LIVE WELL PODCAST | Episode #19 - Improving Thyroid Health and Finding Your “Normal” with Tina Christoudias-Spyrou

Tina Christoudias-Spyrou is on the podcast today to speak about navigating your thyroid health and “finding your normal” when it comes to lab values.

Tina, also known as ‘The Thyroid Dietician’, is a Harvard-trained registered dietitian, certified as an autoimmune protocol coach and currently training as a functional medicine practitioner. She’s also the author of the book, “Tired of Feeling Tired?”. She was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in 2009 and used diet, lifestyle and a more holistic approach to health to recover.

Through consulting, writing, speaking, and workshops, it’s Tina’s mission to inspire and enable as many people as possible to take their health into their own hands and be an advocate for themselves in their health journey.

LISTEN BELOW (AND DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE SO YOU'LL NEVER MISS OUT!)

Click here to listen in iTunes

Click here to listen in Stitcher

Or if you’d like to play the episode right now in your browser, use the player below:

Show Notes:

• 0:00 Intro

• 0:40 Introducing Tina Christoudias-Spyrou the Thyroid Dietician

  • Author of the book Tired of Feeling Tired?

• 3:00 Tina’s personal experience with Hashimoto’s (an autoimmune thyroid condition)

  • Probably had a thyroid problem since the age of 15 but not diagnosed until later

  • Flare up after giving birth to daughter

• 5:00 The journey of finding an integrative doctor and doing own personal research

  • Gluten-free

  • Dairy-free

  • Nutrient density

• 9:30 Definition of autoimmune disease and thyroid autoimmune disease

• 10:20 Diagnosis and treatments for autoimmune thyroid conditions

  • TSH

  • “The normal range of TSH has been predicted and sampled from a group of sick people”

  • Normal TSH range should be between 0.5 and 2

• 14:00 The importance of measuring thyroid antibodies

• 17:00 Finding the right practitioner

• 20:00 What to eat for thyroid health

  • Remove inflammatory triggers like sugar and processed foods

  • Consider removing gluten and dairy

  • Place a big emphasis on nutrient dense foods

  • “Any healing diet is a process and it’s a process of trying to figure out what works for your body. Finding your normal.”

• 33:30 The importance of self-advocacy and finding the right practitioner for you

• 35:00 Common root cause factors tied to thyroid conditions

  • SIBO or gut dysfunction

  • Toxic overload

  • Nutrient deficiencies (Vit D, B12, Zinc, Folate, Selenium)

  • Liver health

• 38:00 The importance of being on the right medication

  • T3 + T4 Combo

  • Desiccated Thyroid

  • Levothyroxine

• 40:00 Normal ranges vs. optimal ranges for lab values

  • Download Tina’s guide to lab values

• 44:00 Where can you find Tina?

  • www.thethyroiddietician.com

  • Facebook

  • The Thyroid Healing Summit

• 45:15 Outro

Download your complete guide to thyroid lab testing for free here >>

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If you loved this episode, I'd be honored for you to give me a rating on iTunes. This helps me to get content out to others who are interested in getting control of their health through diet, lifestyle shifts and personal empowerment.

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Are you dealing with symptoms of chronic fatigue, brain fog, autoimmune disease, pain or digestive issues?

You’ve gone to doctor after doctor. You’ve received some answers, have started on medications and notice some relief (thank goodness!) but are still left feeling exhausted, stressed, inflamed and not fully yourself?

Or maybe every test has come back “normal” and your practitioners have told you that there isn’t anything they can do, to come back when things get worse, or to simply manage your stress better?

If yes, then you are someone who would benefit form 1:1 holistic health coaching.

Health coaching is a necessary extension of the health care system in that together we have more time to uncover issues, implement strategies and assess outcomes together. Autoimmune disease is complex and to address it we need to come at it from all angles (pharmaceutical therapies from your doctor while also focusing on root cause factors like gut health, diet, sleep and stress). I offer accountability, a knowledgeable resource and most importantly support.

I always offer free 30-minute discovery sessions to get clear on your major health concerns and what’s standing in your way. Click the button below to set up your free consultation and we can create a plan of action specifically for you.

The Real Food Reset Package! [Your Holiday Survival Guide]

It’s that magical time of year when there are brownies, cookies, wine, sugary sweets (and even weird, stale candy fruit bread that is totally gross but you eat anyway) popping up everywhere at work, home and school. It’s fun and festive at first, and you mostly stick to your routines, but then you get that gross feeling, after your fourth holiday party where you feel bloated, exhausted and sick of eating and drinking things that make you feel awful.

