Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD

Thyroid Pharmacist

Acid reflux is a sign of low stomach acid. Discover what you can do to eliminate it.

Got Acid Reflux? And Hashimoto’s?

Medically reviewed and written by Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP

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Got Reflux?

I did too. It started with a chronic cough, pain, burning, choking sensation…I tried every over the counter product possible…I saw my primary care doctor, an allergist, a gastroenterologist, an Ear Nose and Throat doctor, and finally had a barium swallow test swallowing a nasty, chalky substances…it showed I had a Sliding Hiatal Hernia with spontaneous reflux.

I drank gallons of milk trying to soothe the burn. I drank bottles of Mylanta, and always had a bottle of antacids nearby. I tried Nexium, Prilosec, Aciphex, Pepcid, and even considered surgery. The acid reflux persisted.

For three freaking years, I slept nearly upright. For three years I avoided red wine, tomato sauces, oranges, and all of the other “acidic” foods I was told to avoid. The acid reflux continued.

I didn’t give up the fight…I went the holistic route…tried to get “adjustments” from a chiropractor to push my “hiatal hernia” back in. Tried yoga to relax more. Tried ginger tea. Cut out caffeine. Took more magnesium. The acid reflux didn’t give…

And then, just when I nearly gave up and thought I would just have to live with it…I made one change to my diet that I thought would never ever make any difference, and there it was, completely gone forever within 3 DAYS of making this change, after 3 YEARS of almost daily suffering, my chronic cough was gone and has never come back!  So what was that change? I cut out dairy.

I had been eating it for years without any apparent problems, so I would have never suspected it would be the culprit of my digestive troubles. I had an IgA food intolerance test that showed I was sensitive to it.

Since I cut out dairy, I haven’t had reflux since…(except for the few times I accidentally consumed something that contained dairy).

Will cutting dairy be the change that makes all the difference for you? I don’t know.

But don’t give up. You may be one small change away from feeling well!

That’s what this site is all about….making lifestyle changes for better health. What changes have you made that made a difference in your life?

I wish you all the best in your healing journey!

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 my Hashimoto’s Gift Page. You will also receive occasional updates about new research, resources, giveaways and helpful information.

For future updates, make sure to follow us on Facebook!

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Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult your physician for any health problems and before making any medical or lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle changes can result in improved thyroid function and/or an increased absorption of thyroid hormone medications, leading to a lower required dose and possible symptoms of hyperthyroidism at a dose that was previously stable. Please discuss lifestyle changes with your physician and ensure that your thyroid function is monitored every 6-8 weeks while making lifestyle changes. Symptoms of overmedication include, but are not limited to: rapid or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, irritability or mood swings, muscle weakness or tremors, diarrhea, menstrual irregularities, hair loss, weight loss, insomnia, chest pain, and excessive sweating. Do not start, change, increase, decrease or discontinue your medications without consulting with your physician.

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Comments

  1. I just found you tonight…I’m so excited because as I read about your experiences, I’m reading about myself. At least here I have several ideas to explore and know that I’m not the only one….it’s not in my head either !! Thank you for your devotion to this subject and the time you put into your book. It will be in my hands soon !!
    Reply

  2. Hi Barbara! So glad you found this page:) Welcome and let me know if you run into any questions!
    Reply

  3. I’ve got so many of the symptoms you discuss, acid reflux, fatigue, puffiness…. where do you recommend I look for a competent doctor to help with both my diagnosis and treatment?
    Reply

  4. Hi Kim, you can try looking at the Institute of Functional Medicine as a start, however, the push to get better has to come from you. I had a wonderful doctor, but my own research and perseverance is what got me better. I even used my own money to order lab tests, and tried many things on my own. I highly encourage you to learn as much as you can about your health so that you can be an empowered patient. If you enjoyed my blog, check out my book, it will give you a great overview of what’s going on and how to get better.
    Reply

