Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland, which is a butterfly-shaped gland. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States and often runs in families. The disease is caused by genetic susceptibility, with women being 7-10 times more likely to develop it than men.
Excessive dietary iodine levels can contribute to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis by slowing down the thyroid and causing the immune system to attack it, triggering and worsening the condition and accelerating thyroid cell destruction. Lifestyle factors such as sleep, smoking, diet, and exercise are closely related to thyroid function, especially thyroid homeostasis in SCH. Radiation exposure is also a risk factor for Hashimoto’s disease.
Risk factors for Hashimoto’s disease include family history, which accounts for about 80 percent of the likelihood of developing the disease. Studies have shown that people who drank, had higher education, or suffered from insomnia have lower incidences of hyperthyroidism. Diet and lifestyle changes can help with several factors related to Hashimoto’s disease, such as cutting certain foods out.
Causes of Hashimoto’s disease include genetic factors, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices. Genetics account for about 80 percent of the likelihood of developing the disease, while environmental factors, such as diet and lifestyle changes, can help reduce the incidence of hyperthyroidism. In summary, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland and can be influenced by various factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
📹 7 Environmental and Lifestyle Triggers Affecting Hashimoto’s Disease
Can Hashimoto’s Disease be prevented? Dr. Dana Gibbs, a North-Texas Hormone Specialist, discusses 7 known and suspected …
What worsens Hashimoto’s?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a condition characterized by the abnormal production of thyroid hormones. It is a condition where the body’s thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and a lack of energy. To manage Hashimoto’s, it is essential to avoid certain foods, such as added sugars, fast food, refined grains, highly processed foods, gluten-containing grains, high-glycemic fruits, nightshades, soy, lectins, and alcohol.
It is also important to be health-conscious and avoid triggers for Hashimoto’s flare-ups. Additionally, it is crucial to understand the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and to seek the advice of a Baptist Health Endocrinologist for personalized diet plans.
Does diet affect Hashimoto’s?
A diet low in sugar and processed foods, but rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods, can improve health, manage weight, and reduce Hashimoto’s-related symptoms. Cooking meals at home with nutritious foods like vegetables, fruits, proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich carbs can also be beneficial. Supplements may help lower inflammation and thyroid antibodies in individuals with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
What are some possible triggers for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
Hashimoto’s disease is a rare, life-threatening condition that can be caused by various factors, including sex, age, genetics, family history, pregnancy, excessive iodine intake, and radiation exposure. It is more common in women and can occur during middle age. Other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, or lupus, also increase the risk of developing the disease.
Pregnancy can also contribute to the development of Hashimoto’s disease, as immune function changes during pregnancy may be triggered by excessive iodine intake. Exposure to high levels of environmental radiation can also increase the risk of Hashimoto’s disease.
Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to various complications, including goiters, heart problems, mental health issues, sexual and reproductive dysfunction, poor pregnancy outcomes, and myxedema. Goiters are enlargements of the thyroid, while heart problems can result in poor heart function, irregular heartbeats, and high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Mental health issues may occur early in the disease and become more severe over time.
In addition to these complications, Hashimoto’s disease can also cause sexual and reproductive dysfunction, including reduced sexual desire, inability to ovulate, and irregular menstrual bleeding. Pregnant women with untreated hypothyroidism may also experience decreased intellectual abilities, autism, speech delays, and other developmental disorders.
In conclusion, Hashimoto’s disease is a serious health concern that requires immediate emergency medical treatment.
What is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis associated with?
Hashimoto thyroiditis is a type of autoimmune disease that can be part of Polyglandular Autoimmune Syndrome type 2, autoimmune adrenal deficiency, and type-1 DM. It is also associated with other autoimmune diseases like pernicious anemia, adrenal insufficiency, and celiac disease. Hashimoto disease is more prevalent in adulthood and is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States and areas with adequate iodine intake.
Twin studies have shown an increased concordance of autoimmune thyroiditis in monozygotic twins, with Danish studies showing concordance rates of 55 in monozygotic twins. The prevalence of thyroid disease generally increases with age, with 79 of the predisposition being due to genetic factors and 21 to environmental and sex hormone influences.
Can lifestyle changes improve hypothyroidism?
A Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can improve health and manage hypothyroidism. By incorporating these foods into your daily routine, you can feel better and feel more like yourself. Lifestyle measures can also improve the immune system’s function, which can ease the symptoms of hypothyroidism. By taking these simple, everyday steps, you can feel more like yourself and improve your overall well-being.
What aggravates Hashimoto’s?
Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hypothyroidism, an autoimmune condition that requires continuous medication. To manage this condition, it is important to avoid foods with added sugar, high animal fats, fast food, refined grains, and
processed meats. Consuming foods with anti-inflammatory properties, along with certain vitamins and minerals, can provide benefits. However, there is no cure or reversible treatment for Hashimoto’s disease, which is a lifelong condition that requires continuous medication.
Researchers continue to study the role of diet in thyroid function, as the body makes antibodies to thyroid hormones, impairing their production, leading to a gradual decline in function and eventually an underactive thyroid.
Is thyroid related to lifestyle?
A sedentary lifestyle with minimal physical activity can lead to low thyroxine levels, which are crucial for body functions like heart rate and energy levels. This lack of physical activity is unhealthy and increases the risk of underactive thyroid. Regular exercise can enhance thyroid functions, relieve thyroid disease symptoms, improve cardiovascular fitness, increase strength and muscle mass, regulate metabolism, improve mood, and help lose weight. However, excessive exercise can impair the body’s ability to convert inactive thyroid hormone, T4, into active thyroid hormone, potentially causing hypothyroidism symptoms.
What lifestyle factors contribute to hypothyroidism?
Pregnant women require more iodine due to their baby’s iodine intake from their diet. Consult your doctor for the appropriate amount. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) conducts and supports clinical trials for various diseases, including hypothyroidism, to find new treatments and improve quality of life. Volunteering in clinical trials helps doctors and researchers learn more about diseases and improve future healthcare.
Can Hashimoto’s be triggered by stress?
Stress is not a recognized risk factor for heart disease (HT), but it affects endocrine and immune mechanisms linked to HT. Studies have shown that stress can lead to HT, and it is well-established that stress can impact these mechanisms. This information was sourced from a study by Zoe S Markomanolaki, Xanthi Tigani, Thomas Siamatras, Flora Bacopoulou, Athanasios Tsartsalis, Artemios Artemiadis, Vasileios Megalooikonomou, Dimitrios Vlachakis, George P Chrousos, and Christina Darviri.
How does Gigi Hadid manage Hashimoto’s?
Hadid has been prescribed medication to alleviate some of her symptoms and is part of a holistic medical trial that has helped her thyroid levels balance out. She has always followed a consistent diet but now her body breaks food down differently due to her health improvement. She urges social media users and humans to learn to have more empathy for others and use their energy to lift those they admire rather than be cruel to those they don’t. It is cruel that stars like Hadid have to defend themselves this way, as they have to confront people who don’t have her best interest at heart.
Hadid’s success at a recent show was tainted by confronting people who don’t have her best interest at heart, but it’s a good thing she stood up against online bullying. The more women like her speak out against online bullying, the more body shamers will be silenced.
Who is most affected by Hashimoto’s?
Hashimoto’s disease, affecting 1-2% of US population, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. It is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, with some identified but many unknown. Hashimoto’s disease is classified as an autoimmune disorder, where the immune system attacks the body’s tissues and organs. In individuals with Hashimoto’s disease, lymphocytes accumulate abnormally in the thyroid, damaging it and producing antibodies that attack and destroy thyroid cells. This leads to a shortage of thyroid hormones, causing symptoms like hypothyroidism. However, some individuals with thyroid antibodies do not develop hypothyroidism or experience related symptoms.
📹 The Functional Medicine Approach To Hypothyroidism And Hashimoto’s Disease
While thyroid disease can occur in various forms, one of the most common is called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune …
I was on thyroid medication for 10 years, varying degrees of dosage and mostly Armour thyroid. I had periods of time when I felt great. I had no antibodies. However, I developed atrial fibrillation and over many years had 8 cardioversions and 3 heart ablations. Every doctor said that thyroid medication could contribute to that so six years ago I changed my diet and weaned myself off thyroid medication. I cut out grains, sugar and white flour, ate a Brazil nut per day (for selenium), sprinkled dulse and kelp in my recipes (for natural iodine), ate a lot of vegetables and quality protein. I eliminated fluoride and all soy products (they squelch thyroid function) I have functioned without medication all this time. My TSH is around 3.5 which is liveable. Lower than that and my heart overreacts. The only problem I have is low Vit D and I am unable to take it as a supplement. It triggered A-fib many times. Even when trying to balance it with electrolytes, magnesium, etc. So I eat herring and other fish, get sun. I also added coconut oil, butter and olive oil as my only fats. Hormones don’t work without saturated fat in the diet. I avoided all commercial industrial seed oils such as soybean oil (read labels, it’s in everything especially store bought dressings). It’s a never ending challenge to stay balanced and feel good. But I’m now 73 and on no medication at all. Thank you for your great articles, Dr P and Dr H. Education is key. I had to educate myself in order to get to this place by reading books and perusal articles over the years.
