Whenever I meet a new person, and tell them about my mission of spreading awareness about lifestyle interventions and innovative treatments for Hashimoto’s, people always say, “Wow, that must be a really rare condition”, to which my response is, “It’s actually the leading cause of low thyroid function in Western countries, and most people who take thyroid medications actually have Hashimoto’s”.
The conversation always turns to, “Wow, I take thyroid medications,” or “My mom takes thyroid medications” or “My sister takes medications,” “Is this Hashimoto’s?” (As a side note, did you know that Synthroid was the bestselling medication in the United States in 2013??)
My answer: If you live in the United States, the UK, Australia, Europe and most developed countries that add iodine to the salt supply and take thyroid medications, there’s a high probability that you do have Hashimoto’s. Depending on the source, estimates are that between 90-95% of those with hypothyroidism have Hashimoto’s.
But most doctors will never tell people that they have Hashimoto’s, or that their immune system is attacking their thyroid. People are told that their “thyroid is sluggish,” and that these things happen with age and “Just take this pill, you’ll be fine.”
Why?
Because the conventional medical model treats autoimmune thyroid disorders in the same way as they would treat someone with a nutrient deficiency induced thyroid disorder, someone who was born without a thyroid or someone who had their thyroid removed or treated with radioactive iodine. But there is SO MUCH MORE to care for autoimmune induced hypothyroidism.
The Development of Autoimmune Induced Hypothyroidism
Based on my research over the last four years, here’s a general outline of how the mechanism behind Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism develops.
- The gut, which is the “home” of our immune system becomes imbalanced, (the early warning signs of autoimmune disease are often gut related, and may include gut distress, acid reflux, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, constipation). This may also be the beginning stage where fatigue will be seen as the body stops absorbing nutrients properly due to the gut imbalance. The TSH test will likely be normal, but thyroid antibodies will be present. This is the best time to act on lifestyle interventions as it’s so much easier to prevent damage at this point!
- The immune system starts to attack the thyroid more aggressively (symptoms of anxiety, palpitations, irritability as the damaged thyroid releases hormone into the bloodstream). At this point, thyroid antibodies will likely be detectable, and a slight change in TSH may be seen.
- The thyroid becomes severely damaged and scarred and can’t produce more hormones, and thus the person becomes hypothyroid (symptoms of hair loss, fatigue, cold intolerance, depression, brain fog, inability to lose weight, a.k.a. the “typical” low thyroid symptoms). At this point, a change in TSH is more likely going to be seen.
Unfortunately, most people are not diagnosed until about the third stage of Hashimoto’s, that is, if their thyroid problem is uncovered at all!
At age 25, I was told that the extra weight, my forgetfulness, hair loss and fatigue were likely a result of “just getting older.” This seemed to make sense to me at the time, and I took my doctor’s word for it, and thus did nothing while my thyroid was under severe autoimmune attack. I don’t want you to make the same mistake, as it’s much harder to regenerate thyroid tissue than it is to prevent damage.
In the person with the right genetic susceptibility, there are triggers or root causes, that cause an immune system imbalance, which leads to nutrient deficiencies, many symptoms, and results in the destruction of the thyroid gland so it can no longer make enough thyroid hormones.
Opportunities for Intervention
There are three main opportunities for intervention. Giving supplemental hormone when the thyroid is no longer able to produce its hormone is the most common type of intervention. Of course, this intervention is crucial in those cases when the thyroid is so scarred that it can no longer make enough hormone on its own, as the body REQUIRES thyroid hormone for everything!
Taking hormones, in the right combination and at the correct dose, (read about Which Thyroid Medications are Best and What to do if Your TSH is Normal and for even more detailed information, you can download my eBook Optimizing Thyroid Medications for FREE) will help many of the hypothyroid symptoms such as hair loss, fatigue, cold intolerance, and losing weight, but will not get to the underlying cause of the condition.
Taking thyroid hormones should not be the only interventions for Hashimoto’s. I compare taking thyroid hormones to pouring more water into a leaky bucket but failing to plug up the leak. There’s a lot more to Hashimoto’s than just low thyroid function!
Thyroid Medications Aren’t Enough for Hashimoto’s Hypothyroidism!
Now trust me on this one- I’m a pharmacist, and I fully support appropriate medication use, but thyroid medications do not get to the underlying cause of Hashimoto’s.
So What Is the Underlying Cause?
The underlying cause is an imbalance of the immune system, and that will persist even when people get on thyroid medications, and even when the thyroid is taken out surgically or treated with radioactive iodine.
Many people will get on thyroid medications, thinking that’s all they need to do or will have their thyroids surgically removed, and years later will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
The immune system just finds a different target 🙁
We need to rebalance the immune system to prevent this -sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well!
The second opportunity for intervention in Hashimoto’s, and in my opinion, the most important approach, is going after the root cause(s).
The gut determines your immune system. Food sensitivities and hidden gut infections are two of the most common causes of an imbalanced immune system. I often hear miracle stories of people who treated one infection (like Yersinia) or got rid of gluten and completely reversed their Hashimoto’s- their thyroid antibodies go away, and some are even able to regenerate thyroid tissue and get off medications.
These are easy cases, and everyone loves this kind of story, but the truth is, that it’s not that easy for most people. In my experience, most people with Hashimoto’s have a combination of nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, adrenal issues, infections and an impaired ability to get rid of toxins. Some also suffer from emotional issues that keep their immune systems on guard.
Most People Will Need to Make Multiple Changes to Feel Great Again
I often get messages from people who say they’ve tried everything, but still feel terrible. My answer is usually that you haven’t tried everything.
So if you are someone who has gone gluten free, but hasn’t seen improvement, perhaps you may want to try an elimination diet or food sensitivity testing to see if you have any other food reactions. If you feel worse going gluten free, perhaps you need to think about your blood sugar balance. If you are already eating a super clean diet, and have seen no improvements, perhaps it’s time to think about your gut… could you have a gut infection that is keeping your immune system confused? If you’ve done the gut thing and the food thing, perhaps it’s time to think about your detox capabilities or nutrient deficiencies. These interventions are the interventions that address the root cause of the condition. Read my post about 6 Different Hashimoto’s Root Causes. For additional root causes, please take a look at my Dig-At-It approach and my book, Hashimoto’s: The Root Cause.
