Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD

Thyroid Pharmacist

Hashimoto's Trigger- Infections

Infections As Hidden Triggers For Hashimoto’s

Medically reviewed and written by Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP

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I love getting messages from you with your success stories!

As I opened up my inbox this morning, I just received a message from a lovely woman who said that she “HAD” Hashimoto’s and that she was able to get it into remission through changing her diet! After going gluten and dairy free, she is no longer testing positive for thyroid antibodies. Instead, she is feeling amazing, and tapering off her thyroid medications!

I’ve written in great detail about food and how eating a nutrient-dense diet, free of gluten and dairy, can get Hashimoto’s into remission. Since I started writing about this back in 2013, I’ve received so many stories from people who’ve been able to get into remission through nutrition, and so one of my very first recommendations for Hashimoto’s is to start with food!

Read more about optimizing your diet with Hashimoto’s.

Eating a nutrient-dense diet will almost always help Hashimoto’s, but will not reverse the condition for every person. Some people need to dig deeper, as there may be other triggers or root causes that can lead to the development of Hashimoto’s.

Hashimoto’s and Infections

Chronic infections are the Hashimoto’s triggers that get the least amount of attention, yet identifying and treating them can result in a complete remission. Unfortunately, some of the infections can be progressive, leading to more and more symptoms, if not identified and treated accordingly. Thus, I want to make you all aware of them whenever I can.

Molecular Mimicry

Molecular mimicry is one of the leading theories of autoimmune disease. In very simple terms, this theory means that our immune system begins to attack our thyroid gland because we are infected with a pathogenic organism (like a bacterium, parasite, or virus), that looks similar to components of the thyroid gland. The immune system remembers isolated protein sequences on the pathogen (rather than the entire DNA sequence of the pathogen) and then looks for similar looking proteins as targets for an attack. If the proteins on the thyroid match the proteins the immune system remembered, then the thyroid will be targeted for attack as well. Therefore, the immune system attacks our thyroid glands due to a case of mistaken identity, when it is trying to attack an infection!

Scientists have noted that in people with the right genetic sequence, an infectious agent that resembles the thyroid gland, can trigger Hashimoto’s.

Yersinia Entercolitica

I’ve spoken at great length about gut infections that can trigger Hashimoto’s, and the most well-researched one is known as Yersinia entercolitica. This is a bacteria that can be acquired from eating pork, and antibodies to this bacteria have been found in greater amounts in Hashimoto’s and Graves’ patients. Nineteen proteins on the Yersinia bacteria can look similar to proteins on the thyroid gland (4 cross-react with the TSH receptor, 2 with thyroglobulin, 2 with thyroid peroxidase, and 11 with the sodium iodine symporter)!

Finding and treating this infection can result in remission of Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease. On the other hand, a person that simply takes thyroid medications and does not treat the infection, may continue to see declines in his/her health, as eventually, the presence of the infection may burn out the immune system and cause it to start recognizing additional sequences on the infectious organism that may cross-react with different organs in the body… This is why, in the conventional medical approach, it is widely known that having one autoimmune condition will put the person at greater risk for getting another autoimmune condition.

While scientists have described this bacteria as a trigger for autoimmune thyroid disease time and time again, most doctors will not test patients for chronic infections — functional medicine practitioners are your best bet for testing for this infection. You can be tested for Yersinia antibodies through a blood test or by using the GI-MAP test. Ask your doctor about it, or you can self-order the test yourself.

The medication doxycycline, as well as herbal protocols that may include berberine, oil of oregano and/or wormwood, can eradicate Yersinia effectively in many cases.

Borrelia and Lyme

Another very important and potential trigger of Hashimoto’s is Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

Borrelia burgdorferi has been found to have 16 protein structures that can cross-react with thyroid proteins (5 proteins that cross-react with the TSH receptor antibodies, 2 that cross-react with thyroglobulin antibodies, 3 that cross-react with thyroid peroxidase antibodies, and 6 that cross-react with the sodium iodide symporter).

Lyme disease is one of the more serious infections that can lead to some debilitating symptoms, if not found and addressed accordingly.

The condition is progressive, leading to more and more symptoms. The longer you have it, the more damage it can do. Additionally, some of the symptoms of Lyme can be similar to symptoms of Hashimoto’s: fatigue, memory problems, hormonal changes…

Lyme has been primarily thought to be a tick-borne infection that was triggered by a tick bite (ticks carry the Borrelia bacteria), so I always ask my clients if they had spent time in the wilderness camping, hiking or trail running before their diagnosis. However, Lyme advocates are saying that the bacteria may also be acquired through other methods, including mosquito bites, and from mother to child. Lyme is also a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be transferred between us and our furry family members (most likely due to them carrying infected ticks into our homes, but direct transmission has not been ruled out).