  5. I just found out about you today on a Facebook suggested page and I have been avidly reading all day. I ordered your book and look forward to seeing if there is anything that can help me. I was diagnosed in 1994 with Hasimoto’s Thyroiditis and have been battling my weight, gastric reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic gastritis and numerous other problems associated with HT ever since. I get NO medical help. Every doctor I have seen just tells me I will be on various medications the rest of my life and to lose weight. I try so hard and have an initial fluid loss of 5-10 lbs but then nothing! I feel bad, I look bad and I am almost ready to give up. I just had a mastectomy for breast cancer and am awaiting breast reconstruction surgery. My emotions are all over the place and while I am not a depressed kind of person, I can’t seem to find my usual energy and zest for life. I am tearful a lot lately and can’t even be up on my feet without my feet swelling more than twice their size!! I really hope I can find something helpful in your book. I look forward to getting it later this week! Thank you.
    Reply

  6. Hi Linda, Sorry for everything you have been going through. It’s unfortunate that we have to take health into our own hands. I wish you the best of luck in your health journey and hope that my book will empower you. One disconnect between Hashi’s and breast cancer is that iodine can make Hashi’s worse, while it’s helpful for breast cancer. The thyroid processes iodine and if it’s damaged and depleted on antioxidants, the iodine can cause more damage to it. Working on healing the gut to allow for better absorption of antioxidants as well as increasing their intake will make it easier to tolerate the iodine….
    Reply

  7. Do you know if Almond Milk or Coconut Milk would cause this as well? I have been dealing with reflux for a long time now and occasionally will have one of the above yogurt or milk.
    Thank you for your website. More people need to understand this horrible disease. Thanks, Michelle
    Reply

  11. I had that for years also. Acid reflux, acid indigestion etc…..Hiatal hernia (recently got that taken care of) but I did address the problems before……….I use Apple Cidar Vinegar capsules and I keep eating them until the burn is gone. Took it for approximately two months before eating to maintain. Never had it like that since…….
    Reply

  12. My husband suffered with severe heartburn for years and could not figure out why. He tried different meds and then natural remedies until he finally discovered he got it from wheat. He received immediate relief and does not get heartburn anymore unless he cheats and eats wheat. Thanks for sharing this and I really enjoy your postings. I have hypothryoidism/hashimotos, also and have suffered for years. Your info. is great!
    Reply

    • Brenda- Thank you so much for sharing and your support! It means so much to me! 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

      Reply

  13. I also have this Acid reflux disease from past many 13 years. And i finally find out that i have IBS disease. So its not obvious that you cut out dairy products you will be fine. You should kept exploring the main cause of it
    Reply

  14. Ashish
    I had IBS as well, my Dr recommended a pill.
    I did my research and then I did the blood allergy test and found out what I was allergic too and then sensitive too. My IBS is gone, naturally.
    Reply

  15. HI i am very happy to find this web , my daughter she 17 with Down Syndrome she has a Hascimotos she as this for 5 years and it gets worst , i feels really bad for her , shes gets pains all over her body , i will buy some books there very interesting . Thank you
    Reply

  16. Hi Paula, Yes Hashimoto’s is much more common in people with Down Syndrome. Hopefully my book will provide some useful strategies for your daughter 🙂 I would also recommend the book “Down Syndrome and Vitamin Therapy” by Kent MacLeod, RPh, if you haven’t read it already. Mom’s like you, who take time to research ways to get their children better are truly a blessing!
    Reply

  17. I was recently diagnosed with a high range of H. pylori. This was brought on by stress, but may also be due to my Hashis. Is this also common for people with Hashis? I’ve been using pine nut seed oil and ACV in warm water before bed. I find vegetables bring on a “flare up”.
    Reply

    • Sapna- Numerous bacterial agents have also been implicated in triggering the
      development of Hashimoto’s. These agents include: Yersinia
      enterocolitica, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis
      (MAP), and H. Pylori. Here are a couple of articles you may find interesting! 🙂

      THE COMMON ROOT CAUSE OF HASHIMOTO’S, HIVES AND IBS
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/the-common-root-cause-of-hashimotos-hives-and-ibs

      INFECTIONS AND HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/infections-and-hashimotos

      INFECTIONS AS HIDDEN TRIGGERS FOR HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/infections-as-hidden-triggers-for-hashimotos

      Reply

      • I need help.
        For the past 3 years I have been on Weight Watchers diet.Lost and gained 10 lbs.
        Any suggestions for a diet that I could loose ,I need to loose 40 lbs.
        Any help is greatly appreciated.Thankyou.

