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WARNING: These Medications and Supplements Can Turn Dangerous with Grapefruit Juice!

Grapefruit juice might seem harmless, but it can dangerously interact with certain medications and supplements. It inhibits CYP3A4, an enzyme that helps metabolize drugs in the liver and intestines. When this enzyme is blocked, drug levels can skyrocket in the bloodstream, leading to serious side effects.

If you take any of the medications or supplements listed below, avoid grapefruit juice or speak with your healthcare provider.

Medications to Avoid with Grapefruit Juice

Cholesterol Lowering Medications

These statins can reach toxic levels, increasing the risk of muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) and kidney failure.

  • Lipitor (Atorvastatin)
  • Zocor (Simvastatin)
  • Crestor (Rosuvastatin) (less affected but still should be avoided)

Calcium Channel Blockers (Risk: Low Blood Pressure and Dizziness)

These blood pressure medications can become too potent, leading to dangerously low blood pressure and fainting.

  • Norvasc (Amlodipine)
  • Procardia, Adalat (Nifedipine)
  • Plendil (Felodipine)

Blood Thinners (Risk: Excessive Bleeding or Clotting Issues)

Some blood thinners can become too strong, increasing the risk of internal bleeding, while others may become less effective, raising clotting risks.

  • Plavix (Clopidogrel) (Grapefruit juice reduces activation, making it less effective at preventing blood clots.)
  • Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) (Grapefruit juice increases drug levels, raising bleeding risks.)
  • Eliquis (Apixaban) (Same as above—risk of hemorrhage.)

Benzodiazepines (Risk: Extreme Drowsiness and Respiratory Depression)

These anxiety and sleep medications can accumulate in the body, leading to excessive sedation and breathing problems.

  • Xanax (Alprazolam)
  • Valium (Diazepam)
  • Halcion (Triazolam)

PS… If you are currently using a benzodiazepine for anxiety or stress and want to explore a supplement that helps reduce stress- check out our Chill Pills below. They are formulated with Rhodiola, Magnesium Bisglycinate, L-Theanine, and Passionflower- helping you feel your absolute best!

Antidepressants and Anxiety Medications (Risk: Serotonin Syndrome and Dizziness)

Taking grapefruit juice with these medications can lead to dangerously high serotonin levels and intensified side effects.

  • Zoloft (Sertraline)
  • Buspar (Buspirone)

Immunosuppressants (Risk: Kidney and Liver Damage)

These medications prevent organ rejection after transplants, but grapefruit juice can make them toxic.

  • Neoral, Sandimmune (Ciclosporin)
  • Prograf (Tacrolimus)

Erectile Dysfunction Drugs (Risk: Dangerously Low Blood Pressure)

These drugs already lower blood pressure—grapefruit juice can make it drop too much, leading to fainting.

  • Viagra (Sildenafil)
  • Cialis (Tadalafil)

Anti-Seizure Medication (Risk: Toxicity and Neurological Side Effects)

Grapefruit juice can cause this drug to accumulate to toxic levels, increasing side effects.

  • Tegretol (Carbamazepine)

Antihistamines (Risk: Reduced Effectiveness)

Grapefruit juice prevents proper absorption, making these medications less effective.

  • Allegra (Fexofenadine)

Gout Medication (Risk: Organ Damage and Toxicity)

Grapefruit juice increases drug levels, leading to toxicity and severe side effects like nausea and organ damage.

  • Colcrys, Mitigare (Colchicine)

Supplements to Avoid with Grapefruit Juice

St. John’s Wort

  • Alters CYP3A4 enzyme activity, causing unpredictable drug interactions.

Melatonin

  • Increases melatonin levels, leading to excessive drowsiness.

CBD Oil

  • Slows metabolism of certain drugs, increasing their potency and side effects.

Should You Avoid Grapefruit Juice?

If you take any of these medications or supplements, it’s safest to avoid grapefruit juice entirely. It can either amplify drug effects, making them dangerous, or reduce effectiveness, making them useless!

Histamine Intolerance: The Hidden Cause of Your Mysterious Symptoms (And How to Fix It Naturally)

What Is Histamine Intolerance?

