I visited 2 endocrinologists that informed me dry and rushed that my thyroid “was dead” and that the only option was to take synthetic hormones, for the rest of my life.
As a coach I had questions - about lifestyle, about nutrition, about training; none of it mattered for these doctors. I started my journey by studying more about my condition and autoimmune diseases in general. And I’ve decided not to take any medication and give myself a chance of a different solution, a natural one.
I basically applied, consistently, what we stand for at Fuel, Action & Balance: lifestyle changes involving a different, anti-inflammation nutrition, an adapted physical training plan, stress management and way more mind work like meditation and visualisation.
I got back on track, my hormones stabilised and the symptoms went away. More than one year later I feel in the best shape that I’ve felt in a very long time.
Until today, I’m not taking any conventional medication, and in just more than one year my hormones stabilised, fact confirmed by my blood tests and doctors confirmations, too - yes, the same doctors who said just one year back that medication was compulsory.
It is of course not a guaranteed method to heal completely of an autoimmune condition - but what is however certain is that treating your body better will transform your life immensely, and will support your path to a better health and wellbeing.
Genetics probably played a role in my condition, as my grandmother got her thyroid removed for a similar problem. But genetics are however not an unbreakable wall that stop you from being able to support your body and mind to get better through natural lifestyle changes - these changes can work for all of us regardless of our genetics and past.
Below you can find out how we can help with our guidance plan throughout your journey with autoimmunity to achieve a better feeling of wellbeing
Guidance plan for autoimmunity
Nutrition
Nutrition
Nutrition
Nutrition is a key element to improving any autoimmune condition. We will focus on multiple aspects of nutrition.
- Macronutrients: Making sure you fuel correctly for your level of activity and type of activity. The right amount of calories with correct proportions of carbs, protein and fat to support your body
- Micronutrients: Deficiencies are very common in autoimmune conditions. To feel better we have to have a detailed look at this and get the micronutritional balance back on track
- Anti-inflammation foods: Autoimmune condition means inflammation. We will counter this by reducing foods which promote inflammation and adding in foods which reduce inflammation
- ...
Moving
Nutrition
Nutrition
Moving is in general important, but when having an autoimmune condition it can be even increase the importance.
- Inflammation influences often muscles and joints. Keeping a good strength, endurance and flexibility will increase a general feeling of wellbeing
- Production of growth hormone to stimulate reparing cells in the body
- Remaining strong has an incredible effect on the mental state of being. When we practice sports or any kind of moving we indirectly know we can also perform other tasks
- ...
Mind
Nutrition
Mind
Mind training is often underestimated but could be in as many cases the missing link to actually get back to a feeling of real health and wellbeing.
- The benefits on the hormonal balance are countless
- Confidence issues coming with a condition are looked at and will be restored
- Healthy living patterns and habits will more easily take the spot of the old habits that might have harmed
- Accepting current reality and working towards small short term achievable yet challenging goals
- Seeing your condition with less frustration and anger, but rather positivity for what is possible
- ...
Environment
Environment
Environment
An autoimmune condition influences the environment of the one bearing the condition, and so does the environment also influence this same person.
- How dealing with the influence you have on your environment. How to approach people around you. How communicating differently.
- External things influencing you: people, living environment, traffic, presence of nature, animals, social agenda, work environment,... Each one can be looked at and be turned more in your favor
Relaxation
Environment
Environment
Relaxation is an element to bring into your lives daily and ideally multiple times a day.
- Breathing exercises
- Meditation
- Bringing in elements in your schedule and make them new habits (short breaks, walks, nature, laughing, ...)
- Sleep: A lack of it undoes most of the other efforts, so big focus on this excellent tool of relaxation, also necessary to maintain a healthy hormonal balance
- Screen time management