        Reply

        • Eva – thank you for reaching out! I am so sorry you are struggling with this. <3 When it comes to weight gain these are a few 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

          Reply

  18. Great info. I too have Hashis and glutten and milk allergies. It has been years of hell but happy to find out what it was. And the 100k wasted on ivf and had i known what would have been!
    Reply

  19. Just like most of the ladies above, I too just happened to find you on facebook…Finally proof that I’m not going mad! I have found a GP who will read between the lines and will order more tests if you are hovering at the lower or higher end of the range that is given to them as a guideline. I to was just about to call it quits after trying for the last 2 years to and lose weight. Having reflux and getting so bloated that I looked 6/7 months pregnant! Then literally drinking gaviscon from the bottle to help relieve the pain. Not to mention all the other symptoms that you list. I recently had an endoscopy and was diagnosed with Helicobacter Pylori. Having had the antibiotic course along with the Nexium. I have two GP’s, one that is local to where I live that discovered the Helicobacter and the other that was recommended to me who has run extensive blood tests to discover my Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and has started me on Thyroid extract 2 grain, 1 twice a day (who I drive an hour each way to see). Both of which I keep informed of what the other is doing. With follow up visits to both GP’s over the next two/three weeks, I’m hoping your book will arrive prior so I can go in armed with a list of questions. From what I have read on your website the future is looking up! Thank You!
    Reply

    • Jenny- Thank you so much for sharing! I look forward to hearing more of your progress on this page!! Make sure to take the book slow, take notes, highlight, and establish a baseline when making changes. 🙂

      Reply

  20. I read the book, and of all the ones I read, it was the best. The reason I loved this book is because Izabella explained everything consisely and then gave tips on what to do based on her experience. Everyone will be a little different, but I learned so many great things and now I feel like I know more than my doctors do. LOL
    Reply

  23. I was off dairy for a year and it didn’t resolve a thing. I have been tested fro lactose intolerance a few times and always am negative. We drink raw goat milk and nobody argues with that. However, what DID help was clearing out gallstones. For me, reflux is a sign of stones and I can clear them out with vinegar, and I can keep them out with proper natural thyroid pills. So ultimately it still stems back to being a thyroid issue.
    Reply

  24. Hello,
    I’ve purchased your book a couple of weeks ago, and now I am trying to implement all those advices that you give.
    I am gluten free and dairy free for a month already, and it seems like me energy improved a little. However. My main problem for today is my digestion. I often burp, feel bloated and have a strange kind of reflux. It rarely burns, but I sometimes feel like food is stuck in my esophagus or like it gets back to it after eating. With diet interventions it has already become better, but a bit larger meals make me feel worse. I would really like to hear your suggestions. Can this feeling of something in my throat be caused by reflux, and what should I try to resolve it? Please, I would really appreciate your help.
    Reply

    • Ksusha- Make sure to take the book slow, take notes, highlight, and establish a baseline when making changes. 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

      Reply

  25. You are not alone in feeling something in your throat. I have that often. I have acid reflux though not usually hot and burning. It got to the point where I was losing my voice and having breathing trouble. Doc gave me Prilosec after sending scope in and seeing inflammation in esophagus and vocal chords. Diagnosed LPR and vocal chord dysfunction. Both have gotten better with medicine. Make sure and get your gallbladder checked it can cause bloating and some of your symptoms. Dairy is bad because it causes you to produce more acid. As for fullness in throat I notice it more when my TSH goes up. Feel best when it’s .5 to 1. Make sure you take meds on empty stomach. As for me I am going for ultrasound to check gallbladder next.
    Reply