Histamine is a natural molecule involved in allergies, digestion, and brain function. Histamine intolerance occurs when the body accumulates too much histamine and cannot break it down efficiently, leading to symptoms like hives, migraines, gut issues, and congestion.

The body relies on two enzymes to clear histamine:

  • Diamine Oxidase (DAO) – Breaks down histamine in the gut
  • Histamine N-Methyltransferase (HNMT) – Breaks down histamine in cells

When these enzymes do not function properly, histamine builds up, causing symptoms.

Common Causes of Histamine Intolerance

1. Gut Issues (Leaky Gut, SIBO)

-A damaged gut lining reduces DAO enzyme production, making histamine harder to break down.
Symptoms: Bloating, acid reflux, IBS-like issues.

2. Chronic Stress & High Cortisol

-Stress triggers mast cells to release histamine, increasing symptoms.

-Rhodiola is an adaptogen in our Chill Pills that helps regulate the body’s stress response by balancing cortisol levels. By lowering cortisol, it reduces the activation of mast cells, which release histamine and contribute to symptoms like anxiety and allergic reactions. Rhodiola also supports neurotransmitter balance, promoting a sense of calm and improving resilience to stress. This makes it beneficial for individuals with histamine intolerance who experience heightened symptoms due to chronic stress.

3. Nutrient Deficiencies (B6, Magnesium, Copper)

-These nutrients support histamine breakdown. Low levels can impair enzyme function.
Symptoms: Fatigue, muscle twitches, histamine flares before periods.

4. Hormonal Imbalances (Estrogen Dominance)

-Estrogen increases histamine release and reduces DAO enzyme activity.
Symptoms: Worsening PMS, headaches before periods.

5. High-Histamine Diet

-Foods like aged cheese, wine, and fermented foods increase histamine levels.
Symptoms: Symptoms worsen after eating high-histamine foods.

Signs of Histamine Intolerance

Headaches & Migraines – Histamine dilates blood vessels, triggering migraines.

Itchy Skin & Hives – Excess histamine causes skin reactions.

Digestive Issues – Histamine increases stomach acid, leading to bloating and reflux.

Best Supplements for Histamine Balance

DAO Enzyme – Helps break down histamine from food. Take before high-histamine meals. Typically the dose is 4,000-20,000 HDU, taken 10-15 minutes before consuming high-histamine meals. This enzyme does not reduce overall levels in the body but helps break down histamine from food.

Quercetin & Vitamin C – Stabilizes mast cells, reducing histamine release. Quercetin is 500-1000 mg per day, and Vitamin C is 500-2000 mg per day. Take these with meals- quercetin is best absorbed with fat.

Magnesium & B6 – Supports histamine metabolism and prevents excess release. Use between 200-400 mg magnesium glycinate per evening. Use 25-50 mg of Vitamin B6 per day. I do want to note that when it comes to Vitamin B6, doses up to 50 mg daily are generally well-tolerated for histamine metabolism. However, anything higher than that may lead to neuropathy with long term use. So before starting B6, always ask your doctor what he or she thinks is right for you- whether that is your western doctor or functional medicine doctor.

Quick Hacks to Reduce Histamine Symptoms

Avoid high-histamine foods – Aged cheese, wine, vinegar, fermented foods.

Take Quercetin (500 mg) before high-histamine meals – Blocks histamine release.

Check for gut imbalances (SIBO, dysbiosis) – A damaged gut reduces DAO enzyme production.

My Final Thoughts:

Histamine intolerance is linked to gut health, stress, hormones, and diet. Addressing the root causes, using targeted supplements, and adjusting your diet can help naturally rebalance histamine levels and improve symptoms.

PCOS Game-Changers: The Best Supplements to Balance Hormones, Boost Metabolism, and Clear Your Skin!

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal disorder that affects millions of women worldwide. While symptoms vary, the most common issues include insulin resistance, high androgen levels, and chronic inflammation, all of which can contribute to weight gain, acne, hair loss, and irregular periods.

Managing PCOS requires a holistic approach, including diet, exercise, and strategic supplementation. Below, we’ll dive into how PCOS affects the body and the best supplements to help support hormone balance and overall health.

