Immune System Antibody Attack
Did you know that if you have hypothyroidism, it may not necessarily be just plain old simple hypothyroidism? About 80% of cases of low thyroid are due to an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland with antibodies made by the body. As a result, there is severe inflammation and even lumps or nodules may form on the thyroid gland. It’s called Hashimoto’s Disease.
Dietary Deficiencies
The inflammation may be tied to dietary deficiencies such as a selenium, iodine, manganese, zinc or iron deficiency. In order for the thyroid gland to work properly, you must have adequate levels of these nutrients. Selenium is necessary for the conversion of thyroid hormones to more active states. Selenium is an immune-modulator, and its deficiency could contribute to autoimmune disorders.
What Does It Feel Like?
The symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease are similar to those found in hypothyroidism: fatigue, cold hands and feet, weight gain, dry hair and skin, lack of endurance, constipation, swollen thyroid gland, and a tight feeling in your throat. All these symptoms don’t have to be present to have Hashimoto’s disease. There are some very good lab tests can determine if you actually have the condition.
Hyperthyroid States Can Occur
In Hashimoto’s disease there are times when the thyroid hormones are high and when they are low. When the antibodies are attacking the thyroid full force, the thyroid hormones will be dumped into the blood due to thyroid tissue breakdown. This results in high levels of thyroid hormones and symptoms of hyperthyroidism. At other times, the thyroid hormone levels will be low.
Gluten Free Diet MAY Help
The connection between gluten and Hashimoto’s disease is that autoimmune reactions may be triggered by gluten. In fact, one of the nation’s experts on gluten sensitivity, Dr. Peter Osborn, connects gluten sensitivity to Hashimoto’s disease as well as hundreds of other diseases. When some patients go on a gluten-free diet, they get improved results with their thyroid antibody tests.
Learn more with Virginia Integrative Medicine
To learn more, join the local Community Discussion on Thyroid Disease with my friends, Dr. Marty Albert and Dr. Peggy Wright. Integrative Medicine Community Conversations
