Hashimoto’s diagnosis, here’s the scoop! Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder. It is thought to be the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. Hashimoto’s is 5-8 times more likely to occur in women than men.
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Why Women
The exact reason for the higher incidence of Hashimoto’s disease in women is unknown, but several theories exist. One theory is that hormonal changes, such as those seen during menopause, may make women more susceptible to autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s. Another theory is that there may be a genetic predisposition to the condition in women. It’s also possible that environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins and stress, may play a role in the development of Hashimoto’s in women. More research is needed to determine the exact cause of the higher incidence of Hashimoto’s in women.
Hashimoto’s Is Inflammation
Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder, which means your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in your body. For people with Hashimoto’s, the immune system attacks their thyroid gland and causes inflammation within it.
This inflammation can cause a number of symptoms. One of the main symptoms of Hashimoto’s is hypothyroidism — when your thyroid isn’t producing enough hormones. But Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disorder, and all autoimmune disorders start because of uncontrolled inflammation.
The inflammation triggers your immune system to attack healthy tissue in your body. For people with Hashimoto’s, this means the immune system attacks their thyroid gland and causes inflammation. This inflammation can cause a number of symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain and muscle aches. But when the inflammation isn’t identified early then the thyroid gland can become damaged and produce less thyroid hormone. This can cause symptoms such as weight gain, low energy, and depression.
The good news is that there are ways to treat Hashimoto’s that can help reduce the inflammation in your body. A combination of lifestyle changes, diet changes and dietary supplements can help ease some of the symptoms of Hashimoto’s while also slowing down its progression.
Here are important steps you can take to help manage your Hashimoto’s naturally.
Should I Avoid Grains.
There is some debate among healthcare providers and nutrition experts regarding whether grains should be avoided in individuals with Hashimoto’s disease. While some believe that grains can contribute to systemic inflammation and negatively impact gut health, others believe that they can be part of a healthy diet for individuals with Hashimoto’s.
It’s important to consider individual tolerance and the impact of specific grains on the body. For example, gluten-containing grains (such as wheat, barley, and rye) may cause digestive symptoms and increase inflammation in some individuals with Hashimoto’s and may be best avoided. However, other whole grains, such as quinoa, millet, and brown rice, may be better tolerated.
It’s important that you have a plan that works for you! If you have Hashimoto’s, it’s important to consider the role of diet in managing your symptoms. A qualified nutritionist can help you create a personalized plan that works for your body and lifestyle.
A personalized nutrition plan that meets your needs and helps manage your symptoms. This may include avoiding all grains to start and then limiting certain grains and incorporating others into your diet, as well as focusing on nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods to support overall health.
Treat Your Gut.
Gut health is a common concern in relation to Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis as the health of the gut can play a significant role in the development and management of this autoimmune condition. Some of the concerns about gut health and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis include:
Leaky gut syndrome: A damaged gut lining can allow particles such as undigested food, toxins and bacteria to enter the bloodstream, leading to inflammation and potentially triggering autoimmune reactions, including Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
Microbiome imbalances: Imbalances in the gut microbiome, such as an overgrowth of harmful bacteria and yeast, can contribute to autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis by promoting systemic inflammation.
Food sensitivities: Food sensitivities and intolerances can exacerbate Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis symptoms and increase inflammation in the gut.
Nutrient deficiencies: Certain nutrient deficiencies, such as vitamins and minerals important for thyroid hormone synthesis, can occur in individuals with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and can be exacerbated by gut health issues.
Thinks about this, has your primary doc or any specialist talked to you about leaky gut syndrome, microbiome imbalances, food sensitivities and whether or not you have nutritional deficiencies?
I’m going to bet the answer is no. And for this reason, I want you to consider speaking to a functional nutritionist before you hop on the thyroid medication train. If you’re going to be taking thyroid hormone replacement medications for the rest of your life, then it’s important to make sure that you’re doing everything possible to heal your gut and support detoxification pathways.
Please keep in mind, Hashimoto’s starts due to inflammation, it’s not a hormone problem, at least when it starts out. But the longer it takes your doc to identify that you have the antibodies for it the more damage that your thyroid can suffer.
Avoid Inflammatory Foods.
Foods that can cause inflammation in the body vary from person to person and can be influenced by individual tolerance, gut health, and other factors. However, some common pro-inflammatory foods include:
Processed and packaged foods: These often contain high amounts of refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients, which can trigger inflammation in the body.
Gluten-containing grains: For individuals with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten can trigger an immune response and cause inflammation.
Dairy products: For some individuals, dairy products can cause digestive symptoms and increase inflammation.
Fried and fatty foods: Foods high in unhealthy fats, such as deep-fried foods and processed snacks, can contribute to inflammation in the body.
