Marta’s story - Dangers of thyroid meds when overprescribed.

Are you struggling with persistent symptoms related to thyroid dysfunction? Or are you just curious to learn more about thyroid health? Either way, you're in the right place!   In this episode, Dr. Christianson, the expert in thyroid health, shares his insights on managing thyroid symptoms beyond the conventional approach of simply supplementing with thyroid hormone. He sheds light on the often-overlooked factors contributing to thyroid-related symptoms, which can make a huge difference in your health.   Dr. C delves into the complex network of health problems associated with thyroid dysfunction, ranging from autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto's to less well-known coexisting conditions like latent iron depletion and fatty liver disease. He emphasizes the importance of holistic management tailored to each individual's needs.   Throughout the episode, Dr. C gives helpful advice and practical tips for dealing with thyroid-related health issues. He stresses the significance of proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plans in addressing underlying comorbidities. By broadening our understanding of thyroid health beyond hormone levels, listeners gain valuable knowledge to support them in achieving optimal well-being.   Tune in to unravel the complexities of thyroid health and learn how to manage it comprehensively. It's a great opportunity to boost your health and wellness, so don't miss it!  Episode Timestamps:   (00:02) Introduction (00:34) Overview of managing symptoms of thyroid disease (01:03) Misconceptions about thyroid hormone treatment (01:56) Basic steps for managing symptoms (02:00) Considerations for medication including diet supplementation (02:30) Potential problems with thyroid medications (02:40) Addressing persistent symptoms (02:51) Hashimoto's autoimmune condition and its impact on symptoms (03:09) Iodine and nutraceuticals to manage Hashimoto's (03:34) Antibody levels and correlation to symptoms (03:53) Comorbidities in thyroid disease (04:28) The presence of one or more comorbidity (05:15) Latent iron depletion as a common comorbidity (05:54) Symptoms relevant to iron depletion (06:06) Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal dysfunction or adrenal stress/fatigue (06:49) Helpful tests and surveys for detecting  adrenal stress (07:10) Fatty liver disease as a comorbidity (07:43) Symptoms indicating fatty liver issues (07:57) Height to waist screening for fatty liver (08:39) Parathyroid disease, another comorbidity  (09:03) Symptoms of parathyroid disease (09:26) Hypercalcemia vs. hypocalcemia (09:52 ) Importance of calcium metabolism awareness (10:07) Celiac disease and challenges in managing it (10:45) Importance of accurate testing for celiac disease (11:01) The atrophic gastritis and effects on nutrient absorption (11:23) Screening recommendations for autoimmune gastritis (11:32) When should you seek a gastroenterologist? (11:50) Depression or anxiety associated with thyroid disease (12:37) Importance of considering comorbidities in symptom management and seeking professional diagnostic assistance (12:53) Closing remarks and a preview of the next episode (13:09) Outro “If you're seeming to do a lot of the right stuff, but you're not feeling better, you should really think about one or more of these [thyroid disease comorbidities] being present.”   Did you find this episode helpful? Let us know by leaving a review! Visit these links to learn more: ●  https://www.drchristianson.com/ ● Dr. Christianson on Facebook ● Dr. Christianson on Instagram   Subscribe for more Medical Myths, Legends, & Fairytales: ● Apple Podcasts ● Spotify ● YouTube  

It can be tough to sort out health information in today's media landscape. It is essential to keep updated with the latest news and research. Come along as Dr. Christianson takes us on a journey to understand thyroid nodules. He got us covered with some great tips and tricks to keep us healthy!   Despite being common, the abnormal tissue growths in the thyroid, a.k.a nodules, carry a risk, particularly of thyroid cancer, which is rapidly increasing among women. In this episode, we will learn about the significance of early detection through self-examination and physician exams, emphasizing the role of specialized thyroid doctors. Dr. C also discusses the debate around ultrasound screenings and advocates for their importance, particularly for those with thyroid disease.   What's unique about this episode is that Dr. C explores safe, natural options for managing nodules, including iodine regulation, weight control, and nutraceuticals.    If you have nodules, there is a good change that safe lifestyle changes like these can lower their odds of becoming cancerous. Enjoy the podcast and get the details.  