The Blog

MTHFR Support for Thyroid

January 5, 2021 by Heidi and Jeanette Leave a Comment

Find out how to provide MTHFR support for thyroid patients through gene testing, diet, and supplements.

Gene testing is giving both patients and providers very useful information to help them get their best health. One very important gene that can help or hurt our health affects a critical enzyme in our bodies called MTHFR.

Yet, not all health professionals agree, as demonstrated in a recent Self.com post, that gene testing is helpful. That is why we took a deep dive into the research to help you decide whether genetic testing for MTHFR is for you and your clients.

While genes are important, they aren’t our patients’ destiny. The field of epigenetics shows how WHAT we eat controls how genes are expressed.

Knowing our gene risks is an empowering tool for your clients to get the best health possible, and to modify their gene expression. We hope this overview is a powerful tool for helping to optimize your patient’s health.

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The Eczema Thyroid Connection: Research & Personal Experiences

November 24, 2020 by Heidi and Kelly 14 Comments

Red Rash with photo of thyroid cland with blue words saying "The Eczema Thyroid Connection" | Thyroid Nutrition Educators

Have you ever wondered if there is an eczema-thyroid connection? If you suffer from either eczema or a thyroid disorder, you are probably aware that they are by instinct. When you are trying to help your clients with thyroid disorders, it is important to recognize that thyroid disease is truly a multi-system disease, including the skin.

As both practitioners and prior sufferers ourselves, we are able to share with you some unique perspectives about how to help both thyroid disorders and skin problems at the same time. The eczema journey can lead you into countless hours of search and research to find some hope and relief! We will break some of that down for you here.

When you see a skin condition like eczema, there is always something much deeper going on.

In the simplest of definitions, eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that is due to dryness. Underneath this, all can be a brewing hormonal, nutritional, and digestive current of imbalance. This imbalance can be modified by thinking of it and managing it from a thyroid perspective.

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Alcohol and the Thyroid

October 14, 2020 by Jeanette Kimszal, RDN, NLC Leave a Comment

Alcohol and the thyroid may be a toxic combination depending on the health of a person. Some research says alcohol in moderation can be beneficial but this does not always take into account individual health concerns.

This post explores the relationship between alcohol, the liver, and the thyroid. It discusses the effects of alcohol consumption on organs in the digestive tract and alcohol recommendations for those with suspected thyroid disorders.

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Optimal Thyroid Levels Assess Thyroid Health

September 8, 2020 by Jeanette Kimszal, RDN, NLC 3 Comments

Test Tube on Thyroid List of Tests with words "Optimal Thyroid Levels the best assessment of thyroid health" | Thyroid Nutrition Educators

Thyroid conditions can often be misdiagnosed if optimal thyroid levels are not taken into account. The American Thyroid Association estimates 60 percent of those with thyroid issues are unaware of their condition. Often patients with “normal” lab values may still have symptoms leaving them feeling abnormal. This article talks about the difference between normal and optimal thyroid levels and the necessary tests that should be done to distinguish whether or not your client has a problem with their thyroid.

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Best Food for Thyroid Patients

August 8, 2020 by Heidi and Jeanette 19 Comments

The thyroid gland makes hormones that control or are involved in every cell in the body. The foods we eat have a tremendous impact on thyroid hormone levels and the overall function of the thyroid. In most cases, thyroid diseases are often prescribed thyroid hormone replacement medication with little guidance on nutrition. So what are the best foods to eat for both an over- and underactive thyroid?

Unfortunately, in most cases, nutrition is not at the forefront to maintain optimum thyroid function. However, foods and nutrients can have a large influence on the thyroid and can be incorporated into your patients’ routines. Autoimmune protocols (AIP) involving specific foods are becoming increasingly popular for improving health and strengthening the immune system in inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Celiac disease.

Our genes are different, as our exposures, stressors, and susceptibilities. This means that our diet plan for thyroid patients also should be individualized based on a detailed history, with a special focus on digestive function. Digestive health is at the root of many healing processes, and the thyroid benefits tremendously from focusing on healing the gut.

This blog discusses the best food for thyroid patients. Learn how certain foods may enhance your patient’s thyroid health to improve how they feel.

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How to Make Natto + Health Benefits

June 21, 2020 by Heidi Moretti, RD Leave a Comment

Bowl of brown natto beans in a clear glass bowl with three glass jars of natto beans behind it against a orange wall with the words "health benefits of natto" in green against a white background How to Make Natto + Health Benefits | Thyroid Nutrition Educators

If you want to learn how to make natto, you are in for some surprises. This is because this food is very easy to make and has some exceptional health benefits.

Making this it at home can save you a lot of money too.

While some people with thyroid disorders should avoid soy, homemade natto is fermented and many of the compounds that interfere with thyroid function are eliminated by fermenting the beans.

While natto is easy to make and also inexpensive, it is going to take a little planning. The fermentation process will also take a few day’s time, so make sure to plan ahead.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to hover over it as it ferments, so you are not tied to the kitchen all day!

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Portable Sauna for Health Benefits at Home

May 22, 2020 by Heidi and Jeanette 9 Comments

Saunas benefit our health in so many ways, but did you know that your thyroid health may also improve when using one?

If you are new to sauna use, it may seem daunting to know where to start. We are here to help.

This post will talk about the health benefits of saunas for thyroid and the whole body, the best types of saunas, and what to consider before buying a portable sauna.

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Is Mock Meat Better than Grass Fed Beef?

April 16, 2020 by Heidi and Kelly Leave a Comment

Vegan diets and plant-based mock meat has become the mainstay of meals and conversations in today’s world of food options.

But are vegan meat substitutes, also known as mock meats or fake meats, actually better for you and the planet than meats? We sought to compare the best mock meat on the market today.

We also take a comprehensive look at this topic from all angles so that you can make an informed decision for you and your patients related to their thyroid in this post.

There is no question that we are eating foods with a negative impact on today’s society. But, do plant-based burgers solve these issues? And importantly, are they good or bad for the thyroid?

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