcium, magnesium and potassium
* Getting regular exercise
* Reduce Stress (meditate, do yoga, listen to peaceful music)
* Reduce Salt intake (most cheese contains large amounts of sodium)

Best wishes ~ Brenda