Most people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are told to take thyroid hormone replacement, and nothing is ever done to address the cause of the problem. Endocrinologists know that Hashimoto’s is an immune system condition, but we need to keep in mind that they aren’t immune system specialists. This is one reason why they don’t do anything to improve the health of your immune system. But the main reason why endocrinologists ignore the immune system is because they simply aren’t trained in medical school to address the cause of Hashimoto’s.
For someone who does well on thyroid hormone this might not seem like a concern, and the truth is that many people who are diagnosed with Hashimoto’s simply follow the advice of their medical doctor. And for those reading this who are taking thyroid hormone replacement due to the advice of an endocrinologist, or another type of medical doctor, I’m not suggesting that you shouldn’t take it. But I am here to say that there are risks of taking thyroid hormone without improving the health of your immune system. Here are two of these risks:
Risk #1: Many people take Synthroid, which has numerous fillers, as well as artificial ingredients. While I’m not opposed to someone taking synthetic thyroid hormone, there are better options available than Synthroid. An example is Tirosint, which is a hypoallergenic form of synthetic T4. Taking natural desiccated thyroid such as Armour, Nature-Throid, or WP Thyroid is also something to consider, as many people do better on these than synthetic thyroid hormone.
I realize that Synthroid is probably a less expensive option, and perhaps even covered by your health insurance, but we all know that you usually get what you pay for. For example, purchasing organic food is more expensive than non-organic food, but the reason why many people are willing to pay extra money for organic food is to minimize their exposure to the chemicals that are present in non-organic food. One problem is that many people who take Synthroid don’t read the ingredients, while others don’t realize that there are hypoallergenic forms of synthetic thyroid hormone available (for those who can’t take or prefer not to take desiccated thyroid).
Risk #2: People with Hashimoto’s have an increased risk of developing other autoimmune conditions in the future. This is in the research, and it’s a big reason why EVERYONE with Hashimoto’s needs to be proactive and try to detect and remove their autoimmune triggers. While nobody wants to be diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, and some people with this condition have extreme fatigue, brain fog, and other symptoms, keep in mind that some other autoimmune conditions are arguably worse to have. For example, while many people are able to function normally when taking thyroid hormone, this might not be the case for someone who has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune conditions.
Just to be clear, I’m not advising anyone to stop taking their thyroid hormone replacement. But for those who do this without improving their immune system health, you are at risk of developing other autoimmune conditions in the future.
What Does It Mean To “Reverse” Hashimoto’s?
The headline of this blog post is “Can Hashimoto’s Be Reversed?” The answer to this question is “yes”, it is possible to reverse Hashimoto’s. But what exactly does this mean? Well, when I use the word “reverse” I’m suggesting that the autoimmune component can be reversed. In other words, it’s possible to detect and remove the autoimmune triggers and normalize the thyroid antibodies. I’m not suggesting that this is easy to accomplish, as without question some cases of Hashimoto’s are more challenging than others. And then even when the autoimmune component has been reversed, for some people it is challenging to maintain a state of remission.
This is true with all autoimmune conditions. As many reading this know, I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease in the past, and I have been in remission since 2009. Since then, I have helped many people with Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s achieve a state of remission. The primary key to helping people with these autoimmune thyroid conditions achieve a state of remission is to find and remove the person’s triggers. I’ve written about this in past articles and blog posts, have conducted webinars on this topic, and soon I will be releasing a new book that focuses on helping you find and remove your specific autoimmune triggers.
Yes, I know there are currently books on Hashimoto’s that focus on natural treatment methods. In fact, I’m friends with many of the authors of these books. But I promise you that my upcoming book is going to be the most comprehensive book to date with regards to discussing the different triggers of Hashimoto’s, along with helping those with this condition detect and remove their triggers.
As for when the book will be released, I don’t have an exact date yet, but I’m 99% certain that it will be released in the first quarter of this year. In fact, the editing process has been completed, and it’s now in the hands of the formatter. I’ll add that the first week it’s released there will be a huge discount, along with a few special bonuses for those who purchase the book. In a couple of weeks I’ll have another update, and I’ll also include a copy of the cover.
I currently have 5+ autoimmune diseases, and hashimotos was my last diagnosis(within the last year). I have been proactive about my health for approximately 12 years, eating paleo, avoiding gluten, dairy, eggs corn soy etc–(all my food triggers), eat whole foods,homemade grassfed and organic..etc. I have eliminated as many toxins from my life as humanly possible.-I make all my own cleaning products-for house cleaning and also bath products. I have addressed gut health, parasites, sibo, candida, heavy metals, etc Even my ND is not sure where to turn next in my healing journey. Is it possible for even me to reverse my hashis and possibly my other AI dieseases? I am going broke trying to heal myself with book purchases, ND visits,supplements. Researching for my health has basically become a full time job for me, leaving me frustrated. I am very discouraged and sick of being sick. People like you , and others promise me I can reverse my diseases, and yet I am still sick. So please be honest with me as to whether your book can really truly hep me.
Do you explain things, your state nd your emotions often? Ig you do stop it. Nobody actually care and that harm your body and mind.
Whoa Aida. You are out of line. You have much anger to your tone and self loathing. You need help.
Carolin,
I care. I understand that feeling of desperation and lost. If you’re able, get into nature. Or at minimum put your barefeet everyday on the earth and take it in. Believe it or not this is a huge way to detox and realign. In the morning is best especially if there is dew on the ground. Also, Research something called c60. You’ll see why.
Won♡
I also have read numerous books and tried all the diets, supplements, no gluten, no so, no dairy, no corn. I have bought all the non toxic cleaners, soaps, etc. and toxin removing supplements. I paid thousands of dollars to a chiropractor/wellness dr. who tested me for causes of my hashimotos and found no sibo or candida or parasites. He gave me a ton of supplements supposed to help that did nothing. When my money ran out and I was no better he said “I never said I could heal your thyroid”. It is very frustrating. I watched all the videos from the Root Cause and read both her books. I think the recipes she provided are unrealistic for most people. I am not going to eat chicken on apple for breakfast or brussel sprout hash for breakfast, and I like brussel sprouts. I do not know what the cause of my hashimotos is. I think it possibly started after I took a flu vaccine in 1991. How do you reverse that? I do not have any other autoimmune conditions thus far and was diagnosed with hashi’s a long time ago. Autoimmune seems to run in our family, however, my grandmother had thyroid conditions, my sister has hashis and three of my female cousins have lupus and other autoimmune issues. I really have reached the point that I feel like I have tried everything with no results. My family often thinks I’m ridiculous with the diets and protocols because it never does anything.
Hello Dana, what about asking an Integrative Medical Doctor to check your methylation status (very important). You might find you have 1 or 2 mutations that would interfere with your ability to make progress. I have 2 bad mutations. It is then imperative to deal with that most important gene with the appropriate supplements, only a qualified Integrative doctors will prescribe. I have also Hashimoto, and I have just been diagnosed with having SIBO. Please also do not dwell on the pain as it causes stress, the last thing you want.
Take Good Care
Odile
Hi Doctor,
I am reading a lot of mixed feedback on Chaga mushroom. A few claim that it is adoptogenic in nature and hence should be a positive supplement for people suffering from Hashimotos. A few indicate that it should be avoided due to itsimmune strengthening property, thus potentially aggravating the problem. What are your thoughts on chaga and should I consider including it in my diet.