Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD

Thyroid Pharmacist

The Perfect Storm of Autoimmunity

Reversing Autoimmunity and the Perfect Storm

Medically reviewed and written by Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP

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Three Factors Need to be Present for Autoimmunity to Develop

There is not just one event that causes autoimmunity, but instead, a series of events has to line up just right to create the perfect storm, or perfect circumstances, for developing autoimmunity.

Recent advances in autoimmunity have been made by an American researcher Alessio Fasano.

Dr. Fasano and his colleagues have suggested that there are three factors that need to be present for autoimmunity to develop:

  1. Genetic predisposition
  2. Exposure to antigen (trigger)
  3. Intestinal permeability

The intestinal permeability and triggers cause an immune system imbalance that results in the body no longer recognizing itself from a foreign invader.

Reversing Autoimmunity?

It was once believed that once the autoimmune process is activated, it becomes independent of continuous exposure to the environmental trigger and becomes self-sustaining and irreversible.

However, examples of autoimmunity have discredited the “irreversible” aspect of this theory. It has been shown that continuous environmental triggers are necessary to perpetuate the process. This means that the autoimmune process can be stopped and reversed when the triggers are eliminated. One example of this is celiac disease, an autoimmune condition where gluten, an environmental trigger, has been identified. In most cases of classical celiac disease, all symptoms resolve when the environmental trigger (gluten) is removed.

Another aspect we can impact is the intestinal permeability. Sometimes the permeability is a result of the trigger, other times it is independent of it. It sounds really simple right?…the tricky part is figuring out your triggers…that’s what I’ve spent the last few years working on…

How To Find Your Path

Healing from any chronic condition and moving towards better health is a journey. You may stumble before you succeed. I know that I struggled for a few years before I finally found what worked for me.

“Every strike brings me closer to a home run.” – Babe Ruth

I was so encouraged to hear wonderful things about people eliminating thyroid antibodies through gluten free, dairy free, and Paleo diets, but while helpful, this did not result in an elimination of thyroid antibodies for me.

I had to continue to peel back layers, to dig deeper to get at the root cause of my condition…

I was so frustrated and nearly gave up, but now I understand that perhaps I struggled so that I could, in turn, help others with my DIG AT IT approach.

Don’t Give Up, Dig At It!

How do you find the root cause of your autoimmune condition? You have to DIG AT IT™. Once you do, you will know what types of changes you need to implement to make yourself feel better.

To help you dig into your health history, download your free Health Timeline below!

DIG-AT-IT stands for the following:

These are all factors that contribute to autoimmunity! It seems that not everyone may have the same issues present…

I  have just finished writing a book on finding and treating the root cause of Hashimoto’s using the DIG AT IT approach and lifestyle interventions….I hope that my book and blog will guide and inspire others to find their own root cause and take on lifestyle interventions that will be helpful for them.

I work full time as a pharmacist, so it hasn’t been that easy to write the book and get better all at once while keeping up with my other priorities. My next goal is to build this blog to help spread the word. I have now learned that it’s not that easy to summarize the information from a 340-page book into one blog post at a time effectively,..but I will try 🙂

Be sure to subscribe and like the Thyroid Pharmacist Page on Facebook

I have started off writing about Nutrient Depletions and will be blogging about the different headings over the next few months.

If there is a pressing issue for you, send me a message or leave a comment, I am here to help.

NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products discussed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The medical information in on this blog is provided as an educational resource only and is not intended to be used or relied upon for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.

Please consult your health-care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.

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 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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Dr. Izabella Wentz

Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP, is a clinical pharmacist, New York Times Bestselling Author, and a pioneering expert in lifestyle interventions for treating Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

She received a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy at the age of 23, and has worked as a community pharmacist, a clinical consulting pharmacist, as well as a medication safety pharmacist. She is a Fellow of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists and holds certifications in Medication Therapy Management and Advanced Diabetes Care.

Dr. Wentz has dedicated her career to addressing the root causes of autoimmune thyroid disease, after being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis in 2009. As a patient advocate, researcher, clinician and educator, she is committed to raising awareness on how to overcome autoimmune thyroid disease.