Episode Timestamps:   (00:02) Introduction (00:33) The thyroid nodules and the risks associated with thyroid disease (00:51) Rise in thyroid cancer cases in women today (01:23) What are nodules? (01:36) Higher percentage risk for adults (02:04) Are nodules harmless or not? (02:33) Likelihood of developing nodules due to Hashimoto's, hyperthyroidism, or cancer (02:47) Importance of thyroid self-exam (03:12) Social Media reminders for a self-exam with Dr. Christianson (03:40) Physician's exam for detecting nodules (04:05) Thyroid ultrasound for those with thyroid disease (05:05) Action steps if nodules are present (05:22) Natural options for nodule management (05:29) Regulating iodine (06:13) Weight loss (if appropriate) (07:06) Nutraceuticals (07:58) Nutraceuticals precaution (08:28) The nodule control product integrated with thyroid daily (08:45) Develop habits for monitoring thyroid health  (9:10) Outro “The drawback is that if they [thyroid nodules] are identified, then you've got to stay on top of them.   Did you find this episode helpful? Let us know by leaving a review! Visit these links to learn more: ●  https://www.drchristianson.com/ ● Dr. Christianson on Facebook ● Dr. Christianson on Instagram   Subscribe for more Medical Myths, Legends, & Fairytales: ● Apple Podcasts ● Spotify ● YouTube

In this installment of the Thyroid Beginner Series, Dr. Christianson sheds light on the role of supplements in supporting thyroid function. We all want to care for our health, and seeking assistance from supplements is natural. However, it's important to remember that overconsumption can have serious consequences. Dr. C. warns against excessive use, citing startling statistics of liver damage as an outcome.   Dr. C emphasizes the importance of avoiding iodine-containing supplements and thyroid support products. He also highlights the significance of micronutrients such as zinc, selenium, and vitamin D in maintaining thyroid health.   If you're struggling with thyroid issues, there's good news. Dr. C. has developed thyroid-specific formulations that can help. These formulations are carefully made to address a range of concerns, from autoimmunity to hypothyroidism and nodules. The blends, including Antibody Support, Hypothyroid Support, and the Daily Reset Bundle, are designed to provide targeted support without overloading your body with unnecessary supplements.   Don't miss out on some amazing tips and advice on improving your thyroid health and overall vitality. Tune in and let's get started! Key Takeaways:   (00:03) Introduction (00:34) Importance and risks of supplements (00:45) Excessive supplement use leads to liver damage. (01:06) Avoiding thyroid-harming supplements esp. iodine (01:42) Highlighting the presence of iodine in thyroid support products (02:36) Caution regarding synthetic B6 and manganese in supplements (03:15) Getting enough basic micronutrients, including vitamins and minerals, for maintaining good thyroid health (03:40) Introducing Dr. C's thyroid-specific formulations line (04:32) The Thyroid Daily supplement (05:18) Omega Pure, the iodine-free fish oil (05:42) The Daily Reset Bundle, a combination of Thyroid Daily, Omega Pure, and Calcium Magnesium, as the essential starting point for anyone with thyroid disease. (06:01) Addressing autoimmunity and managing the symptoms of thyroid problems (06:21) Antibody Support Blend for lowering thyroid antibodies (06:41) Fighting hypothyroidism and symptoms with Hypothyroid Support Blend (07:40) Considerations for Thyroid Nodules and Nodule Control Blend (08:03) Optimizing a treatment plan for hyperthyroidism with Hyperthyroid Support Blend (08:23) Metabolism Boost to help maintain muscle mass and lower insulin (08:47) The key to improving thyroid health micronutrients starts with the Daily Reset Bundle (09:32) Keeping your pill count specific  and targeted to thyroid needs (10:11) Episode wrap-up (10:33) Closing statement   “This one's about supplements, and this is important. They have their place, they can help, they can also get in the way.”   Did you find this episode helpful? Let us know by leaving a review! Visit these links to learn more: ●  https://www.drchristianson.com/ ● Dr. Christianson on Facebook ● Dr. Christianson on Instagram   Subscribe for more Medical Myths, Legends, & Fairytales: ● Apple Podcasts ● Spotify ● YouTube  

