What is Hashimoto’s?
According to the Mayo Clinic, Hashimoto’s disease is when the immune system attacks the thyroid, the thyroid is a small, butterfly shaped gland in the neck. The thyroid is part of the endocrine system and it produces hormones that manage many functions within the body.
Hashimoto’s is the number one cause of hypothyroidism. It primarily affects middle-aged women, however it can occur in just about everyone.
Symptoms of Hashimoto’s or an Underactive Thyroid
- dry skin
- hoarse voice
- high cholesterol
- depression
- muscle weakness
- brain fog
- fatigue
- cold often
- thinning hair
- brittle nails
- weight gain
- irregular/heavy periods
- problems with fertility
- constipation
Things to Consider
- Increase your exercising
- Work with your doctor to find the right diet
- Keep a diary of what you eat, do, etc. and symptoms that may follow
- Stay consistent with your medications and supplements
- Reduce stress
- Listen to your body
Why Should I Consider The Above?
Exercise:
Staying active keeps the body AND the mind healthy! However, you do not over do it. Excessive, heavy workouts can actually drop thyroid levels, so always be mindful and take breaks.
Diet:
Autoimmune disease is generally derived from intestinal dysfunction. Therefore, eating inflammatory inducing foods, the body’s normal barrier breaks down and exposes our system to foreign proteins leading to an intense immune response. There are foods you eat that could be causing flare ups for you. However, this does not necessarily mean you are eating “bad”, you body just responds differently to certain foods. It is important to consult with your doctor about the right diet for you, this is where a diary of eating habits and symptoms comes in. Although there is testing that can be done to determine different food intolerances, they can be expensive, so starting a diet log is a great way to narrow down what food could be causing some issues.
Medication/Supplementation:
Your doctor will most likely prescribe you medication and recommend supplementation to go along with it. It is important to stay on top of these and stay consistent with the times you take your medications and supplements.
Stress/Environmental Factors:
Stress is a major trigger for those with an autoimmune condition. During high stress periods your hormones and your immune system can be affected. Seek guidance for coping with and managing stress. Try to remember keep a positive mindset and breath. Listen to your body – only you can do this! Your body will tell you what it likes and what is does not like. When you make yourself more aware you will notice the things that trigger your body more, so you can be aware of what to avoid in the future.
Managing Hashimoto’s disease, or any chronic/autoimmune disease, will take time, effort and consistency. At Compass Human Performance we will evaluate the root cause of your Hashimoto’s and develop a specific autoimmune disease therapy plan at our Nashville clinic, for your condition.