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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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kathy says

    Hi, I am eagerly reading your book as well as your blog.
    In your book, you listed Ashwagandha as something that promotes the TH-1 response. But it is also listed as something to help the adrenals (adaptogen). Can Ashwagandha cause a problem, if you take it for your adrenals, but you don’t need your TH-1 response to be any higher?
    Thank you for your response!
    Reply

  2. Izabella says

    Hi Kathy,
    Great question. It can be a bit of a balancing act. I suggest keeping a list of “makes me better, makes me worse”, to see which supplements are agreeing with you and which aren’t. Also starting one at a time, rather than 10 different ones at once can help determine if you are improving, or not. Some people with Hashi’s may also have a difficult time tolerating Ashwaghanda, as it is also a nightshade, and some are sensitive to them
    Reply

  3. Sandi S says

    Reading your book and learning so much. I was dx with hypothyroidisn in May 2012. On levothyroxine 137mcg then 125mcg and now 100mcg. Also taking liothyronine
    10mcg. Still having fatigue and constipation with the feeling of not being able to get a deep breath. Now taking another 10 mcg of liothyronine in early afternoon. March of 2013 another dx me with hasimoto. I am gf, dairy free, nut and seed free, no night shades and soy free. I know I can feel terrific as I have been there. I journal everything I’m eating. Are my symptoms because my thyroid isn’t stablized or are they from intoletances? I also take selemium 200mcg, biotin and other supplements. So frustrated.
    Reply

  4. Izabella Wentz, PharmD says

    Sandi- Great job on the changes you have made. Sorry to hear about your symptoms. It’s difficult to say where your symptoms are coming from. I would recommend getting your thyroid levels checked.
    Reply

  5. Kami says

    How are adrenals treated? I’m can’t increase my nature- throid anymore, I believe because of low adrenal function.
    Reply

  6. Kaz says

    Thank you Izabella for this post – I was in tears as I read it, oh the DIG AT ITTM just confirmed my journey, it is like an onion, layer upon layer, as exhausting as it is. Sometimes I wish the old me would come back. Keep up the awesome work, you really do help many of us. Namaste from Australia
    Reply

    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      Kaz- Thank you so much for your support! When I was first diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, I felt so alone. My doctor didn’t think it was a big deal, and none of my friends or co-workers had it. It wasn’t until I started to research online that I found others who were going through the same thing.

      A couple of years after my diagnosis, I found Hashimoto’s 411, a closed Facebook group run by Alice Berry McDonnell. This group is amazing! It is comprised of an army of highly motivated, smart, supportive women and men (now 45,000+ strong), and each of them sharing ideas of what worked for them, things they were planning to try, and offering support to one another. The comfort I received from knowing that there were others going through the same challenges as I, was enormous.

      https://www.facebook.com/groups/hashimotos411/

      Ask questions. Post your thoughts. Scan the files. It is an absolutely amazing resource. Best of all it’s kept private from spammers.

      Reply

  8. renata beshlawi says

    I am looking at your site because my granddaughter was diagnosed with hashimotos about one year ago, she was getting sick a lot colds and such and her bloodwork was terrible, her numbers were in the 30’s. We just couldn’t believe it ….she would get infections a lot. One day we noticed a small goiter….we freaked out, we know it is not good to be on thyroid meds for life….we wanted to look into alternative way to heal her. Of course, we had to put her on meds, to control the disease…but we are always looking for the root of this cause. Leah, at age 2 to 3 started not eating very well…..she is a VERY picky eater. She is just starting to eat a bit of meat like chicken and we have to hide vegetables in sauces so we thought that was the reason. I think she needs to be tested for selenium and other deficiencies but the doctor doesn’t think this has anything to do with thyroid. I am looking to help my granddaughter find her healing and really don’t know which way to turn, or look at, it is hard to find a child natural endocrine doctor, so what do I do?
    Reply

    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      Renata- 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

  9. Noelene says

    Hi izabella
    I have had hashimotos for 20 years started at
    200 mcg after working up to that, over the years
    The dosage has changed and I am now on 100mcg every day and Monday and Friday an
    Extra 50 mcg. I have now just been diagnosed
    With pernicious Anemia my grand daughter has been diagnosed with this as well and has suffered with depression and anxiety they thought she had bi-polar and was medicated but has now been told she doesn’t have it after seeing other doctors etc and has come off most of her medication and seems to be doing ok but still suffers with stress and anxiety she has finished year 12 and got exceptional results considering where she was 12months ago. My mum had depression and tried too overdose a couple of times she also had her thyroid removed due to a goitre. As a teenager I suffered with hives from multiple food intolerances ad has been on going just recently before finding out about pernicious Anemia I suffered for 18/20 months with hives I have seen a couple of naturopaths to try and find the cause I have worked on parasites and gut health etc I think I have now zeroed it down to having pernicious Anemia as the root cause of most of the problems I have had also my folate levels are down and vit d we are working on that as I am seeing another naturopath I also am on a gluten free dairy free soy free eating plan. I do have trouble with my weight also, plus my digestive issues seem to be settling a bit. I think I am on the right track not sure on you thoughts. Sorry this is a bit long thanks for reading.
    Yours sincerely
    Noelene
    Reply

    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      Noelene- When it comes to weight gain these are a couple of things to think about.

