In Hashimoto’s disease, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, the most important thing to understand is that Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease, not a thyroid disease. The problem is the immune systems attacks the thyroid, and is slowly killing it. Therefore, the ultimate goal is to suppress the autoimmune component, and then remove the factors which are triggering the autoimmune response and causing the inflammation.

This is why Hashimotos’ patients go through episodes of Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism. As the destruction of the thyroid continues, the thyroid hormones, T3 and T4, are increased into the blood stream. This is what causes the fluctuating hyperthyroid and hypothyroid symptoms and why many patients have lab results (T4) that will fluctuate from high to low.

Research has shown that Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of primary hypothyroidism in the United States. Women are more commonly affected than men at a ratio of 8:1 and it is most prevalent in the 30-50 age group. Hashimoto’s affects approximately 15 million women in the United States, most presenting with Hashimoto’s in middle age. Hashimoto’s is more common in those individuals with a history of thyroid disease, other autoimmune conditions, or endocrine disorders.

Even if you have primary hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, there is more treatment needed beyond taking a physician prescribed thyroid pharmaceutical. One needs to understand the multisystem connections to the thyroid. For example the Adrenal-thyroid connection, Thyroid-Gut connection and the Thyroid Sex hormone connection all play vital roles in the successful treatment of thyroid disorders.

Use of homeopathic thyroid, over-the-counter glandular supplements, other natural thyroid supplements, time-release compounded T3, as well as natural treatments and Chinese herbs are alternative medicines and holistic medicine treatments that can often be of tremendous success.

Empirical studies have shown that even though nutritional supplements and herbal remedies can help many people with Hashimoto’s, taking supplements, and herbs alone will not restore your health back to normal. In order to accomplish this, you need to make changes in your eating habits, exercise regularly, get quality sleep each night and manage the stress in your life.

Research and leaders in the field of Hashimoto’s, including Dr. Kharrazian, have discovered that gluten is on many occasions part of the original causes of Hashimoto’s due to its molecular similarity with the thyroid gland. One specific trigger is normally gliaden, which is the polypeptide found in gluten.

Research indicates roughly 35% of Hashimoto’s patients suffer with celiac disease and another 60% will be gliaden sensitive. Once the gluten molecules enter through the tight junctions in the gut and trigger an immune reaction, the immune system then looks through-out the body for other possible body parts which are similar – one of which is the thyroid gland.

The Autoimmune diet is essential for patients suffering with bouts of Hashimoto’s. A diet that includes high quality proteins such as Grass fed beef, fish and chicken cannot be emphasized enough when it comes to thyroid health. Eliminate dairy and other grains and remember Overly processed foods such as refined sugars and flour should also be eliminated. If you are gluten sensitive don’t forget to look at your cosmetics, shampoos and personal care products as well. I have put together a list of hidden sources of Gluten that is available for download.

Additional Resources:

1. Naperville Institutes Metabolic and nutritional counseling programs
2. Treating Chronic Pain and Autoimmune Conditions by Avoiding Wheat Gluten
3. Gluten and Autoimmune Diseases | The Longer You Eat Gluten The Sicker You Will Become
4. Going Gluten Free | A Little Won’t Hurt Will It?
5. Testing For Gluten Sensitivity. Be Very Careful with Standard Testing Procedures
6. Coffee and Gluten Intolerance Connection | Dr. Hagmeyer Video Series
7. Read more about Naperville Institutes Natural Treatments
8. Gluten-Free Recipes