In 2021 I had the intuitive feeling that the reason why I was so tired and gaining weight was my thyroid. And I wasn’t wrong. After being questioned ridiculously by the endocrinologist I went to see, (ridiculous why? well after describing my symptoms she asked me why did I want all those tests). I had 400 TPO 400! and very high THS, D deficiency, and a 2 cms node in my thyroid What did she do? NOTHING. She told me that because my THS was high there was nothing she could do and that in cases like mine, your thyroid eventually stops working. For a very active 54 years old like me who grew up with a doctor dad? that was NOT acceptable. So I switch doctors. This time was a thyroid department chief doctor at Mount Sinai Union Square in NYC. The same story even worse! but in the meantime, I did a lot of research and start taking desiccated raw bovine thyroid. OMG! it was like waking up from a long dream.I went from power walking 5 miles to do 10, and I started in high doses of D. in 2022 I went to see this “chief” again and asked her for a COMPLETE hormonal and metabolic panel. She only checked T4, T3, THS, and D because I really insisted on D. No checking ANYTHING ELSE! not even my TPO! Well, I am proud to say that I went from 38ml D (deficient) to 87 ml (optimal ) and all on my own. I also started taking Selenium, Zinc, plus all the vitamins I take since 1996 but now in higher doses. Right now I am doing a liver detox to eliminate toxic estrogens by taking DIM, SULFORAPHANE, AND CALCIUM D-GLUCARATE, plus using my bio-identical progesterone cream (5ml) and estriol cream 2.
All this is great information but all these functional medicine visits and tests sooooo expensive, I sometimes feel that functional medicine has niche for wealthy only. None of it is covered by insurance and yes, taking all the wide array of tests is amazing but wow, how can a simple person can afford all of it? We need a solution where it would available to all.
I have hashimotos and, in general, doctors(in my experience) don’t address root cause and don’t understand how diet and lifestyle impact people who suffer from it. For 20 years I felt awful…fatigue, uterine fibroids, chronic migraines, inflammation, depression/anxiety, GI issues…..I only started feeling better the last two or three years doing my own research and changing diet and lifestyle, including intermittent fasting and removing myself from toxic people, self care., etc….
I recently came across my original labs from the 1990’s while sorting and packing for a move and there is my routine TSH at my annual (I was 23 years old and it was normal, 2.3) followed by a second TSH three months later when I was having severe memory issues, hair falling out, extremely tired. One day at work I was talking to my mom (an RN) on the phone and she was telling me something and when I didn’t respond she asked if I was still there and I said, “Who is this?” She then asked me a few diagnostic questions and told me to hang up and call my MD immediately. On the way home from work (a 30 minute drive I’d made hundreds of times) I was half way home when I realized I didn’t know how I’d gotten there or where I was going. The next test, and again, this was only three months after a normal TSH, was 172. One hundred and seventy-two! Diagnosis Hashimoto’s. My MD told me, “If you’re going to get something, this is one of the better ones to get.” Ha! Over the past 30 years, I’ve done and seen it all. FM doctors, internists, endocrinonlogists (have not met one yet that could get me to an asymptomatic place), doctors regarded as “quacks” by MSM, detoxing, AIP diet, thyroid nodules, chronic migraine, papilary cancer and a hemi-thyroidectomy. In my 30’s, suddenly I was severely symptomatic again with a normal TSH and was told by my MD nothing was wrong with me, sent to a psychiatrist, put on anti-depressants that did nothing to help, and only when my hair was falling out in handfuls and I went to a woman dermatologist, she told me it was most definitely not in my head and I needed to see a specialist for more labs.
