My light is slowly returning
Last year took it from me. On the surface it looked like I was having a great time- my business was thriving, I was working and making the most I had ever made. I had a strong support system, a loving partner and I always made it a point to be doing something- working towards my goals and living my “best life”. But in reality I was deeply depressed, completely exhausted and fawning. Keeping myself in constant stress by overdoing for others and giving myself nothing. Multiple betrayals in my personal life kept me pissed off, pushing too hard and eventually lead me to completely shut down and I really began to reconsider my purpose in life.
Every day for last 2 months of 2023, I went into my moms infrared sauna and meditated. I meditated on what I needed to fall in love with life again. I questioned my daily habits and why the f*ck I was so tired. I made a vow to start putting myself first. Making my intuition and what my body was trying to tell me number 1 priority.
Listen Elora, listen
When I went on my first 2 week vacation since opening EVOLVE this past February I finally got a chance to slow down and evaluate. My nervous system started to regulate but I STILL had no energy for life, to see my friends or enjoy activities I had once loved, I knew there was a problem.
As a yoga instructor with a family history of autoimmune diseases, I’ve always been conscious of my health. My mom has type 1 diabetes, her mother a hyperthyroid and my dad’s mother had lupus. Thats why eight years ago when I completed my first 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training in Thailand, I quit smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol (or at least a lot less than I had been), and eating meat. I changed my lifestyle for many reasons, one being the hope that I would be spared autoimmune issues and I would out run the prophecy.
After my vacation didn’t automatically solve all of my problems like I had been begging it to…rude. I decided to seek medical attention at Placeres Integrative Medicine where I began with acupuncture weekly and my doctor suggested I remove soy from my diet… I then received my lab results with elevated antibodies suggesting Hashimoto’s – an autoimmune condition affecting the thyroid, go figure. My estrogen levels were way low and the fatigue and brain fogged really matched up with how I had been feeling. I finally had answers.
Queue Instant Panic and Research
When I found out that I had the antibodies for Hashimoto’s, it was a shock. However, instead of letting fear take over, I decided to take control of my health through diet before relying on medication. I know my body, like all of ours – has the incredible ability to heal, regenerate, and strengthen. Particularly if you have a positive mindset and that “I can do anything attitude”.
I was determined to explore alternative ways to manage/reverse my condition. With my background in yoga and a passion for healthy living, I delved into research on how diet and lifestyle changes could help lower my antibody levels and prevent the onset of full-blown Hashimoto’s. One of the most important books I’ve read has been ‘The Thyroid Cure’ by Michele Corey. It helped me to realize that my body was deficient in minerals which provoked the immune system to become confused – my body didn’t know what was helping it and what was hindering it. The book also highlighted chronic stress as one of the main factors in body inflammation and the onset of disease.
The Power of Yoga
Yoga has always been more than just a job for me; it’s a way of life. I knew that incorporating specific yoga poses and practices could help support my thyroid health and reduce inflammation in my body. I started including more gentle, restorative poses in my daily practice, focusing on poses that stimulate the thyroid gland and promote relaxation. I cut my teaching schedule in half, took out the vigorous vinyasa practices, and starting relying on my team of incredible teachers at EVOLVE. I starting making sleep my most trusted ally and together with daily walks and sunshine, I started seeing small improvements.
Embracing a Thyroid-Friendly Diet
This part for me was the hardest. I made significant changes to my diet…again. I’ve been mostly gluten free for years and now it felt like I was doomed to a life free of joy. Gluten free, soy free, dairy free, sugar free, alcohol free, coffee free, bean free, nightshades free. I was so free that I had no idea what I was going to eat. My diet before this was soy, beans, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers…literally everything that was causing my constant inflammation and pain. I knew I had to focus on nutrient-dense foods that support thyroid function and reduce inflammation. My meals became filled with leafy greens, fermented foods, healthy fats, and foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as selenium and iodine. And thankfully, I discovered delicious recipes that not only nourished my body but also satisfied my taste buds.
The Healing Power of Food
One of the most significant changes I made was to cut out processed foods, refined sugars and oils, and gluten from my diet. Instead, I embraced whole, natural foods that were free from additives and preservatives. I found that by nourishing my body with the right foods, I had more energy, better digestion, and improved mental clarity. I started making my own oat milk, hummus, sauces, pasta, and more. I started having fun with food again and felt that spark of creativity returning within me.
An important part of this process has been consciously nourishing myself daily. Being mindfully aware of what I am putting into my body, and thanking my body for receiving and processing nutrients. With a slough of supplements recommended by my Naturopathic doctor including Magnesium, Vitamin D, B12 and Folate, and Maca for reproductive health, I finally starting feeling like I could handle this shift and use it to my benefit.
When I started to reincorporate seafood into my diet after 8 years of entirely plant based eating, was when I experienced I burst of energy as my protein levels went up and my fatigue went down. Although I am a very pro plant based/ plant centered individual, I recognize that no two peoples gut biomes are the same! And for that we must always be reevaluating and observing how certain foods make us feel! I miss tofu and beans, but I do NOT miss how they made me feel. One thing I know is that refined sugars and seed oils along with the massive industry of processed foods is hurting us. This is particularly true for anyone with an autoimmune condition. Focusing on whole foods, locally sourced, and as close to nature as possible gives us a fighting chance.
Sharing My Story
As I began to see improvements in my health over the past 3 months and the light slowly returned to my spirit; I felt compelled to share my story with others. I’ve started creating and testing recipes that are not only delicious but also supportive of thyroid health. From nutrient-packed rice bowls to hearty soups and salads, each recipe has been designed to nourish the body and support overall wellness. I’m here to guide you in making healthy meals a priority, offering my experience and knowledge to help you discover the joy of wholesome eating.
Changing Lives, One Recipe at a Time
I truly believe that the combination of yoga, diet, and lifestyle changes has the power to transform lives. My journey with Hashimoto’s thus far has taught me that we have more control over our health than we think. By making simple yet powerful changes to our diet and lifestyle, we can support our bodies in healing and thrive despite our health challenges. I am dedicated to helping you incorporate these changes, making your path to better health easier and more enjoyable.
Join Me on This Journey
If you’re struggling with thyroid issues or an autoimmune condition, know that you’re not alone. I invite you to join me on a journey to better health. Together, we can embrace yoga, nourish our bodies with wholesome foods, and create a life filled with vitality and wellness. Let’s support each other and thrive together. These shifts have changed my life, and I hope they change yours too. I’m here to help you make healthy meals and yoga practice a priority, so you can experience the same transformation and joy.