Immune modulation is the third type of approach to Hashimoto’s… chemicals, nutrients, herbs medications and even our thoughts can modulate our immune system. Sometimes the triggers may be gone, but they immune system may still be imbalanced…
If you are doing all of the root cause things, but not feeling better, you may want to consider immune modulation like LDN (Low Dose Naltrexone)… And remember, in the end, your goal should be to feel your best. If you are stressed out about having the perfect numbers and ignoring your emotions, perhaps it’s time to evaluate the contribution of your emotions on your immune system. Are your emotions putting you in a sympathetic mode- stress, fight or flight- or are they putting you in a parasympathetic mode of rest, digestion, and healing?
Some of you may be thinking… Why do all of this, why go through all of this trouble… why not just give up? My answer is… because you are worth it! Please know that there are many things that you can do to make yourself better.
You can also download a free Thyroid Diet Guide, 10 Thyroid friendly recipes, and the Nutrient Depletions and Digestion chapter for free by going to www.thyroidpharmacist.com/gift. You will also receive occasional updates about new research, resources, giveaways and helpful information.
Kathy says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Kathy- Thank you so much for sharing! 🙂
Allyson says
Yes, I have found this with some labs in Australia. They simply tell you that your antibodies are >1500. Not helpful! Very frustrating.
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Allyson – It is frustrating indeed. Perhaps you can call around and find a lab that uses a more accurate scale? Others in Australia may have found better options, so I always recommend asking others in the same situation.
A couple of years after my diagnosis, I found Hashimoto’s 411, a closed Facebook group run by Alice Berry McDonnell. This group is amazing! It is comprised of an army of highly motivated, smart, supportive women and men (now 45,000+ strong), and each of them sharing ideas of what worked for them, things they were planning to try, and offering support to one another. The comfort I received from knowing that there were others going through the same challenges as I, was enormous.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hashimotos411/
Anna Davis says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Anna- There are quite a few options for thyroid medications. In my experience, what works for one person may not work for another. If your doctor will not prescribe the medication you are looking for, ask your local pharmacist for doctors in your area who prescribe the medication you are looking to try. Have you read these articles?
WHICH THYROID MEDICATION IS BEST?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-thyroid-medication-is-best/
TOP 11 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THYROID MEDICATIONS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-11-things-you-need-to-know-about-thyroid-medications/
Amy says
Hope this helps. It’s dedicated thyroid. Good luck!
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Amy- There are quite a few options for thyroid medications. In my experience, what works for one person may not work for another. If your doctor will not prescribe the medication you are looking for, ask your local pharmacist for doctors in your area who prescribe the medication you are looking to try. Have you read these articles?
WHICH THYROID MEDICATION IS BEST?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-thyroid-medication-is-best/
TOP 11 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THYROID MEDICATIONS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-11-things-you-need-to-know-about-thyroid-medications/
Rosie Gonzalez says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Rosie- Here is an article you may find interesting! 🙂
TOP 11 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THYROID MEDICATIONS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-11-things-you-need-to-know-about-thyroid-medications/
Cherie Crane says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Cherie- Thank you so much for your support! I hope you also check out my new book that will be coming out soon! Here is the link below! 🙂
Hashimoto’s Protocol Book
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Mondi Chavez says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Mondi- Hashimoto’s is a complicated condition with many layers that need to be unraveled. While conventional medicine only looks at each body system as a separate category and is only concerned with the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone, Hashimoto’s is more than just hypothyroidism. I wanted to pass along these articles that I wrote. I hope they help 🙂
WHERE DO I START WITH HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/where-do-i-start-with-hashimotos/
OVERCOMING HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/overcoming-hashimotos-in-the-new-year/
Delynn says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Delynn- You may also like to check out the doctors that other patients recommend on this list:
CLINICIAN DATABASE
http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117
Anita says
Thank you Dr. Wentz for the clinician links! I’ve been watching your videos and feel I have overwhelming evidence that my past and symptoms make sense. My DO seems very caring and has performed a few screening tests but either lacks the experience or understanding to assure she has a game plan to get to the root. My scalp is continually to show and I am afraid it may not be recovered. After following your videos, I thank God that my prayers for understanding have been answered. I just need to either share the information with my doctor or find someone else. God bless you for making your experience a “life boat” to others.
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Anita – thank you for your support, and you are most welcome! <3
When I was first diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, I felt so alone. My doctor didn’t think it was a big deal, and none of my friends or co-workers had it. It wasn’t until I started to research online that I found others who were going through the same thing.
A couple of years after my diagnosis, I found Hashimoto’s 411, a closed Facebook group run by Alice Berry McDonnell. This group is amazing! It is comprised of an army of highly motivated, smart, supportive women and men (now 45,000+ strong), and each of them sharing ideas of what worked for them, things they were planning to try, and offering support to one another. The comfort I received from knowing that there were others going through the same challenges as I, was enormous.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hashimotos411/
Ask questions. Post your thoughts. Scan the files. It is an absolutely amazing resource. Best of all it’s kept private from spammers.
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Anita – thank you for following this page and for your kind words. <3
Getting your physician on board is important. I hope that my background and book will be helpful in giving your physician some context regarding lifestyle interventions. Here is the link to how to get your physician on board.
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/10-things-i-wish-my-endocrinologist-would-have-told-me
Dawn Baxter says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Dawn- Thank you so much for your support! Thyroid tissue can regenerate, but the rate at which it does is not always predictable. Thus, some are able to stop the autoimmune attack on their thyroid and regain normal thyroid function. Others can reduce the dose of medications, and others will need to stay on the medications indefinitely. I’m currently working on some protocols to help with tissue regeneration.
