Restoring Thyroid Balance Through Nature’s Medicine

Written by: Emanuela Visone, Certified Functional Nutritional Counsellor, Health & Life Coach

My journey toward healing was one filled with frustration, trial and error, and ultimately, discovery. For years, I struggled with thyroid issues, adrenal fatigue, and premature menopause. I searched for answers within conventional medicine, only to find temporary relief at best. It wasn’t until I turned to holistic healing—incorporating whole foods, natural supplements, and a shift in mindset—that I experienced true transformation.

Interestingly, my journey began with my beloved St. Bernard, Sonnie. When Sonnie suffered from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), conventional treatments failed to provide relief. I sought alternative solutions, incorporating whole foods and plant-based nutrition into his diet, including pureed zucchini and celery. Within months, his symptoms vanished, and he regained vitality. This eye-opening experience inspired me to explore similar approaches for my own health, leading to profound healing and personal growth.

What if the key to restoring your thyroid balance isn’t in a prescription, but in your kitchen? 

MY STRUGGLE WITH THYROID DYSFUNCTION

Not long after Sonnie’s recovery, I began experiencing persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain, and a lump in my neck. A visit to my doctor confirmed that I had multiple thyroid nodules and an underactive thyroid. The suggested treatment plan involved medication and potential surgery, but deep down, I felt there had to be another way.

Reflecting on my success with Sonnie, I decided to take control of my own health. I researched the connection between gut health and thyroid function, realizing that my diet and lifestyle played a significant role in my condition. Determined to heal naturally, I began implementing the same whole-foods approach that had worked wonders for Sonnie.

According to The American Thyroid Association (ATA), an estimated 20 million people in the United States suffer from some form of thyroid disease, yet many remain undiagnosed. Thyroid disorders affect metabolism, energy levels, and overall well-being, making it crucial to address underlying causes rather than simply managing symptoms with medication (American Thyroid Association - Thyroid Disease Facts).

THE ROLE OF PROBIOTICS AND DIGESTIVE ENZYMES IN THYROID HEALTH

One often overlooked component of thyroid health is gut-thyroid connection. Probiotics and digestive enzymes, particularly those micro-blended with essential minerals, play a crucial role in balancing gut health, which in turn supports optimal thyroid function. According to research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, gut dysbiosis can contribute to autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease.

Probiotics help replenish beneficial gut bacteria, aiding in the breakdown of food, reducing inflammation, and improving nutrient absorption. Digestive enzymes support this process by ensuring that proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are efficiently broken down and utilized by the body. By incorporating high-quality probiotics and enzyme supplements into my daily regimen, I was able to restore my gut microbiome, reducing stress on my immune system and allowing my thyroid to function more efficiently (Pluta et al., - Gut Microbiota and Thyroid Function).

THE ROLE OF ELIMINATION AND DETOXIFICATION IN THYROID HEALTH

Are environmental toxins silently sabotaging your thyroid health without you realizing it?

Elimination and detoxification play a crucial role in maintaining thyroid function. The body is constantly exposed to toxins from food, air, and personal care products, which can interfere with hormonal balance and contribute to autoimmune disorders. According to research published in the Journal of Environmental Health, heavy metals such as mercury and lead have been linked to thyroid dysfunction, making detoxification an essential step in healing. Supporting the liver and kidneys through whole foods, herbal supplements, and hydration can significantly improve overall health and thyroid function (Beiler, H. - Food is Your Best Medicine).

I focused on consuming organic, anti-inflammatory foods while eliminating processed products that contained preservatives, additives, and excess sugar. My daily regimen included lemon water with turmeric, ginger, cinnamon and mint leaves to support my liver, and leafy greens rich in chlorophyll to remove toxins.

Avoiding Processed Foods for Thyroid Health

A diet rich in processed foods, artificial additives, and refined sugars can contribute to inflammation, gut imbalances, and hormonal disruption. Studies from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition highlight the detrimental effects of processed foods on metabolic health, emphasizing the need for whole, nutrient-dense foods to restore balance. Incorporating organic vegetables, wild caught proteins, and unprocessed sprouted grains support thyroid function and reduces the burden on the endocrine system (Campbell-McBride, N. - Gut and Psychology Syndrome).

Making these dietary changes was not always easy, but I quickly began to notice improvements. My energy levels increased, my brain fog lifted, my joint pain was dramatically reduced, and I felt more in tune with my body than ever before.

