Hashimoto’s, Flare-Ups, and Choosing Change

There are days when living with an autoimmune disease feels like a quiet background hum—manageable, predictable, almost forgettable.

And then there are flare-up days.

This most recent Hashimoto’s flare hit me like a freight train. The kind that doesn’t politely announce its arrival, but instead barrels straight through your lower back, your energy reserves, and your willpower.

When Your Body Turns the Volume All the Way Up

The back pain is relentless—deep, aching, and impossible to ignore. Sitting hurts. Standing hurts. Lying down somehow hurts more. Add in bone-deep fatigue (the kind sleep doesn’t touch), and suddenly simple tasks felt like marathon events.

This wasn’t just “I’m tired.” This was my body waving a giant neon sign that said:

Something has to change.

And honestly? I’m at the breaking point.

The Hard Truth About Autoimmune Living

Autoimmune diseases don’t ask permission. They don’t care about schedules, responsibilities, or plans. They demand attention—sometimes gently, sometimes aggressively.

I’ve learned that flares don’t happen in isolation. They’re often the result of inflammation quietly building over time, until the body finally says, enough.

So instead of pushing through (again), I’m choosing to listen.

Enter: The Anti-Inflammation Reset

This flare made one thing crystal clear: my body needs less inflammation and more support.

That means I’m officially embarking on a strict anti-inflammatory reset, including:

• 100% gluten-free (no “just a bite” exceptions)

• Eliminating dairy

• Cutting out added sugar, with only small amounts of natural sugars allowed

Is this glamorous? No. Is it convenient? Also no. Is it necessary? Absolutely.

This isn’t about restriction—it’s about relief.

Grieving Foods While Choosing Healing

Let’s be honest for a moment: changing your diet when you’re already exhausted feels unfair. There’s a little grief that comes with letting go of comfort foods, convenience meals, and sugar-fueled pick-me-ups.

But there’s also hope.

Hope that less inflammation means:

• Fewer pain-filled mornings

• More sustainable energy

• A calmer immune system

• And maybe—just maybe—a body that feels like it’s working with me again

Doing This Out Loud (Because None of Us Are Alone)

Autoimmune conditions can feel incredibly isolating. Everyone sees the outside. Very few understand what’s happening underneath.

So I’m choosing to do this journey out loud.

I want to share:

• The wins

• The setbacks

• The recipes that surprise me

• The days that are hard

• And the moments when something finally starts to feel better

If you’re living with Hashimoto’s—or any autoimmune condition—and you’re tired of pretending you’re fine… you’re not alone.

Come Walk This Path With Me

This is me choosing change over burnout. Healing over hustle. Listening over pushing.

If you’re curious about managing autoimmune flare-ups, reducing inflammation, or simply feeling less alone in your health journey, I invite you to join me.

Let’s learn together. Let’s heal imperfectly. Let’s support our bodies the way they’ve been begging us to.

And if nothing else—let’s remind each other that choosing yourself is never the wrong decision.

Here’s to fewer flares, gentler days, and doing the best we can—one meal, one choice, one moment at a time. ✨