A message I received from a reader who was diagnosed with Lyme disease after three years of Hashimoto’s, inspired me to create more awareness about Lyme disease.

Here’s the message:

“Dear Dr. Wentz, 

I have a suggestion that I feel is important to include if you ever come out with the second edition of your book. After any interventions for my Hashimoto’s over a three-year period, which included gluten free, low dairy, low sugar, H. pylori and parasite treatment, natural desiccated thyroid, and many supplements, I’ve recently been diagnosed with Lyme disease and a tick-borne co-infection, Babesia. 

Likely I’ve had it for years, and it is what caused my Hashimoto’s. After hanging put on Lyme groups, I’m discovering many Hashi patients who have Lyme. It’s too much of a coincidence …and I feel the word needs to get out, so Hashi patients and their doctors can get them the proper testing just in case. 

Not suggesting every Hashi patient’s root cause is Lyme by any means, just that it can be one root cause, through molecular mimicry, and since many of the symptoms overlap with those of Hashi’s that many on Hashi groups are suffering from.”

Overcoming Lyme

While I do discuss Lyme, a tick-borne infectious disease, as a potential root cause of Hashimoto’s in my book, Hashimoto’s: The Root Cause and in my post about infections, I want to give you additional resources to help you overcome this debilitating infection!

As those of you who have been reading my books and posts know, I am a big proponent of lifestyle change — like adopting a nutrient-dense diet—but, unfortunately, sometimes diet is not enough. Although getting on an appropriate diet will help everyone (even with chronic infections), it will not always result in a remission of your autoimmunity.

I thought this was an important message to bring up, especially for those of you who have tried the diet and have had limited success. Autoimmunity starts in the gut, and Lyme disease destroys the gut completely!

So if you’ve tried a lot of things, have a lot of symptoms, you’re tired, in pain, have numbness, headaches, memory problems, pain that changes or moves around the body, symptoms that come and go no matter what you do, symptoms that worsen around your period, symptoms that get better or are intensified, on antibiotics (either due to the antibiotics suppressing the Lyme or killing too much, causing die-off)… please look into testing for Lyme — it can be a root cause of your Hashimoto’s!

Dr. Richard Horowitz is a pioneer in Lyme treatment and has developed a Lyme quiz you can take to see if you are at high risk for Lyme.

You will need a blood test to confirm the infection. I recommend IGeneX or Ulta Lab Tests.

Resources from Lyme Thrivers

I also want to warn you that Lyme is a really difficult infection to eradicate. As the reader who wrote in mentioned, not many doctors are very familiar with treating a chronic Lyme infection — you will need a Lyme literate doctor, as well as a lot of support, to overcome this infection. Go to Ilads.org for more info on Lyme literate practitioners.

Some new interesting facts from LymeDisease.Org: 300,000 new cases of Lyme are found each year. The bacteria scavenge the body for trace metals to make themselves more virulent (especially manganese), and the over-the-counter medication Claritin (loratadine) may help eradicate Lyme.

I met Lyme survivor/advocate Brent Martin at a health conference. In speaking with him, I came to learn that he used to be exhausted, couldn’t focus, had memory problems, and had virtually no energy. Yet, to the surrounding world, he looked “fine,” and all of his blood work came back normal. The same story many of us with autoimmune conditions have heard!

I couldn’t believe that this vibrant and energetic young man I was speaking with had been too tired to interact with his beautiful children at a recent point in his life! He told me about how he was able to overcome Lyme disease after many years of suffering and is now dedicated to educating others on how to do the same! Brent experienced so many symptoms, some of them outright strange, like being sensitive to wireless Internet!

I’ve been hoping to interview Brent and his partner Dana Walsh (also a thyroid patient) for quite some time, and just had the opportunity to do so last week. Brent and Dana share their Lyme stories, the symptoms they had, and how they were able to overcome this condition.

You can watch the interview I recorded with Brent and Dana below:

interview

Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD with Brent and Dana on Addressing Lyme

PS. You can also download a free Thyroid Diet Guide, 10 thyroid-friendly recipes, and the Nutrient Depletions and Digestion chapter of my first book for free, by signing up for my weekly newsletter. You will also receive occasional updates about new research, resources, giveaways and helpful information.

