Podcast Summary
Dr. Carolyn Stone's Personal Journey with Hashimoto's and Weight Gain: Focus on small steps like food and gentle exercise to manage thyroid issues, healing is a process, not an overnight solution, and it's never too late to start taking care of your health.
Dr. Carolyn Stone, a naturopathic physician and thyroid expert, shares her personal journey of struggling with Hashimoto's and weight gain during her med school years. She emphasizes that healing is not an overnight process and encourages patients to start small, such as focusing on food and gentle exercise, and build from there. Dr. Stone, who practices in Tempe, Arizona, emphasizes that thyroid issues are common, especially among women, and that it's never too late to start taking care of your health. Her new book, "Hashimoto's You Got This," is a beginner's guide to managing thyroid issues. Dr. Stone's own experience of gaining weight and dealing with adrenal and hormonal issues inspires her to help others on their healing journey.
Dr. Carolyn's personal experiences shape her connection with patients: Dr. Carolyn's unique background gives her insight into patients' struggles and effective communication skills, making her an invaluable resource for thyroid health.
Dr. Carolyn's personal experiences with struggling financially and dealing with health issues, particularly thyroid issues, have given her a unique connection with her patients. She understands their struggles and the narratives they tell themselves, enabling her to effectively connect and help them. Her book, which compiles the information she shares with her patients repeatedly, is a valuable resource for those seeking guidance on thyroid health. Despite naturopathic doctors being well-equipped to treat thyroid issues due to their focus on nutrition and lifestyle, she notes that not all NDs are experts in this area. Prescribing certain thyroid treatments can be challenging for doctors, including NDs, due to regulatory issues. Overall, Dr. Carolyn's personal experiences and professional expertise make her an effective advocate and resource for those dealing with thyroid issues.
Managing Hashimoto's: Focus on foundational elements of health: Improve Hashimoto's symptoms by focusing on sleep, gut health, exercise, positive mindset, daily habits, sunlight, walking, and meditation. Address underlying issues like hormonal imbalances and adrenal support with a healthcare professional's help.
To effectively manage Hashimoto's and alleviate symptoms like brain fog, depression, and lack of ambition, it's essential to focus on foundational elements of health such as sleep, gut health, exercise, and adopting a positive mindset. Medication can help, but optimizing it is just the beginning. Daily habits, like getting sunlight, walking, and meditating, can help lift the fog and improve overall wellbeing. It's important to start small and build habits, rather than trying to do everything at once. Additionally, addressing underlying issues like hormonal imbalances and adrenal support can also be crucial in the healing process. Connecting with a healthcare professional who can help jumpstart the system can be invaluable in making these changes.
Addressing hormonal imbalances with prescription hormones and lifestyle changes: Prescription hormones can help improve energy levels and metabolism for some individuals, but long-term success requires addressing foundational elements like sleep, stress management, movement, and nutrition.
While natural methods can be effective for hormonal balance, some individuals, especially women over 40, may require prescription hormones as a jumpstart to improve their energy levels and metabolism. However, medication alone is not enough. It's crucial to address other factors such as sleep, stress management, movement, and nutrition to ensure long-term success. These foundational elements are nonnegotiable for overall health and wellbeing. Without them, hormonal treatments may not be effective. The speaker, who has personal experience with hormonal imbalances and Hashimoto's disease, emphasizes the importance of adapting these lifestyle changes as a way of life.
Optimal health factors and seasonal thyroid shifts: Addressing sunlight, walking, strength training, sleeping, stress mitigation, proper nutrition, and seasonal thyroid shifts are crucial for overall health and survival.
Maintaining optimal health involves addressing various critical factors such as sunlight, walking, strength training, sleeping, stress mitigation, and proper nutrition. These elements are essential for overall health and survival, regardless of the mystery we're trying to unravel. Additionally, seasonal changes can impact thyroid needs, causing thyroid hormone levels to shift. This is more noticeable in areas with distinct seasons, but even subtle shifts can be felt. Some people may experience bone-deep cold during seasonal transitions, which can be painful and debilitating. As we heal and improve our thyroid function, we become less sensitive to temperature changes. It's essential to pay attention to these changes and adapt accordingly to ensure ongoing health and well-being.
Regulate thyroid function and improve well-being with sauna use: Sauna use can help alleviate symptoms of hypothyroidism, boost immune system, detoxify, relax, and improve metabolism and energy levels
Sauna use can significantly help regulate thyroid function and improve overall well-being, particularly during colder months. Sauna provides a meditative time for relaxation, detoxification, and pain relief, while also boosting the immune system and metabolism. For those dealing with hypothyroidism, sauna use can help alleviate symptoms of mixed edema, a proteinaceous swelling associated with the condition. By regularly incorporating sauna use into their routine, individuals can experience improved vitality, better mood, and increased energy levels. However, it's important to consult a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to thyroid hormone levels.
