Hashimotos's Disease

I want to introduce you to a disease that I learned I have.  Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. That means an alarming number of Americans, mostly women, will develop an autoimmune disease. As an autoimmune disease, thyroiditis is caused by antibodies attacking the thyroid and destroying the gland.

According to the American Thyroid Association, “There are no unique symptoms to thyroiditis. Often an individual will experience both hyperthyroid and hypothyroid symptoms, vascillating back and forth. If the thyroiditis causes slow and chronic thyroid cell damage and destruction, leading to a fall in thyroid hormone levels in the blood, patients experience the symptoms of hypothyroiditis:”      

• Dry skin
• Constipation
• Depression
• Poor endurance
• Weight Gain
• Fatigue

“If the thyroiditis causes rapid thyroid cell damage and destruction, the thyroid hormone that is stored in the gland leaks out, increasing thyroid hormone levels in the blood. These patients will experience the symptoms of thyrotoxicosis, which are similar to hyperthyroidism:”

• Heart palpitaitons
• Weight loss
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Fatigue

Infections from a bacteria or virus can cause thyroiditis, causing inflammation. Some people make thyroid antibodies which can also run in families. “Finally, drugs such as interferon and amiodarone, can also damage thyroid cells and cause thyroiditis.”

One person’s Hashimotos treatment could be entirely different from anothers’. Autoimmune diseases are pretty unique and complex for each person. However, there are some common strategies that are beneficial for any autoimmune disease:

• Remove typical food allergens and other triggers. Things like gluten and dairy sensitivities promote inflammation and aggravate immune imbalances. Dietary changes are perhaps the most difficult but, in my opinion, the most important. In addition to being pro-inflammatory, allergens contribute to leaky gut which promote the ideal environment for bacterial, viral and parasitic infections.
• Other triggers can be parasitic infections or viral infections such as Epstein-Barr virus. A good thorough, health screening is crucial to rule out any of these types of infections.
• Environmental toxins are often a culprit in Hashimoto’s. Chronic exposure to chemicals and heavy metals weaken the immune system too. Removing heavy metal and chemical exposure is also easier said than done. This is truly one case where every little bit helps though. Even changing your skin care products to eliminate chemical exposure helps. Having mercury fillings removed from teeth can be huge also. Do your due diligence though and have it done properly!
• Vitamin D supplementation - Vitamin D helps to regulate T-cells ; a hero in yet another disease! Do remember though that Vitamin D can be toxic in extremely high levels. The fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin D, A & K complement each other and are best taken together.
• Probiotic supplementation. Our gut health impacts many diseases – autoimmune diseases included. Many people don’t realize that probiotics support immune health by helping with appropriate T-cell responses.
• Essential fatty acids are huge in balancing the inflammatory response. We’ve all heard most Americans don’t consume the proper balance of Omega-6 to Omega-3. It really should be standard protocol for everyone with an autoimmune disease to take EFA’s. Not only are they an anti-inflammatory, they also support the endocrine system and hormone production. Essential for those with autoimmune conditions!

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I was diagnosed in May of this year.  I just didn't feel normal.  I was tired all of the time, moody, grumpy, started to gain weight for no reason, major brain fog , trouble making decisions and the list goes on and on.  All of these symptoms were not normal for me. My neck started to be painful where the thyroid is located.  So I went and had some tests run. 

I had an ultrasound and labs.  My labs showed that my TSH was slightly elevated.  And my free T3 & T4 were normal.  But my Antibodies were 985 and the normal was 10-30.  No wonder I felt awful.  My body was on major attack. I also had multiple nodules on my thyroid. 

Long story short.  Don't mess around with your health if you don't feel good.  Stay in tune to your body.  I know mine so well and I knew I was not normal.  Something was going on and I was right. 

My condition is worsened with certain foods.  So I am experimenting with a Gluten free diet as well as no soy or dairy.  It is extremely hard to eliminate all of these foods.  Gluten is in everything.  Makeup, lip gloss, certain chocolate, medication, tons of food and more. It is crazy.  Also soy is in almost anything processed. 

I am thankful for Natural Grocers and Sprouts in Lubbock.  They have alot of the gluten, dairy and soy free items.  I try not to eat to much of the gluten free items such as the breads and wraps.  They say some things they make with gluten free products can cross react as gluten in my body.  So it is really difficult to know what I can and can't eat.  I am always experimenting and staying in tune to my body.  

Yup, no beer unless its gluten free. 

I really miss dairy.  I hadn't had any for about month.  So I thought I would have a small bowl of ice cream for a treat an also to see what my body would do.  Well not a good idea.  I felt like I was having Montezuma's Revenge.  So no more dairy for me.  

This has been easy to do. Soy is in alot of our packaged and processed foods. I just don't eat anything like that.  Although I do love me some Thai food. I do miss the fried rice with soy sauce. 

I feel gloomy at times but just have to push through it.  I finally am starting to feel a little better due to my diet.  I even have the energy to exercise again.  I have been working with an excellent Naturopath doctor in Denver.  She has put me on some great supplements and has me incorporating certain foods in my diet that Hashimoto's suffers need more of.  

This is one thing that made me go to a Naturopath Doctor.  My endocrinologist said all is well if your labs are normal.  Well I am here to tell you that is a bunch of bull.  Big time!!!  He said I don't feel bad because of my disease.  I beg to differ.  I didn't feel better after putting me on meds.  So I took matters into my own hands and got busy reading books and researching all I could. Thus taking a different route.  

Yes I am sleepy to often.  This is my biggest complaint on top of difficulty losing weight.  I have lost 7.1 lbs effortlessly due to my diet changes.  I still have a long journey.  But I am more determined to get on top of this.  I can heal my body through diet and exercise. Enough to help eliminate my major symptoms.  

Just thought I would throw some humor in here.!!

That's right I'm fighting like a Girl but fighting for my health and to feel normal again one day soon!!!