For future updates, make sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram!

References

  1. Tomer Y, Davies TF. Infection, thyroid disease, and autoimmunity. Endocr Rev. 1993;14(1):107-120. doi:10.1210/edrv-14-1-107
  2. Rojas M, Restrepo-Jiménez P, Monsalve DM, et al. Molecular mimicry and autoimmunity. J Autoimmun. 2018;95:100-123. doi:10.1016/j.jaut.2018.10.012
  3. Benvenga S, Santarpia L, Trimarchi F, Guarneri F. Human thyroid autoantigens and proteins of Yersinia and Borrelia share amino acid sequence homology that includes binding motifs to HLA-DR molecules and T-cell receptor. Thyroid. 2006;16(3):225-236. doi:10.1089/thy.2006.16.225
  4. Cojocaru M, Cojocaru IM, Silosi I. Multiple autoimmune syndrome. Maedica (Bucur). 2010;5(2):132-134.
  5. Dhliwayo N, Wajahat R, Havrylyan A, Moid A, Khayr W, Barsano CP. Lyme Disease: An Autoimmunity-Based “Destructive Thyroiditis” or Just Another “Non-Thyroidal Illness”?. J Endocr Soc. 2021;5(Suppl 1):A940-A941. Published 2021 May 3. doi:10.1210/jendso/bvab048.1922
  6. Troxell B, Yang XF. Metal-dependent gene regulation in the causative agent of Lyme disease. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2013;3:79. Published 2013 Nov 15. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2013.00079
  7. Wagh D, Pothineni VR, Inayathullah M, Liu S, Kim KM, Rajadas J. Borreliacidal activity of Borrelia metal transporter A (BmtA) binding small molecules by manganese transport inhibition. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2015;9:805-816. Published 2015 Feb 11. doi:10.2147/DDDT.S77063

Note: Originally published in May 2015, this article has been revised and updated for accuracy and thoroughness.

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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. Izabella, I can not thank you enough for posting about Lyme Disease!! I literally just discovered this past week that I have it. Everything Brent & Dana touched on was textbook for me. I too have Hashimoto’s and now realize this is probably because of the Lyme Disease.
    Reply

  4. Glad to hear you recommended Igenex (that’s where I FINALLY got the right diagnosis of Lyme last August) after years and years of declining health until the point I am at now – pretty much bedridden most of the time. I am grateful that at least I know now what I am dealing with (but still don’t know about co-infections) and I’m hoping – with a lot of fight (which I feel I have little of it left) I might be able to regain some quality of life back. We NEED professionals like you speaking out and educating other professionals and the public in general about Lyme Disease because it mimics so many of the diseases and isn’t commonly tested for — and as you know, the testing is faulty in a very high percentage of cases (like 50% ish) —- and treatment — well, I don’t have the energy to even type about treatment — it’s just a big mess that is swallowing so many of us up in!! My grown daughter is infected and her son is likely infected – he is severely autistic. We are passing this down to more and more generations and this is a world of mess that needs to be addressed soon or we are going to have this country filled with even more autistic children. 1 in 42 boys are autistic and 1 in 68 girls these days — that’s a frightening number!
    I really enjoyed the entire article and have great respect for your work! Thank you for taking the time to help so many people! I did want to say that I have read that the Claritin trials have only been done in a test tube and would require you to take a VERY HEAVY dose to get those kind of results (if it even works the same way when taken by a human orally). I just don’t want people going out and thinking Claritin will cure this disease. I’m not sure at this point in my research that I feel at least the neurological Lyme I am suffering from will ever be curable (and that’s the positive side of me talking — I am also realistic) —- but I do believe I’ll find my purpose one day in this life and find a new way to live again.
    Again, thank you for helping so many of us in this tiny world!
    Reply

  5. Hi Karen, thank you for your comment, and I’m sorry for what you’re going through! I do hope that you will be able to get your health back. Brent and Dana have done it and so many more survivors are coming out! My thoughts will be with you in your journey. Keep me posted.
    Reply

  6. Thank you so much for doing this interview, you are so awesome Izabella!!! I have been fighting Lyme for 10 yrs, mostly on my own since I was in denial that I still had it. Finally getting treatment again now. This interview reminded me I am not alone and gave me a new resource at a time when I am ready. Thank YOU!!!
    Reply

    • Jessie- You are so very welcome! Thank you so much for your support!! I look forward to hearing your progress on this page! 🙂

      Reply

  7. I have a question, and I couldn’t find any other way to contact you, other than here. Can taking selenium with levothyroxine increase the effectiveness of the levothyroxine?
    Reply

    • Janae- 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.

