Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD

Thyroid Pharmacist

Overcoming Hashimoto's

Overcoming Hashimoto’s 

Medically reviewed and written by Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP

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The “Five R” Approach of Functional Medicine Summary

In January 2011, I made a specific resolution, to take charge of my health and my life.

I had been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s in 2009 and started to research complementary/alternative/functional medicine treatments in 2010. Unfortunately, despite my hours of research, I was stuck in a state of “paralysis by analysis,” there was just so much information about Hashimoto’s and autoimmune disease, I didn’t know where to start, who to trust, or if anything would help. As a pharmacist, I have been trained to be highly skeptical of non-FDA approved treatments, and a large part of me did not believe that myself, could figure out and fix something that hundreds of brilliant doctors were not able to. Despite my doubts,  I finally decided that I needed to take action in 2011. After all, doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results is Einstein’s definition of insanity. Clearly what I had been doing during 2010 wasn’t working, and I needed to make a drastic change!

I decided to be the creator of my own universe!

I made a vision board with pictures of all of the things that I hoped would manifest for me that year…

  1. Getting my energy back (I was sleeping for 12+ hours each night)
  2. Getting my hair back (I had lost more than a third of my hair!)
  3. Regaining my health (reversing my autoimmune condition)
  4. Buying my first home
  5. A beach honeymoon/anniversary trip with my husband (postponed due to work obligations)
  6. Writing a book that would help and inspire others

I purchased numerous books on autoimmunity and thyroid disorders, scheduled a consultation with a reputable functional medicine clinic as well as an integrative doctor, and invested in food sensitivity testing, numerous supplements and started journaling.

One of my first successes was changing my diet! I had amazing results! You can read about my Hashimoto’s and Acid Reflux Journey.

But my journey didn’t end there. It took another year of trial and error to get my energy back, and two years to recover my hair and health.

There is a lot of conflicting information on the internet, and many of us will hear a variety of different explanations from various practitioners. (If you’re in need of a practitioner in your area, I’ve collected names of those who believe in the root cause approach to thyroid disease.) I decided to sort through all of the available information and do my testing and research.

In 2012, I started writing a Hashimoto’s patient guide to organizing my research and outline a roadmap with the hope that it would empower others with Hashimoto’s with the necessary knowledge to recover their health.

I’ve gone to great lengths to make the material in the book accessible and approachable for the patient. After all, we know ourselves best, and ultimately it’s up to us whether we will get better or not.

I hope you consider picking up a copy of Hashimoto’s: The Root Cause.

Starting Your Hashimoto’s Journey…

There are many of you that are just beginning your Hashimoto’s journey to find your own Hashimoto’s Root Cause! My aim is to empower you! Below you will find a summary of my approach; it’s very similar to the approach that I developed for myself in 2011.

You will start with the simplest modifications, by removing triggers, followed by repairing the other broken systems to restore equilibrium, allowing the body to rebuild itself.

You will dig down to why the immune system is imbalanced in the first place, and this will tell you how you begin to finally feel better, reduce your thyroid antibodies and even take your condition into remission.

The “Five R” Approach of Functional Medicine Summary

The complete approach to healing Hashimoto’s can be summarized through the Five R’s of Healing, an approach used by Functional Medicine Practitioners that I have tailored for Hashimoto’s patients.

REMOVE

REMOVE the things that may be irritating your thyroid and causing it to send out a stress signal.

Iodine excess (especially when other nutrients are deficient), fluoride, and toxins can cause thyroid inflammation as a result of oxidative damage, causing the thyroid to send out a stress response, which becomes picked up by the immune system.

Gluten and food intolerances promote intestinal permeability, making our immune system unable to recognize our cells.

Gut infections including bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections can weaken the intestinal lining, affecting the ability of our immune system to recognize self from non-self (the gut is home to most of our immune system)

Food that is poorly digested feeds the bad bacteria, making them stronger.

Stress weakens the thyroid through its actions on the adrenals and can help the negative bacteria proliferate.

REPAIR

REPAIR the intestinal permeability through an anti-inflammatory leaky gut diet, broths, and glutamine.

REPLACE

REPLACE the depletions that are present to help the body strengthen and jump back on a cycle of wellness. This includes thyroid hormone!

-> -> You can download my nutrient depletion chapter for free

REINOCULATE

REINOCULATE, giving the body enough beneficial bacteria to displace the pathogenic bacteria. Probiotics and raw Lacto-fermented foods are used.

REBALANCE

REBALANCE the adrenals, immune system, and our detoxification capabilities. The adrenals respond well to adaptogens. Some may require the use of further interventions such as the use of low dose hormones or glandulars.