      1) What was your recent TSH, Free T3 and Free T4? Sometimes when those numbers are on the outskirts of normal, your metabolic rate may still be impaired making it more difficult for you to burn calories. Most people report feeling well with a TSH between 0.5-2.

      2) What type of medication are you on? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combinations (Armour, Nature-Throid, compounded medications) versus T4 medications (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Tirosint) alone. T4 is a precursor to T3, but some individuals do not convert T4 to T3 properly, and the T3 component is the metabolically active one.

      3) What type of diet are you eating? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combination vs T4 alone. Some do not convert T4 properly.The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) full of sugar and simple carbohydrates is perfectly designed to cause us to gain weight year after year. Even yogurts that are marketed as “healthy” contain the equivalent of 16 teaspoons of sugar. Divorcing the S.A.D. is often a step that many of us must take to not just lose weight, but to also feel better. Some diets that have been helpful include the Body Ecology Diet, the Paleo Diet, the Virgin Diet, Autoimmune Paleo Diet, GAPS diet, SCD diet, Weston A. Price Diet, or the Mediterranean Diet. You may need to modify these diets to your own individuality.

      BEST DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/best-diet-for-hashimotos-hypothyroidism

      HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT WITH HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/how-to-lose-weight-with-hashimotos

      Reply

  10. Dolores says

    Aloe Vera is supposed to be a immune modulator, but some information says it is a immune stimulant. You don’t say anything about Aloe Vera in your book. Do you have any information on whether it would stimulate the TH1 or TH2 of the immune system, or what effect it might have on Hashimotos, the thyroid, or medication?
    Thank You So Much for such wonderful information and support. I have shared much of it with my doctors. After over 13 years of treatment with 2 Naturopaths and an Endocrinologist, I still don’t feel well. My Endo Dr. is very teachable, and supports natural therapies.
    Thanks,
    Dolores
    Reply

  11. Judith Tussey says

    I’ve been searching for energy for 73 yrs! I feel like Alice in Wonderland. The endocrinologist who diagnosed Hashimotos said, don’t worry abt it, just keep your Synthroid regulated. I have an appntmnt w my GP Thurs & I don’t even know whitch tests to ask for. The fatigue keeps increasing. Maybe your book will help.
    Reply

    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      Judith- 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. Fatigue was the most debilitating symptom I experienced with Hashimoto’s. It actually started 8 years before I was finally diagnosed in 2009, after I got Mono (Epstein-Barr Virus) in college. I needed to sleep for 12 hours each night to be able to function, and by “function” I mean after hitting the snooze button on my alarm clock for two hours (ask my poor husband), I would drag myself out of bed and then had to drink 4-6 cups of caffeine everyday to keep myself awake. I often had Red Bull and Pepsi for breakfast, and was the epitome of “wired but tired”. I hope my articles help you get started 🙂

      OVERCOMING THYROID FATIGUE
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-10-tips-for-overcoming-hashimotos-fatigue

      THIAMINE AND THYROID FATIGUE
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/thiamine-and-thyroid-fatigue

      Reply

  12. lee says

    I had a super clean diet and was still having lots of problems as well. We finally figured out it was the cellulose in the supplements i was taking. I have an autoimmune reaction to commercial cellulose, gluten, soy and dairy. (I have celiac and Hashimotos) Cellulose is also in some of the thyroid meds. I thought i was the only one having this issue, but I googled cellulose and stomach aches and found both a forum on celiac.org and a hashi site where people are saying they are getting cross contaminated by cellulose. I don’t think anyone has researched cellulose yet. I wonder if its cross contamination, or whether cellulose replicates gluten in the body. I say that bc the NYT also just had an article about their being gluten in 55% of probiotics (that they tested) that claim they are GF. I doubt if producers are purposefully mislabeling given that GF is a health issue, and I question whether it is gluten or is it from the cellulose? I had to stop taking probiotics a few months ago bc they were making me so sick–just like gluten does. My Dr has had to search to find things i can take bc nowadays, everything has cellulose in it. If you are eating GF bread, check the label bc many commercial brands have cellulose in them. On one Hashi site a Dr was saying he sends his patients to a compound pharmacy and they put ginger root in the meds instead of cellulose. Good luck.
    Reply