Reversing Hashimoto’s means different things to different people. For some, it means a reduction in symptoms and for others it means a reduction in your antibodies. I had both. Here a few articles that might be helpful for you 🙂
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY? AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm/
HASHIMOTO’S SELF CARE, GETTING AND STAYING IN REMISSION
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-self-care
Marina says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Marina- I’m very hesitant in recommending iodine in Hashimoto’s. Although iodine serves as fuel for our thyroid and is very important in iodine deficiency hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s is a different mechanism. It’s like pouring gas into an engine that’s on fire… that’s essentially what’s happening in Hashi’s, thyroid inflammation, and adding iodine to the mix before putting out the fire and fixing the engine may result in further damage to the thyroid. In those with a predisposition to autoimmunity, this has been documented time and time again, animal and human studies. I have spent 4 years researching this and have seen too many people suffering the consequences of adding iodine too soon. My approach is, let’s fix the engine first (usually a gut issue), and then add the fuel once we know that the engine is no longer on fire. Hope that you will check out my book. I have a whole chapter on the iodine controversy that references numerous studies as well as the work of Abraham and Brownstein.
AMAZON
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Helene says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Helene- Thank you so much for your support! Thyroid tissue can regenerate, but the rate at which it does is not always predictable. Thus, some are able to stop the autoimmune attack on their thyroid and regain normal thyroid function. Others can reduce the dose of medications, and others will need to stay on the medications indefinitely. I’m currently working on some protocols to help with tissue regeneration.
Reversing Hashimoto’s means different things to different people. For some, it means a reduction in symptoms and for others it means a reduction in your antibodies. I had both. Here a few articles that might be helpful for you 🙂
IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECOVER THYROID FUNCTION IN HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-it-possible-to-recover-thyroid-function-in-hashimotos
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY? AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm/
HASHIMOTO’S SELF CARE, GETTING AND STAYING IN REMISSION
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-self-care
Cindy says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Cindy- Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically, is ‘dead’, or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to re-balance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Reni says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Reni- Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically, is ‘dead’, or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to re-balance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
VICKI says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Vicki- Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people, will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet
Stacey Oliver says
I eliminated gluten can’t say I feel better
Insomnia and stomach issues IBM still present
my last Labs came back OK TPO was on the high end of normal. The anxiety is major and I’m sleeping all the time I’m on synthroid 100mcg .
I’m about to go purchase Root Cause on amazon. . Hopefully it will help
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Stacey- Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically, is ‘dead’, or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to re-balance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Dawn says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Dawn- When it comes to weight gain these are a couple of things to think about.
1) What was your recent TSH, Free T3 and Free T4? Sometimes when those numbers are on the outskirts of normal, your metabolic rate may still be impaired making it more difficult for you to burn calories. Most people report feeling well with a TSH between 0.5-2.
2) What type of medication are you on? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combinations (Armour, Nature-Throid, compounded medications) versus T4 medications (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Tirosint) alone. T4 is a precursor to T3, but some individuals do not convert T4 to T3 properly, and the T3 component is the metabolically active one.
3) What type of diet are you eating? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combination vs T4 alone. Some do not convert T4 properly.The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) full of sugar and simple carbohydrates is perfectly designed to cause us to gain weight year after year. Even yogurts that are marketed as “healthy” contain the equivalent of 16 teaspoons of sugar. Divorcing the S.A.D. is often a step that many of us must take to not just lose weight, but to also feel better. Some diets that have been helpful include the Body Ecology Diet, the Paleo Diet, the Virgin Diet, Autoimmune Paleo Diet, GAPS diet, SCD diet, Weston A. Price Diet, or the Mediterranean Diet. You may need to modify these diets to your own individuality.
BEST DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/best-diet-for-hashimotos-hypothyroidism
HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT WITH HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/how-to-lose-weight-with-hashimotos
Reni says
I am from the Netherlands. Here is also not Armour.
But I think you exercise to much for your condition, so they told to me .
I am doing almost two weeks T-Tapp and I am feeling a lot better, I lost my sugar craves and lost 4kg. and 2inches af my waist.
I am taking Levotyroxine 150mcg and B complex , Vit.D3 and Floradix.
I hope your doc. can help you with that.
I was check for vit B12, and Vit D too, they was low.
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Reni- Thyroid tissue can regenerate, but the rate at which it does is not always predictable. Thus, some are able to stop the autoimmune attack on their thyroid and regain normal thyroid function. Others can reduce the dose of medications, and others will need to stay on the medications indefinitely. I’m currently working on some protocols to help with tissue regeneration.
Reversing Hashimoto’s means different things to different people. For some, it means a reduction in symptoms and for others it means a reduction in your antibodies. I had both. Here a few articles that might be helpful for you 🙂
IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECOVER THYROID FUNCTION IN HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-it-possible-to-recover-thyroid-function-in-hashimotos
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY? AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm/
HASHIMOTO’S SELF CARE, GETTING AND STAYING IN REMISSION
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-self-care
Reni says
I am from the Netherlands. Here is also not Armour.
But I think you exercise to much for your condition, so they told to me .
I am doing almost two weeks T-Tapp and I am feeling a lot better, I lost my sugar craves and lost 4kg. and 2inches af my waist.
I am taking Levotyroxine 150mcg and B complex , Vit.D3 and Floradix.
I hope your doc. can help you with that.
I was check for vit B12, and Vit D too, they was low.
Reni says
I am from the Netherlands. Here is also not Armour.
But I think you exercise to much for your condition, so they told to me .
I am doing almost two weeks T-Tapp and I am feeling a lot better, I lost my sugar craves and lost 4kg. and 2inches af my waist.
I am taking Levotyroxine 150mcg and B complex , Vit.D3 and Floradix.
I hope your doc. can help you with that.
I was check for vit B12, and Vit D too, they was low.
sal knights says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Sal- Did you know that if you live in the United States, the UK, Australia, Europe and most developed countries that add iodine to the salt supply and take thyroid medications, there’s a higher probability that you do have Hashimoto’s?
Depending on the source, estimates are that between 90-95% of those with hypothyroidism have Hashimoto’s.
But most doctors will never tell people that they have Hashimoto’s, or that their own immune system is attacking their thyroid. People are told that their “thyroid is sluggish”, and that these things happen with age and “Just take this pill, you’ll be fine.” I hope you check out these articles that I wrote.
