As a thyroid expert, I understand that one of the common challenges faced by individuals with Hashimoto's, an autoimmune thyroid condition, is the struggle to trust their own bodies. The immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to a range of symptoms and leaving individuals feeling betrayed by their own bodies. However, rebuilding trust in your body is a crucial step towards healing and reclaiming your health.

Hashimoto's is a complex condition that can leave individuals feeling helpless and frustrated. The symptoms, such as fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, and mood swings, can impact daily life and self-esteem. It's easy to feel like your body is working against you, leading to a limiting belief that you can't trust your own body.
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As a Functional Medicine Practitioner and Hashimoto's warrior, I want to assure you that you are not alone in feeling this way. Many individuals with Hashimoto's share similar struggles, and it's important to acknowledge and address this belief in order to move towards healing. Here are some strategies to help you rebuild trust in your body:

1. Educate Yourself: Understanding the underlying causes of Hashimoto's and how it affects your body can help you gain perspective and reduce fear. Learning about the condition from reliable sources, such as qualified healthcare providers and reputable websites, can empower you with knowledge and give you a sense of control over your health.
2. Practice Self-Compassion: It's important to be kind and compassionate towards yourself as you navigate through the challenges of Hashimoto's. Remember that it's not your fault and that your body is doing its best to cope with the condition. Treat yourself with love and care, and avoid self-blame or negative self-talk.
3. Focus on the Present Moment: Hashimoto's symptoms can sometimes be unpredictable and fluctuate over time. Instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, try to focus on the present moment. Pay attention to how your body feels and what it needs right now, and make self-care choices accordingly.
4. Seek Support: Surrounding yourself with a supportive community can be invaluable in overcoming the limiting belief in your body. Connect with others who have Hashimoto's through online forums, support groups, or social media communities; however, be careful with this as some of the advice shared in these platforms may lead you in the wrong direction. Consider working with a qualified Hashimoto's practitioner who can provide guidance, encouragement, and functional lab testing for identifying and addressing your root causes.  
5. Embrace a Holistic Approach: Hashimoto's is a multifaceted condition, and addressing all aspects of your health can be beneficial. Consider a holistic approach that includes nourishing your body with a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, managing stress, prioritizing sleep, and incorporating self-care practices, such as meditation or mindfulness.
6. Set Realistic Expectations: Healing from Hashimoto's takes time and patience. It's important to set realistic expectations for your body and your healing journey. Be kind to yourself and celebrate small wins along the way. Remember that progress may not always be linear, and setbacks can happen, but that doesn't mean your body has failed you.

In conclusion, rebuilding trust in your body is an important step towards healing and managing Hashimoto's. It's normal to feel a sense of betrayal, but with education, self-compassion, mindfulness, support, and a holistic approach, you can overcome this limiting belief and take steps towards reclaiming your health and well-being.

In my Integrative Thyroid Solution 1:1 program, I cover all of this and more. If you feel you need support to finally be able to have the confidence you once had in your body, reach out today!

​In 2010, I started my career as a clinical dietitian at a hospital after completing my internship. Little did I know that my health would take a dramatic turn and set me on a path of healing that would eventually lead me to create my own program, the Integrative Hashimoto's Solution, to help others with similar health challenges.

It all began with a severe allergic reaction to Penicillin. Just a few days into taking antibiotics for strep throat, I broke out in a rash all over my body. This event triggered a cascade of health issues that I had never experienced before. Acne worsened, bloating and fatigue set in, and my mood became imbalanced. As if that wasn't enough, in 2013, I was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism, which resulted in the removal of half of my thyroid due to an adenoma on the inside of my thyroid.

This surgery took a toll on my thyroid function, and I was subsequently diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I was emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted, and I desperately wanted to heal my thyroid naturally to avoid medication and reverse the myriad of gut, skin, energy, and mood issues I was facing.

I tried various detoxes, supplements, probiotics, and elimination diets with minimal results. I was at a loss, unsure of how to reverse my symptoms until the diagnosis of hypothyroidism made me realize that my symptoms were likely related to a thyroid problem that had gone undetected by my doctor. This realization fueled my desire to learn everything I could about hypothyroidism and explore alternative approaches to healing.

Despite my initial reluctance, I started thyroid medication as my husband and I were planning to have a baby and I knew it was necessary at that point. My skin cleared up, my energy improved, and I was able to conceive without any complications. However, about six months postpartum, my symptoms returned with a vengeance. I was dealing with crippling fatigue and mood swings, despite normal lab results. I also lost a significant amount of weight and was below my pre-pregnancy (healthy) weight by about fifteen pounds.

This is when I discovered functional medicine and began ordering my own labs. I learned that I had multiple underlying issues, including gluten sensitivity, parasites, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and environmental toxicities and mold. Armed with this information, I diligently followed specific protocols to address these issues, and over time, my severe fatigue, mood imbalances, gut problems, and weight issues improved.

My personal health journey and my passion for helping others inspired me to start my own practice as a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner. This eventually led me to create the Integrative Hashimoto's Solution, a program designed to help women with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's reverse their symptoms and achieve optimal health.
Through my own experiences, I have learned the power of an integrative approach to health and the importance of addressing the root causes of health issues rather than just managing symptoms. I have seen firsthand the transformation that can occur when we take a holistic approach to healing, addressing not only the physical but also the emotional and mental aspects of health.

If you are struggling with hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's, or any other health challenge, know that there is hope for healing. It may require exploring alternative approaches, being your own advocate, and taking a personalized and integrative approach to your health. I am living proof that it is possible to overcome health challenges and thrive, and I am committed to helping others on their healing journey too.

Are you ready to take control of your health and transform your life? Join me on this journey of healing and empowerment. Let's work together to achieve optimal health and vitality.