The thing is though, you are far too fabulous to sit at home and say no to every holiday party to eat only kale and broccoli on the couch for the next few months. And the New Year is too far away to keep feeling this bad. So… what do you do?

The 5-Day Real Food Reset Package

I’m really excited to announce that just for the holiday season, I’m offering my Real Food Reset Package to help you get through with joy, grace and ease! This program includes:

• A private 60-minute coaching session with me to get clear on your biggest health concerns and goals for the season. If you are always “black and white” about food and health and feel like you are constantly “on the wagon or off the wagon” without any in between, this session will help navigate the grey area that is life and create a plan of action specifically for you. *All sessions are conducted over the phone so you can participate from anywhere in the world!* (Value $125)

• A customized 5-Day Real Food Reset Meal Plan you can whip out anytime you start to feel that holiday blah.  It’s a potent and powerful reset button that you can squeeze into any timeline during the holidays that works for you. It’s a gentle, real food cleanse meaning you don’t have to deprive yourself, drink juice all day (which may not be what your body is calling for) or eat astronaut food. All recipes are:

• Gluten-free

• Dairy-free

• AIP compliant

• Extremely delicious

• The Healthy Holiday Guide - 5 ways to eat well and enjoy yourself this holiday season. This is your pocket guide to feeling good this year without any of the confusion or guilt.

If you are feeling fatigued, experiencing digestive issues and are worried about falling into the trap of weight gain and exhaustion this holiday season this Real Food Reset Package is perfect for you!

You will leave this session with:

• A personalized game-plan to navigate the holiday season with ease

• A customized meal plan with super simple recipes you can whip out anytime you need a powerful reset during the next few months

• Tips and tricks for how to care for and nurture yourself during this season

• Complete confidence that you are doing the right things for your unique body (and not what you read on the latest blog!)

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I’ve packaged up this special offer for you as an early holiday gift! I’m a firm believer that this time of year does not need to mean more fatigue, poor digestion, weight gain and worsening symptoms and I’m passionate about helping you find a happy, healthy balance.

Investment: $95 for this special holiday offer (Value $175)

Click the button below to schedule your session so you're armed with all the best tips and tricks to feel fabulous through the holidays!

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Here’s what people are saying about the Real Food Reset:

I feel like I’ve completely reset my nutritional sense after our session.  I can’t wait to try the recipes!  Honestly, this is just what I needed to get on track before the New Year and I’m so glad I didn’t wait until I was feeling worse to check in. Thank you! - Mary

The Real Food Reset Package is only on offer through the end of December, so book in now to grab your spot! These sessions make fantastic gifts as well and are a great way to tell someone you really love their guts! ;) If you’d like to give this as a gift, use this link here to generate a gift certificate and have the recipient contact info@christinatidwell.com to set up their session at a time that works for them!

I can’t wait to connect with you and help guide you through your best holiday season yet.

In Health,

Christina Tidwell, MN, RN, CHC

LIVE WELL PODCAST | EPISODE #17 - Finding identity through chronic illness with Michelle L’Amour

Michelle is an international burlesque star. She is known as 'The Most Naked Woman' not only for her state of undress, but also for the truth that she strives to bring to the world of burlesque and glamour. Join us as we speak about her journey with alopecia areata and finding identity through chronic illness.

LISTEN BELOW (AND DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE SO YOU'LL NEVER MISS OUT!)

Click here to listen in iTunes

Click here to listen in Stitcher

Or if you’d like to play the episode right now in your browser, use the player below:

Show Notes:

• 0:00 Intro

• 0:40 Introducing Michelle L’Amour

• 0:60 Michelle’s experience with alopecia areata, diagnosed at the age of 6

• 11:00 Sharing her truth with her followers about her alopecia through her Youtube reveal

• 12:39 Michelle explores the questions: “What is a woman supposed to look like? What is beauty and glamour?”

• 34:00 Realizing the thing that holds you back can become your strength

• 38:56 Michelle’s #1 things she does for her health

• 43:55 Outro

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If you loved this episode, I'd be honored for you to give me a rating on iTunes. This helps me to get content out to others who are interested in getting control of their health through diet, lifestyle shifts and personal empowerment.

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Are you dealing with symptoms of chronic fatigue, brain fog, autoimmune disease, pain or digestive issues?

You’ve gone to doctor after doctor. You’ve received some answers, have started on medications and notice some relief (thank goodness!) but are still left feeling exhausted, stressed, inflamed and not fully yourself?

Or maybe every test has come back “normal” and your practitioners have told you that there isn’t anything they can do, to come back when things get worse, or to simply manage your stress better?

If yes, then you are someone who would benefit form 1:1 holistic health coaching.