ARE YOU DOING EVERYTHING FOR YOUR THYROID BUT NOT YET WELL?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/are-you-doing-everything-for-your-thyroid-but-not-yet-well/
DO YOU HAVE HYPOTHYROIDISM OR HASHIMOTO’S OR BOTH?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/do-you-have-hypothyroidism-or-hashimotos-or-both/
Here are the tests you need for diagnosis. Most endocrinologists don’t run them all so you will have to request them. Make sure to request a copy of your labs as well.
TOP 6 THYROID TESTS FOR DIAGNOSIS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-6-thyroid-tests/
Anna says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Anna- Thank you so much for your support!! Thyroid tissue can regenerate, but the rate at which it does is not always predictable. Thus, some are able to stop the autoimmune attack on their thyroid and regain normal thyroid function. Others can reduce the dose of medications, and others will need to stay on the medications indefinitely. I’m currently working on some protocols to help with tissue regeneration.
Reversing Hashimoto’s means different things to different people. For some, it means a reduction in symptoms and for others it means a reduction in your antibodies. I had both. Here a few articles that might be helpful for you 🙂
IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECOVER THYROID FUNCTION IN HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-it-possible-to-recover-thyroid-function-in-hashimotos
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY? AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm/
HASHIMOTO’S SELF CARE, GETTING AND STAYING IN REMISSION
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-self-care
Becky Palm says
Thnx
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Becky- I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s a whole medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid
CLINICIAN DATABASE
http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117
Faye Reinschmiedt says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Faye- Did you know that reactive foods trigger an inflammatory response in the GI tract, leading to malabsorption of nutrients (gluten sensitivity in particular has been implicated in causing a Selenium deficiency, a well known risk factor for Hashimoto’s), and can also produce intestinal permeability whenever they are eaten?
Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people, will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet
Barbara M says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Barbara- I enjoy your positive attitude! Thyroid tissue can regenerate, but the rate at which it does is not always predictable. Thus, some are able to stop the autoimmune attack on their thyroid and regain normal thyroid function. Others can reduce the dose of medications, and others will need to stay on the medications indefinitely. I’m currently working on some protocols to help with tissue regeneration.
Reversing Hashimoto’s means different things to different people. For some, it means a reduction in symptoms and for others it means a reduction in your antibodies. I had both. Here a few articles that might be helpful for you 🙂
IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECOVER THYROID FUNCTION IN HASHIMOTO’S
https://www.thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-it-possible-to-recover-thyroid-function-in-hashimotos
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY? AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm/
HASHIMOTO’S SELF CARE, GETTING AND STAYING IN REMISSION
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-self-care
Tammy Galati says
Margaret says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Margaret- You may find this article interesting! 🙂
THE COMMON ROOT CAUSE OF HASHIMOTO’S, HIVES AND IBS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/the-common-root-cause-of-hashimotos-hives-and-ibs
angie says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Angie- Fatigue was the most debilitating symptom I experienced with Hashimoto’s. It actually started 8 years before I was finally diagnosed in 2009, after I got Mono (Epstein-Barr Virus) in college. I needed to sleep for 12 hours each night to be able to function, and by “function” I mean after hitting the snooze button on my alarm clock for two hours (ask my poor husband), I would drag myself out of bed and then had to drink 4-6 cups of caffeine everyday to keep myself awake. I often had Red Bull and Pepsi for breakfast, and was the epitome of “wired but tired”. I hope my articles help you get started 🙂
OVERCOMING THYROID FATIGUE
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-10-tips-for-overcoming-hashimotos-fatigue
THIAMINE AND THYROID FATIGUE
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/thiamine-and-thyroid-fatigue
Dawn Blankenship says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Dawn- Thank you so much for sharing! You may be interested in checking out the Root Cause Recipe Portal. It is full of autoimmune paleo and paleo recipes. You’re able to organize weekly shopping lists, meal planning, etc. Hope you check it out.
http://rootcauserecipes.com/
Jennifer Barker says
So a pill and in 3 weeks my uterus taken out. Now I have bad hot flashes and everything on the hashimotos list from hair falling out to not sleeping you know the rest. I go to the dr and they have no answers. What can I do?
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Jennifer- Hashimoto’s is a complicated condition with many layers that need to be unraveled. While conventional medicine only looks at each body system as a separate category and is only concerned with the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone, Hashimoto’s is more than just hypothyroidism. I wanted to pass along these articles that I wrote. I hope they help 🙂
WHERE DO I START WITH HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/where-do-i-start-with-hashimotos/
OVERCOMING HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/overcoming-hashimotos-in-the-new-year/
inna morrison says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Inna- You may also like to check out the doctors that other patients recommend on this list:
CLINICIAN DATABASE
http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117
shirley waiwaiol says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Shirley- Hashimoto’s is a complicated condition with many layers that need to be unraveled. While conventional medicine only looks at each body system as a separate category and is only concerned with the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone, Hashimoto’s is more than just hypothyroidism. I wanted to pass along these articles that I wrote. I hope they help 🙂
WHERE DO I START WITH HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/where-do-i-start-with-hashimotos/
OVERCOMING HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/overcoming-hashimotos-in-the-new-year/
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Shirley- When I was first diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, I felt so alone. My doctor didn’t think it was a big deal, and none of my friends or co-workers had it. It wasn’t until I started to research online that I found others who were going through the same thing.
A couple of years after my diagnosis, I found Hashimoto’s 411, a closed Facebook group run by Alice Berry McDonnell. This group is amazing! It is comprised of an army of highly motivated, smart, supportive women and men (now 45,000+ strong), and each of them sharing ideas of what worked for them, things they were planning to try, and offering support to one another. The comfort I received from knowing that there were others going through the same challenges as I, was enormous.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hashimotos411/
Ask questions. Post your thoughts. Scan the files. It is an absolutely amazing resource. Best of all it’s kept private from spammers.
jed says
1. Buy Izabella’s Book and also one called ‘Stop the Thyroid Madness’. They will make you realise you are not alone and give you an outline of what to put to your doctor.
