Has anyone ever helped you more than they ever knew? Crystal from the Hope for Hashimoto’s Disease Blog is the woman that started it all for me and helped me tremendously—without ever meeting me!
When I was first diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, like many of you, I was desperate to find answers as to why I had developed Hashimoto’s and whether there was anything that I could do to help or reverse my condition.
I spent hours upon hours searching out PubMed, patient forums, and blogs with the hope of finding an answer. That’s when I came across Crystal’s wonderful blog on Hashimoto’s, which in 2011, was the only place that offered any hope for a solution. Crystal was the first person that I read about, who was able to put her Hashimoto’s into remission through changing her diet and lifestyle!
I’m so grateful for her blog and for her willingness to share her story!
Crystal first learned that she had Hashimoto’s in 2007. She was experiencing symptoms of heart palpitations, fatigue, dizziness, panic attacks and nausea. At the time of diagnosis, her TPO antibodies measured 606 IU/mL (>35 is considered positive, >500 is considered aggressive), and her TSH was elevated at 6.9 mIU/mL (reference range is 0.3-3, but most patients without a thyroid dysfunction should have a TSH somewhere between 1-2 mIU/mL ).
She sought the opinion of a couple of doctors; one offered to put her on levothyroxine, while the other told her to let her thyroid die, and then he would medicate her. Of course, like many of us, Crystal wasn’t happy with either answer.
She knew that there was a natural cure for her condition and so she prayed and searched for an answer on the internet.
Her answer came in eliminating dairy and soy, as well as the use of selenium, vitamin E, zinc and copper.
She began to see changes. Her symptoms improved, and her thyroid antibodies started dropping. After a year of her diet, she was no longer testing positive for Hashimoto’s! The last time she measured her TPO antibodies they were at 3! (<35 is considered a negative test, as a small amount of antibodies serve a normally occurring cleanup function).
Her TSH has normalized to 1.4, and she is not taking any medications. Best of all, she feels great!
Many have commented on her blog, stating that they followed her protocol and that they too, were able to get themselves into remission! Many of you are going to find this controversial, as gluten has been a major culprit in many autoimmune conditions, but Crystal continued to eat gluten and was still able to put her Hashimoto’s into remission.
Of course, other individuals need a different protocol. In my experience, most people need to be off gluten; some others need to follow a diet as strict as the autoimmune Paleo diet (Read my post about Hashimoto’s diets here).
For others, the diet won’t make as big of a difference in their “numbers” or symptoms, but treating an infection or multiple infections will (read my post about infections and Hashimoto’s). Other people may have a toxic burden that needs to be addressed before they can go into remission.
This just shows that we are all unique and we all need to find our root cause. I know in the beginning, I thought that if I just did the same exact things that someone else with Hashimoto’s did, that I would also go into remission.
I wish it were that easy!
When I came across Crystal’s blog, I had just been diagnosed with multiple food sensitivities, especially to dairy, and her blog encouraged me to keep going. Getting off dairy, soy and starting selenium (like Crystal) helped me to feel 90% better, and encouraged me to keep digging for my root cause, although, unfortunately, my TSH and antibodies didn’t normalize following these interventions.
Crystal inspired me to keep searching for something that would eventually help me, and eventually I decided to share my research in the Hashimoto’s: The Root Cause, as I thought that if it was possible for one woman than it would also be possible for me and if her story helped me so much, perhaps sharing my story would help others as well.
So today, I’d like to say a big “Thank you to Crystal!” and for all of you, I hope this blog, and my Facebook page and Hashimoto’s: The Root Cause help you in your journey to getting your health back. If you have your own Hashimoto’s success story, I hope you’ll share it as well, so that others can benefit. You can see additional Hashimoto’s success stories.
I’ll leave you with a little piece of advice from Crystal’s for other Hashimoto’s patients…
“Do your research and find out what is causing your Hashimoto’s and make necessary changes to your diet and lifestyle.”
PS. 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.
Filipino Store- Thank you so much for your support!
Cynthia- I love your positive attitude! I personally struggled with pain in the form of body aches and stiffness as well as carpal tunnel in both arms in 2010, when I was first diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. It was awful, I had to wear braces on both arms all day and even at night for about 6 months.
I took NSAIDs every day to deal with the pain so I could get through my workday.
I hope these articles help you get started.
PAIN AND HASHIMOTOS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/pain-and-hashimotos
PAIN HASHIMOTOS AND FIBROMYALGIA…
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/pain-hashimotos-and-fibromyalgia/
TURMERIC FOR YOUR THYROID AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/turmeric-for-your-thyroid-and-hashimotos
1. How did you fixed the digestive issues?
2. Which thyroid hormone did you using ?
3 did you still ” gluten, dairy ” free ?
4. Which kind of supplement did you recomend ?
Many thanks for you & DR izabella …
Givara- Thank you so much for your support!! 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
Can anyone advise me. I’ve had Hashimotos 17 years , my thyroid is damaged and I have pernicious anaemia.
I take ndt and cleaned my diet up last month only , cutting out dairy gluten eggs sugar and few other nastys. However I do feel better BUT I feel like I am going hyper on my regular dose of Ndt and I am wondering if this is a sign the diet change is working. Also I dropped 14 pounds in a the month Just by doing this. Previously can’t shift an ounce.
I will go get a thyroid test but was wondering if anyone experienced the same hyper symptoms after avoiding gluten dairy etc. Is it a sign of remission on horizon.
Am hopeful
thanks
josephine- 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
Stacy- 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
Darlene- 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/
Sandra- 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
Lisa- 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
Maria- Most conventional physicians use the TSH test to determine if one has a thyroid disorder and to dose thyroid medications.
