In the last 2 years I have struggle with knowing something was wrong with my body, believing it was my thyroid but not getting a diagnosis of hypothyroidism because my TSH kept coming back normal. I found a doctor that finally was able to get an accurate picture of what was going on by running a full thyroid panel along with full hormone panel and received a diagnosis of hypothyroidism. I have an autoimmune version of this called Hashimoto's. 

My doctor has me on thyroid medications but I wanted to know more about autoimmune disease and what the root cause is so I started doing some research. What  I learned is it all starts in the GUT.  If you are like I was when I first heard this you may be thinking its time to close out of this blog and read something else. But don't! Just hang in there with me for a minute.  

Like I said when I first heard that prevention of diseases and correction of diseases start in the digestive system I was very skeptical. One thing you will learn about me is I don't just believe anything I read on a blog, I have to do my own research and I encourage you to do the same.

Here is what I have learned so far since my diagnosis:

• My achy joints that were preventing me from running, my acid reflux, my extreme fatigue, my brain fog, my weight gain, my dry hair, dry skin, mood swings, and even my two miscarriages can be linked to my Hashimoto's.
• The foods I was eating were directly effecting my Hashimoto's. 
• It is clearly a cycle 

Here are some of the things that can effect your gut flora (the good bacteria in your body that helps your immune system)

*Processed food- this is a big one! The chemicals that are put into our foods actually alter your brain chemistry to want more of those foods. These chemicals that are put into our foods actually trigger your brain to continue to eat even after you are full. 

*Alcohol and caffeine- I wanted to stop my research right there because if you know me you know I LOVE coffee.  I have not given it up but I have started on a search to find good quality organic coffee.

*Prescription drugs- Please hear me when I say if you are on prescription drugs do not stop taking them without first consulting your doctor.  I was on Prevacid for years and what I learned is that it depleted my vitamin D and vitamin b12. No wonder I was so tired all the time! 

*Parasites- Do you love sushi like I do, well then you may have parasites in your body from consuming raw fish if you digestive system does not have the healthy flora it needs to protect you from parasites.

*Wheat, corn and soy

*STRESS! Stress does so many bad things to your body. It is so important to find a way to deal with your stress. We always hear that you need to reduce your stress but the truth is life is stressful. How you deal with that stress is important. Going through my oldest sons lung transplant I could not run because of my achy joints and severe foot pain.  That was my learned way of dealing with stress so what I did in stead was my default way of coping with stress and that was eating. I like to say I ate my way through transplant. As a result my stress level increased. 

*Antacids, NSAIDS, Steroids and antibiotics- All of these will kill off the good flora in your gut causing you to have a leaky gut. Meaning that your small intestine which is designed to let good things into your system and keep waste out of your system can no longer keep the waste out of your system because of the decreased flora. 

So it may have heard it before but it all starts with food. I have found this book to be very beneficial in our pursuit for better health. It Starts with Food you may want to start here too.

Thanks for reading....

Susan 

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 1 Corinthians 6:19