How PCOS Affects the Body

Insulin Resistance

Many women with PCOS experience insulin resistance, meaning their bodies struggle to process blood sugar effectively. This can lead to weight gain, increased testosterone levels, and irregular menstrual cycles.

High Androgens (Testosterone & DHT)

Excess androgens, including testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are a hallmark of PCOS. High levels of these hormones contribute to symptoms like acne, facial hair growth, and hair thinning.

Chronic Inflammation

PCOS is often associated with low-grade inflammation, which worsens metabolic issues and disrupts hormone balance. Addressing inflammation is key to improving symptoms and overall well-being.

Best Supplements for PCOS

Myo-Inositol (4:1 Ratio with D-Chiro-Inositol)

Use the code WELLNESSPHARM for free shipping.

Myo-inositol is one of the most well-researched supplements for PCOS. A 4:1 ratio with D-chiro-inositol has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, restore ovulation, and support overall hormonal balance.

How to use it: Put 1 scoop of Fleur Inositol in your water or daily beverage. It doesn’t taste like anything, it is naturally sweet so I love including it in my matcha!

Berberine

Use the code WELLNESSPHARM for free shipping.

Often compared to Metformin, berberine is a natural compound that helps regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin resistance. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great option for those with metabolic dysfunction.

How to use it: Take 2 capsules of Fleur Berberine daily before your biggest meal of the day.

Spearmint Tea (2 Cups Daily)

Spearmint tea is a simple yet effective way to lower androgen levels. Drinking two cups per day has been shown to reduce testosterone levels and help manage symptoms like facial hair growth. When I had high testosterone levels, I was using the Traditional Medicinals tea brand but honestly any brand will do as long as you know it is coming from the brand directly and is not being re-sold on amazon or something!

How to use it: Drink two cups of Spearmint tea daily. If it is caffeinated, try to not consume before bed (but most of them are not).

Zinc (15-30mg Daily)

How to use it: Take zinc WITH a meal anytime.

Omega-3s (EPA/DHA)

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, have strong anti-inflammatory effects. They help regulate hormone production, reduce insulin resistance, and support overall metabolic health.

How to use it: Take fish oil with food preferably in the morning for best absorption.

Can you take all of these together?

It’s always important to ask your doctor before using supplements or starting a new supplement regimen. However, in general, it is safe to use these supplements together- there are no interactions. If you are currently using medication, you must ask a trusted healthcare professional before starting new supplements, as this is not medical advice.

Final Thoughts!!

PCOS is said to be a lifelong condition, but with the right approach, it can be managed effectively and totally controlled. Supplements like myo-inositol, berberine, and omega-3s, combined with strategic lifestyle changes, can make a significant difference in hormone balance, metabolic health, and overall well-being.

If you’re navigating PCOS, focusing on sustainable habits and evidence-backed interventions will help you feel your best and take control of your health.

8 Morning Essentials for Balanced Hormones (Backed by Science but Easy to Understand!)

If your hormones feel all over the place—hello, mood swings, fatigue, bloating, brain fog, and cravings—it might be time to change the way you start your morning. Your body runs on a delicate balance of hormones, and what you do in the first few hours of your day can make or break that balance.

Let’s break down 8 essential morning habits that support women’s hormones, in a way that actually makes sense. 👇

1. Hydrate Before Anything Else

What Happens in Your Body:

  • When you wake up, you’re dehydrated because you haven’t had water all night.
  • Dehydration increases stress hormones (cortisol and aldosterone), which can make you feel tired, bloated, and foggy.
  • Drinking water first thing helps your body flush out toxins, wake up your metabolism, and keep stress hormones in check.

Why Women Need This for Hormone Balance:

  • Helps convert thyroid hormones (T4 to T3) for better energy and metabolism.
  • Prevents dehydration-related PMS symptoms like headaches, cramps, and fatigue.
  • Supports clear skin and better digestion.

What to Do: Drink at least 16 oz of water before coffee—bonus points if you add electrolytes.

2. Wait at Least 60 Minutes Before Coffee

What Happens in Your Body:

  • Your body naturally has a morning cortisol spike, which helps you wake up.
  • Drinking coffee too early overstimulates cortisol, which can make you feel jittery, anxious, and crash later.
  • Over time, this can mess with your metabolism, blood sugar, and hormone balance, especially if you have PCOS or thyroid issues.