The “Five R” Approach of Functional Medicine (in detail)

REMOVE

REPAIR

  • Healing diet
  • Protomorphogens
  • Broths
  • Glutamine

REPLACE

REINOCULATE

REBALANCE

  • Adrenal adaptogens
  • Curcumin/Omega-3’s
  • Green juices, smoothies, vegetables

Are there additional things you can do?

Create your health timeline – look back at your overall history as far back as you can remember. Look for infections, periods of severe stress, the use of medications (especially antibiotics, antacids, and oral contraceptives), accidents, and exposure to toxins. These are events that may have contributed to Hashimoto’s. Once you do, you will know what types of changes you need to implement to make yourself feel better.

Enter your email to Download your Sample Timeline below!

Journaling –Keep track of how you are feeling, the interventions you are making, and how they are impacting your well-being, and “numbers” (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, antibodies, etc.)

Embrace change, believe that you can heal, and listen to your body…

Implementation proved to be the hardest part for me, as many of us have been made to feel guilty about wanting to do something for ourselves, stories like: “it’s selfish to spend money on supplements,” “you should eat the same diet as everyone else”, “everyone feels tired”, “you’re not smart/strong/patient/good enough to get better,” “you’re wasting your time/money” often played in my head.

Through my journey, I have come to understand that I am powerful, smart, deserving of support and that taking care of myself is important. I hope that all of you believe the same. Now and then, a person such as an unsupportive doctor, friend or family member may come along and challenge your beliefs…don’t let them! You are the creator of your universe, and you know what’s best for you!

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.

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’m always impressed by your devotion to your great healing project. In addition to the important details about the supplements and the diet your way to motivate psychologically is of greatest help to me. Inner mental strengths contributes most to the healing process and I gained it through your advices. I KNOW, that I will overcome my physical weakness this year. You are really powerful and I know, that I am, too! What amazes me additionally is, that you help people in English and Polish. Recently I met an older woman on the train. She started talking to me, when she saw, that I was reading the Polish edition of your book. She also suffers from Hashimoto her whole life time. She was surprised and happy to see, that there is a book on that translated into Polish, because she can’t speak English and isn’t firm with the internet. Wishing you the best for the new year! Thank you!
    Reply

  2. Anne- Thank you so much for your kind words! I know that you are a powerful woman too, and I hope the book will help you! My amazing mom helped me translate the book into Polish 🙂
    Reply

  3. Hi Dr. Wentz!
    I am devouring your book! I am looking to do a liver detox (i have been following an autoimmune paleo protocol for over 90 days now) I was looking at Apex Clearvite b/c the program and the supplements seem good. it’s a pea protein…. then i read your chapter on detox and the juice/soup fast. I’m confused as to how to make the broth… can you please expand on how to do it? also, are smoothies as good as juice? or should i get a juicer? what about the clearvite? do i need extra supplements when i’m doing it… help! just looking for some advice 🙂 Thank you for ALL of your hard work and for sharing it with us! it is much appreciated. thank you again for any advice you can give me.
    Reply

  4. Hi Hope- I’m so glad that you have found the book helpful! At the time I wrote it, Clearvite was a rice based protein, which I am not a fan of. However, I do like pea protein, so I think it would be helpful. I would go the smoothie/protein way for most people with Hashi’s as many of us have adrenal fatigue, and juicing can worsen the adrenal fatigue. Wishing you all the best, and keep me posted on your journey:)
    Reply

  6. My mom suffers from Hashimoto’s disease. Never thought of it being reversable. Although she has been eating differently lately and says to feel much better. She banned processed foods from the diet, but still choses to drink milk daily. The thought occured that maybe cosmetics play a role in the development of Hashimoto’s. I’ve come across several articles lately that express concerns of ingrediënts in cosmetics that may effect hormone metabolism.
    Reply

  7. Thanks for all your advice. I purchased your book and though I’ve made a lot of effort before addressing my Hashimoto’s, this year I’ve made greater strides. Following full Paleo has worked wonders for me in a short amount of time. My symptoms swung from hypo to a touch hyper so I was able to go off Synthroid and feel my best in years. Your tests suggestion page was such a great help with my endocrinologist. We are monitoring my changes and I feel really confident. She seemed quite interested in your book. Maybe I’ll give her a copy.
    Reply

    • Wendy- 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

  9. I have Hashimoto’s. I’ve been diagnosed with it on 2007. Since then Im in hormone treatment. My life is very difficulr. I have panic attacks, depression. Stomach problems, i get sick all the time, and I’m so tired!
    Reply

