Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (also called autoimmune or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis) is the most common thyroid disease in the world. It occurs between eight and fifteen times more often in women than in men. Though it may occur at any age, including in children, it is most often observed in women between 30 and 60 years of age. It is more common in regions of high iodine dietary intake, and among people who are genetically susceptible.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may not cause symptoms for many years and may remain undiagnosed until an enlarged thyroid gland or abnormal blood tests are discovered as part of a routine examination. Although many of the symptoms associated with thyroid hormone deficiency occur commonly in patients without thyroid disease, patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis who develop hypothyroidism are more likely to experience the following:
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Forgetfulness
- Difficulty with learning
- Dry, brittle hair and nails
- Dry, itchy skin
- Puffy face
- Constipation
- Sore muscles
- Weight gain
- Heavy menstrual flow
- Increased frequency of miscarriages
- Increased sensitivity to many medications
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis results from a malfunction in the immune system. When working properly, the immune system is designed to protect the body against invaders such as bacteria, viruses and other foreign substances. The immune system of someone with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis mistakenly recognises normal thyroid cells as foreign tissue, and it produces antibodies that may destroy these cells.
Dr. Alessio Fasano, a world-renowned gastroenterologist, Celiac disease and autoimmunity expert, describes autoimmunity as a three-legged stool that needs three things to be present to manifest:
- The right genes
- The trigger
- Intestinal permeability
While we can’t change our genes, we can reverse the autoimmune condition by removing triggers and intestinal permeability. If you can’t identify the trigger, then fix the intestinal permeability. This will also allow many individuals to put their condition into remission, as the “three-legged stool” of autoimmunity will no longer be able to stand!
According to Isabella Wentz of the Thyroid Secret, there are 6 main root causes:
Root Cause #1: Gluten Sensitivity
Gluten sensitivity and Celiac disease have been implicated in various autoimmune conditions ranging from Hashimoto’s, Graves’ disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Various tests can be done to determine if one has Celiac disease/gluten sensitivity. However, the condition may not always show up on tests. Some individuals do not learn of their sensitivity until they remove gluten from their diets. It’s easy enough to remove gluten from the diet, try this and see if your condition improves.
Root Cause #2: Gluten Sensitivity & Cross-Reactive Proteins
In addition to gluten sensitivity, individuals with Hashimoto’s may also be reactive to multiple other proteins including grains like rice, quinoa, and corn. Some experts, like Dr. William Davis, author of Wheat Belly, claim that human beings did not evolve to eat “grasses” like wheat, rice or corn. Other individuals may also react to dairy, eggs, nuts, seeds, nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and aubergines).
Root Cause #3: Glutamine/Zinc Depletion
Zinc and glutamine are among the two substances that are required for rebuilding intestinal lining. In times of stress, the body will pull these substances from our intestines and uses them for other things, such as the production of adrenal hormones. In most cases, these substances become available to us through food, and things go back to normal after the stressful time is over, and the gut lining is rebuilt with new ingredients. This becomes an issue for those under prolonged stress, those with low stomach acid (which is needed to extract zinc from proteins), and those that follow a diet low in animal protein, including vegans and vegetarians, as glutamine is primarily found in animal protein (including eggs and dairy).
Root Cause #4: Parasites
A parasite found in the intestines can cause a tremendous amount of damage and can cause intestinal permeability, food sensitivities, and autoimmune disease. If you are someone who developed your condition after a period of intense stress, I urge you to get tested, as stress makes us more susceptible to parasites.
Root Cause #5 Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
SIBO is an overgrowth of bacteria in the small bowel or small intestine. This overgrowth can be caused by antibiotic overuse and starchy foods, among others. The SIBO results in intestinal permeability as the body tries to get rid of the excess bacteria.
Root Cause #6 Fungal Infections
The fungus Candida can cause intestinal permeability and has been implicated in autoimmune disease and food sensitivities.
There are numerous tests that can identify, including complete thyroid panels and even hair and DNA, along with the food sensitivities and parasitology. To help assess what you need, please contact Dr. Lee for an appointment.