  26. I have had hypothyroidism for the last four years, after starting to gain weight supercold I’m just wanting to follow sleep in the middle of the day because I had no energy at all! with the blood work came back saying I had low thyroid doctor didn’t tell me anymore, I thought I needed thyroid joined to go along with The bio identical hormone I was already taking four by estrogen progesterone and testosterone, not understanding I had a autoimmune disease during that time I also have had acid reflux bloating just about all the symptoms of everyone else. I have had the same issues since my second child and I have had four children I’ve had veins stripped but my right leg just keeps coming back good and I don’t know if this has something to do with thyroid, leaky gut? I have had different blood work done, my vitamin D is in range, I don’t have H. pylori. My zinc, selenium, they’re all in normal range. Might be 12 is high but I do supplement for all my vitamins. I went gluten-free about two years ago but understand now from your book that I probably really wasn’t free from gluten, A little cheating here and there makes the gluten present lasts a long time! Every time I would go on a scuba diving trip afterwards the acid reflux would kick in for a while except this year, it has stayed. I had a hard time depending and clean my ears, I never had a problem of that before this year I went to a ear nose throat specialist when I got back and he is the one that told me that he saw scarring on my vocal tubes, I thought the throat burning was from the reflux from your book I understand the hoarseness and comes from H2O2 damage on my thyroid. I need to go back to your book again because I thought I read somewhere about you having pain in your ears also and I would like little more insight into that, are my station tubes damaged for ever or will I be able to continue to scuba dive? The Dr said they seemed ok, but they don’t feel ok. I have had the print testing done for allergies because my nose always seems to run he couldn’t find anything and told me I had environmental allergies and how do you treat that? Thanks so much for your book I do have a question though about the supplements that you list in there you don’t give amounts could you be more specific on how much I need to take og them?
    Thanks so much for your book and your help!
    Reply

  27. Hello:) first your amazing ! Thank you for stepping outside your box and digging deep into natural healing! Second I need to go get my test done! I think I have already self diagnosesedyself! I’ve been to regular doctors and they say your thyroid is good! Ha ha okay whatever. So now I’m seeing a homeopath / chiropractor . I was just wondering if a racing heart beat is a sign? I take apple cider vinegar. Take coconut oil, started taking selium a couple of months ago. Just because I knew your body needs it for all sorts of things.
    Reply

    • Amy- People with Hashimoto’s may experience BOTH hypothyroid and hyperthyroid symptoms because as the thyroid cells are destroyed, stored hormones are released into the circulation causing a toxic level of thyroid hormone in the body, also known as thyrotoxicosis or Hashitoxicosis. Eventually, the stored thyroid may become depleted and due to thyroid cell damage, the person is no longer able to produce enough hormones. At this time, hypothyroidism develops.

      THE MANY FACES OF HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/symptoms-of-impaired-thyroid-function

      Reply

  28. My other things are , I just started giving up gluten. Also is soy lecithin bad? Or just lecithin? I just purchased your book. I can’t wait. I could read hours and hours on nutrition! Blessings to you . Amy Hickok:)
    Reply

  29. I have been soy free for years and it did help with some things. Been too long to remember what. A year ago I was diagnosed with Hashis and then went gluten/wheat free. Since I also discovered that I need to be corn and dairy free! I may have to stay minimal on beans and lentils also. Feel better than I have in years! Loosing weight and still a little low on the thyroid meds…juggling T3/T4. Just sharing this to encourage all of us to suspect anything you eat and especially the high GMO items!
    Reply

    • Johnette – I look forward to hearing your progress on this page! 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/

      Reply

  30. I’m dairy free and can’t even have the tiniest amount but I don’t get the normal reactions I get migraines so bad that they last for three days I also get pain in my gums. The only other person I know that sufferers like this is my sister.
    Reply

  31. I get 3 day migraines too. I have been told pain in gums is caused from sinus (by dentist). My mom gets this as well and has pain where there are no teeth). For me migraine stem from hormones and my cycle.
    Reply

  32. I also have been diagnosed with Hashimotos. My symptoms seem to be extreme fatigue. Also I get lightheaded and feel like I am going to pass out when standing. I have pain in my legs. I also have stomach problems and reflux. I have been told I also have RA. I have been gluten free soy free, I have removed all added sugar. Could dairy cause my problems? I do not drink milk, have stopped yogurt. I do eat hard cheeses like string cheese and colby. Could this cheese cause my problems? Appreciate your book and your blogs. THANKS. Carol Kloes
    Reply

