For now, I will do my best to take each supplement as directed and push through my anxiety about ingesting new things. I've never been a big fan of medications and such, but the anxiety about taking and eating new medications and foods really escalated back in 2010-2011 when my thyroid was hyper-sensitive, and many things I would put into my mouth would send me into a "thyroid storm." The storms made me feel so awful that I had to avoid ingesting those items, or introduce them into my body very slowly, a little at a time.
Since I can't do that in this case, this will be a big challenge for the first several days. While what I'm taking isn't considered "medication," I still struggle since it is new to me.
Here is what my next 4 weeks (for certain) will look like. At the end of 4 weeks, I meet with my chiropractor to discuss, and any necessary changes will be made:
It is extremely important that I take the amount of drops shown at the exact times of day, and all together. This will allow my body the best chance for the different hormone levels to rise in a balanced fashion. In addition to these 3 types of drops, I am to take the following vitamin pack twice daily:
The pack includes an Omega3 Softgel, Calcium, Magnesium, and a Multi-vitamin. Never mind the bottles and bottles of half-used supplements that crowd my kitchen cabinets right now. 0:-) We will stick with these, with the goal of not allowing them to be added to my *ahem* collection. I may or may not have a hoarding problem.
My Diet
I am wrapping up the first week of my new diet - no dairy, no sugar, no gluten, no soy. (The idea behind this is to keep my blood sugar steady. When you have highs and lows in your blood sugar, your body releases cortisol at the wrong time to over-compensate. This is also why cortisol issues are related to diabetes.) What does that leave me to eat? Well, if you have hours of time and millions of dollars, it leaves plenty to choose from. But here are the easier options I am sticking with, given my busy mommy-of-three lifestyle: lots of fruits and veggies (read: lots of trips to the grocery store), quinoa, rices, nut butters (and I don't mean Jif), beans, eggs, pea protein powder, gluten-free granola, and lean meats. The problem with a lot of the gluten-free crackers and such on the market nowadays is that they have added sugars or cheese (which I can't eat) to cover up the bland taste. So I am staying away from most of those items, which are expensive anyway.
I am currently logging my foods and exercise into My Fitness Pal in order to make sure I have the proper balance of proteins, carbs, and fats in my diet. Since I plan to continue running as my main exercise, it will be crucial that I fuel my body with enough of the energy I will need. (Energy? What's that?) The MFP program will allow me to keep that in check.
The Drops
This morning, I began with the first set of Licorice drops. Yeah, it's not as tasty as it sounds, although it slightly resembles a mixture of espresso and black licorice. After breakfast, I combined the rest of the drops required into one spoon and took it plain. The instructions indicate I can do pretty much whatever it takes to get them down - - mix them in a little water, place them under my tongue, whatever. After a week or so, I'll post an update to report how I'm feeling.
They are why I'm doing this.
I could not do this without my husband's support. When he found out that I was going to try yet another treatment that would cost yet another chunk of money, he immediately said he was on board and to move forward. Prior to him saying that, I had just asked God to help me communicate it clearly to him and that if it was God's will, to allow my husband to accept it and be receptive. While my husband has never been unsupportive with anything I do, I was a little nervous about telling him because after all, we have been through 4 years of these ups and downs, and usually it comes at a hefty cost. He puts up with me, and all my health baggage, and I love him for it.
Day 6 of diet:
Pros: Not as hungry all the time; sleep has been solid for 3 nights (I'm liking this one!); still no reflux/heartburn; no stomach gurgling
Cons: craving sugar; mild headache
"When I said, 'My foot is slipping,' your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy." Psalm 94:18-19
"When I said, 'My foot is slipping,' your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy." Psalm 94:18-19
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