2. Don’t stay with or listen to any doctor who belittles you or is sarcastic toward your complaints. Find an Integrative Doctor who understands auto immunity and is willing to help you get the right testing. As you have muscle mass deterioration, I would also request a test for MTHFR gene issues. Diverticulitis indicates an irritation of the bowel which has probably been caused through a lifetime of eating grains.
3. work at your diet. You CAN do it. Try gluten free to start with, and dairy free. Once you get to handle that, cut down on the sugar. Find out what triggers the diverticular attacks. You are possibly also celiac. Not much is written by or for people of our age who are now very damaged. I’m not so sure that really good health can be achieved in such cases, but there can be definite improvement. Also, tune in to the various health webinars that are on line these days. You need to know MORE than your doctors! ..and that’s not as hard as you might think!!
My advice is not from a medical background, but from vast experience, both personally and with family. Lastly, perhaps for us, it is too late, but we owe it to our little ones to keep working at finding the answers. There is quite a growing movement out there, as you will realise. I’m connecting with you from Australia.
oh, and don’t forget to keep up the B vitamins and antioxidants!
I wish you well.
Traci Barton-Kimes says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Traci- Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically, is ‘dead’, or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to re-balance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Gail Dawson says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Gail- You may find this article interesting! 🙂
6 DIFFERENT ROOT CAUSES
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/6-different-hashimotos-root-causes
Jan says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Jan- Here are a couple of articles you may find interesting.
6 DIFFERENT ROOT CAUSES
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/6-different-hashimotos-root-causes
INFECTIONS AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/infections-and-hashimotos/
Terri messier says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Terri- Graves and Hashimoto’s are both autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid. They are thought to be closely related. Sometimes one turns into the other. The difference is the site of the antibody attack. In Hashimoto’s, the antibodies are found to thyroglobulin (in 80%) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme (in 95% of people)-Hashimoto’s results in hypothyroidism and is usually treated with Synthroid and replacement hormone.
The same antibodies may be present in a smaller percentage of people who have Graves, but the main antibody is to the TSH Receptor (TSHR-Ab). Usually people with Graves have hyperthyroidism and they are treated conventionally with thyroid suppressing drugs (methimazole) or radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid. At that point, the thyroid will no longer produce hormones on its own and these people end up on Synthroid as well.
Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to rebalance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well! The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research in journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Wendy says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Wendy- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Teresa says
With one of the symptoms you have mentioned which was loosing weight. I would like to know if you have any suggestions in helping me with this.
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Teresa- When it comes to weight gain these are a couple of things to think about.
1) What was your recent TSH, Free T3 and Free T4? Sometimes when those numbers are on the outskirts of normal, your metabolic rate may still be impaired making it more difficult for you to burn calories. Most people report feeling well with a TSH between 0.5-2.
2) What type of medication are you on? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combinations (Armour, Nature-Throid, compounded medications) versus T4 medications (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Tirosint) alone. T4 is a precursor to T3, but some individuals do not convert T4 to T3 properly, and the T3 component is the metabolically active one.
3) What type of diet are you eating? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combination vs T4 alone. Some do not convert T4 properly.The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) full of sugar and simple carbohydrates is perfectly designed to cause us to gain weight year after year. Even yogurts that are marketed as “healthy” contain the equivalent of 16 teaspoons of sugar. Divorcing the S.A.D. is often a step that many of us must take to not just lose weight, but to also feel better. Some diets that have been helpful include the Body Ecology Diet, the Paleo Diet, the Virgin Diet, Autoimmune Paleo Diet, GAPS diet, SCD diet, Weston A. Price Diet, or the Mediterranean Diet. You may need to modify these diets to your own individuality.
BEST DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/best-diet-for-hashimotos-hypothyroidism
HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT WITH HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/how-to-lose-weight-with-hashimotos
Victoria Haag says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Victoria- Thank you so much for your support!! Thyroid tissue can regenerate, but the rate at which it does is not always predictable. Thus, some are able to stop the autoimmune attack on their thyroid and regain normal thyroid function. Others can reduce the dose of medications, and others will need to stay on the medications indefinitely. I’m currently working on some protocols to help with tissue regeneration.
Reversing Hashimoto’s means different things to different people. For some, it means a reduction in symptoms and for others it means a reduction in your antibodies. I had both. Here a few articles that might be helpful for you 🙂
IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECOVER THYROID FUNCTION IN HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-it-possible-to-recover-thyroid-function-in-hashimotos
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY? AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm/
HASHIMOTO’S SELF CARE, GETTING AND STAYING IN REMISSION
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-self-care
Helen says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Helen- Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically, is ‘dead’, or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to re-balance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Vickie says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Vickie- Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically, is ‘dead’, or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to re-balance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Teresa Pearsall says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Teresa- Thank you so much for sharing! I look forward to hearing more of your progress on this page! You may find this article interesting as well! 🙂
THE FOUR BEST PROBIOTICS FOR HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/the-four-best-probiotics-for-hashimotos
Sally Ride says
I see that you are recommending probiotics but won’t comment on Moringa? Just curious where you draw the line, because you do recommend specific foods. I am also curious about Moringa.
Dr. Izabella says
Sally – thank you so much for reaching out. I don’t currently have information to share on Moringa as a probiotic but, I will happy to add it to my list to research. <3
Laurel Dentoni says
Thank you for all the information you put together to help others like me. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis when I was 19. Given some meds and no other info. I am now 62 and have had breast cancer, osteoarthritis etc. I was recently diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism. Never knew I could try to help myself with diet changes etc. So I consider this the beginning of my journey to help myself. They want to give me IV meds for the osteoporosis. I want to hold off until I have given these AIP diets etc a chance to work. Am I being foolish? I feel I should take charge first and try to let my body heal with all I’m learning about root causes.
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Laurel- Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people, will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet
Sherry says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Sherry- While changing your diet is a really important first step that will greatly help many of you, if you do not see a complete remission of your condition within 3-6 months, I encourage you to dig deeper. Changing my diet was a really important step in my healing journey, but it was just the beginning.