  13. lee jenkins says

    My Dr told me he thinks mine is reversible. As long as i avoid my triggers (gluten, dairy, soy, cellulose) and once we get my other issues (sibo, no stomach acid, low iodine and high homocysteine, among other issues) cleared up, he thinks the Hashimotos will resolve itself. He is giving me B12 shots and i feel like super woman. I forgot what it felt like to feel so good. I’m also on iodine (1 drop a day) and several herbs (powder or liquid bc of cellulose problem.) He didn’t want to start me on thyroid meds bc even herbs have made me super sick — so i’m on herbs that are supposed to support all the various thyroid functions. I’m very sensitive to meds and herbs. He calls me the canary in the coal mine of environmental diseases. Plus i’m avoiding sugar at the moment, so my diet is super clean, which isn’t easy, given that i can’t do meat, and the only protein i can eat is white fish and a little salmon. No beans. Lots of greens, fresh fruit, homemade almond yogurt and my own sourdough Gf bread. But i’m feeling great.
    Reply

    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      Lee- Thank you so much for sharing. I am so sorry to hear that. 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

  14. Kathy gruss says

    Hi, I have several autoimmune issues to include MS, Primary Biliary Cirrhosis, and a few others. However, no thyroid issues. Have done any research relating to other autoimmune diseases?
    Reply

  15. Myrlis says

    Kathy, I’ve been reading and researching about others. If you’d like to connect, feel free to send me an email and I’ll be happy to share what I’ve found. Hugs, Myrkis
    Reply

  16. Catherine Dennis says

    Can you help me I’m so desperate. I went AIP felt terrific..then doc took me off Synthroid and put me on WP Thyroid 16.25mg, no real issues. Then he doubled the dosage and now I can’t sleep and feel like I have a set of knives in my gut. Anybody know if this from the increased dosage??? Please help by missing work now for the second day. Going to call him today but I wanted to get your thoughts?
    Reply

  17. emily says

    Some people with Hashimoto’s are not able to tolerate ndt. It flared up my Hashimotos and made me very ill. My stomach flares up at times too. ndt made that worse as well.
    Reply

  18. Brenda V says

    Having worked as a Nurse for 30 years~ I can’t help but feel that all of my autoimmune issues are some how related to work exposures too!
    Reply

  19. Gina Nicholson says

    Hi- I have your book and I have been following the suggested supplements. I haven’t received the proper reaction to the Betaine HCI Pepsin. I have take as many as 5 Betaine HCI Pepsin after a high protein meal. Still didn’t get any type of reaction. I’m still taking a Rx for IBS ( Linzess) and Plaquenil ( for RA and Lupus like symptoms). I have Hoshimoto’s and also take synthroid. I feel that I’m not healing my gut. I have to tell you between going gluten free and the other supplements my life is relatively normal. I have gone from working 4-5 hours and having to go to bed. To working 5 plus hours, cooking running errands and even exercising. Not to say I’m no tired, but it’s not debilitating. I can’t thank you enough for all of your research!!! Please help me to continue to heal. Also, how long should I expect to remain on the supplements? Thank you !!!
    Reply

    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      Gina- Thank you so much for your support! I would encourage you to look over the supplement chapter in my book! It starts on page 328! 🙂

      Reply

  20. Myrlis Conde says

    Izabella, I had been recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s ( just 7 months ago) and finding you has been a blessing for me. I am reading your book and applying what you recommend… and it is truly a journey! Since there are so many variables involved, it has not been easy, but your testimony inspire me to move forward. Just recently, I’ve had something new coming up, Myositis (just a month ago)… seems a VERY STRESSFUL situation was the trigger, however I would love to hear your thoughts on this? and or recommendations. Thank you very much!
    Reply

  21. Kathleen Strube says

    I’ve been reading the information you posted and was going to purchase your book but everything seems geared toward hypothyroidism….will it also help people like myself who have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and Graves eye disease? Thanks for any help or information!!
    Reply

    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      Kathleen- 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.