Are you curious about how diet can help with thyroid recovery? You're in luck because in this episode of the Thyroid Beginner Series, we dive into the benefits of the Thyroid Reset Diet and its impact on thyroid health.   Dr. Christianson discusses the impact of various diets studied for thyroid disease, such as gluten-free, autoimmune paleo, vegan, and low iodine, and helps you understand their complexities. He also shares his insights on the importance of maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients such as selenium, iron, and B12 to support thyroid health effectively. He highlights the transformative effects of regulating iodine intake in reversing various types of thyroid dysfunction, further provides practical dietary suggestions, and urges for a comprehensive approach that includes various food categories while cautioning against orthorexic tendencies and nutrient deficiencies. Additionally, he covers the shift from the reset phase to maintenance.   By the end of the episode, you will understand the significance of adopting a nuanced approach to dietary management in improving thyroid health The Thyroid Reset Diet offers valuable insights into structured meal planning, aiding this process.   You’ll learn that diet can make a massive difference to your recovery and that the most effective approaches are not the most extreme.  Key Takeaways:   (00:03) Introduction (00:33) Diet as one of the big pillars of thyroid recovery (01:00) Different diets studied for thyroid disease (01:15) Gluten-free diets and their connection to celiac disease and thyroid disease (01:53) Overview of autoimmune paleo diet (02:24) The two significant studies on autoimmune paleo diet and thyroid function resulting in thyroid immunity (03:19) Importance of focusing on factors that can help with diet (03:33) Risks associated with diet, such as  Orthorexia (03:54) Iodine and other dietary-related factors affecting thyroid (04:08) Effects of extremely low-carb diets on thyroid function (04:30) Cutting out macronutrients and its effects on thyroid function (05:03) Importance of key nutrients, including proteins, fats, carbs, and micronutrients (05:46) A balanced diet with micronutrients for thyroid health (05:37) Pitfalls of excessively low-carb diets (06:20) Reversing thyroid disease with iodine regulation (06:33) Success rate  of iodine-regulated diet in reversing thyroid disease (06:41) Food options for iodine-regulated diet (07:21) Foods to avoid the stage of actively reversing thyroid disease: processed grains, dairy products, seafood, egg yolks (09:18) Unloading iodine (09:35) Analogy of camel's back to thyroid healing (10:05) A variety of food options for thyroid health (10:22) The Thyroid Reset Diet and the menu plans, recipes, and shopping lists it offers (10:34) Transition to reset stage with green light foods (10:46) Inclusion of yellow light foods in the maintenance stage of the diet (11:00) Diet as the make or break in helping recover thyroid function (11:19) Outro    “...in helping to recover thyroid function, you've got to take diet into account. It can completely make or break things.”   Did you find this episode helpful? Let us know by leaving a review! Visit these links to learn more: ●  https://www.drchristianson.com/ ● Dr. Christianson on Facebook ● Dr. Christianson on Instagram   Subscribe for more Medical Myths, Legends, & Fairytales: ● Apple Podcasts ● Spotify ● YouTube  

In the latest podcast episode of the Thyroid Beginner Series, Dr. Christianson discusses the importance of iodine for your thyroid health. He compares it to the mantra in real estate of "location, location, location," with "iodine, iodine, iodine" being the first three things you need for your thyroid to function correctly.   Dr. C explains how our genes can affect how we process iodine, which is essential for thyroid health. Some people's genes work better in low-iodine environments, while others work better in high-iodine environments. Interestingly, people who are prone to thyroid disease may have a lower tolerance for iodine, making them more vulnerable to triggers, even at normal iodine levels.   The podcast explores how iodine interacts with thyroid hormones and autoimmunity, and the delicate balance required for optimal thyroid function. Dr. C simplifies iodine requirements and stresses the importance of maintaining a safe intake, especially for those susceptible to thyroid issues.   As supported by research, Dr. C stresses the effectiveness of regulating iodine intake in reversing thyroid disease. He provides practical insights into assessing iodine intake and offers valuable resources for monitoring and optimizing iodine levels. He also emphasizes iodine's essential role in thyroid health and encourages listeners to check out his Thyroid Reset Diet for comprehensive guidance. With a better understanding of iodine and its implications, individuals like you can take proactive steps toward improving thyroid function and overall well-being.   