Monthly Archives: December 2018

Seven Aspects of A Healthy Thyroid

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Protecting Thyroid Function Through The 7 Aspects of Whole Health on Whole Health Living Blog by Dr. Georgianna Donadio of the National Institute of Whole Health Exploring The Endocrine System

The Thyroid, in yoga and energy circles is often referred to as “the throat” chakra. The thyroid gland is located in the neck. It differs from other endocrine glands explored in our accredited whole health program in that its hormones are stored for future use, as well as secreted for immediate metabolic needs. The hormones produced by the thyroid, Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3), are responsible for stimulating cellular metabolism throughout the entire body as well as growth and energy. It is important for health coaches to understand how the thyroid controls the quantity of calories we burn, our body heat, and how much we weigh. If the Thyroid was removed and there was no hormone replacement, the cells would cease to function metabolically and death would occur within a relatively short period of time.

As a nurse, you might be surprised to discover that the thyroid is also the personal power and self expression component of Maslow’s Hierarchy. This is easily understood when we think about how our throat is “our voice” and when we speak our truth and express ourselves in the world, we own our personal power and experience self-expression. Under functioning Thyroid problems are believed in many healing circles to be caused by “not having a voice” and not expressing ourselves in the world. Physically the Thyroid is intimately connected to our Brain Cortex – and our interpretation of Self.

Regarding Selye’s Stress Model, the Thyroid can express the Fear, Worry and Lack of Trust dynamic. The Thyroid is the mental-cortex-intellect component of the Whole Health Five Aspects.

So far we have gone over five (5) of the seven (7) aspects. The last two, as we saw with the reproductive glands, the adrenals and pancreas and thymus, clarify the emotional and behavioral aspects of each specific endocrine gland.

The virtue of the Thyroid is Fortitude or strength. Often the force of will of an individual determines their fortitude or strength. The “throat chakras” – which relates to our voice in the world and how we express our WILL in the world, is what the Thyroid represents. People who have Graves disease, where their eyes are bulging from their sockets, is the result of a hyperactive thyroid gland and appears very clearly as a forceful expression of will or anger. If you have ever witnessed anyone becoming intensely angry about not getting their way, you can see this eye bulging occur.  

The deadly sin of the thyroid is once again the opposite of its virtue. The opposite of fortitude and strength is weakness, fear and angry willfulness. When we are too focused on getting our way or imposing our will onto others, we suffer from aggression that ultimately can become expressed through the symptoms of chronic conditions, such as Graves Disease.

Once again, we can see the value and importance in understanding how the body works as a whole integrated being. The thyroid is another important gland in the endocrine system, enabling us to function well metabolically to keep us healthy or if malfunctioning can make us sick.

The function of our thyroid gland is in our hands. The way we think, treat ourselves and others play a role in the health and function of our Thyroid gland.


For more whole health discussions like this, listen to my weekly radio show Living Above The Drama. Also available on iHeartRadio.

A Natural Approach To Fibromyalgia Treatment

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Fibromyalgia is an inflammatory condition that is related to chronic fatigue syndrome. People with fibromyalgia experience fatigue, sleep disorders, and muscle pain which tends to be located at specific points in the neck, shoulders, back, and buttocks.  The underlying cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but at least three important abnormalities have been found in people with fibromyalgia. 

One of these is that there appears to be an underlying disorder in the metabolism of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood.  The second is that many people with fibromyalgia have an underlying thyroid problem. The third is that abnormal sleep patterns, specifically something known as alpha wave intrusion, occurs in many people with fibromyalgia.  Fortunately, there are whole health methods to correct these abnormalities. 

Tryptophan is an amino acid (a type of nutrient that is a building block for protein) that has been used for years to treat depression.  It is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that has potent effects on mood.  Many prescription anti-depressants such as Prozac and Zoloft act by modifying the metabolism of serotonin, resulting in increased levels of serotonin in the brain. Vitamin B6 can also increase serotonin levels, and certain forms of vitamin B6 can be very helpful with sleep. 

Several studies have found low serum levels and decreased intestinal absorption of tryptophan in people with fibromyalgia.  Inadequate levels of tryptophan in the body can lead to decreased levels of serotonin in the brain, whereas supplementation with tryptophan can increase brain levels of serotonin.  This is the same thing that many of the antidepressants used in fibromyalgia do.  Because tryptophan isn’t absorbed well by people with fibromyalgia, an alternate form known as 5-hydroxy tryptophan is recommended.

Several studies have demonstrated that many people with fibromyalgia have a sleep disorder known as alpha wave intrusion.  This type of sleep disorder prevents the body from getting adequate rest during sleep.  Experimental subjects who have had this type of sleep disorder artificially induced experience symptoms similar to that of fibromyalgia.  Correcting this disorder has also been shown to help people with fibromyalgia.