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

      Reply

  22. Jill says

    I had RAI 6 years ago for a multinodular toxic goiter. I haven’t felt good since. I am being treated for candida, mercury, lead and copper. I have been gluten and dairy free. Just found mold in my house and am getting ready to clean that up. I eat organic vegetables and fruits, and free range meat. I am on Naturethroid and my thyroid levels are good. My thyroid antibodies are negative. I feel like I am doing everything I possible can but feel stuck. I still have low grade fevers, general achiness and fatigue, insomnia and major brain fog. I read your book and am following your advice. I am so frustrated. I feel like I am doing everything I possible can. Any suggestions?
    Reply

  23. Denise says

    I have hashi/hypo and have made so many good changes over the last 2 years. I am Paleo but to be honest I don’t think it helped. My hands are swollen everyday when I wake up and sometimes during the day. I recently tried elimination diet and even your jump start with bone broth, carrots and zucchini. I can do it for 2 weeks and then start to reintroduce but cannot do the reintroduce very well. I am lost. I did notice my hands getting better but even after two weeks pure they are still swollen in the a.m. I am on progesterone, estradiol, zinc 25 mg, pro biotic, homocysteine supreme, coQ10, fermented cod liver oil. I am getting exhausted from trying to figure this out. Ready to eat dairy, soy, wheat, night shades and tree nuts, eggs again.! any idea about the swelling?
    Reply

  24. Cynthia Moak says

    Patience is key. A Bulgarian doctor (who didn’t go through western medical school until he was 42, which means he wasn’t as naive or as easily brainwashed as those trained in their 20s with no experience), told me it can take 8 months for the immune system to settle down, after all triggers and those substances that cause confusion, are removed, and I’ve heard years from other sources, though I can’t remember from where I heard it. Bottom line, don’t do it. Don’t eat the stuff. Hang in there.
    Reply

  25. Sandra says

    I have read many of your articles and am trying to learn as much as I can to help myself. I was diagnosed with Hasimotos in 1984. My mother and both of my sisters have it too. In the early years I had so many problems I went from doctor to doctor while my naturally 105lb body ballooned more and more. Long story short, I had been put on progesterone suppositories , changed my eating and exercised more. Things got better but not great. I couldn’t get lower than 145 no matter how I watched my intake or exercised. Fast forward to 2009 when I had to have a complete hysterectomy. I have NEVER been the same. I have now gotten up to 245lbs. I can’t sleep, I have constant hot flashes that soak my body. I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sjogrens. I was put on methotrexate, Sylfasalozine, Plaquenil, Prednisone, high blood pressure meds, cholesterol meds…I could go on and on. I am eating grain free, process and gmo free, lots of organic veggies and all grass fed meat. No sugar very little fruit. At first I lost about 8 lbs and was thrilled. It didn’t change my hot flashes, I still cannot sleep and that is so bad I’m afraid im going to lose my job from being late. I have seen a Endocronoligist for a long time but feel it’s to no avail. In 2013 I went into adrenal failure so they upped my Prednisone. I have asked for them to check for a goiter as that is how my hypothyroidism was spdiscovered 1984. I choke all the time, have a chronic cough, feel like something is stuck in my throat. They don’t do anything. They say my blood work is fine. I’m so frustrated, . Can you give me any suggestions on what I can do to get a real test ?
    Reply

    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      Sandra- Most conventional physicians use the TSH test to determine if one has a thyroid disorder and to dose thyroid medications.

      However, this test can often times be misleading, as levels of circulating hormones may fluctuate at different times, such as in Hashimoto’s, the person affected may fluctuate between highs and lows.

      Additionally, when scientists first set the “normal” ranges of TSH for healthy individuals, they inadvertently included elderly patients and others with compromised thyroid function in the calculations leading to an overly lax reference range.

      This resulted in people with underactive thyroid hormones being told that their thyroid tests were “normal,” based on this skewed reference range.

      WHAT TO DO IF YOUR TSH IS NORMAL AND YOU ARE ANYTHING BUT
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/what-to-do-if-your-tsh-is-normal-and-you-are-anything-but

      Here are the tests you need for diagnosis. Most endocrinologists don’t run them all so you will have to request them. Make sure to request a copy of your labs as well.

      TOP 6 THYROID TESTS FOR DIAGNOSIS
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-6-thyroid-tests

