Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD

Thyroid Pharmacist

Root Cause of Hashimoto's, Hives & IBS

Is Blasto Behind Your Hashimoto’s, Hives and IBS?

Medically reviewed and written by Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP

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When I first set out to uncover the root cause of my Hashimoto’s, I took an inventory of all of my symptoms to find an underlying connection.

In creating my own personal health timeline, I was able to see how the symptoms I was experiencing had developed over the years… and found a common thread that kept leading me back to gut infections.

Over the last several years of working with people with Hashimoto’s, I’ve found that many of those with chronic hives often have the gut protozoan parasite Blastocystis hominis — and that eradicating the protozoa can resolve hives, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and even Hashimoto’s. Scientists in Bosnia first published this connection in 2015, though I’ve seen it clinically since 2013. [1]

Many improvements in symptoms — and a reduction in antibodies — can happen after addressing a Blastocystis hominis infection.

Today, I’d like to share just how you can do that.

In this article, I’ll cover:

  • The symptoms of a “Blasto” infection
  • The connection between Blastocystis and hives
  • How Blastocystis can cause IBS and gut issues
  • Treatments to address the infection
  • Common co-occurring infections

My Personal Health Timeline

My own health troubles started during my freshman year in undergrad, after catching “mono” — a common viral infection that is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Prior to this infection, I was a bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and energetic young woman.

The summer before I started college, I would wake up at 5:30 or 6 am each morning so that I could go to the gym, before starting work at 8 or 9 am at the pharmacy. I loved my job as a pharmacy technician, learning about the body and medications, and couldn’t wait to start my studies to become a pharmacist! I worked full-time in the pharmacy, and spent each evening studying for the pharmacy technician certification. I was proud to be the youngest person in Illinois to become a certified pharmacy technician, even before starting college. I loved learning and being out in the world!

But all of that changed during my second semester in college. I became chronically exhausted. I often slept through my morning classes, and sometimes slept through lunch and dinner. I once even slept through a midterm exam! I found myself with a strange brain fog that made studying, and even socializing, a huge effort.

Needless to say, I didn’t do too well in college that semester. I came home the following summer feeling defeated. My parents were also really concerned, as I was a shell of my former self. I slept until 2 pm each day, was moody, and lost so much weight; people suspected that I had an eating disorder.

After much rest, I got somewhat better at the end of the summer, and went back to college. I focused all of my limited energy on my studies, and was eventually able to improve my GPA to be accepted into a competitive Doctor of Pharmacy program. While I never returned to my previous levels of energy, I learned how to be more efficient, how to compensate, and how to make sacrifices, which allowed me to succeed in all of my classes.

A few years later, while in my first year of pharmacy school, I developed irritable bowel syndrome. A few years after that, I experienced anxiety attacks, acid reflux, allergies, and hives.

A year or so later, I began to experience brain fog, hair loss, and joint pain. The fatigue persisted. A year later, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s.

Once I had the diagnosis, I began to spend a lot of time researching, as well as self-reflecting and self-experimenting, in order to overcome Hashimoto’s. My symptoms and research kept leading me back to the gut…

I learned that I not only had food sensitivities and a lack of beneficial bacteria, but I also had gut infections: small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), H. pylori, yeast overgrowth, and Blastocystis hominis.

It was at this point that I began to realize the role that infections can play in Hashimoto’s, and dove deeper into uncovering these root causes that can affect so many of us.

What is Blastocystis hominis?

Blastocystis hominis (for the purposes of this article, we’ll be using the term “Blasto,” but be sure not to confuse it with Blastomycosis, a rare fungal infection) is a microscopic single-cell organism (protozoan) that commonly lives in the digestive tract. It is most commonly contracted through contaminated food or water sources. While there are many protozoans that normally live in the gastrointestinal tract and are harmless or even helpful, others can cause disease.

Symptoms of Blastocystis hominis can include bloating, diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, variable bowel habits, abdominal pain, hives, and fatigue. [2]

Blasto can also cause carbohydrate intolerance. [3]

Additionally, I’ve found this pathogen is notorious for causing multiple food sensitivities. A true food sensitivity, like celiac disease, usually results in a resolution of symptoms once the triggering food is removed, but people with Blastocystis hominis infections will have multiple food sensitivities and will keep getting more. Interestingly, the Blastocystis Research Foundation reports that people with Blastocystis hominis often find that they are sensitive to gluten, dairy, soy, sugars, starches, grains, caffeine, fruit, and carbonated beverages, and removing these foods can keep symptoms at bay. [4]

Histamine sensitivity may also be related to this infection. [5] I was personally able to add back almost every food (besides gluten and dairy) after addressing Blastocystis hominis. I often wonder how many individuals who aren’t benefiting from the most popular Hashimoto’s diets (or hitting plateaus with these diets) actually have Blastocystis hominis.

Symptoms of a Blasto Infection

In 2015, 35 percent of my clients reported testing positive for Blasto. I have found this parasite in a large subset of my clients with Hashimoto’s, especially in those who develop an Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection in adulthood, and then are “never quite the same.” This could be because EBV and other herpes viruses feed on the amino acid arginine, and can thus cause a depletion of this amino acid, which normally suppresses Blastocystis hominis. (As a side note, arginine may also be helpful in energy production, and thus this may be a reason why we see so much fatigue with EBV.)