Natural therapies that help to normalize sleep include tryptophan, certain forms of vitamin B6, melatonin, and herbs such as valerian and scuttelaria. 

S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) is an amino acid derivative that has analgesic (pain relieving), anti-inflammatory, and anti-depressant effects.  It is relatively free of side effects and has been found to improve depression, anxiety, and fatigue, and to reduce the number and severity of tender points in people with fibromyalgia.

Magnesium is deficient in the red blood cells of many people with fibromyalgia.  Oral supplementation of highly absorbable form such as citrates, malates, aspartates, or Kreb’s cycle chelates can help correct this deficiency.  Intravenous administration of magnesium is especially helpful.  Epsom salt baths (1/2 – 2 cups of Epsom salt and 1/2 cup of baking soda in a hot bath) taken before bed time can also be useful.  Epsom salt is high in magnesium.

Other nutrients which may be of benefit include Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and vitamins B1 and E.  CoQ10 is a vitamin like substance which may be deficient in people with fibromyalgia.  It is a cofactor in the energy producing pathways in the body, and hence fatigue is a common symptom of deficiency.  Some research has also shown abnormalities in the metabolism of vitamins B1, B6, and E in people with fibromyalgia.

Capsaicin is a compound found in the cayenne pepper.  Topical creams are now available that have been standardized to contain .025% capsaicin.  This cream has been found to decrease tenderness when applied directly to tender points.

There is some belief that the accumulation of acidic and nitrogen containing wastes in the body promote fibromyalgia.  Acid wastes tend to aggravate muscle inflammations and spasms, and may eventually lead to arthritic changes in the joints.  Acid wastes are produced by the digestion of animal proteins (especially pork, milk, and cheese).  Other acid forming foods are wheat, sugar, tea, coffee, alcohol, vinegar, pickles, processed and tinned foods, tomatoes, rhubarb, gooseberries, red and black currants, cooked spinach, margarine and all processed fats, eggs, chocolate, cod liver oil, and peanuts.

A maintenance diet would avoid all of the above foods and concentrate on fresh fruits and vegetables with limited amounts of cereals/grains, occasional fish and chicken, and no processed or artificial foods.

Fibromyalgia is a complex condition which is best managed using a comprehensive approach which includes dietary modifications, the appropriate use of herbal and nutritional supplements, and the treatment of any underlying conditions which may be exacerbating the condition. 

Whole Health Approach To Fibromyalgia: 

The most effect approaches to treating fibromyalgia based on the whole health model includes the following:

  • movement or aerobic exercise to assist in flushing out the tissue
  • behavior focused therapy to assist in reducing tension in the body
  • mild relaxants that do not cause secondary symptoms
  • information and education that can offer options for individual to choose from

Fibromyalgia is viewed as a stress-fueled condition. Therefore any approach or techniques directed at reducing stress and muscle tension are highly effective.


For more whole health discussions like this, listen to my weekly radio show Living Above The Drama available on iHeartRadio.

10 Tips Anyone Can Use To be Healthier

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10 Nurse Coach Tips For Improving Whole Person Health

Everyone loves “tips”, especially when it comes to improving their whole person health. Here is a short but powerful list of things we can all do to be healthier, thinner and more energetic. The best part is they are easy to do and aren’t expensive. Share these tips with your health coaching clients and patients too:

  •  Drink more water. Sometimes we overeat because we are actually in need of more body fluid, so drink more water, especially when you are hungry.
  •  Move more. The simple act of physically moving is a great way to get more exercise, improve circulation and reduce calories.
  •  Eat less starch. Complex carbohydrates are the main culprit in producing excess insulin, which is a major player in diabetes, heart disease, stroke and obesity.
  • Eat out less. Americans are eating 75% of our meals outside the home. The amount of salt, MSG and chemicals in the foods eaten outside the home is unhealthy and preparing food at home is not only healthier but also less expensive.
  • Enjoy a hobby that relaxes you. Nurses with hobbies have lower blood pressure and are less stressed from being able to redirect their energies and attention into something they love to do.
  • Keep plants or have a pet. Statistics show that people who keep pets or take care of plants are less depressed and more social. In nursing homes, residents are given plants to take care of to reduce depression.
  • Have regular personal quite time. Nurse coach and other healthcare focused careers, while rewarding, can be quite stressful at times. Meditation, prayer, chanting, contemplation are all ways to slow down the nervous system and help improve sleep and digestion.
  • Pay down your debt. The amount of debt a person maintains exerts a major influence to the amount of stress they have in their lives. Owe less, live longer.
  • Be sure to get 8 hours sleep. You might be able to function on less but for your body to rest and rejuvenate 8 hours is the ideal.
  •  Eat breakfast. People who eat breakfast live 7 years longer than those who don’t because the body functions more efficiently when eating is on an appropriate schedule.

For more whole health discussions like this, listen to my weekly radio show Living Above The Drama available on iHeartRadio.Join the conversation.