a naturopathic approach to hashimoto’s - four root cause approaches that work

Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition that often results in hypothyroidism.

Did you know that Hashimoto’s has more to do with the immune system than it does the thyroid? It is known as an autoimmune condition as the immune system mistakes the thyroid as a foreign object and attacks it leading to damage and consequently, reduced function. This is why hypothyroidism (an under-active thyroid) is often associated with Hashimoto’s.

Below I share my four top tips for reducing inflammation, restoring balance to the immune system and supporting optimal thyroid health.

Signs of an under-active thyroid:

No two people with Hashimoto’s are likely to present the same. Some common signs and symptoms that you have Hashimoto’s or your thyroid may be struggling include:

• Rapid weight gain & inability to lose weight

• Sensitivity to cold; always feeling cold

• Unrelenting fatigue; brain fog

• Dry skin; dry, brittle; hair loss

• Constipation

• Swollen face; puffy eyes’, fluid retention

• Heavy, painful periods; infertility

• Muscle and joint pain

• Swelling on front of the neck (goiter); hoarseness

How does Hashimoto’s come about?

Often, there is usually an underlying genetic component when it comes to development of thyroid and autoimmune conditions. However, a genetic predisposition does not always mean you will end up with the disease.
There are often certain triggers and contributing factors that will increase an individuals susceptibility to developing Hashimoto’s. As the immune system is a huge driver of Hashimoto’s, it is always so important to investigate the integrity of the gut and composition of the microbiome (more on this later).

Those with auto-immune conditions will often have “leaky gut” which allows toxins to pass through the gut wall where they come into contact with the immune system, driving chronic inflammation. Compromised integrity also leads to poor digestion, issues with proper absorption of nutrients, which in turn leads to deficiencies in critical nutrients needed for thyroid function and immune system health and regulation.

There are so many other factors to consider when it comes to the development of Hashimoto’s including exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals, chronic stress, dietary and lifestyle habits and even if you’ve recently given birth.

Below are my FOUR top tips to support yourself and your body if you have Hashimoto’s:

1. Reduce Inflammation

   Inflammation and thyroid pathology, whether that be hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashi’s or Grave’s disease, goes hand in hand with inflammation. This works in a cyclical relationship as thyroid imbalances can create inflammation within the body and inflammation from factors such as illness and poor diet can perpetuate inflammation.
   
   Some of my recommendations to help reduce inflammation and keep it low include:
   
   

   • Focusing on a predominantly whole food diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, grass fed and/or organic meats, nuts and seeds, beans and legumes.

   • Reducing or avoiding gluten containing foods

   • Supporting your immune system - you can read about this on my blog post about tips on supporting your immune system.

   • Identifying common stressors and implementing strategies to help yourself reduce the impact of stress on your body.

   
   2. Restore Gut Integrity & Digestive Function

   In my clinical experience, “leaky gut” and bacterial overgrowths are often a contributing factor and huge driver of Hashimoto’s. Bacterial overgrowths within the gut occurs for a number of reasons, with two of the most common reasons I see being inadequate digestive function (think stomach acids, liver function, pancreatic function) and low levels of beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp., and Akkermansia muciniphila.
   
   

   Naturally, digestive enzymes have an antibacterial effect so when these are low, it allows pathogens to pass through into the gut and colonise, causing overgrowth or infection. This often comes hand in hand with low levels of beneficial bacteria strains as adequate levels of beneficial bacteria foster healthy barrier function, gut immune response and therefore reduces the occurrence of pathogens colonising in the gut and bacteria overgrowths from occurring in the first place.
   Unsurprisingly, there are also certain strains of bacteria that have been found to be potential triggers for autoimmunity which is why some people may find that their Hashimoto’s didn’t come about until after a bout of illness.
   
   

   One of the ways that I assess for pathogens, overgrowth and inflammation within the gut is by referring patients for a complete gut microbiome map. This not only shows what exactly is going on in the digestive tract, but how this is contributing to systemic symptoms and disease states and further allows us to tailor and target treatment much more specifically. I will often combine nutraceuticals specific to gut healing and inflammation, herbs that target pathogens and overgrowths with tailored dietary support to optimise gut function and overall health.

   Some of my top tips to optimise your digestive function and support gut integrity and health include:
   
   

   • Reducing intake of artificial and processed foods full of additives and sugar - these have been found to have a negative impact on beneficial bacteria colonies and place strains on vital organs needed for optimal digestions such as the pancreas and liver.

   • Consuming bitter foods such as lemon, lime, dill and rocket with main meals to stimulate digestion.

   • Avoid excessive liquid consumption around meal time.

   • Focus on whole foods and strive to eat the rainbow every day to increase microbiome diversity.

   • Avoid foods you have known allergies and intolerances to as this will increase inflammation within the gut and contribute to further damage. It is not uncommon for those with Hashimoto’s to have non-coeliac gluten sensitivity or coeliac disease. Did you know that a protein in gluten containing products is molecularly similar to the thyroid gland meaning when you consume gluten, your immune system has an immune response to the gluten but also consequently attacks the thyroid gland, leading to further damage.

3. Restore Nutrient Status

This will often occur naturally when shifting dietary perspective and working towards healing the gut. As you switch towards a more whole food approach you naturally increase your intake of vital nutrients needed for proper thyroid function, hormone conversion and receptor site function, whilst healing the gut will reduce inflammation and allow increased nutrient absorption.

Some nutrients specific for thyroid health and proper thyroid hormone functioning include selenium, iodine*, iron, vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc and tyrosine.

I never recommend anyone with Hashimoto’s self prescribe supplements as certain nutrients such as iodine can actually make your condition worse. It is always recommended that you speak to a health care professional well versed in thyroid health and conditions to recommend supplements and nutritional advice tailored to you.

4. Reduce Endocrine Disrupting Chemical (EDC) Exposure

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are external substances found in food, consumer products and the environment that interfere with the production, metabolism, action or excretion of natural hormones produced by the body, resulting in an effect that is outside of normal functioning. EDCs have a profound effect on the thyroid and reproductive system in particular and whilst it is impossible to avoid EDCs all-together, it is a modifiable factor in reducing the toxic load on the body and therefore reducing inflammation.

Further Support

If you wish to learn more about Hashimoto’s and how best to support yourself feel free to contact me at al.inblume@gmail.com, book in a FREE 15 minute discovery call or book in your initial consult below.