How to Reverse Thyroid Disease
Hi, this is Dr. Kelly! I have Hashimotos Thyroid Disease, but I have been working on REVERSING it over the last couple of years. I know that I have made tremendous progress in reversing my disease because I USED to take a lot of thyroid medication to function. In fact, I used to take 6x the amount of Nature thyroid, desiccated natural thyroid (DNT) than I do today.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as Hashimoto's disease or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. This condition leads to inflammation and gradually impairs the thyroid's ability to produce thyroid hormones, which are crucial for regulating the body's metabolism.
Key Points About Hashimoto's Thyroiditis:
- Autoimmune Nature:
- The immune system mistakenly targets and damages the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid).
- Symptoms:
- Early stages may be asymptomatic.
- Common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, dry skin, hair loss, muscle weakness, depression, and memory problems.
- As the disease progresses, the thyroid may enlarge, causing a goiter.
- Diagnosis:
- Blood tests to measure levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
- Presence of anti-thyroid antibodies, such as anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin (anti-Tg) antibodies, indicates an autoimmune attack on the thyroid.
- Causes and Risk Factors:
- The exact cause is unknown, but it involves a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors.
- More common in women than men.
- Typically diagnosed in middle-aged adults but can occur at any age.
- Complications:
- If untreated, can lead to severe hypothyroidism, causing myxedema coma, a life-threatening condition.
- Increased risk of developing other autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and type 1 diabetes.
Managing Hashimoto's Thyroiditis:
- Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management can support overall health.
- Some patients may benefit from a gluten-free diet or other dietary adjustments, though this should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Understanding and managing Hashimoto's thyroiditis involves a combination of medical treatment, lifestyle adjustments, and regular monitoring to maintain optimal thyroid function and overall health.