Why Women Need This for Hormone Balance:

  • Keeps cortisol in check, so you don’t feel stressed and exhausted by noon.
  • Reduces blood sugar crashes, which prevents PMS, cravings, and fatigue.
  • Supports healthy estrogen and progesterone levels.

What to Do: Drink water and eat something first, then have coffee after 60 minutes.

3. Don’t Work Out on an Empty Stomach

What Happens in Your Body:

  • Working out with zero food in your system increases stress hormones (cortisol and adrenaline), which can lead to muscle loss and blood sugar crashes.
  • Women’s bodies are more sensitive to fasting, meaning fasted workouts can mess with your cycle, metabolism, and energy.

Why Women Need This for Hormone Balance:

  • Keeps cortisol from spiking, which helps maintain a healthy cycle.
  • Protects lean muscle mass, which is key for metabolism and insulin balance.
  • Supports thyroid health, preventing energy crashes.

What to Do: Eat something small before a workout (banana and nut butter, eggs, protein smoothie) and hydrate with electrolytes.

4. Ice Your Face and Use Gua Sha

What Happens in Your Body:

  • Icing your face reduces puffiness and inflammation by boosting circulation and draining excess fluid.
  • Gua sha helps detox excess hormones like estrogen by moving your lymphatic system.

Why Women Need This for Hormone Balance:

  • Helps clear out extra estrogen, reducing bloating and PMS.
  • Improves thyroid hormone function, boosting metabolism.
  • Gives you glowing, de-puffed skin.

What to Do: Ice your face for 30 seconds and use gua sha with light pressure.

5. Get Morning Sunlight

What Happens in Your Body:

  • Morning sunlight regulates your internal clock, balancing cortisol and melatonin.
  • This sets the tone for better sleep, energy, and hormone function throughout the day.

Why Women Need This for Hormone Balance:

  • Keeps cortisol steady and balanced instead of spiking randomly.
  • Helps boost dopamine and serotonin, which improves mood and focus.
  • Supports healthy progesterone and estrogen cycles.

What to Do: Get 10 minutes of sunlight within an hour of waking up, no sunglasses.

6. Five Minutes of Mindfulness

What Happens in Your Body:

  • Stress increases cortisol, which can throw off progesterone, estrogen, and blood sugar.
  • Even five minutes of deep breathing or meditation can lower stress hormones and balance mood.

Why Women Need This for Hormone Balance:

  • Helps increase progesterone, which calms anxiety and improves sleep.
  • Supports adrenal health, preventing burnout and fatigue.
  • Reduces PMS and hormone-related mood swings.

What to Do: Try a five-minute guided meditation on YouTube or take ten deep breaths.

7. Take Supplements That Support Hormones

What you will take depends on your needs. Here is why I like to use Chill Pills and Focus Pills in particular, as someone who wants to support her hormone health.

Chill Pills (Iris Supplements) – Stress and Cortisol Support

Contains: L-Theanine, Magnesium Glycinate, Rhodiola Rosea

Why Women Need This for Hormone Balance:

  • L-Theanine calms the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety.
  • Magnesium Glycinate helps with PMS, sleep, and progesterone production.
  • Rhodiola keeps cortisol steady, preventing burnout.

What to Do: Take two Chill Pills in the morning to keep stress in check.

Focus Pills (Iris Supplements) – Brain and Hormone Support

Contains: Bacopa Monnieri, Huperzine A

Why Women Need This for Hormone Balance:

  • Bacopa Monnieri improves memory, focus, and mood.
  • Huperzine A supports dopamine levels, which helps with brain fog and motivation.

What to Do: Take two Focus Pills in the morning for mental clarity and balanced hormones.

8. Limit Coffee to One Cup

What Happens in Your Body:

  • Too much caffeine overworks your adrenal glands, increasing cortisol and insulin resistance.
  • It also depletes magnesium and B vitamins, which you need for progesterone and estrogen balance.

Why Women Need This for Hormone Balance:

  • Keeps cortisol from spiking too high, preventing anxiety and crashes.
  • Helps support progesterone, which keeps your cycle regular.
  • Prevents blood sugar imbalances that trigger cravings.

