By Fredrica Syren:
A couple a years ago after the birth of my daughter, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s disease. It’s a chronic disorder that affects the thyroid, a part of the endocrine system, which produces hormones that coordinate many of the body’s activities. Two major responsibilities of the thyroid are digestion and the immune system. The immune system attacks the thyroid gland, resulting in inflammation, often leading to an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States.
By the time I was diagnosed, a very high level of antibodies were attacking my thyroid, and my symptoms were severe: hair loss, weight gain, 3 miscarriages, dry skin, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, insomnia and many more indicators. Before my diagnosis I had never heard of Hashimoto’s or thyroid problems. Because of this disease, I develop cysts very easily and throughout my life I had problems with them.
I’m a person who believes in healing myself as well as using Western medicine. A friend of mine who is a raw food chef, came to my rescue and began juicing — lots of juice. And they are green. So most days I drink green juices and green smoothies all morning and drinking lots during the afternoon. It’s great because I can make up smoothies and juices in the evening or morning and pour them into recycled glass jars for storage in the fridge. This way I have a busy mom’s dream, food on the go.
Green Juice: This will make about 2-3 pints of juice
- 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled
- 1 green apple
- 2 small lemons or limes, peeled
- 6 medium carrots
- 1 cucumber
- 6 celery stalks
- 4 green leaves such as kale, beets greens or collard greens
- 1 broccoli crown
Juice it all and keep cold to sip on throughout the day.
Green Smoothie:
- 2 cups coconut water
- ½ avocado
- 1 large green leaf such as kale, beet greens, spinach or collard greens
Place in a blender and puree for at least a minute to break down all the leafy fibers. This is sweet and creamy and perfect for the morning.