However, this test can often times be misleading, as levels of circulating hormones may fluctuate at different times, such as in Hashimoto’s, the person affected may fluctuate between highs and lows.
Additionally, when scientists first set the “normal” ranges of TSH for healthy individuals, they inadvertently included elderly patients and others with compromised thyroid function in the calculations leading to an overly lax reference range.
This resulted in people with underactive thyroid hormones being told that their thyroid tests were “normal,” based on this skewed reference range.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR TSH IS NORMAL AND YOU ARE ANYTHING BUT
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/what-to-do-if-your-tsh-is-normal-and-you-are-anything-but
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
Emjay- 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
Jaime- 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
Elizabeth- 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.
BLOOD SUGAR IMBALANCES AND HASHIMOTOS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/blood-sugar-imbalances-and-hashimotos
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet
Mia- 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. Here is an article you may find interesting! 🙂
6 DIFFERENT ROOT CAUSES
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/6-different-hashimotos-root-causes
Michelle- You may find this article to be interesting! 🙂
PREGNANCY
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-and-pregnancy
Hi Izabella, good article, thank you. I’m a Hashimoto’s sufferer and just recently diagnosed as ‘sub-clinical celiac’ with low levels of anti-gliadin antibodies in my blood as well as the thyroid antibodies (which were in the aggressive range at a shocking >1300 on the last test in Nov, 2016) I’ve suspected lactose intolerance too since my fatigue and ferritin are still low (27mcg/l) post-ferrous fumarate treatment, I’m experiencing stomach gurgling and horrible cramps regularly and also join pain at just 33 which isn’t normal as I have a great lifestyle with low levels of stress besides. Therefore, this article has convinced me to try eliminating dairy from tomorrow, which will be hard as I love cheese and drink copious amounts of tea with milk lol (typical Brit). My main question though, is when you’ve been taking synthetic thyroxine for over a decade, your thyroid gland stops working for itself – doesn’t it? So I don’t think I’d ever be able to stop taking my meds now although it will be good to be symptom-free and lose more weight.
Clare – Appropriate medication management will support your thyroid gland and does not affect it’s funcitoning. It allows you to recover from the effects of hypothyroidism, giving you the energy, vitality and support to continue working on optimizing your health. 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/
Hi
I’ve read your book and am currently at the end of the Adrenal Recovery.
1….What are your maintenance supplement recommendations after the three month Hashimoto’s Protocol? I can’t seem to find this in the book or in your online
articles.
2….Also are there any online chat/blogs for those of us who have questions
about the Protocol.
3….NAC by Pure Encapsulations says to take between meals. The Hashimoto’s Protocol says to take with meal. Which direction is correct or does it matter?
Ellen – thank you for following this page. For questions pertaining to the protocols please contact my team at info@thyroidpharmacist.com and they will be happy to help you. <3
I found out a little over a year ago that I had Hashimotos. I too, didn’t like the answers my doctors were giving me or the prescriptions they were telling me i should take and i wanted to know why it was all happening. I found some good doctors that listened and even gave me your book . I read it and felt like i was reading my story for a big part of it. I went a strict paleo diet for a little over a year now and today was told i was now in remission! I am so thankful for the information i recieved from your book and for the inspiration and motivation it gave me to keep going. Thank you!
Shay – thank you so much for your kind words and support. <3 I am so happy to hear you are in remission! My mission is to collect 10,000 success stories with the hope of submitting them to a medical journal in the future. Understandably, you are probably very busy, but if you have some time, please do you mind sharing your full story with me here at this link? https://thyroidpharmacist.com/testimonial/
These stories will go a long way in helping others who are going through a similar journey to yours. Thank you for your consideration!
I don’t know if my thyroid is regenerating but I have certainly lost weight and feeling better than I have in a LONG time! Hashimoto’s The Root cause has helped me recover more than anything I have tried before.
Amelia – thank you for sharing! 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
Hi Izabella,
Thank you for your website and help for this topic. I have currently been able to put my Hashimoto’s into remission and gotten completely off medicine because of people like you who have shared your success stories and experiences. I am currently trying to put my experience into a blog as well (www.storyofmyhealth.com)- it is still in the beginning phase- trying to see if my story can help others as well. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for offering such wonderful information about the possibility of remission. I can’t tell you how much it means to others and myself to have this information available to us.
Thank you!
Laura
Laura – you are very welcome! Thank you so much for reaching out and for sharing your story!
My mission is to collect 10,000 success stories with the hope of submitting them to a medical journal in the future. Understandably, you are probably very busy, but if you have some time, please do you mind sharing your full story with me here at this link? https://thyroidpharmacist.com/testimonial/
These stories will go a long way in helping others who are going through a similar journey to yours. Thank you for your consideration!
Yes, absolutely! I am happy to be apart of proving Hashimoto’s can be put into remission and helping others become successful as well. 🙂
Hi,
is not having or reduced level of aTPO a sign of remission? My aTPO is below 10 for 2 years now and my MD said that I have now sero-negative Hashimoto because he can see a shrinkage of my thyroids and my TSH is above 4.5.
Thanks
Boo – thank you for reaching out. I like to think of remission as a journey, not necessarily a final destination. Your first goal should be to improve your symptoms, and get to a point where you are no longer symptomatic. The second goal would be to reduce your thyroid antibodies; any reduction is a great start, antibodies under 100 is considered a low risk of progression. If you can get them under 35, then you are no longer considered to “have Hashimoto’s on a blood test.” Your third and final goal should be to reverse the damage. This last part happens at a different rate in everyone. Here are some articles I hope you find helpful:
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