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  8. Omg! I can’t stop crying! I have late stage Lyme Desaise. I have mostly recovered but under much duress from doctors , friends and family. This interview / education was so validating that it has changed my life! I am currently havIng gut issues which is going to help me recover from from listening to this talk. Thank you so much for this information. I will access the website to keep in touch. God bless. Sue Parrott, Anchorage, Alaska.
    Reply

  9. Hey I can definitely say I learned a lot reading this. I did not know that Borrelia burgdorferi has 16 protein structures that cross react with thyroid proteins. What happens in this reaction – do you know if the Borrelia catabolizes thyroid proteins, mimics the structure, or suppresses it? Would love to learn more.
    Reply

  11. Dr. Wentz, I have Chronic Lyme along with Hashimoto’s and I am very confused as to which “camp” of Lyme protocol I should be following. The two theories and treatments are very different, down to even the testing labs that are used. I am so ready to be healthy…please help! Thank you.
    Reply

  12. I had Mono at the age of 2yrs. Old could that have something to do with Hashimoto? Also is it possible to reverse this if you have had thyroid problems for 20 yrs.
    Reply

    • Cheryl- Without going into too much detail, the first of the crucial defining moments in my disease development may have started during my undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois. Due to the communal living setting of dormitories (and less than stellar hygiene habits of most college students) I had recurrent strep throat infections and even contracted mononucleosis, a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), which is implicated in triggering many autoimmune conditions. I received multiple courses of antibiotics as well as flu shots (which may be associated with EBV infections), and started birth control for menstrual cramps.

      It is my belief that this combination had a profound impact on my gut flora, and thus my immune system.

      Epstein-Barr is a virus that causes mononucleosis (commonly called “Mono”) , a debilitating viral infection that is common among college students, and is also known as the “kissing disease,” because individuals are exposed to the virus through saliva of those who are infected.

      Specific immune cells known as CD8+ T cells are needed to fight off the Epstein-Barr virus, however, some individuals may have a low baseline level of these types of immune cells. (CD8+ T cells decrease with age, are lower in women, and in the presence of low vitamin D intake). When these fighter cells are low, the Epstein-Barr virus may take up residence in our organs (such as the thyroid) and essentially hijack the organ to help the virus hide and multiply.

      The timing of infection may also matter as well, for example, children in developing countries usually contract the Epstein-Barr Virus when they are under the age of 10. This usually results in an asymptomatic infection—one that does not cause them symptoms. In contrast, in developed countries, where individuals are not usually exposed to the virus until they are in high school or college, the infection is symptomatic in 50% of the older kids affected. This is because by the time we reach college age, CD8+ T cells, the ones that fight EBV, have declined by threefold compared with the number of cells we had in childhood.

      Additionally, animal fat and broths, soups and stews support the body’s ability to suppress the viruses. Monolaurin/lauric acid, one of the components of coconut oil, has been found to be active against the Epstein-Barr virus. Replication of many viruses including Epstein-Barr is inhibited by glycyrrhizic acid, an active component of licorice root. Quercetin, Co-Enzyme Q10, N-Acetylcysteine, and glutathione were also reported to be helpful in chronic fatigue syndrome because of their anti-viral properties.

      EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS AND HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/epstein-barr-virus-and-hashimotos

      Reply

  13. I have Hashimotos and fibromyalgia. I got sick back in the fall and had to take multiple IV antibiotics over an extended period. After the illness subsided and I regained some strength I felt better than I had in a decade. I had energy to play with my children! It was unbelievable. The only thing that made sense was that I had a chronic low lying infection that had been irradicated by the strength of the antibiotics over time. My fibro is in what I consider remission and I had to half my thyroid replacement. I too am a firm believer that tick borne illnesses are responsible for many autoimmune diseases. I hope to eventually have the science of nursing recognize this as well.
    Reply