Protein-rich fluid in myxedema causes stiffness and immobility: Myxedema, a type of hypothyroidism, can cause stiffness and immobility due to protein-rich fluid instead of water swelling. Recognizing and addressing this condition can significantly improve symptoms.
Myxedema, a type of hypothyroidism, is characterized by the presence of protein-rich fluid instead of the commonly thought water swelling. This proteinaceous substance can cause stiffness and immobility, particularly around the spine and nerves, leading to radicular pain and other issues. Many doctors overlook this condition, but recognizing and addressing it can significantly improve symptoms. Patients can work with their healthcare providers to adjust their thyroid hormone dosage as needed, and within a few weeks, they may experience relief from symptoms such as difficulty moving and cognitive decline. Unfortunately, many people, especially the elderly, suffer needlessly from hypothyroidism due to misdiagnosis or lack of proper treatment. Recognizing the signs of hypothyroidism, such as puffy eyes and waxy facial features, can help individuals advocate for their health and receive the care they need.
Hormonal imbalances impact mental, emotional, and physical health: Focus on exercise, resistance training, and targeted supplements to address hormonal imbalances, boost confidence, and improve overall well-being
Hormonal imbalances, particularly related to thyroid function, can significantly impact mental, emotional, and physical health. This can lead to fear and lack of confidence, causing individuals to retreat and hide. Societal mass formation psychosis during the pandemic may be exacerbated by this phenomenon. Exercise, specifically resistance and strength training, plays a crucial role in addressing hormonal imbalances and promoting energy production, stamina, and overall well-being. By focusing on small steps towards progress, individuals can build confidence, improve their health, and positively impact their families and communities. The use of targeted supplements, such as resilience, can also support the body's response to stress and promote optimal adrenal function.
Maintaining muscle mass through strength training essential for optimal thyroid function: Strength training, especially focusing on lower body, keeps body functioning smoothly and prevents excessive thyroid medication. Balance exercise and rest for optimal thyroid health.
Maintaining good muscle mass through strength training is essential for optimal thyroid function. This cannot be overstated. Strength training, particularly focusing on the lower body, helps keep the body functioning smoothly and can prevent the need for excessive thyroid medication. Overexercising, especially high-intensity workouts, can also negatively impact thyroid health. It's important to find a balance between pushing yourself and allowing your body to rest. Listen to your body and look out for signs and symptoms of overexertion, such as loss of outer eyebrow hair or a foggy feeling. Remember, the goal is not to be in a constant state of intense exercise but to maintain a healthy body for the long term.
Listen to your body and find balance: Take care of yourself by recognizing signs of overexertion, finding a coach or starting small, and focusing on personal goals for progress
It's essential to listen to your body and find balance in your fitness journey. Small warning signs can indicate when you're pushing yourself too hard, and taking a moment to pause and center yourself can prevent injury and promote overall well-being. Fitness doesn't have to be about killing yourself in the gym; finding a coach or starting with small steps, such as resistance bands, can make a significant difference. It's also important to recognize that everyone's journey is unique, and comparing yourself to past versions or others can be counterproductive. Focus on your goals, such as sleeping well and maintaining a healthy libido, and remember that progress and improvement come through trial and error.
Comparing and limiting oneself in exercise hinders progress: Focus on unique needs and abilities, adjust workouts, and set achievable goals for a healthier lifestyle.
Focusing on comparison and limitations in exercise can lead to inaction and hinder progress towards better health. Instead, it's essential to find ways to serve our unique needs and abilities, whether that means adjusting workouts or reframing goals. Comparison and ego can be obstacles, but having a good coach or support system can help keep us motivated and safe. Additionally, it's important to remember that exercise is not just about appearance but also functionality and overall well-being. By focusing on achievable goals, such as being able to play with our kids or take a dog for a walk, we can shift our perspective and make consistent progress towards a healthier lifestyle. So, rather than overthinking and planning excessively, just start doing and trust the process.
Focusing on self-care for effective caregiving: Identify what you don't want, prioritize self-care for good health, find the right healthcare professional, and remember self-care is necessary for effective caregiving.
