Blog — Tara Nelson

Can Graves' cause other autoimmune conditions?

As you may know, Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition that affects thyroid function. But the thyroid isn’t the only part of the body influenced by this disease. Autoimmunity means that for some reason, the immune system is attacking one or more areas of the body. And due to its autoimmune nature, Graves’ disease could lead to the development of other autoimmune disorders.

So if you’ve ever wondered about whether there’s a link between Graves’ disease and other autoimmune conditions, you’re in the right place.

Thyroid ConditionsTara NelsonOctober 20, 2023Graves', autoimmunity

Can Hashimoto's cause other autoimmune conditions?

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroid disorder. But it’s not necessarily just the thyroid that is affected by this condition. Like any autoimmune condition, Hashimoto’s can potentially trigger the development of other autoimmune issues.

Let’s take a look at the known connections between Hashimoto’s and other autoimmune diseases.

Thyroid ConditionsTara NelsonOctober 13, 2023Hashimoto's, autoimmunity

Drinks that may be harmful for your thyroid

When it comes to thyroid health, we talk about what you eat. But did you know that what you drink can also influence your thyroid function – particularly if you already have a thyroid condition?

Some beverages can have a beneficial effect on thyroid function. But unfortunately, others can have a potentially harmful impact. So let’s shed some light on the everyday drinks that may be having a negative influence on your thyroid health.

Thyroid HealthTara NelsonOctober 6, 2023thyroid health, thyroid tips

Graves' and mental health - here's what you need to know

Do you have Graves’ disease? If so, you need to understand how it can affect not only your physical symptoms, but also your mental health.

An overactive thyroid can affect the entire body, including the brain and nervous system. As a result, it can have big impact on your mental wellbeing. So you want to make sure you’re taking steps to care for your mental health as well as your physical health.

Thyroid Health, Thyroid Conditions, Mental HealthTara NelsonSeptember 29, 2023Graves', mental health

Here's how hyperthyroidism affects mental wellbeing

Hyperthyroidism can have a range of effects on the body. So it’s no surprise that your mind & nervous system can suffer, leading to mental health concerns.

While we often think of feeling hot, sweaty, hungry and losing weight with hyperthyroidism, it can have also have a significant impact on your mental wellbeing. So if you’ve received a diagnosis of an overactive thyroid, you need to take steps to care for your mental health as well as your physical health.

Let’s look at the link between an overactive thyroid and mental health.

Thyroid Health, Thyroid Conditions, Mental HealthTara NelsonSeptember 22, 2023hyperthyroidism, mental health

The connection between Hashimoto's & mental health

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can have countless effects on the body – and that includes the mind & nervous system. Many people notice that since they developed Hashimoto’s, their mental health declined. And there are both direct and indirect reasons why this occurs.

So if you’ve suspected that Hashimoto’s has played a role in your mental health struggles, let’s look at why.

Thyroid Health, Thyroid Conditions, Mental HealthTara NelsonSeptember 15, 2023Hashimoto's, mental health

Hypothyroidism & mental health – how it can affect you

Have you noticed that your mental health isn’t quite right since your hypothyroid diagnosis? Or perhaps it was one of the first indicators that led to you seeking medical advice?

An underactive thyroid gland is not just about weight gain or fatigue. It has some very real impacts on your mental wellbeing. So if you’ve been diagnosed as hypothyroid, you need to know how it can affect your mental health.

Let’s take a closer look at the link between an underactive thyroid and mental health concerns.

Thyroid Health, Thyroid Conditions, Mental HealthTara NelsonSeptember 8, 2023hypothyroidism, mental health

Has your child received a thyroid cancer diagnosis? What you need to know

One of the scariest experiences a parent can go through is their child receiving a cancer diagnosis. And although thyroid cancer is typically seen age 25-65, it can affect children as well.

So if your child has just been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s take a look at the facts and what you can do to feel empowered.

How to manage hypothyroidism in children naturally

Has your child been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid gland? Although we think of this as an adult condition, children can also develop hypothyroidism.