  14. Lyme Testing: I have heard that the tests are wrong a lot. So, I’ve been tested 2 or 3 times in the last 5 years, all negative. Is there any other test (s) that are more detailed to make sure I don’t have Lyme? I was diagnosed with HT 8+ years ago, but since my horrible neurological symptoms I have now been diagnosed with Hashimotos Encephalitis or Autoimmune Encephalitis… but there hasn’t been a specific antibody for this type of AE found yet, because many people have the Hashimotos Antibodies and never get the Encephalitis part, it is a diagnosis of exclusion. Is there any way for you to email me a list of All possible items that aren’t routinely tested for, that could point to an underline infection? Sorry if this question has been answered already, I am & have been incredibly ill for at least 2 years, unable to leave my home, work or be the mom I used to be, and searching for a answer just isn’t in my relm of possibilities… so thank you in advance…
    Reply

  15. I was tested for hashimotos last year. My antibodies were very high (289) and it was confirmed I had hashimotos. I had 13 symptoms of thyroid disease and knew something was wrong. I started taking synthyroid and stopped about 5 months later and started taking armour thyroid. I had fatigue, heart palpitations, hot flashes and could not lose weight. I started taking selenium, magnesium, ashwagadha root, brown seaweed, and vitamin D. After 11 months my antibodies were within range at 33. I have an enlarged thyroid (goiter) now and nodules. I still took the armour thyroid and was still experiencing heart palpitations pretty regularly. I have stopped the armour and I have not had any palpitations and feel great. I am still taking the brown seaweed and magnesium everyday. I am not sure if I have beat this, but I do know I feel much better.
    Reply

  16. I’m pretty sure Parvovirus B19 was my trigger. Usually a childhood disease known as “Fifth Disease”, it is pretty benign in children. However, contracting it as an adult is another story. I have never been the same since I had it 6 years ago. Now I have Hashimoto’s.
    Reply

  17. Dr. Wentz, I have had a terrible tooth infection that led to removal and implant. The infection must have continued. For four years I had recurring infections. They finally had to remove the implant and part of the jawbone because of bone infection. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s in the early stages of this ordeal. Could this be a cause of the thyroid problem?
    Reply

  18. I was mis diagnosed with Lyme I had it for 7 yrs before a specialist found it they thought hormones because of Sweating, muscle Pain heart issues,extreme weakness my eyesight my thyroid they did a special test a genetics yes I had lyme then my journey of antibiotics 2 1/2 yrs and bacteria meds I thought I was gonna die .Ihave been off for about 9 months .I know there is other issues but we can’t find them . Ihave your book Isabella and take some of the supplements for my digestion .Thank you so much
    Reply

    • Juanita- 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

  19. Thank you for creating awareness to the link between Lyme and Hashimoto’s. I’m from the Netherlands and have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism about 15 years ago. After becoming severely ill (like not being able to walk, difficulty speaking and having no energy at all, so sometimes my parents needed to ‘feed’ me.) I discovered I had Lyme’s disease too. In retrospect, it turns out I have been infected with Lyme more than 2 years before my thyroid problems started. After a lot of research on the internet, I found the link between both diseases. (I only looked for information in Dutch, because at my worst, reading was really hard.) So much misery can be prevented if doctors or other people would have known (and acted on) this The more people that know about this, the better!
    Reply

  20. Hi Sasha; I have to say that I tried magnetotherapy for h.pylory and sadly it didn´t work. I went to a profesional trained by Dr. goiz in person. I´ve been tested before the treatment and after. The h.pylory never went away, so it didn´t work.
    Reply

  21. There are 3 ways to test for h.phylori- blood, breath and stool. Blood is the easiest and most inaccurate! If your blood test comes back negative, you don’t have the infection. Blood has a high rate of false positives. Breath is easier and as accurate as stool but no one really likes to do stool tests- plus the stool has to be a certain consistency and kept cool. Breath- no food for 4+ hours and no PPIs or antibodies for 10-14 days. You breath into a base as a baseline, drink a solution, wait 15 minutes and breath into a second bag. With positive blood test, you get antibiotics and build a resistance to them- and people usually don’t take them properly. Hope that helps
    Reply

  22. I would like to know please, I have h pylori and Hashimoto’s among other things Im sure.. Do you suggest all of the herbs you listed above for killing h pylori? The antibiotics did not get rid of it 100% now I am battling it again.. Thank you for your response I want to get rid of it so badly. I feel that I will be better over all if I can get rid of it. Debbie
    Reply

  23. Hello, Please consider going to a Holistic Biological Dentist. Do you have Amalgam Silver fillings in your mouth. Have any new materials that the Dentist wants to use muscle tested before it goes it to your mouth. Consider using a shower water pik and an Emmi-dent tooth brush with Magic Mud toothpowder 🙂
    Reply

