Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune disorder. But what does that mean exactly? Autoimmune diseases develop when the body sees healthy cells as foreign invaders and begins attacking them. The result is cell damage and inflammation caused by your own body.
With Hashimoto’s, your body begins to attack your thyroid gland, which is the butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the front of your neck. The thyroid is responsible for producing a few of the hardworking hormones in your body that promote weight regulation, stabilize energy levels, keep your body’s internal temperature where it needs to be, and more. These hormones affect every cell in the body, so they are vital to good health.
When these hormone levels are out of whack because of faulty production, the symbiosis that your body needs to be at its best is severely compromised.
So, what happens to the body when you develop Hashimoto’s and is there anything you can do to manage the symptoms?
What causes Hashimoto’s disease?
Medical researchers aren’t sure how Hashimoto’s disease develops. Recent evidence points to genetics being a cause, and research has found that people who have thyroid disease in the family are much more likely to develop Hashimoto’s than those who don’t. Like any autoimmune illness, genetics is not the only factor involved. We know that to develop an autoimmune condition, environmental factors such as bacterial/viral infections, chemical/metal toxicity, nutrient deficiency and even gut microbe imbalances.
It’s also thought that a virus such as hepatitis C may set the disease in motion. It’s thought that because the thyroid gland and the liver have such a close working relationship when there is an issue with one, the other can become affected.
What are the symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease?
Hashimoto’s disease can lead to many symptoms because of how important the thyroid hormones are. One condition that develops because of Hashimoto’s is hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid. An underactive thyroid—one that doesn’t produce hormones in the amounts that the body needs—can lead to the development of:
- Heart disease or heart failure
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Myxedema, which is a potentially life-threatening condition that develops when functions in the body begin to slow down significantly
When the thyroid is compromised and isn’t producing enough hormones, as is the case with Hashimoto’s disease, symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Weight Gain
- An inability to tolerate cold
- Pain in the muscles and joints
- Constipation
- Dry skin and hair
- Thinning hair
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Fertility issues
- A slowed heart rate
In rare cases, Hashimoto’s can lead to hyperthyroidism, which is the opposite problem. Levels of the thyroid hormones skyrocket and get released into the body leading to:
- Unintentional weight loss
- A rapid heartbeat
- Feeling as though your heart is pounding in your chest
- Increased appetite
- Feelings of nervousness, anxiety, or irritability
What is the best treatment for Hashimoto’s disease?
There is medication available for Hashimoto’s. However, even when you’re taking it, the symptoms stay strong and severely impact day-to-day life. What’s worse, a person with Hashimoto’s may not receive treatment at all unless their symptoms become very severe.
The good news is that there is more you can do to help cope with symptoms, and it’s as easy as tweaking your diet. There are many evidence-based diets to try that can help curb inflammation and manage the symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease. They include:
- Gluten- and grain-free
- The Autoimmune Protocol Diet
- Dairy-free
- Whole Foods Diet
So, if you have been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s or are reading this and thinking, “that sounds just like me,” book a complimentary discovery call with me today. I can guide you through a diagnostic and treatment plan that will restore your quality of life by effectively managing your symptoms.
