Hashimotos Thyroiditis
Hashimoto's Disease, also known as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Chronic Lymphocytic Thyroiditis and Chronic Autoimmune Thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s Disease is an autoimmune disorder caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the thyroid gland. This disease usually results in an underactive thyroid / a decline in hormone production (hypothyroidism) such as decreased levels of thyroid hormones and thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
When the immune system is not involved, thyroid dysfunction may be linked to chronic stress, viral infections or nutrient deficiencies.
What are the symptoms?
There are thought to be 100s of symptoms of Hashimoto’s Disease, they vary from person to person, and tend to worsen over time, they include:
Symptoms include:
Fatigue
Weight gain
Feeling cold
Joint pain and stiffness
Muscle pain
Constipation
Puffy eyes
Dry skin
Thinning hair/ hair loss
Irregular periods
Difficulty becoming pregnant
Memory problems
Difficulty concentrating
Slow heartbeat
Causes
Although anyone can develop Hashimoto's Disease, it's most common among middle-aged women. The causes of Hashimoto’s Disease are not known, however genetic factors play a role. The following triggers may cause Hypothyroidism:
Stress
Pregnancy
Infection
Too much or too little iodine
Diagnosis
A physical examination will take place, alongside a look into your medical history. Blood tests will also take place, including the following:
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (THS) test
Free T4 test
Antithyroid antibody test
How it is treated conventionally?
The primary treatment is thyroid hormone replacement.
How does Surrey Centre for Nutrition with Hashimotos Thyroiditis?
We need to start off by identifying what is resulting in the autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland. We do this through thorough and detailed nutritional therapy and functional medicine questionnaires and profiling. We then look at suitable avenues for testing which may include food reactivity panels and gut health screening to name just a few.
Unlike conventional medicine, we are looking to understand the underlying causative factors to return a client to health and reverse symptoms. Identifying the true root cause of the disease, and what led the body to attack its own thyroid glands with an immune response will involve investigations into gut health, food, pathogen and environmental toxin reactivity, chronic infections, elevated toxic load and address stress and lifestyle contributory factors.
We will then use targeted approaches such as gastrointestinal healing and rebalancing, detoxification, and elimination of inflammatory foods to name just a few, and techniques to help mediate the stress response.
Gluten elimination for example is very often necessary in autoimmune thyroid mediated disorders, but there is a lot more to achieving remission in Hashimoto’s than this, and it is simply the tip of the iceberg.
Are you ready to work with us to reach your health goals?
If you or someone you know is suffering from the symptoms or conditions listed above, Surrey Centre for Nutrition may be able to help. We typically work with clients for 3-6 months depending on your health concerns. Are you interested in working with us?
Book a discovery call to see how the Surrey Centre for Nutrition can help
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