  24. I take l lysine for Epstein Barr, also a herpes virus, there are 27 herpes types. I had undiagnosed strep from the virus for 3 months . This is what helped me. L-lysine brought the swelling down in 2 weeks in my neck/throat. Olive leaf extract, cats claw to kill strep, colloidal silver, zinc, mono laurin (coconut ). My liver and spleen were out of whack, and my thyroid was also impaired. This doctor and Anthony William (medical medium) are the only 2 people with the right approach to these illnesses!!
    Reply

    • Maureen- Without going into too much detail, the first of the crucial defining moments in my disease development may have started during my undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois. Due to the communal living setting of dormitories (and less than stellar hygiene habits of most college students) I had recurrent strep throat infections and even contracted mononucleosis, a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), which is implicated in triggering many autoimmune conditions. I received multiple courses of antibiotics as well as flu shots (which may be associated with EBV infections), and started birth control for menstrual cramps.

      It is my belief that this combination had a profound impact on my gut flora, and thus my immune system.

      Epstein-Barr is a virus that causes mononucleosis (commonly called “Mono”) , a debilitating viral infection that is common among college students, and is also known as the “kissing disease,” because individuals are exposed to the virus through saliva of those who are infected.

      Specific immune cells known as CD8+ T cells are needed to fight off the Epstein-Barr virus, however, some individuals may have a low baseline level of these types of immune cells. (CD8+ T cells decrease with age, are lower in women, and in the presence of low vitamin D intake). When these fighter cells are low, the Epstein-Barr virus may take up residence in our organs (such as the thyroid) and essentially hijack the organ to help the virus hide and multiply.

      The timing of infection may also matter as well, for example, children in developing countries usually contract the Epstein-Barr Virus when they are under the age of 10. This usually results in an asymptomatic infection—one that does not cause them symptoms. In contrast, in developed countries, where individuals are not usually exposed to the virus until they are in high school or college, the infection is symptomatic in 50% of the older kids affected. This is because by the time we reach college age, CD8+ T cells, the ones that fight EBV, have declined by threefold compared with the number of cells we had in childhood.

      Additionally, animal fat and broths, soups and stews support the body’s ability to suppress the viruses. Monolaurin/lauric acid, one of the components of coconut oil, has been found to be active against the Epstein-Barr virus. Replication of many viruses including Epstein-Barr is inhibited by glycyrrhizic acid, an active component of licorice root. Quercetin, Co-Enzyme Q10, N-Acetylcysteine, and glutathione were also reported to be helpful in chronic fatigue syndrome because of their anti-viral properties.

      EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS AND HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/epstein-barr-virus-and-hashimotos

      Reply

  25. I had a bad case of shingels at 17, now 45, and recently had bloodtest for Epstein Bar and it was positive. What to do next?
    Reply

    • Anne- thank you for following this page. You need to be sure to ask for the Epstein Barr Virus Early Antigen test, as this is a test that will let us know if the virus is actively replicating. 🙂

      Reply

  26. Doxycycline is used to treat Lyme. Lyme tests have a very high false negative rate. Often if you are really sick your body won’t produce any Lyme antibodies but later after some treatment when you retest it will show up. Try testing at Igenex labs or another recommended at a Lyme support website. Quest and Labcore are not accurate for Lyme.
    Reply

  28. I was wondering if I could have Candida? I have like a coating in the upper part of my mouth and some days I get a stringy sticky … jello type substance that I can pull off from inside my mouth and it looks like a small thread of white string…any idea? I have hashimotos and been on thyroid medication for 23 years! I have bad athletes foot that never seems to go away! Help! Greatly appreciated.
    Reply

  29. Candida thyroid connection ditto. Itchy head, eyebrows, white tongue itchy body and feet. Thyroid nodules, autonomous. No detectable antibodies. Hypo to hyper. Just started taking diflucan 100mg twice a day for 30 days – take a break then another 30 days. I hate that it is a fluorinated. I just eliminated fluoride to try and heal my thyroid! Eating a candida diet and taking saccaromyces boulardii too. Just have to wonder what caused what. In 2013 I calculated I was getting 70ppm everyday of fluoride a day from tea (8-10 cups green tea), sensodyne toothpaste/mouthwash, and wine. Also and for the first time in my life 6 courses of antibiotics in 6 months. Antibiotics also contain fluoride. It was a downward spiral. Seems like thyroid sabatoge to me!
    Reply

  30. I don’t know where to start, I have Hashimoto’s, I ‘be been treated for EBV, I have hepes virus, I’ve been treated for Lyme disease and much more but the thing that is extremely difficult to deal with is extreme dry mouth which has caused much decay and receding gums and too many root canals. Please help!
    Reply

    • Janet- Without going into too much detail, the first of the crucial defining moments in my disease development may have started during my undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois. Due to the communal living setting of dormitories (and less than stellar hygiene habits of most college students) I had recurrent strep throat infections and even contracted mononucleosis, a viral infection caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), which is implicated in triggering many autoimmune conditions. I received multiple courses of antibiotics as well as flu shots (which may be associated with EBV infections), and started birth control for menstrual cramps.

