Y'all Need Beans! - How to do the Bean Protocol to Heal Hashimoto's

* Before you get started, I want to be clear that I am not a doctor or a nutritionist. This blog post is not medical advice. I am simply sharing the protocol information that I am following myself.

​While I am sharing a lot with you to give you an idea of how to start the bean protocol, I still highly recommend Karen Hurd's Thyroid Course. She explains everything so thoroughly and you have access to her awesome brain and can ask her any question that comes to mind. She answers very quickly and in great detail. She's such an amazing resource. I'm really thankful for her and the Expanded Podcast where I found out about her.  

What is the Bean Protocol and how does it work? 

A little bit about my health journey.

I'm on week 7 of the Karen Hurd Bean Protocol for healing my thyroid (hypo). I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in 2015 and have been on the thyroid rollercoaster ever since, making small bits of progress but nothing all that sustained.  I've been on A LOT of protocols in the past (AIP, Paleo, Keto, Carnivore, Anti-candida, Meniere's Diet, Izabella Wentz, etc). I've tried a lot of modalities: chelation therapy, stem cells (from fat), EMDR, CBD, red light therapy, antibiotics, anti-fungals, massage (somatic, lymph, psoas, trigger point, reiki), positive thinking/journaling, affirmations, meditation, gratitude practice, breath-work, tapping, hormone replacement therapy (bioidentical pellets), lifestyle changes (avoid scents, avoid plastic, getting rid of toxic people, etc), supplements, a mountain of freaking supplements, and even more supplements, and finally, even a Kambo ceremony (I just couldn't do it).  I was really worried this would be another failed attempt at health and, although it's too soon to tell if I'll heal fully and get into remission, I JUST FEEL SO MUCH BETTER. And, that's more than I can say for almost any other protocol.

How much hair I lose every time I shampoo
Left: Before the bean protocol
Right: After 2 weeks on the bean protocol

How I've improved:

• My weight is down to 125 lbs (I'm 5'6.5) from 154 lbs and stable
• My hair is falling out WAY less
• My blood sugar is stable (happened the FIRST day!)
• I'm able to think more clearly
• My period regulated and cycles with the new moon now with almost no pain
• I'm pooping regularly (yes, easily and every day!) 
• My skin looks amazing! Earlier this year I had red and purple welts on my face everyday. I look normal again! And, my husband stares at me a lot telling me how amazing my skin looks

Never in a million flipping years did I think I would be eating beans again. So, I was worried, you know lectins, bloating, gas, carbs, etc. How do you even cook these things? And, the first two weeks of this protocol was VERY FARTY (consider a staycation or work from home). I often felt bloated and uncomfortable in my gut but, that has all gone away. There's still the daily toot but I can live with that as long as I'm healing. The bean protocol is a long term plan, it takes time to heal your body so I am committed to this way of life. 

With all that said, on to the info! ​

What to avoid on the Bean Protocol:

• Sugar (avoid anything sweeter than a carrot, that means no fruit)
• Artificial Sweeteners
• Caffeine (No chocolate, no Kombucha)
• All Teas (yes, even herbal)
• All perfumes and fragrances (THEY DISRUPT YOUR HORMONES)
• Cinnamon
• Soy
• ALL SUPPLEMENTS (except iodine)
• Dairy
• Alcohol

What to do/add on the Bean Protocol:

• Protein with every meal (eggs, beef, poultry, fish seafood, etc)
• Beans! 1/2 cup 3x a day
• Iodize salt (without fluoride, use this salt normally with each meal)
• Vegetables (only if you can digest them, corn and potatoes do not count as veggies)
• Water (this combats fatigue)
• Sleep (8 hours a night)

Important Details

• Continue taking your meds!
• Follow the NO list strictly
• To make thyroid hormones you need protein and iodine
• New thyroid cells are made every 3 months (mitosis), it can take several mitoses to heal. 
• For hypothyroidism it is ok to eat beans and fats together

I hope this helps answer any questions you have. I enjoy having simple lists like this when considering a new healing protocol. I hope you find what works best for you. And, if you want to rock some bean-wear, click on the images below to shop. I use referral links for these products, it costs you nothing but helps me a bit.