What to Do: Stick to one cup and drink it with food, not on an empty stomach.

Your hormones control everything—energy, mood, metabolism, skin, and more.

These eight simple morning habits will set you up for success, keeping your hormones happy and balanced all day long.

Start today and watch your energy, mood, and body transform! Xx

The Proper Way for Women to Do Intermittent Fasting: Why Circadian Fasting is Better

Intermittent fasting can be beneficial, but for women, it is not as simple as it is for men. Women’s hormones—especially estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol—are highly sensitive to fasting. If done incorrectly, fasting can actually backfire, leading to irregular periods, fatigue, metabolic slowdowns, and increased stress on the body.

The key to making fasting work for women is syncing fasting with the menstrual cycle and following circadian fasting rather than extreme fasting schedules.

Why Women Need to Fast Differently Than Men

Fasting Impacts the HPA Axis (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis)

The HPA axis controls stress, metabolism, and reproductive function. When fasting is too long or too frequent, the body perceives it as a stressor. This triggers the release of cortisol, a stress hormone, which can disrupt estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid function.

Unlike men, women’s bodies are more sensitive to stressors because they are biologically designed to prioritize survival and reproduction. If the body senses a food scarcity due to fasting, it may reduce progesterone production and slow down metabolism. Over time, this can lead to irregular cycles, worsened PMS, increased cravings, and difficulties with weight management.

Blood Sugar and Insulin Sensitivity Change Throughout the Menstrual Cycle

Women experience natural fluctuations in insulin sensitivity due to hormonal shifts throughout their menstrual cycle. The body’s ability to regulate blood sugar is different at various points in the cycle.

During the follicular phase, estrogen is rising, and insulin sensitivity is better. Women may tolerate fasting well during this time. However, in the luteal phase, when progesterone is dominant, blood sugar regulation becomes more challenging. Longer fasting windows during this phase can lead to blood sugar crashes, increased cravings, and heightened cortisol levels.

Because of these changes, women benefit from adjusting fasting windows throughout their cycle rather than following a strict fasting schedule every day.

The Best Way for Women to Fast: Syncing with the Menstrual Cycle

If a woman knows where she is in her menstrual cycle, she can adjust fasting to support hormonal balance.

Follicular Phase (Days 1-14, Starting from the First Day of the Period) – Best Time to Fast

During this phase, estrogen levels are rising, and insulin sensitivity is higher. This is the best time for a woman to experiment with fasting if she chooses to do so. Women can generally tolerate fasting better in this phase without negative effects on hormones.

Recommended fasting approach: A 12 to 14-hour fast may be beneficial, such as eating from 8 AM to 8 PM and fasting overnight.

Ovulation Phase (Mid-Cycle) – Energy is High, but Don’t Overdo It

During ovulation, estrogen peaks, metabolism is high, and energy levels are strong. Women may tolerate fasting well, but this is not the time to push longer fasts aggressively.

Recommended fasting approach: A 12 to 14-hour fast is still reasonable but should not be extended further to avoid unnecessary stress on the body.

Luteal Phase (Days 15-28, Before the Period) – Avoid Long Fasts

Progesterone is dominant in the luteal phase, metabolism speeds up, and blood sugar regulation becomes more challenging. Women may feel increased cravings and hunger during this time, which is normal and necessary for hormone balance. Extended fasting can put additional stress on the body, leading to more cravings, mood swings, and energy crashes.

Recommended fasting approach: Women should focus on balanced, consistent meals rather than fasting. It is better to avoid long fasting windows and instead eat regular meals to support progesterone production and maintain steady energy levels.

If fasting is continued during this phase, it should be reduced to a shorter 10 to 12-hour fast.

Key Takeaway:

If a woman chooses to fast, it is best to do so during the first half of the cycle (follicular and ovulation phases). The week before the period (luteal phase) is the worst time for fasting, as the body needs steady nourishment to support progesterone and blood sugar stability.

Why Circadian Fasting is the Best Approach for Women

If a woman does not track her menstrual cycle, has irregular periods, or is on birth control, it may be difficult to determine which phase she is in. In these cases, circadian fasting is the safest and most effective approach.