Discover the secrets of managing your thyroid health journey with confidence! Dr. C is here to help you understand the benefits of iodine and how it can improve your overall well-being. Make sure you catch this chance to take control of your health and feel your best! Key Takeaways:   (00:02) Introduction (00:34) The importance of iodine in thyroid function (00:58) Genetic factors and iodine metabolism (01:30) Adaptation to low or high iodine environments (02:10) Iodine intolerance and the role of genes (02:36) Formation of thyroid hormones and iodine's role in hormone production (03:50) Immune response to excess iodine (04:16) Difference of iodine levels for children and adults (05:13) Recommended iodine intake (05:51) Role of sodium iodide simporter (06:38) Presence of iodine in foods (07:09) Iodine in thyroid medications (07:40) Having tolerance and sensitivity to iodine (07:56) Metabolism of iodine inside the thyroid (08:10) Looking at iodine intake with www.iodineinventory.com (08:52) Iodine tests: helpful or not? (09:37) Effects of regulating iodine intake with the Thyroid Reset Diet (11:36) Importance of diet inventory (13:00) Transition to maintenance stage in diet (13:15) Conclusion (13:27) Outro   “Getting too much iodine is just like getting too little iodine. So it's like a lot of things. It's about balance, [you know] like the Goldilocks and the three bears. It's not too hot, not too cold. Thankfully, our bodies are so frugal and so efficient with iodine that getting too little is pretty much never a problem.”   Did you find this episode helpful? Let us know by leaving a review! Visit these links to learn more: ●  https://www.drchristianson.com/ ● Dr. Christianson on Facebook ● Dr. Christianson on Instagram   Subscribe for more Medical Myths, Legends, & Fairytales: ● Apple Podcasts ● Spotify ● YouTube

This episode of the Thyroid Beginner Series features Dr. Christianson discussing the pros and cons of using thyroid medications to help you make informed decisions about your health.   While thyroid meds are super important for those without a thyroid or with severe hypothyroidism, a lot of people may not benefit and could even face health complications. Dr. C discusses what you must consider when starting, continuing, or stopping thyroid medication. He emphasizes the importance of personalized care and informed decision-making.    Dr. Christianson also reveals some surprising findings from studies on deprescribing. Turns out, lots of people can successfully lower or even stop medication usage without any adverse effects. He also talks about the difference between synthetic and natural thyroid hormones and how to optimize treatment approaches for better outcomes.    Don't miss out on the opportunity to receive expert guidance on how to manage your thyroid health effectively and make informed decisions about medication. Join us now to take the first step towards a healthier you!   Key Takeaways: (00:02) Introduction (00:35) Overview of thyroid medications as the widely prescribed medications globally. (00:58) Efficacy and risks of thyroid medications; why some people do not benefit from thyroid medications and are exposed to substantial health risks. (02:12) Considerations for feeling better on medication (03:09) How introducing external hormones to the body disrupts the natural balance of hormones. (03:59) Symptoms and challenges of taking thyroid medications and why making a hormone is not the same as taking a hormone. (05:45) Thyroid medication as a necessity for those without a thyroid or severe hyperthyroidism. (06:25) Considerations for starting or continuing thyroid medication. (07:15) Deprescribing and lowering dosage. (08:31) Process of deprescribing thyroid medications and adjusting dosage based on health improvements. (11:05) Conclusion and preview of the next episode; "the iodine story." (12:00) Closing   "The phrase that I've thought of is that making a hormone is not the same as taking a hormone, and as much as possible, we want our bodies to make the hormone. The paradox is that if you're taking it, you can make it harder for your body to make it, of course."   Did you find this episode helpful? Let us know by leaving a review! Visit these links to learn more: ●  https://www.drchristianson.com/ ● Dr. Christianson on Facebook ● Dr. Christianson on Instagram   Subscribe for more Medical Myths, Legends, & Fairytales: ● Apple Podcasts ● Spotify ● YouTube  

Dr. C is on a mission to help us navigate the confusing world of health information. In particular, he's taking a closer look at hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's- two conditions that can be tough to understand with all the conflicting advice out there.   Hashimoto's was named after a Japanese physician who discovered its autoimmune nature in 1907. Dr. C clarifies that even though Hashimoto's is common, hypothyroidism caused by it is relatively uncommon. He also corrects the misconception that Hashimoto's always leads to hypothyroidism in a linear manner, highlighting the diverse presentations of Hashimoto's and the non-linear nature of its course. Dr. C helps us understand the differences between overt hypothyroidism and its milder forms and why it's essential to get a precise diagnosis and suitable treatment. He challenges the commonly accepted beliefs regarding the ideal levels of thyroid hormones and discusses how medications can assist in balancing our thyroid function. He also highlights the drawbacks of relying solely on pharmaceutical interventions to manage autoimmune factors. Furthermore, Dr. C addresses the prevalence of symptoms in Hashimoto's, even in the absence of overt hypothyroidism, and explores the complexities surrounding medication decisions.   