Diet and Thyroid ~ Nutrients

Did you know depleted or stimulating food and drink can inflict stress on the body?

Some form of reaction to this type of stress is inevitable. Physical manifestations also become apparent in the bodies system, depending on where a person's particular weaknesses are (Mine are in my Thyroid). Reactions can often manifest through the endocrine system and could include asthma attacks, allergic reactions, palpitations, hyperventilation, as well as other disorders which can be directly or indirectly related to the adrenal glands.

Reactions could affect the thyroid, resulting in thyroid related problems like depression and irritability.

Interesting enough, in women these effects often accumulate in the uterus ~ to be released once a month as painful, heavy periods. If severe stress accumulates with no release, cysts and fibroids could develop in the ovaries and uterus.  Guess this is why I had cysts on one of my ovaries, so thankfully, they removed that one.

As I found out with today's modern medicine they can repair these problems with surgery.  And I am thankful!

Whether we realize it or not, nutrition is involved in every bodily activity, and proper diet furnishes the raw materials and/or nutrients required for the synthesis of chemical substances indispensable to the body's growth, repair and maintenance.

Unfortunately in today's society we have to many foods with empty essential nutrients. Ever wonder what happened to our natural instincts?  Animals instinctively know which plants and grasses are good for them and which are bad (well most - not necessarily domesticated animals) and they will eat those most beneficial to their health needs. As humans in today's society, we eat more for pleasure than for health. We base eating on taste and pleasure.  And, this is one of the major causes of disease today! (Heart disease, arthritis, kidney failure, gall bladder disorders, etc....the list goes on and on) Poor eating also effects proper brain function. Did you know an inadequate diet is also related to behavior and learning difficulties?
This is due to bad eating habits and consuming way to many refined foods as well as chemical contamination through pesticides and herbicides, which leave residues on our fruits and vegetables - if not properly cleaned. So I wonder, do we really know if after washing, are any of them absorbed directly into the fruit/vegetable itself not just on the skin?

Well ~ If you grow it, then you know exactly what you are eating.......and whether or not pesticides were used.

Processed meats, well that's another story!

As with anything, we just need to make healthier and more natural choices.  If it is of the earth, it is good ~ if it is processed by man, maybe not, because of the process it goes through.

My New Adventure With Ash ~ Ashwagandha

Hope all is well with everyone out there!

Since my surgery my main goal is to get my health back in order ............. and, to do it with natural supplements, and not prescribed medicines. Seems there are always side effects with prescribed medications, increasing potential risks....which may in turn, make it possible to have to take more medications on down the line.

My belief: There is a plant created for every health need. It is the Creators way of helping us live healthier lives.

Since all my energy felt like it was drained from me, I decided to do some research on Ayurvedic healing. And this is when I found out about this jewel of a tincture. Ashwagandha aka Withania somnifera aka Indian ginseng, or winter cherry.

Here is what I found that made it a must have for me to try!

Ashwagandha is one of the most powerful herbs in Ayurvedic healing, and it has been used since ancient times for a variety of conditions. It has rejuvenating effects, which is unrelated botanically, but well-known for its restorative benefits.  Ashwagandha means "the smell of a horse" or, "the grounded strength of a stallion," which may indicate that imparts vigor and strength. 

 

This herbal supplement has been prescribed traditionally for helping people strengthen their immune system after illness. Medical researchers have been studying Ashwagandha for years with great interest, and more than 200 studies have been completed on its healing benefits. 

 

Here are a few examples of the herbal tinctures effects:

• Protection of the Immune System
• Helps to Combat Effects of Stress as well as Your Response to Stress
• Improved Memory, Learning and Reaction Time
• Reduction of Anxiety & Depression
• Non Drowsy Side Effects
• Stabilizes Blood Sugars
• Lowers Cholesterol
• Helps Reduce Brain Cell Degeneration
• Aids in Treatment of Inflammation
• Helps to Ease Internal Stress such as: Insomnia
• Helps those with Hyperactive Minds of those with ADHD
• Balances Hormones
• Reduces Blood Concentrations of the Stress Hormone Cortisol 
• Improves Energy Levels
• Helps to Relieve Mental Fog and Enhance Mental Alertness

Ashwagandha has many beneficial elements, including flavonoids and members of the withanolide class. 

 

Click here to find out more about (withanolide)

 

Numerous modern studies have found that the herbal extract of Ashwagandha shows great promise for being effective in decreasing stress, increasing mental activity, invigorating the body, and is also reputed to enhance longevity.  

 

It is said to boost physical performance, and to enhance reproductive function in both men and women.  However, if you are trying to get and/or pregnant, this is NOT the supplement for you. 

 

For men, Ashwagandha can have far reaching effects on proper hormone function and long term health and vitality. Hormone balance protects more than a man's vitality. The benefits of stabilization can promote healthy prostate, erectile response, ideal body weight, strength and muscle development, limit fatigue symptoms and sharpen cognitive function. The main action is believed to be an increase sexual power, and it has been described as the best ever herbal aphrodisiac in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia. 

 

 

 

I have been taking this supplement for 2 months now, and with any herbal supplement you must take seven (7) consecutive days before you will start to feel results. Upon rising, I go into my kitchen and take two (2) droppers full which equals to about 42 drops (Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement is to take 1-2 ml (28-56 drops) 3 times a day in a small amount of water) It is recommended to take in warm water for better absorption, (I use room temperature) Then again before lunch time, and again before calling it a day.  

I have never felt better! 

 

The taste is not the best, but it works and for me that over-rides flavor.

 

It also is available in powder form, but I believe ........... you will get faster results using the extract over the powder.

 

It also impressed me to know that some studies have shown it increases thyroid hormone levels. And since I've been taking, well I believe it to be true. Research shows this could be the one herb that could help your body produce its own thyroid hormones. 

 

It is also said to increase hemoglobin, red blood cell count, and serum. This herb has improved the health factors that contribute to growth. Ashwagandha is also said to be a rich source of iron, so it's a potential choice for the treatment of iron-deficiency anemia. Research has shown that Ashwagandha can be a growth promoter to children and they are less likely to have anemia. 

 

It may also be used as a mild muscle relaxer and for decreasing inflammation. In a 2008 study, scientists tested Ashwagandha's effects on human cartilage and found that the herb may help protect against inflammation and cartilage damage associated with osteoarthritis. Also, according to a study published in Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, Ashwagandha inhibits inflammation and is often used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, sciatica and other chronic inflammatory diseases. In other studies, the herb Ashwagandha significantly reduced the severity of pain and disability scores for arthritis. Ashwagandha root is said to build and solidify tissue growth, and since arthritis is a disease of tissue destruction...........bottom line,  Ashwagandha is a good choice.

Pronounced: ASH WA GAN DHA - Liquid or Powder ~ It's which one works best for you!!!

Here's to Your Health!

 
 

NOTE**

Do not use Ashwagandha Herbal Extract if:  

 

Taking anxiety or anti-seizure medication.  This herb may potentiate the sedative effect of barbiturates.  You may feel as if you want to sleep more if you take this herb and phenobarbital (medicine used to help you sleep).  

 

As earlier stated, pregnant women should avoid this herb and if you are breastfeeding consult your doctor before taking.  

 

Do not take Ashwagandha if you have leukemia and are being treated with "chemo".  Symptoms of allergic reactions are: feeling cold (decrease in body temperature) or upset stomach.