What is Circadian Fasting?

Circadian fasting aligns eating patterns with the body’s natural biological clock. Instead of extreme fasting windows, circadian fasting prioritizes eating during daylight hours and fasting overnight.

This approach works with the body’s natural rhythm, supporting digestion, metabolism, and hormone production without putting excess stress on the system.

Why Circadian Fasting is Better for Hormones

  • Supports cortisol regulation by preventing unnecessary morning cortisol spikes.
  • Balances blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of insulin resistance.
  • Prevents thyroid suppression, which can occur with long fasting windows.
  • Reduces stress on the body, allowing for more consistent energy levels and hormone function.

How to Do Circadian Fasting Correctly

Keep Fasting Windows Between 12 to 14 Hours Max

A natural fasting window of 12 to 14 hours overnight is ideal for hormone balance. An example would be eating from 8 AM to 8 PM and fasting overnight.

Longer fasts (16+ hours daily) can be too extreme for women’s hormonal balance, leading to increased cortisol and disrupted menstrual cycles.

Eat Within 30 to 60 Minutes of Waking

Skipping breakfast raises cortisol levels and disrupts blood sugar regulation. Eating early in the day supports a more stable energy balance throughout the day.

The best breakfast includes protein, healthy fats, and fiber to keep blood sugar steady. Examples include eggs with avocado and whole grain toast or a smoothie with protein, nut butter, and greens.

Stop Eating 2 to 3 Hours Before Bed

The body’s metabolism naturally slows down in the evening. Eating too late at night can disrupt melatonin production, which affects sleep quality, and interfere with insulin function.

A final meal by 7 PM or 8 PM supports digestion, improves sleep, and promotes balanced hormone function.

What If You Don’t Know What Part of Your Cycle You’re In?

If a woman has irregular periods, is on birth control, or does not track her cycle, the best approach is to follow circadian fasting rather than trying to sync with menstrual phases.

  • Fast for 12 to 14 hours max overnight (example: 8 PM to 8 AM).
  • Prioritize eating early in the day to support cortisol balance.
  • Avoid long fasts before the expected period if symptoms like cravings, fatigue, or mood swings appear.

The Best Fasting Approach for Women

  • Sync fasting with the menstrual cycle: Fast during the follicular phase, avoid fasting before the period.
  • Follow circadian fasting: Eat earlier in the day, stop eating 2 to 3 hours before bed.
  • Avoid extreme fasting (16+ hours daily): It can disrupt progesterone, thyroid function, and metabolism.
  • Prioritize hormone-friendly meals: Always eat within 60 minutes of waking, and include protein and healthy fats to maintain blood sugar balance.

Women’s bodies thrive on balance, not extremes. Instead of following rigid fasting schedules, it is best to follow a natural rhythm that supports hormone health rather than working against it.

By making these adjustments, women can benefit from fasting without sacrificing their hormonal health, energy levels, or metabolism.

Not Getting Better? It Might Be Your Nervous System.

You’re doing everything right—eating clean, taking the right supplements, getting enough sleep—but your body still isn’t healing the way it should. The missing piece? Your nervous system.

Most people focus on physical health without realizing that true healing isn’t just about what you eat or which supplements you take. If your nervous system is constantly in fight-or-flight mode, your body will struggle to repair itself no matter how many things you do “right.” Chronic stress, past trauma, overstimulation, and even overtraining can keep your nervous system stuck in a dysregulated state. When that happens, healing takes a back seat because your body is too busy just trying to survive.

Are you living… or surviving?

Think of it like this—if your body thinks it’s in danger, its priority isn’t digestion, immune function, or cellular repair. It’s survival. That means stress hormones stay elevated, inflammation lingers, digestion slows, and your body can’t properly absorb nutrients or fight off infections. You might notice symptoms like bloating, fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, and recurring sickness. You may feel like your body is working against you when, in reality, it’s trying to protect you from a threat that no longer exists.

The key to unlocking healing is getting your nervous system out of this constant stress response and into a parasympathetic state—also known as rest and digest. When your body feels safe, it can finally do what it’s designed to do: repair, recover, and thrive.