As the episode concludes, Dr. C offers a glimpse into future discussions. Come along on a journey to explore thyroid health! Together, we'll uncover the truth behind common myths, legends, and fairytales, armed with evidence-based insights. Let's dive in and learn more about this crucial aspect of our well-being! Key Takeaways: (00:02) Introduction (00:34) Discussion of the relationship between hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's, including the differences between the conditions and their prevalence. (02:39) Understanding the significance of thyroid hormone levels, particularly TSH, T4, and T3 (04:30) The use of medication in managing hypothyroidism: determining when it is necessary and beneficial for the body. (06:43) Dr. C explains the symptoms and risks associated with Hashimoto's disease and emphasizes the importance of managing and understanding its implications on thyroid health. (09:09) Conclusion of the episode and preview of the next installment, which will explore thyroid medication in greater detail. “So you can have Hashimoto's, but you may not have hypothyroidism. You can have an immune attack, but it hasn't made your thyroid shut down.” Did you find this episode helpful? Let us know by leaving a review! Visit these links to learn more: ●  https://www.drchristianson.com/ ● Dr. Christianson on Facebook ● Dr. Christianson on Instagram   Subscribe for more Medical Myths, Legends, & Fairytales: ● Apple Podcasts ● Spotify ● YouTube

Countless health trends and sensationalized headlines can be overwhelming nowadays. Hold on tight; there’s hope just beyond the horizon!  Dr. Christianson shares evidence-based insights in this podcast that can help you improve your health.   As part of the Thyroid Beginner Series, Dr. C. discusses the prevalence of thyroid disease in this episode. Despite affecting a significant portion of the population, many cases go undiagnosed. Moreover, conventional treatments like thyroid medication not only offer little benefit but also pose serious health risks, including increased cancer rates.   Dr. C. guarantees to provide a complete action plan to help listeners achieve better health and feel more empowered on their journey. Knowing that simple lifestyle changes can significantly improve one's health is genuinely encouraging. With the proper knowledge and approach, it's not just about managing symptoms; it's about regaining vitality and feeling better than ever before. Join Dr. Christianson as he simplifies thyroid health and guides you toward a healthier future. Key Takeaways:    (00:02) Introduction (00:34) Overview of Thyroid Beginner Series (00:49) Statistics on types of thyroid diseases (overt hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer). (01:09) Increasing cases of thyroid cancer (01:17) Prevalence of undiagnosed thyroid disease (01:24) Widespread prescription medication for thyroid disease (1:48) The dilemma of putting most people on medication and them not benefitting from it (2:03) Substantial health risks associated with thyroid medications (2:34) Misunderstanding the thyroid disease treatment and the harm it brings (03:02) Symptoms associated with thyroid disease (03:43) Weighing in thyroid disease medication, iodine, diet, supplements, nodules, and comorbidities (4:24) On creating an action plan to promote and improve thyroid health (04:43) Misdirection in conventional care and natural care (05:05) Other effective options and reversing the disease with basic steps like diet change and appropriate use of nutraceuticals (05:25) Potential for feeling better with better management (05:38) Importance of health awareness at some point in life and acknowledging health challenges (06:40) Preview of the following episodes: key steps in getting better, diagnoses (if it's hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's, or both) (07:00) Outro and details on where to contact Dr. Alan Christianson   “…I'm going to walk you through the key steps [of navigating thyroid health] with good detail, and really walk you through how you can get better.”   Did you find this episode helpful? Let us know by leaving a review! Visit these links to learn more: ●  https://www.drchristianson.com/ ● Dr. Christianson on Facebook ● Dr. Christianson on Instagram   Subscribe for more Medical Myths, Legends, & Fairytales: ● Apple Podcasts ● Spotify ● YouTube