I got hashimoto 7 years ago, in that time my TSH higher than normal, cold hand & feet, hair loss, tired, muscle cramp & difficult go to sleep .After a lot reserves, every day I eat 1 brazil nut, use zinc gluconate, magnesium citrate . Up to now I feel very well no any problems like before, blood test result TSH, T4,T3 in normal range .I just share my experience
Dear Dr. Mark Hyman, All thanks to you and functional medicine, I am completely in remission in RA and Hashimotos. I am not on any medication anymore. I am now 27, and I was diagnosed with RA at the age of 22. My rheumatologist told me that I would end up in wheelchair, however that will never happen, all thanks to you and the functional medicine community. Thank you so much for saving my life. ❤
Ever since I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism my GP has been absolutely hopeless . During lockdown I have been forced to research this whole subject myself and, by perusal articles like this one and acting upon it, I have twice had my levels of Levothyroxine medication reduced and feel so very much better .
Wow. Been struggling to find a Dr to listen to me for years. They almost had me thinking I was just crazy and if I just lost 20#s I would magically get better. The last GP Dr wrote me an RX for a drug she said would help balance my hormones. I researched it and it was a powerful antidepressant. I was so angry. I finally found a functional dr who spent an hour with me on my first visit. I felt heard for the first time and felt believed, validated. She said, “I can look at your labs and tell you don’t feel well, but I can help you.” I cried when I left. did a bunch of additional bloodwork. It’s exactly what he describes, high antibodies, high testosterone, high DHEA, low progesterone….all these years I’ve suffered and was treated like I was just exaggerating. I’m so grateful for functional medicine and articles like this that provide access to a wider view of health.
27 years Hashimoto’s after the birth of my 3rd child- I was 36 years old. Pretty overwhelming learning at the age of 64, that what used to be a one pill solution is now a very large and multifaceted approach that will take much calculation and lots of changes in dietary behaviors. Thankful for the advances in knowledge and treatments. Most challenging for me will be all of the foods I will need to eliminate from my diet. Seriously, what is actually left to eat when it’s all said and done?
Great informative article. I’ve been on Synthroid for 40 years and have been ill, only to be getting worse as i age. ALL doctors have told me my ” levels are fine, be on your way.” Yesterday I had a nuclear scan for hyperparathyroid. It was negative. The report said I have Hashemotos. I came across this article, and it has really enlightened me as to the underlying problem. Thank you
I just had to say thank you. Thank you for making this article. As I was perusal this article I started to cry because you two just validated everything I’ve been feeling. I’ve been taking levothyroxine since July of 2020 and I still don’t feel like I used to. I’m still very low energy, lots of brain fog, anxiety, fast heart rate for no apparent reason, and other things as well. I tried to convince myself that it was on my head or that this is just my new normal now. My doctor barely spoke to me about my disease. He just gave me a pamphlet with a very brief overview of hashimoto’s thyroiditis and told me to take medication. I’m not sure if I ever will find a doctor who can help me but I definitely will be changing doctors as of today.
Great interview and information given. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto in 2012. Since then, still feel fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, etc. My doctor doesn’t test more than TSH once a year. I understand I have to go gluten-free. Will try the selenium as well. I already take daily Vitamine D and Magnesium. Here in Québec, Canada, I don’t know any doctors who adresses Hashimoto as an autoimmune disease. Lots of work to do in that field. Thank you ☺️
Recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s and I really appreciate the doctor saying that early on it can mimic hyperthyroidism because many years ago my symptoms were bulging eyes swollen tongue etc. I thought I was crazy that was thirty years ago and I have been sick ever since I found a functional medicine doctor near me and right away he ordered lab tests and then diagnosed me with Hashimoto’s. Can I say I was joyful not for being sick but for understanding what has been going on for years. He told me most doctors don’t order the right tests and that is why they don’t find it. Thank God for these doctors who treat the whole person instead of waiting to treat symptoms after the fact.
I am just beside myself stumbling across this article. After years of being told that I was suffering from depression, due to a few of my symptoms, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease 2 years ago. The solution, I was told, was to wait until the antibodies finish destroying my thyroid and then they would put me on replacements. Simple as that, no need to worry myself. I didn’t accept this however because there was no explanation as to why my body would produce such a thing. Fast forward to today. I have moved and went to a different Dr. with blood work in hand I was optimistic that I might receive a different answer but he ran his own blood work that only tested the TSH and did not include a test for the antibody level stating that it doesn’t matter what that lever is because once you have the antibodies you always will in the levels don’t necessarily have any effect. He then put me on a low dose of thyroid replacement that changes every time I go in for blood work. All the while I still feel the same. It’s very disheartening and somewhat disturbing when you get to the point where you’re only levels of energy come from caffeine and energy drinks which in essence are also bad for you but what else am I supposed to do.