How to regulate your nervous system:

Adaptogens like Rhodiola– Adaptogens help your body adapt to stress rather than being ruled by it. Adaptogens like Rhodiola, Ashwagandha, or Holy Basil work to balance cortisol, lower stress, and bring your nervous system back to a state of regulation. Unlike stimulants or sedatives, adaptogens don’t force your body into an artificial state—they help it naturally find balance. Chill Pills contains Rhodiola, an adaptogen that uplifts your body & lowers cortisol- your stress hormone.

Cold Exposure – Your vagus nerve plays a huge role in nervous system regulation, and one of the easiest ways to stimulate it is through cold exposure. Applying ice to the back of your neck or splashing cold water on your face can immediately shift you out of fight-or-flight and into a calmer state. Cold plunges or even short cold showers help build long-term resilience, training your nervous system to better handle stress over time. I personally LOVE to do this in the morning time. I wake up and grab an ice cube from the freezer, put it on my face and on the back of my neck. It depuffs you and calms you!

Meditation & Breathwork – Your breath is one of the fastest ways to tell your nervous system that you’re safe. When you take slow, deep belly breaths, you activate the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress hormones and lowering heart rate. Meditation, even for just a few minutes a day, helps train your brain to stay in the present moment instead of being in a constant state of hypervigilance. So… how do you do it? Well, I love listening to binaural or meditative beats on Youtube. You can start with a 5 minute guided meditation you find on Youtube and then work your way up from there!

Swimming or Floating – Water has a powerful calming effect on the nervous system. Being submerged in water, especially cool or cold water, stimulates the vagus nerve and helps regulate stress hormones. Floating in a pool, taking a bath, or even just spending time near water can have a deeply grounding effect. Water is so powerful- our bodies are entirely made up of water. Try to immerse yourself more in water and connect with yourself. I personally love to sit in a jacuzzi, or in the bath and just relax.

Daily Movement (Without Overtraining) – Movement is crucial for nervous system regulation, but the key is not overdoing it. High-intensity workouts can actually spike cortisol and keep your body in fight-or-flight if you’re already in a stressed state. Gentle movement like walking, yoga, and stretching helps discharge stored stress, allowing your nervous system to reset. Strength training and more intense workouts are great when balanced correctly, but if you’re feeling burned out, sometimes less is more. I love to do hot yoga, mat pilates, and reformer pilates. Walking is also calming- especially if you are listening to a podcast or your favorite music.

You’ve got this.

If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of burnout, chronic stress, or slow healing, focusing on your nervous system might be the missing piece. Healing isn’t just about what you put in your body—it’s about the signals you send to it every single day. When you prioritize nervous system regulation, everything else falls into place. Your digestion improves, inflammation goes down, and your body finally gets the chance to restore itself. Healing doesn’t happen when you’re running on empty. It happens when your body feels safe.

Ashwagandha & Thyroid Health: The Truth About Using Adaptogens for Hypo & Hyperthyroidism

So… What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body regulate stress, balance hormones, and support overall endocrine function. It has been widely studied for its effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and its ability to enhance thyroid function. However, while it can be beneficial for some thyroid conditions, it should not be used universally—especially in cases of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).

Ashwagandha & Hypothyroidism: Can It Help? The Science: How Ashwagandha Affects Thyroid Hyormones:

Ashwagandha is one of the few herbs shown to directly stimulate thyroid hormone production. Studies indicate that it can increase levels of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), which are essential for proper metabolic function. A 2018 double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that taking 600 mg of Ashwagandha daily for 8 weeks significantly improved TSH, T3, and T4 levels in individuals with subclinical hypothyroidism—a mild form of hypothyroidism where TSH is slightly elevated, but T3/T4 remain normal. Source: (Sharma et al., 2018)

Why It’s Beneficial for Hypothyroidism:

  • Stimulates thyroid hormone production → Increases T3 & T4 levels naturally.
  • Reduces cortisol → Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which suppresses thyroid function. Ashwagandha helps regulate this.
  • Supports energy & metabolism → Helps combat fatigue, which is common in hypothyroidism.

Can Ashwagandha Be Used for Clinical Hypothyroidism?

