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Hashimoto

Hashimoto’s, Autoimmunity, and Your Thyroid

Written by Dave Van Der Laan on . Posted in Patient Education.

Hashimoto’s disease is one of the most common thyroid problems. It affects many people, especially women. In this blog post, we will explore Hashimoto’s, how it connects to autoimmunity, and what it means for your thyroid health.

What is Hashimoto’s Disease?

Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder. This means your immune system mistakenly attacks a part or parts your own body. In Hashimoto’s, the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a small gland in your neck that controls many important functions in your body.

Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Disease

People with Hashimoto’s may experience a variety of symptoms, including:

  • Fatigue
  • Weight gain
  • Cold intolerance
  • Dry skin
  • Hair loss
  • Muscle weakness
  • Depression
  • Constipation

If you notice these symptoms, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider.

How Autoimmunity Affects Your Thyroid

In autoimmunity, the body sees its own cells as threats. In the case of Hashimoto’s, the thyroid cells are attacked. This can lead to hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones. Hormones from the thyroid are crucial for:

  • Metabolism
  • Energy levels
  • Body temperature
  • Heart rate
  • Mood regulation

Why Does Autoimmunity Happen?

The exact cause of Hashimoto’s disease is still unclear. However, several factors may contribute:

  • Genetics: A family history of autoimmune diseases can increase risk.
  • Hormones: Hormonal changes, especially in women, can trigger Hashimoto’s.
  • Environment: Factors like stress, infections, and toxins can also play a role.

Diagnosing Hashimoto’s Disease

To diagnose Hashimoto’s, doctors may perform several tests, including:

  • Blood Tests: Checking for thyroid hormones (TSH, total and free T3, total and free T4, reverse T3) and antibodies (anti-TPO and antithyroglobulin antibodies).
  • Physical Exam: Looking for swelling in the thyroid (goiter) and other symptoms.

If diagnosed, it’s crucial to start a treatment plan to know if autoimmunity is driving the disease process..

Managing Hashimoto’s Disease

While there is no cure for Hashimoto’s, it can be managed effectively. Here are some ways to help:

1. Medication

Providers often prescribe thyroid hormone replacement therapy. This helps restore hormone levels and alleviate symptoms, but does not address the underlying autoimmunity.

2. Diet and Nutrition

Eating a balanced diet can support thyroid health. Consider:

  • Whole Foods: Focus on fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins..
  • Avoid Processed Foods: These can cause inflammation and worsen symptoms.
  • Consider Supplements: Discuss with your doctor about vitamins and minerals, like selenium and vitamin D.
  • Comprehensive GI/Stool testing: Autoimmunity often has its root in the gut/GI tract, so looking for imbalances/dysfunction there must be evaluated if healing is going to occur. 
  • Food sensitivities: sometimes food sensitivities can be driving autoimmunity and GI tract imbalance/dysfunction, so eliminating those foods while healing the gut can be very impactful. Often, once we heal the GI imbalance/dysfunction, food sensitivities fade away. 
  • Nutritional deficiencies: since the thyroid needs zinc, selenium, iodine, amino acids, and many other nutrients to function, it’s important to test these things to make sure we can optimize them for optimal thyroid function, even while on medications..   

3. Regular Exercise

Exercise is important for overall health. It can help improve energy levels, mood, and weight management. Generally the types of activities that leave you feeling better than before you worked out are best (ie. those that leave you exhausted or feeling worse after are too much for you at this time).  

4. Stress Management

Stress can trigger symptoms. Try techniques like:

  • Walking outside in nature with sunlight in your eyes
  • Finding an activity that you love, that is also stress relieving, for example, hot yoga, pickle ball
  • Surround yourself with people you love, a community you can connect with and serve. Emotionally healthy relationships are essential to managing stress and even overall physical and mental health.  
  • Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises are commonly recommended as well but remember: these are general recommendations and it’s best if you can try a few things and find what works best for you!

Conclusion

Hashimoto’s disease is a significant health concern related to autoimmunity and thyroid health. If you experience symptoms, seek medical advice. With the right treatment and lifestyle changes, you can manage Hashimoto’s and lead a very healthy life.

By understanding Hashimoto’s, you can take control of your health. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and Nourish House Calls can provide you with support and expertise. If that interests you, then the next step is to book your free, 15-minute discovery call.

Nourish House Calls provides Functional and Regenerative Medicine services to patients in Illinois, Florida, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Texas, Oregon, New Hampshire, and Vermont. In-person house calls are available in Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Westmont, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, Oakbrook Terrace, La Grange, Western Springs, Burr Ridge, and surrounding areas. Telemedicine is available both inside and outside of Illinois, including Chicago, Miami, Sarasota, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Houston, and Portland.

If you would like to learn more about how Nourish House Calls can help you optimize your thyroid function, click here to schedule a free, 15-minute discovery call.