  11. Hello Dr. Wentz, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism at the age of 31. After the birth of my third son. Have been taking Levothyrine ever since. I also developed Raynaud’s shortly after that. I am now 46 and have Scloderma and Instertitial lung disease. I am on the lung transplant list awaiting for a doner from UCLA Medical Center. Any suggestions as to what I should ask or tests to get done? Please help! I am at 20% oxygen lung capacity.
    Reply

    • Isaura- Graves and Hashimoto’s are both autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid. They are thought to be closely related. Sometimes one turns into the other. The difference is the site of the antibody attack. In Hashimoto’s, the antibodies are found to thyroglobulin (in 80%) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme (in 95% of people)-Hashimoto’s results in hypothyroidism and is usually treated with Synthroid and replacement hormone.

      The same antibodies may be present in a smaller percentage of people who have Graves, but the main antibody is to the TSH Receptor (TSHR-Ab). Usually people with Graves have hyperthyroidism and they are treated conventionally with thyroid suppressing drugs (methimazole) or radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid. At that point, the thyroid will no longer produce hormones on its own and these people end up on Synthroid as well.

      Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to rebalance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well! The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research in journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.

      Hashimoto’s Root Cause
      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
      Hashimoto’s Protocol
      https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol

      Reply

  12. I bought your book as a Christmas present for my daughter. She has been struggling with her health after being diagnosed with hashimotos in 2009. The disease has I hope that the book can be a tool toward better health and happiness for her in the New Year.
    Reply

    • Amy- 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

  13. I brought your beautiful book in to my new Dr. (Just moved here) and was promptly fired by her. I am now toting it to a place called the Born Clinic in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I’ll be driving 2 1/2 houses to get there, but they have promised to work with me. Thank you for your time and hard work to compile this source of important information!
    Reply

  15. Dear Dr. Wentz, thank you so much for your book, the Hashimoto’s Summit, and your prolific blogs on the subject. I followed your advice and switched to Pure Encapsulations supplements. But the Optiferin-C makes me constipated, so could you suggest another Ferritin supplement? Also, I noticed that the Vitamin C is ascorbic acid, which I understand is not really that good for one compared with pure Vitamin C derived from foods. Could you recommend a brand of Vitamin C that is not ascorbic acid? Thanks a lot.
    Reply

  16. This new year I want to start journaling again. It helped me find the triggers for my migrains. But once the migrains was under control the need for journaling faded. I started probiotics only a week ago and the difference to my energy levels is amazing. I actually started it to combat fungal infections. In the process discovered parasites too. Not yet sure how to handle that. But I think journaling again would help keeping my energy levels up. I still cannot belief the diffence of how much more energy I have on probiotics. And even antivirals had the same effects although the opposite was listed as possible side effects. Thank you for the great work you do. It would never have been possible for me to feel better without your help.
    Reply

  17. I just found this site and will be purchasing your book. I’ve been taking throid hormone for underactive thyoid since my 20s and im now in my 60s. I’m also overwhelmed with conflicting information regarding options for treatment. Both my primary care doctor and endo say my dose of synthroid is right on. My symptoms tell me otherwise. I’ve also been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, Sjogrens and reynauds. I’ve never been told my thyroid issue is Hashimotos, but with my other autoimmune issues I’m sure it is. I have been making dietary changes and docs say I have no celiac, so gluten-free is crazy. I can’t find anyone in my area that is willing to prescribe Armour or persue looking at a more holistic functional approach. I’m from Southwest Missouri…how do I find a doctor who knows what they are doing.or willing to try to help me. I’m so exhausted I don’t know where to start. My endo told me he is on the payroll of big pharma and he is paid to speak at seminars and conferences pushing their drugs and telling other doctors why Amour and “natural” thyroid treatments are bad. It takes almost 9 months to get an appt with an endo in this part of the country. The only other one in our network of providers is his partner. I’m almost to the point of giving up because I don’t know what to do next. I just want to feel better. Any ideas?
    Reply

  19. Thank you for this helpfull advices. I have Hashimoto since 2012 and realiced during this time: it changed – food which was ok. last year is unbearabel this year. So I make a selftest from time to time, to find out, what I can bear today – knowing it can be diffrent just next week. The list of unbearable food becomes longer and longer… too sad that my body dont looks like this 🙂

    Reply

    • Gabi – thank you for following this page. Did you know that reactive foods trigger an inflammatory response in the GI tract, leading to malabsorption of nutrients (gluten sensitivity in particular has been implicated in causing a Selenium deficiency, a well known risk factor for Hashimoto’s), and can also produce intestinal permeability whenever they are eaten?

      Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people, will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.

      FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos

      AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet

      Reply

  20. Hello, I was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism, something I’d been suffering from for many years and trying to figure out. I’ve also had vitiligo for many years and was wondering if it is safe to assume that I have Hashimoto’s, considering that many consider them associated Auto Immune disorders? With that being said, I randomly stumbled across your web page, just purchased your book too, and had no idea that I should be doing more than just taking the thyroid suppliment. At the same time of being diagnosed with hypothyroidism I also discovered numerous food intolerances and the combo of their elimination from my diet and the L-thyroxene has left me feeling much better finally. My question to you now is if these foods are the cause, will my vitiligo potentially disappear in time?

    Reply

    • Paxton- Thank you so much for your support! These are the recommended labs from my book, page 32.

      RECOMMENDED THYROID FUNCTION TESTS
      TSH
      TPO Antibodies
      Thyroglobulin Antibodies
      Free T4
      Free T3
      Reverse T3 (Optional)
      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/

      Reply

  21. Thank you for your informative articles- I have recently started following you on Facebook and will try and get your books to get more knowledge. I have diabetes type I ( dx in 2000) and Hashimoto’s ( dx in 2010 while pregnant with my second child). I have tried gluten-free and no results. I am currently on synthetic rx. And at times too much release is happening as my heart rate goes up in the 100s. I am thinking about trying the Paleo diet.

    Reply

  22. Hello

    I have few questions, which i want to ask from you:
    1. How to Approach you for consultation, i mean your Office is in which Country and is it possible to consult you?
    2. I have thyroid Problem, even i don’t know that i have or not because my doctors are good enough to find out the cause. Still i am following your Posts and pages and Research papers. I Diagnosed with Hypothyroid in 2014 not doubt i had some symptoms like hair falling dizziness and something feeling in my brain. From that time till now my TSH is fluctuating but not T3 or T4 , they are every time under the range. And doctor is not telling me proper medication , when he will see it is high , he will high the dose of Levothyroxin and when it is low then he will say now take 50 mg instead of 75mg . so I want to know what should I do ?
    3. I stated selenium last two months back and I was begging these people to check my TPO but they said once you diagnosed that you have Hashimoto’s then there is no need to check after 3 months. Is it true?
    4. Sometimes I think that my root cause is my GUT, because after diagnosed I got 18 kg and then I lost 12 Kg but my abdominal part is getting back to its normal position then I started Probiotic, I saw little bit changes in the size of my abdominal. So how to go for lab test for GUT or acid reflux and other things related to it.
    Waiting for your response.
    Thanks in advance for your corporation.

    Reply

  23. Hi Dr Wentz,
    I just wanted to say thank you so much for your informative help. I have suffered with Hashimotos for many years, doctors were no help and was at my lowest point of desparation when someone gave me your name and told me to look you up on facebook. I am now more understanding of my condition and the triggers, and am feeling better than I have in years. The pain, fertility issues, insomnia etc has significantly subsided, oh I could go on. I do have a couple of questions for you;
    1. Can Menieres disease be connected to hashimotos?
    2. I have included the daily use of a pro biotic and have a green smoothie every day but now I’m finding that I wake up ravenous in the morning and craving a green smoothie before breakfast. Is this common?
    3. Why do I get nausea when I eat eggs?

    Once again, thank you so much for your help. We need more experts like you!

    Kind Regards
    Monica.

    Reply

    • Monica – you are very welcome! I appreciate you sharing your journey with me. Vertigo or dizziness can be common symptoms seen in people with thyroid disease. In one research study, 52% of Hashimoto’s patients showed an alteration of Vestibular function, which can affect balance and lead to vertigo and nausea. Getting your thyroid antibodies down will, of course, help vertigo. You may want to discuss your sensitivity to eggs with your practitioner.
      Reactive foods trigger an inflammatory response in the GI tract, leading to malabsorption of nutrients (gluten sensitivity, in particular, has been implicated in causing a Selenium deficiency, a well-known risk factor for Hashimoto’s), and can also produce intestinal permeability whenever they are eaten? Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts, and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.

      FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos

      AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet

      Reply

  24. When you take your prescribed thyroid medication, does it stop antibodies from further attacking your thyroid, or are they continually attacking it, but the medication helps your TSH levels be in a normal range. I am worried that over the years my thyroid will only get worse and worse and I will be more and more dependent on medication. (I understand to avoid gluten and dairy) I am in search for a new doctor, I am not getting clear answers on any of this, and when I do a google search it comes up with nothing about this specific question. Thank you so much for your time 🙂

    Reply

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