As a doctor who treats thousands of patients with Hashimoto’s, I understand firsthand how difficult it can be to cope with this disease on a daily basis. I hope that this article will give you some hope and practical advice that you can use as you move forward in your journey to get well.
WHAT IS HASHIMOTO’S DISEASE?
Hashimoto’s disease is a condition in which autoantibodies attack the thyroid, which can result in inflammation and gradual destruction of healthy tissue, first leading to hypothyroidism and eventually to complete thyroid failure.
Hashimoto’s is the cause of many symptoms. It is often confused with other conditions and these can also be used for diagnosis. For example, high levels of TSH within the body are often seen as an indicator of thyroid dysfunction and may be indicative of Hashimoto’s disease. However, symptoms such as infertility and miscarriages can also be caused by this condition.
HOW IS HASHIMOTO’S DISEASE DIAGNOSED?
A lab test is used to diagnose Hashimoto’s disease. Your doctor may order these tests if you have signs or symptoms of the condition, including anemia, fever, weight loss, fatigue and enlarged lymph nodes in your neck or armpits. The blood test will help determine if you have thyroiditis, inflammation of the thyroid gland that can cause hyperactive thyroid function, which is a type of hypothyroidism. It also can reveal whether you’ve been diagnosed with Graves’ disease or hyperthyroidism.
HOW DO GENETICS PLAY A ROLE IN HASHIMOTO’S DISEASE?
The genetic causes of Hashimoto’s disease are believed to be linked to the endocrine system and include functional variants in the genes that encode for the enzyme thioredoxin reductase. The mutation makes it easier for a person to develop autoimmune thyroiditis and Type 1 Diabetes.
NATURAL SOLUTIONS FOR HASHIMOTO’S DISEASE
Hashimoto’s may seem like a hopeless condition to treat naturally, but there are many natural solutions to help you get back on your feet. Natural treatments for Hashimoto’s disease are becoming an important consideration for many people. This can include the use of botanical extracts and herbal formulas that help to reduce inflammation, boost immune function and support normal thyroid hormone metabolism. The aim is to help patients feel better without having to resort to surgery or pharmaceutical drugs.
One of the symptoms of an under-performing thyroid is fatigue. Because of the many causes of fatigue, it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the cause and address it effectively. Taking supplements to support adrenal function and energy production are sometimes helpful in treating fatigue. One supplement that has been studied for its effects on fatigue, is Ashwagandha. This herb may help correct thyroid hormone imbalances contributing to fatigue, or even reversing them altogether.
Need to boost your energy? A vitamin B complex supplement can help with fatigue and stress. Research shows that the body needs a good balance of all 8 types of B Vitamins. Make sure your supplement has each one of these: thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine hydrochloride (B6), folic acid, biotin and cobalamin (B12).
If your hypothyroidism symptoms aren’t severe, you may be able to also manage them with nutraceuticals. The best nutrients for thyroid hair loss include: Selenium, which helps the body convert T4 (a thyroid hormone) into T3; Iron, which is essential for many metabolic processes and is particularly important in women who are pregnant to avoid iron-deficiency anemia; Zinc, which helps boost the immune system and may help protect the thyroid; Magnesium and other minerals which can be deficient in people who are hypothyroid.
DR. LULU’S TOP TEN TIPS TO SUPPORT THE THYROID
- Reduce your exposure to endocrine-disrupting compounds in products like personal care and household cleaners.
- To reduce inflammation in your body, eliminate foods that are known to cause inflammation such as coffee, grains, industrialized cooking oils, refined sugar, alcohol and nightshade vegetables.
- Eating a diet rich in minerals that support the thyroid gland can help control your metabolism.
- You can lower your cortisol levels by reducing stress and increasing happiness.
- Castor oil packs can be used to detoxify the body, flush out the liver, support estrogen metabolism, and promote bowel movements.
- Support the gut microbiota by consuming prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods and supplementing probiotic supplements such asn bifidobacteria and lactobacillus.
- Balance your female sex hormones to decrease the symptoms of Hashimoto’s.
- Move your body daily with restorative exercises for at least 30 minutes a day.
- Regularly sweat in a sauna or use infrared light therapy to promote sweat production.
- Create a self-care ritual you can follow each evening to help you wind down, so that you’re ready for a restful night of sleep.
THE EMOTIONAL CONNECTION
Did you know that there are other causes of Hashimoto’s besides autoimmune disease? If you understand how the chakras and their imbalances can trigger this condition, then you can improve your thyroid issue. Hashimoto’s disease is a result of stress on the pancreas and adrenals, which can be helped by balancing your root chakra and solar plexus chakra.
Hopefully, the above methods will help you to lessen your symptoms and feel better again. By focusing on the root cause of Hashimoto’s rather than just on reducing symptoms, you may find that your thyroid health improves in a relatively short amount of time.
Download Dr. LuLu’s free guide that outlines the best tips to nurture the thyroid naturally with foods and supplements.
Would you like to revitalize your thyroid naturally and fix your hormone issues for good? Learn the secrets of how to naturally stimulate the thyroid and lose weight using a holistic approach; join Dr. LuLu’s program now!
DISCLAIMER: This content is not intended to diagnose or treat any diseases. It is intended to be provided for informational, educational, and self-empowerment purposes only.
Please consult with your doctor or wellness team if you have any questions regarding this information, and then make your own well-informed decisions based on what is best for your unique genetics, culture, conditions, and stage of life.
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