6 DIFFERENT ROOT CAUSES
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/6-different-hashimotos-root-causes
stacey says
I have read your book, ‘Root Cause’ and listened to you during the thyroid summit because I was convinced I had a thyroid problem. I also relate to you since you had an EBV infection and slept through much of your 20’s. I also had an EBV infection since I was 19, one year after I had my spleen removed due to untreatable ITP. I am now 48. I have been sick in bed for two years after working endless hours due to clean up the Super Storm Sandy mess (I’m in NY) and being exposed to toxins. My EBV infection became active again and has led to chronic fatigue. I’ve been taking valcyclorair (3g/daily) for a year. Recently I was tested for carnitine which came back very low. I am supplementing with Levocarnitine and the fatigue and weakness is diminishing. So, since both carnitine and thyroid, T3 produce energy maybe that’s why I felt I may have a thyroid problem. My thyroid numbers T4 and T3 are low normal or just below, TSH varies between 1.5 – 3.5 and I have no antibodies ever. My reverse T3 is on the high side from what I calculate, but not too high. I am celiac and have been gluten free since 6/2011. I have decided to try LDN since I have had a history of immune problems and viral infections. Are there nutrients that become depleted from taking valcyclovair, levocarnitine(3g/day – last 3 months) and LDN? I take many supplements already but I do not know which ones are affected by the medicines I have mentioned. Any advice you provide would be greatly appreciated.
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Stacey- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
mischa butler says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Mischa- Do you have Hashimoto’s or a thyroid condition?
Hashimoto’s is a complicated condition with many layers that need to be unraveled. While conventional medicine only looks at each body system as a separate category and is only concerned with the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone, Hashimoto’s is more than just hypothyroidism. I wanted to pass along these articles that I wrote. I hope they help 🙂
WHERE DO I START WITH HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/where-do-i-start-with-hashimotos/
OVERCOMING HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/overcoming-hashimotos-in-the-new-year/
Cremilde says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Cremilde – Going gluten free is always the first step that I recommend. I’ve found through my page that a good percentage feel better off of gluten. About 20% will actually go into remission by doing so. Some researchers have found that three to six months on a gluten-free diet can eliminate organ-specific antibodies.
10 MOST HELPFUL DIY INTERVENTIONS FOR HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/10-most-helpful-diy-interventions-for-hashimotosaccording-to-my-clients
TOP 9 TAKEAWAYS FROM 2232 PEOPLE WITH HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-9-takeaways-from-2232-people-with-hashimotos/
ruth says
Jan says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Jan- Here are a couple of articles you may find interesting! 🙂
DAIRY AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/got-hashimotos-you-may-want-to-reconsider-dairy
GOING DAIRY FREE TO REVERSE HASHIMOTOS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/going-dairy-free-to-reverse-hashimotos
Aprille says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Aprille- Fatigue was the most debilitating symptom I experienced with Hashimoto’s. It actually started 8 years before I was finally diagnosed in 2009, after I got Mono (Epstein-Barr Virus) in college. I needed to sleep for 12 hours each night to be able to function, and by “function” I mean after hitting the snooze button on my alarm clock for two hours (ask my poor husband), I would drag myself out of bed and then had to drink 4-6 cups of caffeine everyday to keep myself awake. I often had Red Bull and Pepsi for breakfast, and was the epitome of “wired but tired”. I hope my articles help you get started 🙂
OVERCOMING THYROID FATIGUE
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-10-tips-for-overcoming-hashimotos-fatigue
THIAMINE AND THYROID FATIGUE
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/thiamine-and-thyroid-fatigue
Amber says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Amber- thank you so much for your support! I know it’s a lot to ask, but if you haven’t already, would you mind leaving a review on Amazon? 🙂
http://www.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Thyroiditis-Lifestyle-Interventions-Treating/dp/0615825796/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8
Galit Jasmin says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Galit- Here are a couple of articles about diet that you may find interesting or helpful.
TAILORING YOUR THYROID DIET
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/tailoring-your-thyroid-diet-to-your-needs
BEST DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/best-diet-for-hashimotos-hypothyroidism
Jack says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Jack- Do you have Hashimoto’s or a thyroid condition?
Hashimoto’s is a complicated condition with many layers that need to be unraveled. While conventional medicine only looks at each body system as a separate category and is only concerned with the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone, Hashimoto’s is more than just hypothyroidism. I wanted to pass along these articles that I wrote. I hope they help 🙂
WHERE DO I START WITH HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/where-do-i-start-with-hashimotos/
OVERCOMING HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/overcoming-hashimotos-in-the-new-year/
Lynne says
I have Hyperthyroidism
I had nodules on one side and half my thyroid removed. I also have Graves Disease. I am still having constant tummy issues,extreme tiredness etc.
My doctor says it can’t be my thyroid but I suspect it is.
I’m not sure what I can do.
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Lynne- Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically, is ‘dead’, or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to re-balance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Keryn says
I read your “Root Cause” book late last year and my first step was to eliminate gluten and dairy. Within weeks, all my patches of eczema (they looked like psoriasis to doctors) totally dissapeared. Even bumps on my upper arms. Amazing! My IBS symptoms have also gone. My antibodies are down to 115 as of Dec. 2016. Taking Selenium daily took away my constant anxiety. Life is so much better now after ~30 years of symptoms. I still have some symptoms and can’t lose weight but I hope to resolve them soon after trying more suggestions from your book and perhaps doing the 12-week protocol. Thank you a thousand times.
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Keryn – thank you for following this page and for your kind words. <3
When it comes to weight gain these are a couple of things to think about.
1) What was your recent TSH, Free T3 and Free T4? Sometimes when those numbers are on the outskirts of normal, your metabolic rate may still be impaired making it more difficult for you to burn calories. Most people report feeling well with a TSH between 0.5-2.
2) What type of medication are you on? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combinations (Armour, Nature-Throid, compounded medications) versus T4 medications (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Tirosint) alone. T4 is a precursor to T3, but some individuals do not convert T4 to T3 properly, and the T3 component is the metabolically active one.
