It all started with a casual post. The other day on my Facebook page I simply asked, “What autoimmune condition would you like to resolve?” The answers that followed truly blew my mind.
Of the more than 400 comments, over 57% were concerned with thyroid issues. So today, I’m devoting this blog to those suffering with thyroid concerns, but especially Hashimoto’s.
Here’s the Scoop on Hashimoto’s
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, a type of autoimmune condition, is affecting an alarming number of people today. In fact, low thyroid function, or hypothyroidism, has been estimated to afflict upwards of 300 million people worldwide. And up to 60 million of those live in America alone!
The butterfly shaped thyroid gland which sits at the base of your neck is a tiny powerhouse that regulates metabolism and controls the health of just about every organ in the body. Normalizing thyroid activity is vital to your health, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder.
Hashimoto’s involves the production of the autoimmune thyroid antibodies, Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (TPOAb) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb). When these antibodies infiltrate the thyroid gland, they wreak havoc, causing damage to the tissue. In essence, the immune system is attacking the thyroid.
The signs and symptoms of Hashimoto’s are basically the same as those of hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid gland. They include fatigue, sluggishness, increased sensitivity to cold, brittle nails, hair loss, unexplained weight gain, achy joints and muscles, a puffy face, loss of eyebrow growth – especially on the outer third of the brow, diminished sex drive and even depression.
If I had Hashimoto’s, these are the next 8 steps I would take:
1. Get To The Dentist!
Find a good holistic, biological dentist and have a comprehensive assessment to determine if hidden dental infections are causing anaerobic bacteria to seep into your system from root canals, implants and cavitations remaining from pulled teeth. Check to see if you may be burdened with heavy metals leaching copper and/or mercury from high amalgam fillings. Check out the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine to find a practitioner in your area.
2. Address Sinus Issues.
If you suspect sinus infections may be plaguing you, make an appointment with your functional medicine doctor or an ENT specialist to address the issue.
3. Say Goodbye to Gluten.
Many people have gluten sensitivities that trigger thyroid dysfunction. Modern wheat contains 10 times more gluten than it did 50 years ago. And it’s high in gliadin, a protein that is foreign to our bodies. It highly resembles a crucial enzyme known as transglutaminase which is concentrated in the thyroid. As the immune system attacks the gliadin, antibodies also attack the thyroid. The immune system can go into overdrive, damaging the thyroid for up to six months. So what are you waiting for? Go gluten free!
4. Pump Up The Protein!
Protein is a major normalizer for overall thyroid function. It acts as an escort to transport the thyroid hormone to all bodily tissues. Make sure to have a portion of quality protein with every meal and snack. Two of my favorite clean protein sources are my Fat Flush Whey Protein and vegan Fat Flush Body Protein.