      Reply

  26. Cynthia Moak says

    I’m no doctor but as an auto-immune patient with two diagnosed diseases I have read the literature on each of these drugs. Just search each name to do the same. You’ll see they either cause the very symptoms they claim to stop or the side affects are so adverse, one would prefer to stay with the original symptoms. Slowly, on a very controlled schedule, reduce these meds! even if your doctor’s won’t help you. Your symptoms are not caused by a lack of these drugs. Check D3 levels, using the right test (see Mercola com archives for guidance on this). Without checking, get out in sunshine for 30 minutes in the middle of the day, exposing as much skin as possible- walking in the sunshine with a shirt and pants will not do it). This will allow your body to make D3 which will result in many improvements, not the least of which is to help reset your circadian rythyms so you can sleep. Read, on that same site, what to do environmentally, to be able to sleep (things like no blue screens hours before sleep time, early sleep time, completely dark bedroom – no charging electronic devices, nightlights, alarm clocks, no noise-use earplugs, black out window coverings. Weight loss is impossible without high quality sleep as is a long life span. When I implemented these measures, I started to lose weight. I couldn’t use melatonin ( it had the opposite affect in me) so I tried a Dr. Clark Store product called Relax, which is an ayervedic herbal combination of herbs, which has been helpful. Minimal start to an exercise program will also help. I recommend lifting one pound weights lifting 10 times once, for someone who isn’t exercising at all, and increasing gradually. Asking God to help you react to the stress of everyday life is crucial. Read the Bible to know how He expects you to live and do it to manage the stress that’s triggering all of this. Keep learning and searching.
    Reply

  27. Darcy Groves says

    When I was diagnosed last winter I bought your book and several others. Did tons of research, my MD worked diligently with me and we were able to get a lot done! I was getting so much better, felt so much better. Then a month or two ago I had an abscessed tooth..AGAIN! Same place as a really bad one four years ago. I had a nasty round with antibiotics but didn’t feel like I was over it. I went to your book and started hunting info on infections. By now though, the damage was done to my stomach and all the careful months of elimination and adding back went totally haywire. Now down to 98 lbs I have no more time to do this on my own so I hired an Internist who’s also an integrative doctor. I’ve just finished the 32 lab tests she ordered and will see her again next week or so to discuss her findings. However, today I came down with a sinus infection and UTI. I’m Digging At It!!! I will get there.
    Reply

  28. Mado says

    Hi Isabella. You know I read everything you write. I have been having creepy crawlies in my feet (like a herd of ants having a party) for months. Is this a hashi thing. Can’t find cause for it. Driving me insane.
    Reply

  29. Dianne Barron says

    Hello Isabella, Have Hypo and Hashi’s and have stopped taking Levo for last 8 months and first three months TSH level went down from 31 to 23 and then in September rose to a whopping 73! A little alarmed but don’t really want to go back on any Medication…. went to Western Med Doc and told her no more Levo and ask about Nature Throid and she prescribed it for me but I haven’t started to take it yet…. been dieting and have lost 37 lbs. and want to keep losing …. can you by any chance tell me what to expect with a higher ongoing TSH level… by the way for years now, five to six, I have felt no difference on meds or off of them …… as if taking them has done no good but to keep the TSH level down….. I’m not scared but should I be….. Thanks for helping me out in any way you can…. Look forward to your advice, help or comment….. Thank you for responding
    Reply

  30. Loretta says

    I have been searching & searching. I read/bought your book & had all testing done. I have candida, Hashi’s, perimenopause & now low Omega 3. I am taking bioidentical hormones, Naturethroid & been on a no sugar diet but cant seen to get this hair to look full of life again. Its so dry, dull, etc. I just found out about the Omega 3’s, can this really cause so many issues??
    Reply

  31. Jodi says

    Trying to make a long story short. I’m pretty positive my mom had it and went undiagnosed and actually died from the side effects with the heart. I was diagnosed 4 years ago with hyperthyroid when I had pneumonia. I was only diagnosed with hashi’s last year, after 4 doctors failed to find what was wrong with me, left me on methimazole (hyper med) and just wanted to burn my thyroid out. That was their only answer, luckily I did my own research. Not without first having esophagus spasms and severe acid reflux. As soon as I finally found a good integrative doctor and he took me off of the methimazole , it all it stopped. But now my numbers are okay but I some symptoms of hypo and have gained 40 pounds. I’m sure I have leaky gut. And am trying to work on that. But what I want to say is, I think my perfect storm was stopping smoking ( I read that you said that could keep it at bay). I had some severe stress all at once losing a job, my mom and a rebellious 16 year old. Also at best guess I ate about 300 tomatoes, with regular table salt on them, that summer. I think that iodine pushed me over the edge. Most of my symptoms are gone except I’ve gained 40 pounds and I am struggling to get it off. I know what to eat just work 3 jobs and it’s very hard to have the time to prepare the food that I need to be eating. Thank you for all you do I’ve learned so much from you and also my Facebook groups of people who together we just practiced trial and error until we figured a lot of it out.

    Reply

    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      Jodi – When it comes to weight gain these are a couple of things to think about.

