Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month
The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck below your Adam’s apple, is responsible for producing hormones that regulate your heart, blood pressure, body temperature and weight. Some thyroid cancers are slow growing, while others are aggressive. Most, however, can be cured with treatment.
- Thyroid cancer can cause the following signs or symptoms:
- A lump in the neck
- Swelling in the neck
- Pain in the front of the neck
- Hoarseness or other voice changes that do not go away
- Trouble swallowing
- Trouble breathing
- A constant cough that is not due to a cold
Although it is not entirely clear what causes thyroid cancer, doctors do know that it occurs when cells in the thyroid undergo genetic changes and these mutations allow the cells to grow and multiply rapidly. The abnormal cells can spread and metastasize to other parts of the body.
Prevention:
Since doctors are unsure what exactly causes thyroid cancer, there’s no way to prevent it in people who prove to be at high risk for the disease. Although, there are a few preventative steps that can be taken which include thyroid surgery for adults and children with an inherited gene mutation, and medication which blocks the effects of radiation for those living by a nuclear power plant.
If you experience any of these symptoms, or have questions, find an Ephraim McDowell health care provider and schedule an appointment today. Read more
Food photography by Kenny Johnson; Food styling by Anne Fisher
Essential Thyroid Recipes
Dairy-free, gluten-free recipes that nourish your thyroid.
Makes six servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 to 30 minutes
Ingredients:
1 tbs. ghee or avocado oil
1 medium yellow or white onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb. lean ground grassfed beef
1½ tsp. sea salt
2 tbs. chili powder
1 tbs. ground cumin
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
1 14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes
1 15-oz. can tomato sauce
½ cup dry quinoa, rinsed
1 cup filtered water, plus more to thin, if desired
2 15-oz. cans kidney beans with no salt added, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen organic corn (optional)
Directions:
Heat ghee or oil over medium heat in a large heavy pot. Sauté the onion and garlic for three to four minutes, until onion is translucent.
Add the beef, salt, and spices. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break up beef into smaller pieces and continue to cook an additional three to four minutes, until browned.
Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, quinoa, water, beans, and optional corn. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The chili will thicken as it cooks; thin with additional water if desired. Serve with guacamole or other toppings, if desired.
Tip: The avocados in guacamole are a good source of healthy fats, which can help reduce inflammation and balance hormones.
Recipes excerpted with permission from The Essential Thyroid Cookbook by Lisa Markley and Jill Grunewald, published by Blue Wheel PressTM. Text © 2017 by Lisa Markley and Jill Grunewald. Food photography © 2016 by Kenny Johnson. For more recepies click here
- Supports thyroid gland function‡
- Promotes thyroid hormone production‡
- Made with hypoallergenic, vegetarian ingredients
Thyroid Support Complex is a blend of vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts to support optimal thyroid gland function. Thyroid Support Complex helps maintain healthy thyroid metabolism and thyroid hormone function.‡
Suggested Use: Take 2 capsules daily, with meals. GET IT HERE
National Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 to October 15 is celebrated nationwide as National Hispanic Heritage Month.
It traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. During this month and throughout the year, we, and our partners, share history, heritage, and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans of past and present.
Hispanic refers to a person who is from, or a descendant of someone who is from, a Spanish-speaking country.
Latino/a or Latinx refers to a person who is from, or a descendant of someone who is from, a country in Latin America.
Join the conversation on social media by sharing your own inspiration and learning more about Hispanic and Latino heritage by using #HispanicHeritageMonth and #FindYourPark / #EncuentraTuParque. Read more
As always, Empowered Healing leads to Empowered Health, resulting in an Empowered YOU!