Integritus Prime

What the heck is this mouthful: Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis? First of all, it sounds like a problem and we need to know where this problem is based. There is a butterfly shaped organ in the neck called the thyroid gland, which normally produces adequate amounts of a hormone called thyroxin. This hormone helps with the metabolism of the body. It helps the body use energy efficiently, stay warm, and keep the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs working normally.

When enough of this hormone is not produced, it’s called hypothyroidism and a number of functions of the body are affected causing ill health. When the thyroid gland produces too much thyroxin, it increases metabolism, which results in people becoming overactive, eating a lot but not gaining weight and other problems.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (HT) is a condition where the thyroid gland is inflamed and slowly becomes unable to function normally. This is an autoimmune condition. Sometimes, bacteria, virus or toxins damage the thyroxin-producing cells. These cells get marked as abnormal by the body’s protective mechanism and protector cells such as the white blood cells start destroying these thyroxin-producing cells in the thyroid gland. This process of destroying and removing cells causes inflammation.

Later, when many cells in the thyroid are damaged and destroyed, it results in thyroxin deficiency. This particular way of destroying the thyroid cells is called Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Some other ways in which the thyroxin-producing cells can be destroyed are radiation, surgery and some medications.

Signs and symptoms of Hashimoto’s are not very specific and similar to other causes of hypothyroidism. Symptoms develop over a period of time and usually include unexplained fatigue, weight gain, constipation, increased sensitivity to cold, dry skin, depression and more.

To be alert about Hashimoto’s we need to look at who is at risk. Usually, there’s a strong family history or it runs in the family; it is more common in women of middle age, but may occur in men and children as well; and is more likely in people with other autoimmune diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and Type 1 Diabetes.

When there are symptoms of Hashimoto’s or other autoimmune diseases, thyroid function needs to be checked. Medical professionals test blood to check for thyroxin levels before confirming diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, usually medication is started and there is a need for regular checkups to monitor symptoms and keep the thyroxin level normal. Blood level of thyroxin is tested regularly and the dosage of medication adjusted until body functions and symptoms are stabilized. Most of the time, medications need to be taken for life. However, studies are being conducted to see if this condition can be controlled using natural methods and products.

It is important to lead a healthy lifestyle to reduce the chances of having or controlling autoimmune diseases such as HT. A healthy lifestyle includes eating mostly an organic whole food plant based diet, exercising regularly, getting adequate rest and dealing resiliently with adverse life experiences. For more detailed information, explore the links in this blog or send me your questions at margaret@alchemusprime.com.

This blog is written by the inimitable Dr. Margaret Cornelius, (we)llness advisor to Alchemus Prime.