Any thyroid condition in a child needs to be taken seriously, as it can affect their growth & development. So you need to work closely with your child’s specialists to minimise the effects of the condition.

But at the same time, there are also ways you can support their thyroid naturally at home.

Does your child have hyperthyroidism? Here’s what you need to know

Although hyperthyroidism – or an overactive thyroid gland – is more common in adults, it can still affect children. So what happens when you find out your child has too much thyroid hormone?

This can be scary to begin with, particularly as excess thyroid hormone can be dangerous if left unmanaged. But there are steps you can take alongside your child’s medical treatments to help them stay happy and healthy.

Managing thyroid disease in children

Has your child received a thyroid disease diagnosis? This can be stressful for parents and the child – particularly if there have been no known thyroid issues previously.

Parents often feed powerless to begin with, as they learn new concepts and work with specialists to control the disease. But the good news is that there are also natural ways that you can help to manage your child’s condition. These can be used alongside their care plan, so you know your child is getting the best of both worlds!

Kids & thyroid disease - what you need to know

While you might think of thyroid disease as an adult health concern, that’s not the case. Children can develop thyroid conditions just like adults - and it often goes undiagnosed.

So what sorts of thyroid issues do you need to watch out for, and how can you spot them? You’ve come to the right place to learn exactly that.

Diagnosed with thyroid nodules? Here’s what you need to know

Have you been told you have thyroid nodules after a neck x-ray or ultrasound? While it might sound scary, it’s important to understand what a nodule is and what it does – and doesn’t – mean for your health.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at this common thyroid condition.

When you should consider trying T3 medication

Have you heard of T3 medication for an underactive thyroid? T3 (triiodothyronine) is one of the hormones produced by the thyroid gland. But we hear a lot less about it compared to thyroxine, or T4.

Many people don’t do well on thyroxine therapy alone. So when should you consider T3 as an option, and what options are there? Let’s take a closer look at this controversial medication.

Understanding thyroxine for hypothyroidism

Have you been prescribed thyroxine for your underactive thyroid? When you’re given medication, it’s important to understand what you’re taking and how to tell if it’s the best option for you. That’s why I’ve gathered some important information about this commonly prescribed thyroid replacement therapy.

Still have symptoms when on thyroxine? Here is why

When your doctor prescribes you thyroxine, you’re hopeful that your symptoms will vanish within weeks. But sometimes, this isn’t the case. Or perhaps it does help for a few months or a few years, only for your symptoms to return.

Why does this happen? There are 4 major reasons why you could be experiencing thyroid-related symptoms even when taking thyroxine. Let’s take a closer look at each.

How to optimise your thyroxine conversion naturally

Do you rely on thyroxine for your thyroid condition? Thyroxine, or T4, is the most common medication used in thyroid disorders, particularly in an underactive thyroid. But there are a lot of factors that are involved in how well you absorb and convert it.

So whether you’re still feeling hypothyroid on your current dose or you just want to get the most out of your medication, this article is for you.

Had a thyroidectomy? Here's what you need to know

Thyroid Health, Thyroid ConditionsTara NelsonApril 28, 2023thyroid disease, thyroid cancer, Graves', thyroidectomy

Managing your thyroid health post-thyroidectomy

If you’ve undergone surgery on your thyroid, you may be wondering how to take care of yourself in the aftermath. Your surgeon will likely explain how to manage your health in the short-term including wound care and follow-up.

But what about the long-term implications of surgery to the thyroid? Here are the major areas that I recommend you consider when it comes to life post-thyroidectomy.

Habits to ditch if you want a healthy thyroid

Are you looking to support your thyroid health naturally? While there are some steps you can take to enhance your thyroid health, there are habits that are problematic. These can lead to greater stress on the gland, increased inflammation and even feed into the autoimmune process.

Here are the habits I recommend that people eliminate (or at least reduce) for their thyroid’s sake.

Thyroid Health, BasicsTara NelsonApril 7, 2023habits, thyroid health