  33. Do you have other suggestions for acid reflux solutions, as I have not eaten dairy for years.
    What does acid reflux have to do with hormone balance in menopause?
    Thanks for all you are doing. Your work is stunning!
    Reply

  35. I cut dairy and gluten from my diet and feel a lot better in general, but regarding reflux I find that gluten is the worst trigger for that. Thanks for your great work, it is very inspirational.
    Reply

    • Anne- 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/

      Reply

  36. Have you had a full iron panel? Is it possible that thyroiditis and Gerd are the result of a common blood disorder called hereditary hemachromatosis?
    Reply

  37. I’m curious about eliminating dairy. My IGG/IGE test showed an allergy to cows milk but sheep and goat were fine. I have been making my own kefir with goats milk or coconut. Do you find there is a reaction still with goat milk as well? Thank you for all you do.
    Reply

    • Lynette- More bad news… goat’s milk and sheep’s milk proteins are also very similar to cow’s milk proteins and have about a 60-75% cross-reactivity, meaning that 60-75% of people sensitive to cow casein will also react to goat/sheep casein. Once a person becomes sensitized to the casein protein, they will react to all dairy across the board, possibly with the exception of camel milk. Here is an article you may find interesting! 🙂

      GOING DAIRY FREE TO REVERSE HASHIMOTOS
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/going-dairy-free-to-reverse-hashimotos

      Reply

  38. HI Jenny, are you in the UK . I have self diagnosed Hashimnotos afetr suffering for years with many conditions which I now know are Hashimotos related. however I have not been able to find a GP or Consultant who would prescribe Thyroxine and so although I am taking all the supplements that Isabella recommends and am Gluten and dairy free I still have weight problems and pins and needles and numbness in hands.. Could you tell me where you have found this GP is who is willing to read between the lines, many thanks Sarah
    Reply

  39. Hi. I too suffer from severe Gerd & a hiatal hernia. Mine was so severe I had no option except surgery. A Nissan Fundoplication. ( fundo for short) It was amazing! No reflux at all for about 6 years and then spontaneous reflux started again. Didn’t matter what I ate or drank. Water gave me heartburn!! lol I’m now looking into having a 2nd surgery to repair the fundo. The only downfall to this surgery for me was very noticeable changes in my gut. Lactose Intolerant now. Things just don’t move through my system very fast ( well sometimes loL) instead of Tums or Prilosec I now live on Gas X. Yes that’s a big embarrassing issue too. 😳 I would definitely do the surgery again!! Good luck to you
    Reply

  40. Like Izabella, I tried every med she did for the reflux and had surgery due to hiatal hernia & Barrett’s. Afterward I found a homeopath just by fate. She tested me and said I don’t make enough stomach acid. She started me on betaine HCl and in four days, the reflux was gone. Never came back for 7 years now. Just diagnosed with Hashi’s last week, but already knew I had it. With that, I dusted off Izabella’s book that I bought last year and finally started reading it. So far my experience is just like hers, the book is an easy read and I intend to finish it.
    Reply

    • Cindy- Thank you so much for your support. I’m looking forward to hearing your progress on this page. Make sure to take the book slow, take notes, highlight, and establish a baseline when making changes. 🙂

      Reply

  42. Oh dear, sitting up almost upright at night for 3 years? SAME HERE! Unfortunately, dairy withdrawal has not cured my symptoms (but I have always had difficulties with dairy, I only have the occasional goats cheese or yoghurt, never milk). I fear it will turn out that chocolate or cacao might be the issue (which would not be great, for sure…).
    Reply

  43. I took the dairy diet’m fine now but I wonder what to do when you need to take antibiotics and reflux back?
    Reply

  44. Thanks so much for your knowledge. I’m so inspired with hope to overcome my hashimoto. My acid reflux is still on whenever I drink coffee for breakfast according to bulletproof protocol. Should I subsititute Ghee to Butter.
    Reply

  45. Hello, My name is Sonia.I have been diagonosed with hypothyroidism and i am on 12.5 mg of levothyroxine. I have vitiligo , acid reflux , gas and overweight. all of which is getting worse. I have ordered your book reading all the reviews and every day I suffer. Plz suggest me something that I can do for myself to make myself better and release myself from suffering
    Reply