Yes, but as a support—not a replacement for thyroid medication (e.g., levothyroxine). Monitor thyroid levels regularly if using Ashwagandha with medication, as it may enhance hormone production and require dosage adjustments. It may be beneficial for Hashimoto’s (autoimmune hypothyroidism) in some cases, but should be used with caution, as it can stimulate immune activity.

Why Ashwagandha is NOT Recommended for Hyperthyroidism:

Hyperthyroidism is characterized by excess thyroid hormone production, often caused by Graves’ disease (an autoimmune disorder). Since Ashwagandha stimulates thyroid activity, it can make symptoms worse.

Potential Risks for Hyperthyroidism:

  • Can further elevate T3 & T4 → May worsen symptoms like rapid heartbeat, anxiety, and weight loss.
  • Can overstimulate the immune system → Potentially harmful for Graves’ disease.
  • May cause heart palpitations → Due to its metabolic-stimulating effects.

Because hyperthyroidism already leads to excess thyroid hormones, increasing them further can be dangerous. Therefore, Ashwagandha should NOT be used in hyperthyroidism. Source: (Bennett et al., 2016)

Rhodiola Rosea: A Different Adaptogen for Stress & Thyroid Balance

Rhodiola rosea is another powerful adaptogen that primarily supports stress resilience and adrenal function. Unlike Ashwagandha, Rhodiola does not directly stimulate thyroid hormone production, making it a safer option for a wider range of thyroid conditions.

When Rhodiola Can Be Used:

  • Hypothyroidism & Adrenal Fatigue → Helps combat fatigue, brain fog, and stress-related burnout.
  • Subclinical Hypothyroidism → Supports energy metabolism without directly increasing thyroid hormones.
  • Mild Stress-Induced Hyperthyroidism → May help regulate the stress response without overstimulating the thyroid.

When Rhodiola Should Be Used with Caution:

  • Severe Hyperthyroidism (Graves’ Disease) → Although it doesn’t directly increase thyroid hormones, it can increase energy and metabolism, which may worsen symptoms in some cases. It might be able to work with you, but be sure to ask your doctor before using it.

So… What’s A Better Alternative?

Chill Pills contain a blend of Rhodiola, L-Theanine, Magnesium, and Passionflower, all of which support stress management, nervous system health, and adrenal balance—without directly stimulating the thyroid.

Why They Can Be Beneficial for Thyroid Health:

L-Theanine boosts GABA levels, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, which is important for both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Magnesium supports nerve function and muscle relaxation, which can help with thyroid-related fatigue and stress. Passionflower calms the nervous system and supports sleep, which is crucial for thyroid balance. Rhodiola, when taken in moderate doses, supports energy levels without directly increasing thyroid hormone production.

Who Can Safely Use Chill Pills?

People with hypothyroidism can benefit from Chill Pills as they support stress resilience and nervous system balance. Those with mild hyperthyroidism, as long as it is not caused by Graves’ disease, may also find relief from stress-related symptoms, provided they do not experience overstimulation from Rhodiola. As always, space out ANY supplement from your Levothyroxine by at least 3 hours.

Who Should Be Cautious?

Individuals with severe hyperthyroidism, particularly those with Graves’ disease, should be cautious, as Rhodiola can be stimulating and may not be ideal for those with excessive thyroid hormone levels.

Medical Backing:

Adaptogens like Rhodiola and L-Theanine are clinically studied for their effects on stress reduction and nervous system regulation, making Chill Pills a science-backed solution for managing stress and thyroid-related fatigue. Source: Lopresti et al., 2019.

In Summary…

Ashwagandha can be beneficial for hypothyroidism, especially in subclinical cases, but should be used with caution in clinical hypothyroidism. It is not recommended for hyperthyroidism, as it can overstimulate thyroid hormone production. Rhodiola is a more neutral adaptogen that can support both hypothyroidism and mild hyperthyroidism but should be used cautiously in severe hyperthyroid cases. Thyroid medications like levothyroxine should always be spaced apart from any supplements, including adaptogens and minerals like magnesium, to avoid absorption issues.

Chill Pills can be a supportive option for thyroid-related stress and fatigue, provided there is no severe hyperthyroidism present! 🙂