      1) What was your recent TSH, Free T3 and Free T4? Sometimes when those numbers are on the outskirts of normal, your metabolic rate may still be impaired making it more difficult for you to burn calories. Most people report feeling well with a TSH between 0.5-2.

      2) What type of medication are you on? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combinations (Armour, Nature-Throid, compounded medications) versus T4 medications (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Tirosint) alone. T4 is a precursor to T3, but some individuals do not convert T4 to T3 properly, and the T3 component is the metabolically active one.

      3) What type of diet are you eating? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combination vs T4 alone. Some do not convert T4 properly.The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) full of sugar and simple carbohydrates is perfectly designed to cause us to gain weight year after year. Even yogurts that are marketed as “healthy” contain the equivalent of 16 teaspoons of sugar. Divorcing the S.A.D. is often a step that many of us must take to not just lose weight, but to also feel better. Some diets that have been helpful include the Body Ecology Diet, the Paleo Diet, the Virgin Diet, Autoimmune Paleo Diet, GAPS diet, SCD diet, Weston A. Price Diet, or the Mediterranean Diet. You may need to modify these diets to your own individuality.

      BEST DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/best-diet-for-hashimotos-hypothyroidism

      HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT WITH HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/how-to-lose-weight-with-hashimotos

      Reply

  32. Ash says

    I am a 29 year old female . I was initially diagnosed with hypothyroidism at 18. At 23 with no changes to my health I began making changes in MD’s and repeatedly unsuccessful until age of 23 where I was diagnosed with Hashi. Until I saw your video I was strictly on T4 solely and still going through an awful time. I felt no one truly understood , but you did. Upon approaching my MD recently regarding adding t3 and low dose naltrexone . He relevantly agreed About t3 and became super defensive when talking about the auto immunity. He mentioned I didn’t need to combat auto immunity because my thyroid was dead. I felt like he was so wrong and misleading . I reviewed labs and only saw a TSH and T4 tests no others. How can he just arrive to that statement ? And why so much push back ?

    Reply

  33. Misty says

    I’m 43 and have been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s for about 7 years. I just went GF about 8 mo. ago and have cut out most dairy. I defintely yo-yo up and down with thyroid levels, emotions, fatigue, etc. I dont have eeight issues but have the worst time sleeping even on ambien. My doc just told me I’m premenopausal too. So how do I differentiate if my issues are secondary to Hashimotos or menopause? Thanks!

    Reply

  34. Shar says

    Hi there. I was recently diagnosed with Hashimotos after a long battle with Doctors telling me my symptoms were all in my head. I have also had an ultrasound after pressing for one due to the fact I believed strongly my Breast implant had ruptured, which it has. I have read many studies linking breast implants to autoimmune disease especially Hoshimotos. What’s your perspective in this highly debated subject?

    Reply

    • Dr. Izabella says

      Shar – thank you for following this page. Breast implants can be a potential trigger. I have seen this happen in a few cases. You would want to think about if your problems started, or worsened after the procedure. They can potentially be seen as a foreign invader and promote autoimmunity. They can also be the host of infections. We risk rejecting any foreign material that is implanted into our bodies. Silicone implants seem to be more commonly implicated.
      Here are some articles on the subject: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=breast+implants+AND+autoimmune

      Reply

  35. AnneMarie Krupa says

    Thanks for the words. I needed them right now. I got test results back in February and I was a tiny bit into remission. And then… then I had a flair that started in May. I associated it with adding some grains & legumes back in while on a detox. However, the inflammation just kept coming and the 15lb I lost at the beginning of the year came back. The dramatic gain/feeling like crap came around the end of June/July. I know part is my home life as every time my husband and I argue, I flair.
    I just cannot seem to get a handle on it. My urticaria started to come back, too. I am following the FODMAP plan included in the Root Cause Diet. While I have felt better for eating more calories, not sure my tummy is happy with all of the animal protein and am really missing all of veggies. Going to do the Candidia weeks next to see if that might help.
    This is one of those things you cannot really explain to others. I have started to say my body is a chemistry/biology experiment. I hope I find total remission again as I felt so much better than I had in years.

    Reply

    • Dr. Izabella says

      AnneMarie – thank you for following this page. <3 - When I was first diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, I felt so alone. My doctor didn’t think it was a big deal, and none of my friends or co-workers had it. It wasn’t until I started to research online that I found others who were going through the same thing.