  46. Hi ! I need your knowledge ! I have had a terrible choking cough for 10 months now!! I have been tested with ct scan and upper GI. Allergy tested and all say everything was fine ! That is great but why my cough??!! I have acid reflux and they increased my medication to 80 mg from 20. But no help? I have no pain in throat and no stomach pain ? Could I have H pylori ? I had it 3 yrs ago after sleeve surgery for weight loss? Pulling at straws here!
    Reply

  47. I have not yet been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. But the more I read and research, I am concerned that there is a good possibility that I do. I have acid reflux so badly that it has caused scar tissue to build on my esophagus causing a esophageal structure and I have had to have my esophagus stretched twice in the past 3 years because I severely choke on my food. I hope to find a diagnosis, help and answers to all my questions!
    Reply

  49. I have had HT for 15 years now. We used to live all over r the world and In Brussels had the opportunity to have really great doctors. ..We are back in Africa now and golly geez. …I see a doctor and all he can say is you need to loose weight ..don’t eat too much. Lucky I found a young intern who seems to understand the importance of checking levels and adjusts when need be..We don’t just work with :it’s normal”. I have been having horrible heart burn .crying so much I thought I was dying along with heart palpitations. I didn’t realise heart burn can be another symptom. .I was trying all sorts of things..drinking hot water. ..honey. ..cinnamon. .lemongrass. .cold water ..esopromazole etc etc with no relief. …I will try the no dairy and see how that helps. Have you also experienced heart palpitations too?
    Reply

  50. I have been suffering for years, in Feb. found out that I have Thyroid issues, so have cut out gluten and it has helped with some of the issues, however have had heartburn, acid reflux, gassiness, etc. Have been on prescription drugs for the heartburn which did not help and refuse to keep taking antacids to in order to feel well. Just had tests done yesterday (after telling my Dr. that I did not want to live on pills and found out I have a hiatial hernia and probably gastritis which I am having tests for next week. I keep asking my Dr. for a food intolerance test as I have no problem giving up food instead of living on pills. I love my Dr., but how do I get her to listen to me and order a intolerance test? I can give up food, but not if I don’t know what is causing the problems.
    Reply

  52. Hi Dr Izabella,
    I am so happy I found you. Watched the Documentary- all 9 episodes and got invaluable information. Thank you for the effort you put in to great it and put together so much information we all around the world can use in our daily battles with Hashimotto. I just wanted to hear your opinion whether you have guiding points for me in regards with water retention, but let me fill you in on my story so you have more information to go on.
    I was diagnosed back in 1998, straight after giving birth to my child. Since then I have been on L-Thyroxin and have had fluctuations in the levels, but never really took much notice as I considered it new norm for me until 2010. I am not sure what or why happened, but one day I was feeling down, with flu like symptoms, but didn’t have flu. And around mid day, it was getting so intense, I was thinking of taking the rest of the day off. When suddenly it felt like something in me snapped, broke. It was followed by relief. I ignored it as being busy and trying to meet the ends, one cant afford not to work, put it in the back of my mind. Until couple of weeks later, one morning I just couldn’t get to work, fell asleep on the bus, couldn’t concentrate at work, and eventually left for the day. I am not sure how I got home- I as again asleep on the bus home which is 20 mins, then when I got in my car to continue my journey..nearly crashed several times. When I got home at 10am I barely managed to call my husband to say I am home, and fell asleep, deep one too. He had troubles waking me up to go and see the GP, I was asleep while waiting at doctor’s, then at home I slept for another 24 hrs non stop. Since then, I am not the same person. I couldn’t last 8 hrs on the job, had brain fog, couldn’t walk 20 steps without panting like asthmatic, and I am not. Got myself really sick with cold/flu and started coughing terrible, sleeping almost upright, nearly choked to death one night in bed, and still I needed more than 12 hrs sleep to be able to make it through 9 hrs day..Thats when I was hit the hardest. I started retaining water, which blew out of proportion, I was double my size- everywhere, my feet were like balloons, hurting and stretching the skin to max, my face was like the moon, I couldn’t fit in any clothing, couldn’t walk, and to date no one has been able to tell my why. I have been on google, searching and have tried a lot of things, but my legs are still full of water, and expand as the day progresses. I can not wear shoes at all, only flip flops, all seasons. My weight has almost doubled and there is no way shifting it and I have tried everything. My new GP has done all sorts of tests and 90% of my readings show withing the norm, the only thing he found is I have too high reverse T3, for which he prescribed slow release T3, even upped the dose to 20 mg a day with 100 mg of L thyroxin, and still, the T3 buggers are still at the end of the bracket over 500 I mean. He is now treating me for SIBO but whether it helps or not, I am not sure. I don’t even know why I got hashimotto in the first place, the only thing I know is we were close enough to Ukraine geographically when Chernobil strike, but whether or not this was the trigger I don’t know. No one in my extended family has it, which is annoying :). I am now gluten free, dairy free, take magnesium, and heaps of other things, have more energy and was able to start biking daily, but do have my relapses from time to time and the water retention though not as severe is still persistent.
    Appreciate your time and looking forward to reading your material and getting myself more educated so I can take better care of myself, since the doctors haven’t been much help.
    many thanks