BALANCING MACRONUTRIENTS FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH

Maintaining a balance of macronutrients—proteins, fats, and carbohydrates—is essential for metabolic health. According to The Journal of Endocrinology, consuming the right proportion of macronutrients helps stabilize blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and optimize thyroid function. Healthy fats, like those from avocado and coconut oil, support hormone production, while fiber-rich vegetables like zucchini and cruciferous vegetables aid in digestion and detoxification (Hyman, M. - The Blood Sugar Solution).

I incorporated healthy fats from avocados, nuts, and olive oil, while ensuring that I had enough fiber-rich carbohydrates to maintain stable blood sugar levels. Lean proteins, including wild-caught fish and organic poultry, became staples in my meals to help rebuild my strength.

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A STORY OF HOPE AND SONNIE’S JOURNEY

Enhancing Canine and Human Gut Health

Just as in humans, gut health plays a fundamental role in overall well-being for pets. Adding zucchini and celery to a dog’s diet can help improve stool consistency and digestion. The fiber, hydration and mineral from these vegetables promote gut balance, much like how whole foods, probiotics and digestive enzymes support human digestive health. Research from The Journal of Animal Physiology confirms the benefits of whole-food diets in reducing inflammation and improving metabolic function in both humans and animals (Schmid, M. - Canine Nutrition: Choosing the Best Food for Your Dog).    

Sonnie’s Journey Is Where My Passion for Food is Your Best Medicine Began

Sonnie’s story reflects the healing journey many embark on, but few truly embrace. He faced a series of health challenges that left me searching for answers beyond conventional medicine. By adopting a holistic lifestyle, making mindful dietary choices, and embracing natural healing modalities like regular exercising, having reiki energy work performed on him and being out in nature, we found renewed vitality for my fur baby. His transformation serves as a powerful reminder that healing is not just about addressing symptoms but about nourishing the body, mind, and spirit.

If my dog could heal with the right nutrition, what’s stopping you from taking the first step toward your own healing?

Healing is not just about removing symptoms it’s about giving your body the environment it needs to thrive. My journey, alongside my beloved Sonnie, has shown me that nature holds the answers we often overlook. If you’re ready to reclaim your health and vitality, it starts with the choices you make every day. You hold the power to transform your well-being—one bite, one habit, and one mindset shift at a time."

AUTHOR

EMANUELA VISONE: As a Certified Functional Nutritionist Counselor, Health and Life Coach, Emanuela works with clients one-on-one in helping them make better food and lifestyle choices. Individuals who have a passion to feel better physically and mentally in order to increase daily energy and productivity. Ms. Visone was her own living experiment when she successfully healed her malfunctioning thyroid back to normal as well dramatically shrunk a mass and nodules that were also on my thyroid by more than half their size in 4 months. 

References:  American Thyroid Association (ATA)

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Pluta et al., - Gut Microbiota and Thyr oid Function.

Journal of Environmental Health, Beiler, H. - Food is Your Best Medicine.

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Campbell-McBride, N. - Gut and      Psychology Syndrome.

The Journal of Endocrinology: Hyman, M. - The Blood Sugar Solution.

Journal of Animal Physiology, Schmid, M. - Canine Nutrition: Choosing the Best Food for Your Dog.

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Healing Through Nature's Medicine, A Story of Hope 

Paperback – Large Print, October 6, 2021

by Emanuela Visone (Author)

When I look back at how far I've come with regards to restoring my health, I am amazed at how much I've learned on this journey of naturally health my body and how miraculously wonderful our bodies are when given the right environment.

I felt like my body was my enemy for a long time. Starting at the age of 38, I was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure fast forwarding me into menapause by the age of 40. This was very hard for me to accept this because I still was not married and had no children. I had the dreams many little girls have to get married and I always wanted children. I say it all the time, I wish I knew then what I know now because the doctors all told me back then I am perfectly healthy, it's just that my ovaries were failing. I think to myself now, If I was I healthy, my ovaries would not have stopped working at such a young age? There was something obviously very wrong.

In my mid-forties my hormones were a mess, I had adrenal fatigue, bad body aches and joint pain and had also developed hypothyroidism as well as a mass and nodules on it. To put it mildly, I felt terrible. I had gained around 30 pounds that would not come off, I was always tired and that just made me very cranky and insecure. (see full story in Amazin.com)