Health coaching is a necessary extension of the health care system in that together we have more time to uncover issues, implement strategies and assess outcomes together. Autoimmune disease is complex and to address it we need to come at it from all angles (pharmaceutical therapies from your doctor while also focusing on root cause factors like gut health, diet, sleep and stress). I offer accountability, a knowledgeable resource and most importantly support.

I always offer free 30-minute discovery sessions to get clear on your major health concerns and what’s standing in your way. Click the button below to set up your free consultation and we can create a plan of action specifically for you.

LIVE WELL PODCAST | Episode #16 | Does everyone with autoimmune disease need to avoid the same foods?

Does everyone with autoimmune disease needs to avoid the same foods? I get asked this question a lot so I addressed it in this short podcast episode! Listen or read below to learn about the top three inflammatory foods and the importance of bio-individuality in finding a diet that works for you.

LISTEN BELOW (AND DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE SO YOU'LL NEVER MISS OUT!)

Click here to listen in iTunes

Click here to listen in Stitcher

Or if you’d like to play the episode right now in your browser, use the player below:

Show Notes:

• 0:00 Intro

• 0:41 Does everyone with autoimmune disease need to avoid or eat the same foods?

• 1:27 3 things need to be in place for the development of autoimmune disease:

  • Genetics

  • Intestinal permeability

  • Microbiome

• 3:00 What should you eat if you have an autoimmune disease?

  • Bio-individuality

• 3:30 Most inflammatory foods for autoimmunity and why to avoid each one:

  • Sugar: Increased sugar consumption leads to issues with blood sugar regulation, which can look like insulin resistance, high blood sugar levels, hypoglycemia, and diabetes. Regulating blood sugar levels and maintaining insulin sensitivity are critical to regulating the immune system and reducing inflammation.

  • Gluten: A component of gluten found in grains (wheat, barley, and rye specifically) known as gliadin is the concern. Specifically, gliadin fragments cross the gut barrier, and once inside the body, these protein fragments interact with the gut associated lymphoid tissue, stimulating the release of inflammatory cytokines and activating cells of both the innate and adaptive immune system. Through this process, gliadin causes damage of gut enterocytes, which results in the creation of holes in the gut barrier through which various contents of the digestive system can leak into the body (leaky gut). Inflammation is triggered by gliadin fragments that cross the gut barrier, as well as by other partly digested food proteins, gut bacteria, bacterial fragments, and waste products, like toxins, crossing over. This further activates the immune system, causing a vicious cycle of inflammation and gut-barrier damage, and is why the gluten-containing grains (wheat, barley, and rye) are typically the most problematic for those with gut issues or autoimmune disease.

  • Dairy: Dairy is a common allergenic food, affecting between 1–17% of children and 1–4% of adults presenting with IgE-antibodies. For these people, even trace proteins in ghee can be a problem. Additionally, 25–75% of people (depending on ethnicity) are unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk. Next, dairy products contain protease inhibitors that may contribute to intestinal permeability. Dairy products are highly insulinogenic, which may contribute to inflammation and insulin resistance; they contain active hormones that have the potential to alter human hormone levels (like IGF-1); and they increase mucous production, which can irritate the gut lining and hinder nutrient absorption [1]. I should note that good quality, whole fat dairy can be a totally healthful food for some people! Just when troubleshooting digestive issues it can be beneficial to remove it for a period of time to fully understand how it affects you.

• 9:08 Why you might not actually want to jump into a restrictive healing diet

• 10:00 The benefits of working with someone to get a plan tailored to you individually

• 12:36 Outro

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If you loved this episode, I'd be honored for you to give me a rating on iTunes. This helps me to get content out to others who are interested in getting control of their health through diet, lifestyle shifts and personal empowerment.

---

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Are you dealing with symptoms of chronic fatigue, brain fog, autoimmune disease, pain or digestive issues?

You’ve gone to doctor after doctor. You’ve received some answers, have started on medications and notice some relief (thank goodness!) but are still left feeling exhausted, stressed, inflamed and not fully yourself?

Or maybe every test has come back “normal” and your practitioners have told you that there isn’t anything they can do, to come back when things get worse, or to simply manage your stress better?

If yes, then you are someone who would benefit form 1:1 holistic health coaching.

Health coaching is a necessary extension of the health care system in that together we have more time to uncover issues, implement strategies and assess outcomes together. Autoimmune disease is complex and to address it we need to come at it from all angles (pharmaceutical therapies from your doctor while also focusing on root cause factors like gut health, diet, sleep and stress). I offer accountability, a knowledgeable resource and most importantly support.

I always offer free 30-minute discovery sessions to get clear on your major health concerns and what’s standing in your way. Click the button below to set up your free consultation and we can create a plan of action specifically for you.