In addition to the above, some individuals with Hashimoto’s disease may also experience increased inflammation from soy products, nightshade vegetables (such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant), and additives such as food colorings and preservatives.
It’s important to note that not all individuals with Hashimoto’s disease will experience inflammation from these foods, and what works for one person may not work for another.
Working with a healthcare provider and registered dietitian can help determine which foods may be contributing to inflammation in your body and develop a personalized nutrition plan that meets your needs and helps manage your symptoms.
Get Enough Supporting Nutrients.
The following vitamins and minerals play an important role in proper thyroid hormone function:
- Iodine: Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones and is therefore crucial for proper thyroid function. It can be found in foods such as seafood and iodized salt.
- Selenium: Selenium is required for the activation of the thyroid hormone T4 into the more active form T3. Foods rich in selenium include Brazil nuts, seafood, and poultry.
- Zinc: Zinc is involved in the production and activation of thyroid hormones, and a deficiency in zinc can lead to hypothyroidism. Foods high in zinc include oysters, beef, and almonds.
- Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system and the production of red blood cells, which can be affected by hypothyroidism. Good sources of Vitamin B12 include eggs and poultry.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps regulate the metabolism and can also affect the production of thyroid hormones. Foods high in vitamin D include fatty fish, eggs, mushrooms and don’t forget the sunshine.
These vitamins and minerals are essential for proper thyroid hormone function, but it is important to note that individual needs can vary based on age, health status, and other factors.
Thyroid Cofactors
Here are some others important thyroid cofactors: iron, vitamins A and E, as well as the B vitamins. Iron is found in red meat, poultry, and fortified cereals. Vitamin A can be found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach. Vitamin E is found in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. B vitamins can be found in meat, poultry, and leafy greens.
Consider Iodine Carefully.
There is a connection between excessive iodine intake and increased risk of developing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and reduced thyroid function. Consuming high levels of iodine can trigger or worsen autoimmune reactions in some individuals with Hashimoto’s, resulting in further damage to the thyroid gland.
It’s important to have an adequate amount of iodine for proper thyroid function, but excessive amounts can be harmful, especially for individuals with Hashimoto’s. It’s best to talk to a doctor or a registered dietitian to determine the right amount of iodine for your individual needs.
Goiter
A goiter is an abnormal swelling of the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck. A goiter can develop when the thyroid gland is not functioning properly, either because it is producing too little hormone (hypothyroidism) or too much (hyperthyroidism). In some cases, a goiter can also develop because of a deficiency of iodine in the diet, which is necessary for the thyroid gland to produce hormones. Goiters can cause symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing and can also be visible as a swelling in the neck.
What About Sea Salt
Typically, no. Most sea salt does not contain iodine. Iodine is an essential trace element that is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones.
Iodine is important for proper thyroid function, including in individuals with Hashimoto’s disease. Iodized salt is a common source of iodine. Many people no longer use salt due to blood pressure and heart risk. If you are not using iodized salt, you might not be getting sufficient iodine.
Himalayan sea salt does not contain iodine either. It is a pure, unrefined salt that is harvested from ancient salt deposits found in the Himalayan Mountains and is considered to be free of added chemicals or pollutants, but it is not a significant source of iodine.
Most table salts are iodized, meaning they contain added iodine to help prevent iodine deficiency, which can lead to hypothyroidism. Other sources of iodine include seaweed and seafood.
A Bit About Soy.
The relationship between soy and Hashimoto’s disease is not clear and controversial. Some studies suggest that soy contains compounds called isoflavones that can interfere with thyroid hormone function and worsen symptoms in people with Hashimoto’s disease. However, other research suggests that moderate consumption of soy products may have a minimal effect on thyroid function in healthy individuals and may not worsen symptoms in people with Hashimoto’s.
Work Out Wisely.
For people with Hashimoto’s disease, low-impact and gentle forms of exercise, such as yoga, swimming, or walking, are often recommended. This is because high-intensity exercises can cause stress to the body, which can exacerbate symptoms and increase inflammation.
Strength training, using resistance bands or weights, can also be beneficial for people with Hashimoto’s, as it can help build muscle and improve overall physical fitness. However, it is important to start slowly and gradually increase intensity, and to listen to your body and avoid overexertion.
It is also important for individuals with Hashimoto’s to avoid overtraining, as this can increase the stress on the body and lead to an increased risk of injury.
Takeaway: If you have Hashimoto’s, you need to be in control and understand the importance of a holistic approach to managing the condition. This includes following a balanced, nutrient-dense diet, managing stress, getting enough rest and exercise. When caught early, Hashimoto’s responds well to natural remedies and is more about lifestyle and balance and less about adjusting medications. By taking care of both physical and emotional well-being, individuals with Hashimoto’s can lead fulfilling, healthy lives. Learn as much about it as you can and try using these tips to lessen its impact on your life.
