Many of you may not be familiar with Hashimoto's, or also called chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, but it is an auto-immune disease of the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck. Hashimotos causes the thyroid gland to be attacked by the immune system. This condition reduces your thyroid's ability to produce hormones. As we have discussed over the years in my emails, our bodies' foundation is driven by hormones and if they are off, WE ARE OFF!
Studies have shown that more than 50 million people are affected by some type of autoimmune disease in their lifetime. Hashimotos is one of the most commonly diagnosed autoimmune diseases and 75% of those affected are women.
So let's dive in a little deeper:
What causes Hashimotos?
Plasma cells produce antibodies which are derived from our white blood cells. Once released into the blood and lymph system, these antibody molecules bind to target foreign substances (such as viruses or infections) and it initiates destruction. Also, certain foods that our bodies do not respond well to can also initiate this antibody destruction process.
Each plasma cell can produce & secrete thousands of molecules, thus releasing large amounts of antibodies into our bloodstream. In Hashimotos, antibodies attack the thyroid cells... and damaged thyroid cells leak hormones.
For example: if you have a leak in your faucet, then the water that is leaking out goes into other areas and causes water damage. It's the same process here where your thyroid cells leak out hormones and do not get them to their place: OUR TISSUES. These necessary and powerful hormones that drive almost every system in our body can cause damage and bring on an array of symptoms.
What are the symptoms?
These symptoms include:
hair loss
intolerance to cold
skin changes especially dry skin
weight gain or trouble losing weight
sleep issues...etc.
It can also be assumed that an autoimmune reaction can occur when other factors are present. These include genetic predisposition, gene activation such as food allergies, pregnancy, hormonal changes, chronic stress, prolonged increased cortisol levels from an environmental issue, and leaky gut.
How do we treat Hashimots:?
Well, that is a good question... It is difficult to have a set protocol because everyone's issues are different and may respond differently to certain treatments.
However, with that said, we have found that by removing GLUTEN out of the diet, many patients notice a reduction in their symptoms. This is because gluten compromises & disrupts the immune system in your gut eventually causing leaky gut! This leads to those leaking hormones we talked about earlier.
My natural approach is to first remove many goitrogenic foods that trigger the thyroid and bring in foods that support the thyroid with selenium, zinc & iodine. These are staples in the diet when battling Hashimoto's: Brazilnuts, salmon, cod fish, shellfish, apples, spinach, tuna and berries.
My suggestion is to begin to bring in an AIP (autoimmune paleo) diet into your lifestyle to manage and keep your symptoms at bay...OR completely turn your automimmue disease around by turning your antibody overdrive system off. I have used the AIP diet on many of my patients and it has definitely improved their health tremendously... along with a supplement protocol to fill in the gaps.
I hope you have found this informative & interesting and if you are suffering with Hashimotos or any autoimmune disease or have any of the above symptoms, please contact me! I have worked with many patients with an array of autoimmune diseases and I know I can help you.
As always, stay safe and be healthy... you mean the world to me!
xoxo
Michelle
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