      It is my belief that this combination had a profound impact on my gut flora, and thus my immune system.

      Epstein-Barr is a virus that causes mononucleosis (commonly called “Mono”) , a debilitating viral infection that is common among college students, and is also known as the “kissing disease,” because individuals are exposed to the virus through saliva of those who are infected.

      Specific immune cells known as CD8+ T cells are needed to fight off the Epstein-Barr virus, however, some individuals may have a low baseline level of these types of immune cells. (CD8+ T cells decrease with age, are lower in women, and in the presence of low vitamin D intake). When these fighter cells are low, the Epstein-Barr virus may take up residence in our organs (such as the thyroid) and essentially hijack the organ to help the virus hide and multiply.

      The timing of infection may also matter as well, for example, children in developing countries usually contract the Epstein-Barr Virus when they are under the age of 10. This usually results in an asymptomatic infection—one that does not cause them symptoms. In contrast, in developed countries, where individuals are not usually exposed to the virus until they are in high school or college, the infection is symptomatic in 50% of the older kids affected. This is because by the time we reach college age, CD8+ T cells, the ones that fight EBV, have declined by threefold compared with the number of cells we had in childhood.

      Additionally, animal fat and broths, soups and stews support the body’s ability to suppress the viruses. Monolaurin/lauric acid, one of the components of coconut oil, has been found to be active against the Epstein-Barr virus. Replication of many viruses including Epstein-Barr is inhibited by glycyrrhizic acid, an active component of licorice root. Quercetin, Co-Enzyme Q10, N-Acetylcysteine, and glutathione were also reported to be helpful in chronic fatigue syndrome because of their anti-viral properties.

      EPSTEIN-BARR VIRUS AND HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/epstein-barr-virus-and-hashimotos

      Reply

  31. I have been seeing an integrative medicine doctor for almost 6 months and I found out I have Hashimotos. I’m on a gluten free diet with no dairy and things like that. The last three months I have been cheating on the diet once a week and having food containing gluten. I have been experiencing chestvpains, weight loss, and stomach troubles since the beginning, but since I have started cheating on the diet I’m experiencing these symptoms again. I was just tested for H Pylori and it was negative. Also my ferritin level is 42 and I have had hair loss since the beginning. Do you recommend iron supplements for my ferritin level? Also do you think my problems are stemming from gluten or some type of infection? My blood work showed no allergy to gluten. I feel like I’m not getting the nutrition I need from my foods or if I am, the gluten may be causing my problems. Any advice would be helpful.
    Reply

    • Marcia- 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.

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  32. I have Hashimotos and I am on Armour Thyroid, I eat totally gluten free and organic. The pressing issue I have and can’t find any infomation on is I have an extremely dry mouth and also some foods cause burning. This dry mouth causes much tooth decay even though i have excellent oral hygiene. PLEASE PLEASE offer me some advice I have researched for years andhave not been able to change my situation. THANK YOU!
    Reply

    • Janet- Dr. Weston A. Price was a dentist who studied the effects of diet on
      dentition and found that those who ate traditional diets had far better teeth, and excellent health (no heart disease, autoimmune conditions, or obesity) compared with counterparts with similar genetic background who ate Western diets. Gram-negative bacteria adhere to teeth and make it more difficult for saliva and brushing to get rid of them. Eating alkalizing foods, fermented foods, oil pulling and cranberry juice may be helpful for displacing the bacteria from teeth. Here is an article you may find interesting! 🙂

      PERIODONTITIS
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/periodontitis-a-trigger-for-hashimotos

      Reply

  33. I was diagnosed with hashi 1 year ago. I do see a functional dr but my antibodies have not come down, but my wbc is dropping, I have made all of the diet changes, my dr thinks I have an infection but has not run any tests I feel like we are throwing darts at things, and in the meantime I have lost lots of weight. Help
    Reply