In this episode of Medical Myths, Legends, and Fairy Tales, we have the pleasure of chatting with Marta, a behavior change facilitator who shared her journey battling hypothyroidism. The thyroid's primary purpose is to control the body's metabolic rate, which is the speedometer for energy conversion. If it goes haywire, it can affect the entire body system. We're talking about everything from sluggishness to skyrocketing energy levels. This is what exactly happened to Marta; she went through all the hallmark symptoms (breakouts, weight gain, renal change, depression, anxiety) of a person suffering from thyroid disease. While on desiccated thyroid medication, she learned through the discussion the importance of maintaining the correct medication dosage, eating healthy, and showing the body the TLC it deserves.   Marta's incredible tale and insights will have you rethinking everything you thought you knew about thyroids. There's so much misinformation about thyroid conditions that it's enough to make your head spin! Understanding the ins and outs of thyroid treatment is crucial, so let's dive right in!   Key Takeaways:   (0:00) Episode Overview (0:37) Introduction to Marta, a behavior change facilitator. (1:54) The story of Marta’s journey with thyroid disease. (3:51) Diagnosis of hypothyroidism, experiencing the hallmark symptoms, and initial treatment. (5:53) The ‘Spoonie Concept’ for managing energy and the body’s resources. (7:18) Suffering from depression due to declining health. (8:06) Initial benefits observed from the desiccated thyroid medication. (8:52) Coping with weight gain, fluid retention, and overall electrolyte management. (10:08) Desiccated thyroid for ten years, followed by a brain injury. (10:43) Marta’s growing distrust in the medical industry and the Western medicine. (13:31) Overdosing the T3 resulting in dangerously low TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone). (14:38) Marta’s realization leading to her tapering off desiccated thyroid. (16:13) Dr. Christianson’s anecdote about a patient who experienced hyperthyroidism. (18:56) Discussion on the correct dosage for desiccated thyroid. (20:01) Dr. Christianson’s interpretation of Marta’s dependency on desiccated thyroid: the cycle of feeling better and raising the dose until unbearable risks manifest. (22:38) The history of testing thyroid levels. (23:44) High mortality from heart disease among people on thyroid treatment around the 1930s to 1970s. (24:53) Marta’s reintegration of certain types of foods following reading Dr. Christianson’s book. (27:43) The pros and cons of both basic medication and overtreatment. (28:45) The body’s need for a TSH. (30:40) Taking care of your body and eating well to regain function. (32:41) Successfully deprescribing and tapering from medication. (33:54) Discussion on the T3 and T4 levels while on medication and in a healthy state. (36:48) Misconceptions on the correlation of TSH and T3 levels. (39:27) T3 levels that are continuously high as risk factors for both breast cancer and diabetes. (39:48) Impact of elevated T3 levels on renal frequency. (41:36) Relationship between the thyroid hormones, medication, and body weight. (42:42) Discussion wrap-up (43:03) Closing statement   Marta is not just your average person. She's a Spoonie, a mental health advocate, and a behavior change facilitator in employee wellness and healthcare. Marta sustained a traumatic brain injury years ago, leaving her with cognitive issues. During her recovery, she realized she was trapped in what the scientists refer to as the Intention Behavior Gap– the place between knowing what to do and actually taking action. Driven by a passion for discovering methods for bridging this gap, she embarked on a transformative journey involving the guidance of experts in the medical field. She proves that change doesn't have to be complicated or boring—it can be easy and FUN!   When Marta isn't busy discussing behavior change, you might catch her doing something silly at the Second City's amateur improv classes and hunting down the best gelato in town!   "...I had this really horrific negative experience and I still wasn't hearing them [the doctors]... and I had the same thing happen to me the following year. That's when it shook me...my mental health is more important than whatever other things I'm afraid of."   Did you find this episode helpful? Let us know by leaving a review! Visit these links to learn more: ●  https://www.drchristianson.com/ ● Dr. Christianson on Facebook ● Dr. Christianson on Instagram   Subscribe for more Medical Myths, Legends, & Fairytales: ● Apple Podcasts ● Spotify ● YouTube

