Reader story — Linda, the US. Health focus: thyroid health (Hashimoto's).
The lifelong battle of an autoimmune disease
Autoimmune diseases are chronic health conditions where your immune system attacks your body instead of defending it. Usually, your immune system detects foreign substances in the body, like viruses, and sends out white blood cells to destroy them before they can make you seriously unwell. But if you have an autoimmune disease, your body will mistakenly attack itself instead.
According to the National Health Council, over 50 million Americans suffer from an autoimmune disease. And sadly, for those diagnosed with one, you'll need to learn to manage the symptoms it causes for the rest of your life with medication and lifestyle changes.
There are more than 100 different autoimmune diseases, but some of the more common ones are Lupus, multiple sclerosis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, type 1 diabetes, and Celiac disease.
"They wanted to put me on another medication, and I just didn't want to do it. I didn't want to put more pharmaceuticals into my body." — Linda
I've been taking medication to help manage my thyroid and lupus condition for nearly 20 years now. And when the doctor told me he wanted to put me on another medication to help lower my high cholesterol, I just didn't want to put another pill into my body. Every time the blood results came back, the results always indicated the same thing — that I needed to start taking a higher dose of the medication to get my thyroid under control. And I'd just had enough.
It all started more than two decades ago. I was experiencing extreme fatigue, body aches and pains, and these debilitating headaches. I was really out of sorts, and just wanted answers. I was diagnosed with three autoimmune diseases: Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Celiac disease, and Lupus. At the time it was difficult to decipher which of the three autoimmune diseases was causing my symptoms, but nearly 20 years and 20 years of medication later, I've felt it's never really been under control. Every time I've had blood tests taken, the results have always indicated a higher dose of medication is needed.
The healing power of Manuka
A few months back, I was talking to an old friend from high school who had been using Manuka honey to help protect her against the common cold and COVID-19. She swore by it and said that every time she gets sick she takes it and experiences a faster recovery every single time. I was intrigued. I knew very little about Manuka honey, but what I did know was that I wanted to know more. I believe in the power of natural medicine and holistic health and will always seek a natural alternative before reaching for pharmaceutical medication.
After the conversation with my friend, I wanted to know more about Manuka honey as I hoped it could help clear my throat, so I went online and did some research. I initially purchased a high-grade UMF™ 24+ Manuka honey, but have since settled on UMF™ 20+. I add a heaped teaspoon of the 20+ Manuka honey to my oatmeal every morning, eat it with peanut butter, or sometimes I'll enjoy it directly from the spoon. I think it's delicious, and it tastes good with everything!
"I don't know what kind of magic is in this honey, but when I went to my doctor, he said he had to lower my thyroid medicine — and my cholesterol hasn't been this low in years!" — Linda
Not only did the Manuka help clear my throat, it had a huge effect on my blood results. I can't express my surprise when the doctor told me my latest round of bloods indicated that I needed to lower my current dose of thyroid medication. I still can't even believe it. For 20 years I have had to incrementally increase the dose — well, not anymore! I was so taken aback that I asked him if the results he was reading were definitely mine. I believe it's all down to taking Manuka honey for 4 months; it's the only thing I've changed in my diet, everything else is the same. I also had a round of blood work done for my 6-month check-up, and my doctor said my cholesterol, which had been high too, was the lowest it's been in years.
"It's a natural and delicious way to improve your health without pharmaceutical medications that come with a whole lot of side effects."
I'm not stopping the honey
I got COVID-19, but the case was so mild I hardly noticed I had it. And I think I have the Manuka honey to thank for that. I've also used the honey on burns, and I've found the wounds healed much faster. If there's anything I could say to someone who's suffering from a thyroid condition — just give Manuka honey a try. I certainly didn't expect these results, and am pleasantly surprised. Manuka honey is a natural and delicious way to improve your health without needing to take pharmaceutical medications that come with a whole lot of side effects. I'm truly thankful I decided to give Manuka honey a try, and I'm definitely not stopping anytime soon.
Could Manuka honey help your thyroid condition?
Linda had needed to incrementally increase her thyroid medication for nearly 20 years, which she found incredibly frustrating. But since adding Manuka honey to her daily diet, her doctor has informed her that she needs to decrease her dosage. If you're seeking a natural alternative to help your health concerns, Manuka honey could help.
Manuka honey is not recommended as a replacement for seeking professional medical help. If you're feeling unwell, please seek medical advice and always consult medical professionals in an emergency.
Names and some identifying details in this story have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.