  34. Hi Tori. You sound a lot like me. I have been seeing a functional doctor for the past six months. I have lost weight and I find it hard to gain. I feel better, but still have problems. Everything with infections I have had to talk to my doctor to suggest for testing. He has just been treating me by changing my diet. I feel like we have been throwing darts at things too. I have been tested for lyme disease and h. Pylori. Every extra test I have brought up on my own about infections he has said they test for it, but then they want to charge me more money for these infection tests. I think he should be doing the research and testing for infections which should be included in my treatment. I paid around $5,500 for his 6 month plan.
    Reply

    • Marcia- Most people with Hashimoto’s will experience weight gain, and so of course that’s what gets the most focus, but some people actually experience weight loss, or they can’t keep their weight on.

      This is especially problematic when a person has multiple food sensitivities and needs to adhere to an autoimmune diet that restricts foods.

      Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

      1) Get a calorie counting app like My Fitness Pal on your phone, to help you keep track of your daily calories. Eating real food can be more filling than eating simple carbohydrates and you may not be getting enough calories. Use the app to figure out your target weight and the number of calories per day you need to get there.

      2) Supplement after dinner with The Root Cause Building Smoothie: 1 avocado (300 calories), 1 cup coconut milk (150 calories), 1 banana (100 calories), 2 egg yolks (100 calories, if tolerated), 1 scoop of protein of beef/pea protein(60 calories) – You can also add cooked sweet potatoes if you need more carbs.

      3) Get tested for gut infections. Gut infections can prevent the digestion and assimilation of foods, leaving you underweight and malnourished. The 401H test or GI Effects test are my go to tests.

      4) Get your adrenals tested with an adrenal saliva tests. In some, stressed adrenals may actually lead to poor absorption of foods.

      5) Be sure that you are not over medicated.

      6) Work on reducing your antibodies with a selenium supplement

      7) Stress reduction, when we’re stressed we don’t digest.

      8) Add coconut oil in your beverages, this can add extra calories in your day

      9) Avoid caffeine, it can make you less hungry and stress out your adrenals.

      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  35. I grew up from the time I was 4 on to have strep throat every year and had a shot of penicillin in the rear. (that’s what they did back then) I continued to have severe strep throat until I was 25 and had my tonsils out. As well as that I have always had boils, which it seemed whenever my immune system was done I got one or more. Doctors have said, it’s nothing and they just happen. After reading your article I’m wondering if this is all a part of why I have Hashimoto’s which I was just diagnosed this year, but I was diagnosed 4 years with Hypothyroidism. It is also very genetic in my maternal family. Any thoughts on that or am I off line in this thinking.
    Reply

  36. I have a history of UTI’s and yeast infections. It stopped for a few years and now I am back to the same frequent infections pattern. While I don’t want to take antibiotics, I don’t know what else to do. I have taken D-Mannose powder and pills to no avail. Do I need to be tested for SIBO? I have also had IBS in the past. I have Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism. What do you suggest?
    Reply

  37. What’s the most effective treatment for eliminating Yersinia? Supplements or antibiotics? I went through a round of supplements using Artecin, Para-Gard and Silvercillin but I learned from recent bloodwork that I still have the parasite. I know that antibiotics can really mess with the gut microbiome. Your input would be great.
    Reply

  38. Had a nutritional blood test done at Dr Randolph’s Ageless and Wellness Pharmacy. It was just a finger prick, then they showed the results on the screen. I have parasites! What’s the best test to request to determine what kind of parasite it is? I had a partial thyroid removal several years ago (large goiter was removed) and was on 88mcg of synthroid but never felt better like I was told I would, and I certainly didn’t lose the 30 lbs I’d put on in three months. The second time I put on 20 lbs within a couple months, I was also experiencing menopause symptons, so I decided to go the natural route. After two years, my thyroid numbers are bad, so I’m now on 175mcg of levothyroxine. I get blood work next month to check my numbers and test for Hashimotos Thyroiditis.

    Reply

    • Carolyn – thank you for following this page. 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 Protocol
      thyroidpharmacist.com/protocol

      Hashimoto’s Root Cause
      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Reply

  39. Hello,
    I recently found out that my spleen and liver are both enlarged. I have gallstones(scheduling surgery for removal of gallbladder). My liver is also fatty. My RBC is often high and out of range, only once in a year it wasn’t out of range but was still on the high end barely missing being out of range. My iron saturation is low also. I am being referred to a gastroenterologist and will see an endocrinologist in December.

    Reply

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