I wish one of ya’ll was my doctor!! Unfortunately, I can’t find a functional doctor that I can afford. article such as these will help, I’m sure. My TSH has pretty much always been around a 6 and once went to 12.4 (that I’m aware of). T3 and T4 have always been normal. After a year of complaining and having chest discomfort, hand rashes that still haven’t went away, dizziness, fatigue and a few other symptoms, I was finally able to get a TPO test done this month. It was at 738. Thanks to articles like these, I’m just now learning about how my diet could very well be a major factor. Not one Dr has mentioned or asked about my diet. Thank you gentlemen for making articles like these for those of us who Unfortunately can’t go to functional doctors for various reasons. I appreciate this so much!!
Goitrogenic foods is a completely new concept for me. I have known that I was allergic to sulfa drugs my entire adult life. AND, literally all of my favorite foods are listed as goitrogenics. I also eat a fair amount of soy. I have been seeing a functional medicine person who has been pushing cruciferous vegetables and smoothies. Yikes! Definitely reducing the raw, heading into more steamed and cooked as a transition step. I also find it so interesting that every fiber of my being is trying to move to the coast right now. More iodine and food from the sea. And I am not a seafood person but I sure feel motivated to try some new recipes after this podcast. THANK YOU!
It’s a shame that I’ve never found an integrated, holistic doctor who actually took any kind of insurance. I can’t possibly afford their care out of pocket, so apparently only wealthy yuppies can receive decent health care. Although educational articles like this may point one in a general right direction, patients still need to have specific testing done to pinpoint exactly what they need.
I do not require a diagnosis from doctor because I won’t get one, I am on no medication for thyroid, since having my second child 21 year ago I have felt like shit on and off, years of misery and depression, I tried to escape that with different things with no success. My doctor mentioned recently that my thyroid was low on blood test that was carried out two years ago, I was quite annoyed she didn’t tell me sooner, my symptoms are Scalloped tongue Constipation Depression Cold feet Insomnia Vertical nail ridges Gluten sensitivity Sugar sensitivity Isolation Heat intolerance Puffy ankles and fingers General shit outlook on life cuz I have no energy most of the time I purchased bile salts, selenium, vit d, I’m on gluten free diet and going on a bone broth fast for one week, I am on keto and made some almond protein bars and ate the whole tray, that’s alot of ground almond😅maybe not so good cuz I don’t feel great after it, carnivore, here I come. Thanks guys🥰
Thank you from the UK! I went to my doctor as I had a constantly ulcerated mouth and gullet and also a swelling on my throat. I was told the swelling was ‘muscular’ and the ulcers due to excess saliva! Of course I was gluten intolerant with a corresponding thyroid issue! Am now wheat free working on my gut and adrenals and feeling like I’m getting my life back!
So stupid sad that I’ve had numerous doctors over the past 12 years laugh it off when I’ve told them that I feel like gluten and high fructose corn syrup make my Hashi’s worse. Nevermind that now I have Ulcerative Colitis, IBS, IBD, Psoriatic Arthritis, Exzema, Diverticulosis, and god only knows what else. Thank you for this, I’m going to send it to all my doctors, past and present.
I have Hashimotos and in the UK the treatment is just to be on Levothyroxine for the rest of my life. I didn’t know anything about a gluten connection but it makes sense to me as after a large amount of bread/pasta I feel so bad it’s as if I have been poisoned. I feel huge brain fog, sleepy and as if I need to just lie down. I guess I should address that but gluten seems so hard to avoid (and expensive to avoid!)
This is most interesting because in January I changed my eating programs to include intermittent fasting, gluten free, I have always taken selenium supplements from whole food products since 2009 . i’ve taken myself off of foods that contain goitrogens and phytic acid and I was literally a new person and have lost one pants size. We bumped up our vit d since Feb 2020 for the obvious reasons. I am sharing this article this morning so hopefully my female friends can understand it’s not all about the thyroid medicine. Thank you for what you do.