Did you know that taking care of your adrenal system through detoxifying your body can help turn your life around? That's right! By understanding healthy habits like eating well, staying active, practicing mindfulness, taking the right supplements, and keeping an eye on your iron levels, you can make a big difference in your battle against thyroid cancer.   Joining us is Patricia Pomareda, a dedicated family nurse practitioner specializing in integrative medicine with a diverse background in geriatrics, urgent care, women's health, and primary care. She is a visionary; consistently advocating for her patients and deriving immense satisfaction from assisting them to attain optimal health and prevent chronic afflictions.   Following her diagnosis of thyroid cancer in June 2020, Patricia felt lost and fearful while undergoing treatment. Although she anticipated her life returning to normal, she quickly realized there would be a new normal to adjust to. "I was taking my supplements, I was eating, I was doing everything right on time. But when I went to go do my blood work. My ferritin was below range. It was super low. And so I knew because I was having all the symptoms of iron deficiency, this unreal fatigue. This is not the only thing but was a major driver for my source of fatigue. So I was just kind of piecing things together, like what would I do as a provider for myself?"   In this episode, join Patricia as she shares her journey with thyroid cancer and how it has impacted her approach to practicing medicine. She also explores her mission to promote public awareness of thyroid health and resilience through her clinic, The Integrative NP. Don't miss out on her insightful story!   Episode Timestamps:   0:02 - Episode Overview 0:35 - Dr. Christianson introduces Patricia Pomareda, Integrative Medicine Family Nurse Practitioner 2:42 - Dealing with neurological symptoms during COVID-19 pandemic. 7:52 - Patricia's thoughts on mortality and coping strategies upon diagnosis of thyroid cancer amidst COVID-19 pandemic. 13:03 - Using a patient-centered care experience to assist patients in receiving appropriate tests and diagnoses. 15:35 - Patricia's experience with thyroid surgery and the issues that persisted. 17:01 - Identifying any form of stress, be it mental, physical, or metabolic, in laying the groundwork for restoring physiology. 19:14 - The significance of exercising mindfulness and meditation, and detoxifying your body. 21:44 - How supplement selection and iron level monitoring address adrenal system care. 25:32- Understanding the importance of eating right, exercising regularly, meditation, and cultivating mindfulness practices for physiologic changes. 28:35 - Why thyroid cancer affects females more frequently than males, as indicated in statistics and trends. 31:10 - Early detection and treatment as the key to surviving women's health issues and the importance of patient empowerment in healthcare conversations. 37:38 - Resilient thyroid program and methodology. 38:25 - Establishing resiliency and optimizing thyroid hormones and adrenal health. 41:17 - Helping other people through integrative and non-integrative medicine. 42:43 - The gentle approach to iodine and the latest research on its importance for optimal health. 44:30 - Resilient thyroid methodology and other projects on integrative and non-integrative medicine. 44:53 - Patricia's journey in integrative health and her practice: the Integrative NP, balancing traditional and non-traditional approaches to healthcare. 47:40 - Final statement.   Patricia is an Integrative Medicine Family Nurse Practitioner.   As a graduate of the University of Miami, she received training at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine. She is a member of the Institute for Functional Medicine and is board-certified through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.   In July of 2020 Patricia was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.  She had a thyroidectomy and subsequent treatment.  As a provider on the receiving end of treatment, she was lost and afraid. She was told that her life would go back to normal and learned very quickly that there would be a new normal.  Her cancer journey has shaped the way she practices medicine and she has made it her mission to promote thyroid awareness and thyroid resilience in her community through her practice, The Integrative NP.   "Eating right, exercising, and setting up mindfulness habits (...) never ends, even when you're an adult. If we know what we have to do, we're able to get up faster and establish resilience."   - Patricia Pomerada Learn more about Patricia Pomareda here: www.theintegrativenp.com Her thyroid checklists:  https://www.theintegrativenp.com/s-projects-side-by-side  www.instagram.com/theintegrativenp www.facebook.com/theintegrativenp    Additional references about the topic: Thyroid cancer rate graph source SEER: https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/thyro.html Worldwide thyroid cancer estimates: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(22)00035-3/fulltext    Did you find this episode helpful? Let us know by leaving a review! Visit these links to learn more: ●  https://www.drchristianson.com/ ● Dr. Christianson on Facebook ● Dr. Christianson on Instagram   Subscribe for more Medical Myths, Legends, & Fairytales: ● Apple Podcasts ● Spotify ● YouTube