Hashimoto’s disease is a condition in which your immune system attacks your thyroid, a small gland at the base of your neck below your Adam’s apple. The thyroid gland is part of your endocrine system, which produces hormones that coordinate many of your body’s functions. When antibodies are raised this can relate to Thyroid Autoimmunity in the form Hashimoto’s Disease
Autoimmune disorders occur when your immune system produces antibodies that attack your own tissues. Sometimes this process involves your thyroid gland. Scientists aren’t sure why the body produces antibodies against itself. Some think a virus or bacterium might trigger the response, while others believe a genetic flaw may be involved. Most likely, autoimmune diseases result from more than one factor. But however it happens, these antibodies affect the thyroid’s ability to produce hormones.
Inflammation from Hashimoto’s disease, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, often leads to an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism). It primarily affects middle-aged women but also can occur in men and women of any age and in children
Symptoms
You might not notice signs or symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease at first, or you may notice a swelling at the front of your throat (goitre). Hashimoto’s disease typically progresses slowly over years and causes chronic thyroid damage, leading to a drop in thyroid hormone levels in your blood. The signs and symptoms are mainly those of an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).
Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
Fatigue and sluggishness
Increased sensitivity to cold
Constipation
Pale, dry skin
A puffy face
Brittle nails
Hair loss
Enlargement of the tongue
Unexplained weight gain
Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
Joint pain and stiffness
Muscle weakness
Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
Depression
Memory lapses
We need to remember that Hashimoto’s is not a thyroid disease, but an immune disorder so the immune system needs to be addressed. Implementing an autoimmune protocol including removal of gluten and gut healing.
Several studies show a link between Hashimoto’s and gluten intolerance. The molecular structure of gliadin, the protein portion of gluten, closely resembles that of the thyroid gland. When gliadin breaches the protective barrier of the gut, and enters the bloodstream, the immune system tags it for destruction. These antibodies to gliadin also cause the body to attack thyroid tissue. This means if you have hashimotos and you eat foods containing gluten, your immune system will attack your thyroid. Autoimmune problems can often appear as clusters so further investigation for other autoimmune conditions such as coeliac disease is recommended.
Selenium supplementation has been shown in some literature to reduce autoimmune antibodies. Emulsified vitamin D is also a powerful immune modulator.
The adrenal glands have a huge impact on the thyroid and vice versa so it’s crucial to consider the health of both together. Stress inhibits the production of thyroid hormones and can decrease the conversion of T4 – T3.
If you feel you may have symptoms related to Hasimotos’ book an appointment with your GP, you should also be vigilant if you have had any thyroid operations and thyroid treatment but also if you have high cholesterol. It is important when testing for a thyroid problem is that antibodies are included in the test. A GP will often only test Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and Thyroxine (free T4).
For more information or before making changes to how you eat or start to take supplements, please consult a health care professional.
Thank you for reading