3) What type of diet are you eating? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combination vs T4 alone. Some do not convert T4 properly.The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) full of sugar and simple carbohydrates is perfectly designed to cause us to gain weight year after year. Even yogurts that are marketed as "healthy" contain the equivalent of 16 teaspoons of sugar. Divorcing the S.A.D. is often a step that many of us must take to not just lose weight, but to also feel better. Some diets that have been helpful include the Body Ecology Diet, the Paleo Diet, the Virgin Diet, Autoimmune Paleo Diet, GAPS diet, SCD diet, Weston A. Price Diet, or the Mediterranean Diet. You may need to modify these diets to your own individuality.
BEST DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/best-diet-for-hashimotos-hypothyroidism
HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT WITH HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/how-to-lose-weight-with-hashimotos
Jill says
Newly diagnosed with Hashimotos over the summer. My antibodies were at 220 now they are at 6. I’ve been taking LDN on and off for six months. Even though my antibodies are better my symptoms are worse. I am exhausted but not where I can fall asleep just exhausted. I know tiredness is a symptom but this is not a relaxed tired it’s pure head exhaustion. Is that a symptom? I have an appt with a doctor that I got off of your list tomorrow. I
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Jill – Tiredness isn’t generally a side-effect of LDN use, it is more likely to have a stimulatory effect. You can read more about LDN here:
LOW DOSE NALTREXONE AND HASHIMOTOS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/low-dose-naltrexone-and-hashimotos
Fatigue was the most debilitating symptom I experienced with Hashimoto’s. I hope my articles help you get started 🙂
OVERCOMING THYROID FATIGUE
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-10-tips-for-overcoming-hashimotos-fatigue
THIAMINE AND THYROID FATIGUE
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/thiamine-and-thyroid-fatigue
9 WAYS TO HACK YOUR SLEEP FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH AND REST
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/9-ways-to-hack-your-sleep-for-optimal-health-and-rest/
Maria says
I am considering LDN and would like to know if you have to stay on that medication or is it only used till your thyroid normalizes,
Thanks
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Maria – Many people who go into remission find that because LDN modulates the immune system that they no longer need it after their thyroid has stabilized. Of course everyone is an individual and LDN should be used under the supervision of a doctor. You can read more about LDN here:
LOW DOSE NALTREXONE AND HASHIMOTOS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/low-dose-naltrexone-and-hashimotos
Mary Hazboun says
I love reading your articles. Thank you for all your research. I’m 53. I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism at the age of 14. I have been taking Synthroid ever since. I have constipation, hair loss, trouble losing weight and brain fog all my teenage and adult life. Could it be possible that I don’t have hashimoto? I don’t know how to feel any other way.
Thank you,
Mary
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Mary – thank you for following this page and for sharing.
Graves and Hashimoto’s are both autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid. They are thought to be closely related. Sometimes one turns into the other. The difference is the site of the antibody attack. In Hashimoto’s, the antibodies are found to thyroglobulin (in 80%) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme (in 95% of people)-Hashimoto’s results in hypothyroidism and is usually treated with Synthroid and replacement hormone.
The same antibodies may be present in a smaller percentage of people who have Graves, but the main antibody is to the TSH Receptor (TSHR-Ab). Usually, people with Graves have hyperthyroidism, and they are treated conventionally with thyroid suppressing drugs (methimazole) or radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid. At that point, the thyroid will no longer produce hormones on its own, and these people end up on Synthroid as well.
Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target.
We need to rebalance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well! The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
thyroidpharmacist.com/protocol
Ryan K says
After I twisted my do to get more test done I have found pretty much I am dealing with an autoimmune disease. Most likely hashimotos or crohns.
I am very worried and now need to find somebody who can evaluate my labs since my doctor was lost. He innitially just wanted to put me on meds and after debating with him he called out for more labs, yet not all that was suggested to me.
Anyway, after thinking about things I think I have been dealing with this for the better part of my life… 25 years maybe.
This article has been very helpful is tracing my history and progression.
Now I have to go to sleep because I am exhausted as usual.
Please let me know any suggestions as to who I might seek out to look at these labs? Unfortunately too going to all these doc visits, labs, supplements and diet is draining my pocketbook adding even more stress.
Thanks for all you do.
Ryan K says
Any answer?
Judy L Matrundola says
I suffer from fatigue almost daily. I need to lie down for 45 minutes and concentrate to help me relax. Today I fell asleep and woke up after one hour and 30 minutes. Before I attend a dance our go out socially, I lie down for one hour and it works.
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Judy – thank you for following this page.
Fatigue was the most debilitating symptom I experienced with Hashimoto’s. It actually started 8 years before I was finally diagnosed in 2009 after I got Mono (Epstein-Barr Virus) in college. I needed to sleep for 12 hours each night to be able to function, and by “function” I mean after hitting the snooze button on my alarm clock for two hours (ask my poor husband), I would drag myself out of bed and then had to drink 4-6 cups of caffeine everyday to keep myself awake. I often had Red Bull and Pepsi for breakfast, and was the epitome of “wired but tired”. I hope my articles help you get started 🙂
OVERCOMING THYROID FATIGUE
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-10-tips-for-overcoming-hashimotos-fatigue
THIAMINE AND THYROID FATIGUE
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/thiamine-and-thyroid-fatigue
Dacia says
Thank you for helping me understand this. I have had mild hypothyroidism since I was pregnant with my first baby a couple years ago. I have been in Levothyroxine but just switched to Armour Thyroid. I had no idea I probably have Hashimotos disease. Should my next step to be to go to my doctor and have them test me for Hashimotos? If I do have Hashimotos then would you recommend me trying to be gluten free?
Dr. Izabella says
Dacia – thank you for following this page. Going gluten free is always the first step that I recommend. Through my research I’ve found that a good percentage feel better off gluten. About 20% will actually go into remission by doing so. Some researchers have found that three to six months on a gluten-free diet can eliminate organ-specific antibodies. Here are the tests you need for diagnosis. Most endocrinologists don’t run them all so you will have to request them. Make sure to request a copy of your labs as well.
Top 10 Thyroid Tests and how to Interpret them.
