Hashimoto's, is the most prevalent type of thyroid dysfunction and occurs when cells and antibodies from the immune system target thyroid cells. Inflammation and, in most situations, thyroid tissue loss and decreased thyroid function are the result. Many metabolic systems, such as energy generation, heart rate management, digestion, and body temperature control, are affected by the injury to the thyroid. 

Nowadays, thyroid dysfunction is one of the most common endocrine problems in the world, with studies indicating that almost half of the population goes undiagnosed.

Although the signs and symptoms of Hashimoto's are similar to those of many other prevalent disorders, it is possible that this is due in part to the fact that Hashimoto's symptoms overlap with many other conditions. Chronic tiredness and fibromyalgia are examples of these, as are menopause and depression, as well as other autoimmune diseases. Hashimoto's is becoming more common, and more people are looking to alternative medicine for solutions, as the prevalence and incidence of Hashimoto's continues to rise.

Below, I have listed some important steps you can follow to help overcome Hashimotos disease.  

ADDRESS THE GUT: 

The gut-brain axis and microbiota dysbiosis have an important role in the development of autoimmune disorders, even though the specific aetiology of Hashimoto's is uncertain.

Internal and exterior surroundings are separated by an epithelium that covers the majority of the human digestive tract.  The intestine's tight junctions, which control movement, digestion, absorption, neuroendocrinology, and immunity, allow nutrients from meals to reach cells and the circulation via a small opening. Inflammatory mediators, mast cells, and other immunological triggers all play a role in their function, but the exact mechanisms by which they do so are very variable.  They may increase the epithelial layer's permeability, allowing chemicals that shouldn't be able to enter to get through more easily than they should.

A more porous intestinal membrane allows bigger molecules such as ingested microorganisms and poisons to enter the circulation where the immune system recognises them as antigens and attacks them, causing chronic inflammation. It is well known that gluten, a protein found in wheat and barley, is one of the most common causes of intestinal permeability, which may lead to food allergies. It generates zonulin, a substance that facilitates the opening of narrow gap junctions. Stress, gut diseases (such as Candida overgrowth and SIBO), medications, and the contraceptive pill may all contribute to an increase in permeability.

Because the antigens in the circulation are so similar to the body's own cells, this phenomenon is known as molecular imitation. For Hashimoto's, gluten has a chemical structure that is quite similar to thyroid tissue in terms of molecular structure. Gluten not only increases intestinal permeability, but it also crosses the blood-brain barrier through molecular mimicry, causing the immune system to erroneously target the thyroid gland as a source of gluten-induced inflammation. Additionally, when the gut is inflamed, the digestive enzymes that are necessary to digest or absorb food are not released. Malabsorption and nutritional deficiency result from damage to carrier proteins.

Chemical sensitivities may be caused by a lack of detoxification pathways in the lining of the digestive tract. As a result, the body is more susceptible to bacterial infections and food sensitivities when the protective covering of gut antibodies is broken down. Bacteria and yeast may then spread throughout the body through the circulation, resulting in a wide range of illnesses. When it comes to treating Hashimoto's disease, repairing the gastrointestinal tract has a crucial role to play, 

NUTRIENT REPLETION: 

A healthy thyroid requires a diet rich in iodine, selenium, zinc, and iron in order to operate properly. 

Thyroid hormone synthesis relies on iodine, one of two essential nutrients.

Hashimoto's antibodies are reduced by Selenium, which is necessary for the conversion of thyroid function to their active form.

Thyroid hormone receptors in the brain are activated by zinc, which also plays a role in the active state conversion of thyroid hormones.

Helps to increase thyroid hormone synthesis and the transformation of thyroid function to their active form by converting dietary iodide into iodine.

Vitamin A and D and inositol may also be helpful in supporting the thyroid, immune system, and antioxidant functions.

Eat a diet rich in whole, natural foods to increase your intake of essential nutrients. While some nutrients may not be necessary for optimal health, consuming a high-quality multivitamin that contains them may provide some benefit.

TOXIC OVERLOAD

In today's world, toxins are everywhere. Our bodies are constantly surrounded with harmful substances, and these toxins may build up over time and have a variety of negative effects on our health, including the development of autoimmune diseases and a reduction in the thyroid's ability to operate properly. 

Inflammation may be induced by metals such as aluminium hydroxide, nickel, and cobalt. Mercury, perchlorate and nitrates represent the greatest damage to thyroid health.

Unlike iodine, mercury, perchlorate, and nitrate are all easily absorbed by the thyroid and may be used instead.  As a result, Hashimoto's symptoms are perpetuated when the thyroid does not have enough iodine to create optimal hormone levels. 

Minimising exposure to these poisons is of utmost importance when healing your thyroid, although in reality, this is  difficult to achieve. These poisons may be present in air, water and cosmetics, as well as seafood and pesticides. When it comes to removing toxins from the body, it is crucial to assist the liver to enable normal detoxification and removal processes.

 Toxic compounds may be removed from the body via the liver with the aid of antioxidant minerals including selenium, vitamin A, and glutathione.

ADDRESS VIRAL LOAD 

It is possible for viruses to trigger autoimmune reactions in a variety of ways.  Pathogens (viruses, parasites, and bacteria) may resemble thyroid gland components, which might confuse the immune system. Antibodies target pathogen proteins that look like those that the immune system has memorised in the past.  The thyroid may be attacked if the immune system recognises thyroid proteins as familiar. 

People with Hashimoto's are more likely than others to have a variety of infections related to autoimmune illness. Herpes viruses, Epstein-Barr virus, hepatitis C, Helicobacter pylori, and Yersinia enterocolitica are some of the most common culrprits. This kind of infection is prevalent and typically asymptomatic, therefore determining the presence or absence of symptoms is challenging. 

STRESS! STRESS! STRESS! 

Due to the influence of stress on the immune system and gene expression, stress has been linked to the development of autoimmune disorders.  The body's critical processes begin to shut down when it senses danger or is under stress. Digestion, immunological response, and thyroid function are a few of the functions that fall within this category. Thyroid hormone synthesis decreases, thyroid hormone T4 to T3 conversion decreases, and free thyroid hormones become scarce during times of stress. 

Ideally, stress subsides rapidly, and the body's functions revert to their pre-stress state. Chronic stress, on the other hand, is on the rise, which means that this cycle repeats again, producing long-term damage to the thyroid. In addition to increasing intestinal permeability and inflammation, chronic stress, which may lead to adrenal insufficiency, can reactivate latent infections that develop Hashimoto's.

Hashimoto's is a difficult and varied disorder that affects each person differently. It is important to work with a qualified healthcare provider and / or Naturopath who can guide you to the right treatment choices based on your unique health history. 

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