    Kind regards
    Ange

    Reply

  53. Hi Dr. Izabella
    I’m into my fourth week of the hashimoto’s protocol.
    I was diagnosed with sliding hernia and “silent” reflux and a small nodule in my gallbladder. I had reflux for many years and about 6 years ago I quit smoking and took a turn in changing my life to live healthily. My reflux was in remission for many years after with the occasional bout. Since starting the protocol it came back with a vengeance. I”m working on what my trigger is, I’m thinking it was the heavy introduction of meat and nuts as I didn’t have much of these before. It has settled since I cut my meat consumption down (I was having too much) and a lot of my other symptoms have gone.
    I’m feeling great, I never thought I could live without dairy, funnily enough I don’t even miss it.
    I’m grateful I came across your book, it’s put me in the right direction to keep improving my overall health.
    Thank you

    Reply

  54. I don’t have any digestive issues other than burps and gas and those do seem accessive. I didn’t used to have as much of them before I started suffering with Hashimoto’s 4 years ago.

    I just started the protocol after reading the book and have one question. The first 2 weeks you’re supposed to cut out sugar among other things but then a recipe in the book calls for maple syrup. Also fruits and vegetables seem to be allowed.

    So what kind of sugar is allowed and what kind isn’t? Almond milk contains some sugar, is it ok to consume it? Is honey ok?

    Reply

  55. I was diagnosed with hashimito and hustle hernia. But I have enlarged thyroid glands with lumps and not sure why. It’s affecting my swallowing at times. When I yawn, my jaw locks. Anyone same?

    Reply

  56. I have “silent” reflux…I don’t react to any food….so how can I determine what hurts…and what helps…..I have about 5 thyroid nodules…2 large….3 small…..I’ve never been diagnosed with hashimoto’s

    Reply

    • Bev – thank you for reaching out and sharing. <3 I am so sorry you are struggling with all of this. Nodules and goiters are often the result of toxicity and/or the autoimmune process. So, doing interventions to reduce the autoimmune attack on the thyroid, and toxicity, can be helpful to reduce them. There aren’t too many tell-tale signs of low stomach acid, other than perhaps feeling full and tired after meals as well as experiencing acid reflux like symptoms. Nonetheless, low stomach acid is very common in Hashimoto’s. Signs and symptoms that would lead me to believe that a person with Hashimoto’s had low stomach acid include: acid reflux symptom (this condition that is conventionally treated with acid suppressants can actually be caused by low stomach acid), low B12, ferritin, or iron levels, fatigue despite thyroid medications and constipation/diarrhea. Here are some articles that might be helpful as well.
      ENZYMES
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/using-enzymes-to-overcome-hashimotos/

      THYROID NODULES
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-and-thyroid-nodules/

      Reply

    • Laura – While the process of making ghee (clarified butter) is touted for removing casein proteins, there is a small chance that some casein proteins may remain. As such, I personally avoid ghee altogether. I’ve found that avoiding even butter and ghee leads to improved outcomes for most people.

      Reply

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