      A couple of years after my diagnosis, I found Hashimoto’s 411, a closed Facebook group run by Alice Berry McDonnell. This group is amazing! It is comprised of an army of highly motivated, smart, supportive women and men (now 45,000+ strong), and each of them sharing ideas of what worked for them, things they were planning to try, and offering support to one another. The comfort I received from knowing that there were others going through the same challenges as I, was enormous.

      https://www.facebook.com/groups/hashimotos411/

      Reply

  36. Joie says

    Thank you for all of your amazing information! I have struggled for years with an undiagnosable autoimmune issue where my knee swelled up while I was sleeping and I couldn’t walk for 2 weeks, after a period of extreme stress. Doctors could see my autoimmune levels were heightened but not enough for a diagnosis (Lupus/Antiphospholipid Syndrome, but they didn’t sound right to me when I read through them). Years later I went to a ND for another reason and one of the many things she found was I have leaky gut/SIBO/SIFO and multiple food intolerances. We’ve been through rounds of antibiotics and I have been religiously staying clear of the foods my body is reacting to. This has been helping greatly, but I am not able to introduce new foods or fully heal from leaky gut without getting SIBO again. I also have EBV and am heterozygous for Hashimoto’s and have lived a life of a lot of stress. I am constantly deficient in Magnesium & VitD, even though I take tons of supplements for these. My ND has been checking my thyroid levels and immune and they come back normal. I had one (known) bout of hypothyroidism where she put me on levothyroxine and it helped tremendously, but I only needed it for a couple of weeks before I started feeling like I was getting symptoms for hyperthyroidism. Many of the symptoms you talk about, I have struggled with for years and just thought they were normal for me. Some of them seem to jump across both hypo/hyper, like my body is fickle. I happily found your blog and everything I read is causing a lot of things to add up for me – finally.
    I just feel a bit confused…Is it possible to not be able to cure leaky gut if I have Hashimoto’s? Is it possible that I’ve been balancing Hashimoto’s, without knowing it, through my restricted diet? What would a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s do for me if I am able to control symptoms with my diet or if my levels aren’t showing up heightened? Thank you for any thoughts and advice you have and for sharing your amazing knowledge and passion with all of us!

    Reply

    • Dr. Izabella says

      Joie – thank you for reaching out. We know that intestinal permeability (aka leaky gut) is present in every case of autoimmunity and often precedes the development of Hashimoto’s. Symptoms of leaky gut may include bloating, diarrhea, constipation, stomach aches, acid reflux and irritable bowel syndrome. According to the Institute of Functional Medicine, many people develop IBS 5-10 years before an autoimmune diagnosis. I was one of them and didn’t take my gut health as seriously as I should have. Gut problems are often caused by infections like H. pylori, parasites like Blasto, SIBO, an imbalance of bacteria, and enzyme deficiencies or food sensitivities (especially to gluten, dairy, and/or soy). Even stress can be a factor in gut permeability. Here is an article you might find interesting.
      6 DIFFERENT ROOT CAUSES
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/6-different-hashimotos-root-causes/

      Reply

  37. Shannon Farlry says

    Hello, I’m interested in learning more. I have an 11 year old with Hashimotos, she was diagnosed at 7 with just a routine appt. No symptoms, except enlarged thyroid. she is now on 75 mcg of synyhroid. I have had her tested for gluten allergy, came back negative. Her neck is still swollen, she’s had 2 cysts biopsied, they came back normal. Once they put her on synthroid, she gained about 20 to 25 lbs, mainly in her tummy area. Doctors don’t seem concerned, but it bothers her. Please help me help her. I don’t like giving her that medicine, but I am at a loss. Thank you

    Reply

  38. CIndy R Greenplate says

    My funtional medicine doctor has concluded that my hashimotos has been caused by parasites. He is recommending a homeopathis detox that involves a scan followed by electrically charged water that I drink. Have you heard of this and do you know if it has been found effective in killing off parasites and healing Hashimotos?

    Reply

    • Dr. Izabella says

      Cindy – thank you for reaching out. Unfortunately I don’t have any information to share with you at this time but, I will add this to my list of future article possibilities. I would love to hear more about your experiences here on this page!

      Reply

  39. Jill Kangas says

    I have hashimoto’s and recurring bacterial UTI’s. (e-coli) I’ve had the current one for over a year. I’ll be on an antibiotic, the infection gets worse, I get tested, it’s still e-coli but is now resistant to what I’m taking. A YEAR.

    Please, if one of your books addresses this, post it in a comment. If you have links to articles, please post those. I’m desperate.

    Thank you.

    Reply

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