HOLISTIC

Hormone Health

Thyroid at Work

An underperforming thyroid is a significant factor in cases of recurrent miscarriage. Even borderline thyroid impairment can have an impact on fertility. To optimize function, the thyroid gland needs good levels of specific nutrients, including iodine, zinc, selenium, and tyrosine. Supplementation with high levels of iodine is not recommended, but incorporating Brazil nuts and kelp flakes in the diet to provide natural iodine and selenium is often helpful.

In addition, oxidation of iodine in the thyroid gland has been implicated as a causes for the body deciding to attack the thyroid, as occurs in Hashimoto’s disease. A plant-based diet, antioxidants such as glutathione and vitamin C, and stress reduction are all helpful to fight against iodine oxidation. A gluten and dairy-free diet is also sometimes indicated in cases of Hashimoto’s.

Tamar Feldman, RDN, CDE, is a dietitian whose mission is to improve lives by empowering individuals to use nutrition to improve their gut health and hormone balance. She is a recognized expert on IBS/SIBO and has developed the Gut Dietitian training protocols on IBS and IBD for Registered Dietitian education. She writes, lectures, and counsels extensively on IBD, IBS, PCOS/fertility, and thyroid health, and is the founder of the gutdietitian.com virtual practice and co-founder of the Belly app.

Nutritional Health

Shaindy Oberlander, BS, INHC

Charting Collagen Changes

When we reach our twenties, our natural production of collagen starts slowing down and keeps dramatically decreasing as we age. In fact, collagen production decreases by 23 percent each subsequent year. So, while the body continues using and needing collagen, we aren’t replenishing it at the same rate as when we were younger. This can become quite a problem considering collagen is what keeps teeth, hair, bones, eyelashes, skin, and joints young and at their optimum strength. One way you can regain collagen is through supplementing. The word collagen is derived from the Greek word kolla, which means glue. By taking collagen supplements, you’re giving your body what it’s missing. Collagen specifically helps with the growth and quality of hair, skin, and nails. Personally, after taking the Absolute Collagen supplement for a month, I saw a dramatic difference.

Shaindy Oberlander, BS, INHC, a graduate from Mercy College and IIN, runs her functional medicine–based nutrition practice in Toms River, New Jersey, and virtually. Shaindy has tracks for teens, nursing and pregnant mothers, and women peri/post menopause, and tracks for women suffering from hormonal issues. She can be reached at 347.228.1198 or via her website at www.benefithealthprogram.com.

All Dilemmas Solved

Toras Hashem temimah meshivas nafesh. Quite literally, it was through the Torah that the Yidden’s neshamah was restored to their body, after having left it at the exalted moments of Hashem’s revelation. On a deeper level, commentators explain that Torah has the potent power to facilitate true menuchas hanefesh. While there are myriad ways to understand how the Torah is such a gift for our nefesh, here’s one angle.

What is the feeling all of us wish to feel, always? Simcha wins, hands down. There is no greater simcha, Metzudas Dovid in Mishlei (15:30) famously tells us, than the fraying, the eradication, of a safeik, an uncertainty. If I can’t decide what to do this summer and then something comes up that makes my decision certain, I experience a profound level of joy. As Yidden, we are privileged to have a source of guidance, the Torah, that clears up all of our uncertainties in life. It is the healing, wise, comforting manual written by the Master of the Universe and upon which the world was created that offers us explicit instructions regarding all areas of our existence, enabling us to live a life of unparalleled simcha. Ashreinu mah tov chelkeinu!

In addition to her work as a writer, teacher, and counselor, Mrs. Shiffy Friedman is the founding director of LAHAV, an initiative that spreads awareness about the pathways to connection, contentment, and inner peace through Torah. To receive her free thought-provoking messages on the topic or to learn more about LAHAV, please write to info@lahavinitiative.org.

Introducing Allergens

RD, CDN

While previous guidelines recommended waiting to introduce common food allergens, current recommendations are to introduce them before age one, as delaying exposure can actually increase the likelihood of developing an allergy. Common food allergens include eggs, cow’s milk, fish, sesame, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, and wheat. Introduce one allergen at a time so if a reaction occurs, you’ll know which food caused it. Serve small sizes for several days to ensure it’s well tolerated. You can then move on to the next allergen. Consider serving it in the morning so you can monitor your baby throughout the day and easily reach your doctor should you observe an allergic reaction. Once a food allergen is safely introduced, aim to offer it two to three times a week, as consistent exposure is beneficial in allergy prevention. If your baby has existing food allergies or severe eczema, talk to your pediatrician before introducing food allergens.

Perel Kahan, RD, CDN, is a Brooklyn-based pediatric registered dietitian and certified dietitian-nutritionist who practices and lives with an intuitive eating mindset. That means broccoli, whole grain sourdough, and chocolate chip cookies are in regular rotation at her house! She can be reached at kahanperel@gmail.com.

If you’re a health practitioner and would like to contribute to this column, please write to info@wellspringmagazine.com.