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-6-thyroid-tests
I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician to be a part of your own health care team. It’s an entire medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying root causes and prevent serious chronic disease rather than treating individual disease symptoms.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid
CLINICIAN DATABASE
https://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/
Barb says
I read your book Optimizing Thyroid Medications and it is so helpful! The switch between medications and synthroid and all that is so damn difficult. But your book had the answers I needed! I can’t wait to get into my doctor and get these worked out.
Dr. Izabella says
Barb – thank you for your feedback! I’m looking forward to seeing your progress here. 🙂 Here is a research article which might help as well:
TOP 10 THYROID TESTS FOR DIAGNOSIS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-6-thyroid-tests/
kristine corpus says
Thank you for all the resources and work you’ve done to help so many. My dr ordered the tests and confirmed Hashimotos. I also began the protocol and got allergy tested. I’m significantly allergic to wheat, oat, soy, beef and mildly reactive to a longer list of other foods and environmental substances. I’ve noticed a big difference in most of my symptoms with my levothyroxine and diet change. However, one of the symptoms I have that upsets me most is facial flushing. When I get warm or even mildly excited or stressed my face and neck are so red. It is not only embarrassing, which makes it flush more because of my stress response, it changes the texture of my skin and I fear long term damage or disfiguring of my face. This has been going on for years. Is there any advice you have for determining root cause of this? Or supplement that can help with facial flushing? ( I actually have a biopsy scheduled for a thyroid nodule today. But my dr said most often they are benign. )
kristine corpus says
Oh. Along with the facial flushing. My eyes are very red. My opthomologist said it is uveitis and have a drop of steroids which helps for a few days and the red returns. I can’t help but feel as though they are related
Dr. Izabella says
Kristine – thank you for sharing your journey! I am so sorry to hear you are struggling with this. <3 Gut healing is a journey; you may need various interventions like removing reactive foods and infections, taking enzymes and probiotics, and balancing nutrients. It can seem daunting when you have a lot of restrictions and some people may have to take it a step further and incorporate a rotation diet, a low-histamine diet, or low-oxalate diet. You can find more information on these helpful protocols in my latest book Hashimoto’s Protocol. These changes are not permanent, so do not be discouraged! The Autoimmune Paleo diet is meant to be short-term; it solves the problem of leaky gut and is not just a band-aid. These variations in diet give you the power to improve how you feel and isolate your root cause(s). Using an elimination diet can help to show you if you are reacting to the foods you commonly eat. Remember, be kind to yourself and learn to listen to your body so that you can support and feed it properly! These articles should give you some further pointers:
AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet
SIBO
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/sibo-prevent-remission-hashimotos/
caroline davenport says
I have been on synthroid 100 mcg tablets a day for over 30 years. It works very well for me. Now, in my early 70s, I am very healthy, not on any other medications. I’m active, yoga, gardening, a good weight, only eat organic, and take supplements. I would like to take moringa organic leaves in the dried form. Is it safe to take with my synthroid?
Dr. Izabella says
Caroline – thank you for reaching out and sharing your journey! I am happy to hear you are doing well! <3 I am not able to advise on whether this supplement or any other supplement would be appropriate for you and your specific health needs without a comprehensive health assessment. I recommend that you disuss this with your personal doctor or pharmacist.
SONYA says
Any thoughts on Moringa?
Dr. Izabella says
Sonya, thank you for reaching out. I am not able to advise on whether Moringa would be appropriate for you and your specific health needs without a comprehensive health assessment. I recommend that you discuss this with your personal doctor.
Meera Majors says
Hello! I have been following and emailing you for years. I’ve spent countless hours and dollars hacking away at my Hashimotos. I eat from farmers markets, have home cooked meals with my family every night, exercise (I actually ran my first marathon last year!), I sleep well, and am happy with my life. I consume very little gluten and if I do it’s my fermented sourdough, and I refrain from soy and other hard to digest processed foods. I have done the elimination diet, stool test, allergy test, and have generally been feeling great. Last week I got labs back that showed a low white blood cell count, and some strange red blood cell counts too. I know it’s just telling me (because I’ve dealt with this before) that I have an autoimmune disease. I guess I’m writing because I feel like I’m at the end of my rope. I’m frustrated at my body, I don’t understand. There aren’t more lifestyle changes I can make. I do have stress – so I started headspace this week. But I’m just at a loss. What more can I do. Should I keep spending 100’s of dollars and see a functional doc? I’ve been with a naturopath for years. Thank you so much. I really just want a consult with you! I’ve been on your waiting list for years. Thanks so much for all you do!!!
Dr. Izabella says
Meera – thank you so much for reaching out and sharing your journey. I understand how frustrating this can be. <3 Hashimoto's is very much an individual condition. While there are root cause commonalities, each person will have their own or in some cases, more than one root cause. You will have to start with the simplest modifications, by removing triggers, followed by repairing the other broken systems to restore equilibrium, allowing the body to rebuild itself. You will need to dig down to why the immune system is imbalanced in the first place and this will tell you how you begin to finally feel better, reduce your thyroid antibodies and even take your condition into remission.
You will have to create your own health timeline. Look back at your overall history as far back as you can remember. Look for infections, periods of severe stress, the use of medications (especially antibiotics, antacids, and oral contraceptives), accidents, and exposure to toxins. These are events that may have contributed to Hashimoto's. Once you do, you will know what types of changes you need to implement to make yourself feel better.
If you need further support, please check out the list of lab tests inside the “Testing” chapter of my book, Hashimoto’s Root Cause. I also offer a 12-week program, Hashimoto's Self Management Program. Here are some resources I hope you find helpful as well.
BUILDING YOUR OWN HEALTH TIMELINE
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/sample-health-timeline/
Hashimoto’s Self-Management Program
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/enroll-in-hashimotos-self-management/
Angie says
I started taking a probiotic which contains moringa leaves. I also take synthroid. Is this safe?
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Angie – thank you for following! ❤️ I am not able to advise on whether this supplement would be appropriate for you and your specific health needs without a comprehensive health assessment. I recommend discussing this with your practitioner.