Taking care of others effectively starts with taking care of oneself, especially for new mothers dealing with hypothyroidism. This can be a challenging concept for many, as prioritizing self-care is often overlooked. A helpful approach is to identify what one absolutely does not want, and then focus on the opposite. For instance, not wanting hormonal imbalance leading to poor intimacy, and instead, striving for good health and vitality. Finding the right healthcare professional who specializes in thyroid care is crucial, and may require out-of-pocket expenses. This investment in oneself can lead to faster progress and long-term savings. Remember, self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity for effective caregiving.
Investing in oneself for a smoother healing journey: Quitting alcohol can have significant positive effects on focus and clarity, despite its social and emotional significance, and is worth considering for long-term health benefits.
Making life easier, whether it's bypassing obstacles or eliminating unhealthy habits, is crucial for individuals dealing with health issues like hypothyroidism. The speaker emphasized the importance of investing in oneself and seeking help to create a smoother path towards healing. Alcohol, in particular, was identified as a hindrance due to its inflammatory effects on the thyroid and overall health. The speaker shared her personal experience of quitting alcohol and the positive impact it had on her clarity and ability to focus on her next steps in life. However, encouraging patients to give up alcohol is a challenging conversation due to its social and emotional significance. Nonetheless, the speaker emphasized the importance of considering the long-term consequences and asking oneself if the temporary pleasure is worth the negative impact on health and well-being.
Improvements in mental and physical health after giving up alcohol for 90 days: Giving up alcohol for 90 days can lead to significant improvements in mental and physical health. It takes around 90 days for any metabolism to shift, and committing to this period can result in decreased need for thyroid hormones and potential breakthroughs in various aspects of life.
Giving up alcohol for at least 90 days can lead to significant improvements in mental and physical health. The speaker shares her personal experience of dealing with low-grade thyroid poisoning, which she believes was exacerbated by her alcohol consumption since she was 15. She mentions that she felt better after rounding the corner on the 90-day mark and noticed a decrease in her need for thyroid hormones. The speaker also touches upon the societal pressure to justify one's drinking habits and how she learned to ignore it. She encourages people to commit to giving up alcohol for 90 days to experience potential breakthroughs in various aspects of their lives. Additionally, she highlights that it takes around 90 days for any metabolism to shift and that she personally found this to be true in her practice with thyroid patients.
Thyroid and metabolism connection: Addressing insulin problems is crucial for managing thyroid disorders as it impacts metabolism and thyroid hormone production. It's a lifestyle change, not a quick fix.
Metabolic dysfunction and thyroid issues are interconnected. Insulin has a significant impact on thyroid function, and most thyroid patients have insulin problems. Blood sugar dysregulation is a major issue for thyroid health as it affects liver function and can lead to gut issues. Addressing insulin problems is crucial for managing thyroid disorders as it impacts metabolism and thyroid hormone production. The things required to heal the thyroid are the same as those to regulate metabolism. It's essential to remember that managing these conditions is a lifestyle change and not a quick fix. Influencers claiming to have cured their autoimmune diseases can give false hope, as these conditions require continuous effort to manage.
Listening to one's body and respecting dietary choices: People have unique dietary needs and preferences, and it's important to listen to your body and eat in a way that makes you feel good. Respect individual choices and avoid public attacks or vitriol towards those with differing beliefs.
People have unique dietary needs and preferences, and it's essential to listen to one's body and eat in a way that makes one feel good. The speaker shares her experience of transitioning to an animal protein-focused diet and the positive impact it has had on her health. She also emphasizes the importance of respecting individual choices and avoiding public attacks or vitriol towards those with differing dietary beliefs. The speaker also notes her observation that carnivore-based dieters tend to be more calm and logical in online discourse compared to vegans, who sometimes respond with hostility. Ultimately, the speaker encourages a respectful and open-minded approach to dietary choices, recognizing that what works best for one person may not be the same for another.
Find Your Fire Challenge: Take the First Steps Towards Positive Change: Join Dr. Stone's free 7-day challenge to shift your mindset and make necessary changes, open to all seeking motivation and inspiration.
Dr. Stone, a functional medicine doctor, emphasizes the importance of mindset and taking the first steps towards making necessary changes, especially for those dealing with thyroid issues or feeling stuck in their lives. She is offering a free 7-day challenge called "Find Your Fire Challenge" to help people get their minds in the right place for making changes. This challenge is not limited to those with thyroid issues and is open to anyone seeking motivation and inspiration to make positive changes. Dr. Stone encourages listeners to follow her on Instagram (@doctorstoneaz) for more information and to sign up for the challenge. She also emphasizes that getting started is crucial and that she has appreciated the support of her friend and business coach throughout her journey. The first steps are the most critical, and Dr. Stone encourages listeners to take advantage of this opportunity to learn and grow.