Blastocystis hominis has been found in some asymptomatic carriers, and researchers hypothesize that other factors can influence the pathogenicity of this parasite, such as the immune status of the host, one’s parasitic load, the presence of a gut imbalance, or other factors that can influence the behavior of parasites. [6]

Many conventional physicians will say that there is no need to treat it. However, eradicating Blasto has been shown to help Hashimoto’s. [7]

A study published in 2020 measured the free T3, free T4, TSH, anti-TPO, and Interleukin (IL)-17 (which mediates inflammation) levels of 20 people with Hashimoto’s, 20 people with Hashimoto’s and a Blastocystis hominis infection, and 20 people with neither condition. Interleukin (IL)-17 was significantly higher in those with Hashimoto’s who were infected with Blastocystis hominis, compared with Hashimoto’s patients who were not infected. After Blasto was eradicated, TSH, anti-TPO, and IL-17 were significantly decreased. Researchers concluded that the treatment of Blastocystis hominis infections improves Hashimoto’s through reductions in Interleukin (IL)-17, anti-TPO, and TSH levels. [8]

While this parasite might not be everyone’s root cause, I am happy that scientists have validated that it can be a trigger for some people, and that in some cases, remission can be achieved.

Furthermore, there are multiple studies implicating Blasto’s role in IBS and hives (two conditions that are very commonly associated with Hashimoto’s). [9]

The Hashimoto’s, Hives, IBS, and Blastocystis Connection

Did you know that people with Hashimoto’s are more likely to develop the skin condition chronic spontaneous urticaria (also known as chronic hives), which is manifested by widespread, itchy and swollen skin rashes? These hives can be very distressing, and they can seem to come up randomly. However, they are quite common; in fact, forty-two scientific studies have linked Hashimoto’s with chronic hives! (Some studies also suggest that taking thyroid hormone can clear up these recurring hives.) [10]

In my clinical experience, people with Hashimoto’s are also more likely to develop irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a chronic condition that affects the large intestine and often shows up before one’s Hashimoto’s diagnosis. This condition can manifest as either diarrhea or constipation, or both, and may also cause excess gas, bloating, abdominal pain, and cramping that is often relieved after passing a bowel movement. [11]

As mentioned previously, a Blasto infection can manifest as symptoms related to the skin (i.e. hives) and gut, but there is much controversy about this protozoan. Some studies, namely from Thailand and Mexico, suggest that this is a commensal (harmless) organism (up to 20 percent of “healthy controls” may have Blasto without any symptoms). Thus, doctors may be told that there is no need to treat it. [12]

However, studies from Europe, Australia, and the Middle East, have connected this pathogen to not just chronic hives, but also irritable bowel syndrome, both of which are very common manifestations in the early stages of Hashimoto’s. [13]

This begs the question… are hives, IBS and Blasto all connected? Let’s take a look at the current research.

Blastocystis, Hashimoto’s and Hives

Blasto may be present in up to 50 percent of people in developing countries. [14]

A study of 54 people in Egypt with chronic urticaria (hives) revealed that Blastocystis hominis was found in 61 percent of them, while only eight percent of the healthy controls had the parasite. Researchers have suggested that the amoeboid form of Blastocystis hominis is more infectious than the protozoa form, and that it can adhere better to gut cells. Interestingly, the Egyptian study found this form in 60.6 percent of the Blastocystis infected people with hives, while none of the Blastocystis infected controls had this form. [15]

In a letter to the editors of the British Journal of Dermatology, Dr. Tilo Biedermann from the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, reported that urticaria and reactions to NSAIDs subsided after treating 10 subjects infected with Blastocystis, with paromomycin (25 mg/kg), for 10 days. [16]

Another drug, called Alinia (nitazoxanide), is an FDA-approved antiprotozoal for treating other parasites, and has been helpful in eradicating Blastocystis hominis. One study showed that it eliminated symptoms in 36 of 42 (86 percent) of patients who were put on a four-day treatment of nitazoxanide. [17] This was exciting news, as the parasite had been shown in other studies to be highly resistant to Flagyl (metronidazole), the usual drug of choice. [18]

A 2014 study found that almost 25 percent of people with chronic urticaria also had Hashimoto’s, and addressing an underactive thyroid with levothyroxine (T4 thyroid medication) could result in a clinical remission of hives. [19]

However, I do wonder if the medication is just masking the symptoms of the parasite.

Blastocystis, Hashimoto’s, and the Gut

Various studies using many different methods for parasite identification, have found the prevalence rate of Blastocystis hominis to be between 13 to 73 percent of people with irritable bowel syndrome. [20] As parasite detection methods are not 100 percent reliable (and can give many false negatives), these rates could be even higher.

Studies have found that Blastocystis species of protozoa do not invade the colonic mucosa, but they do lead to disturbances of the barrier function and increased intestinal permeability, or leaky gut, which we know predisposes us to autoimmunity. [21] Blastocystis hominis does this by breaking down secretory IgA (the protective barrier that is considered to be the GI tract’s first line of defense) and the immune system of its infected host.

The good news is that research has found that eradicating Blastocystis hominis in cases of urticaria and IBS, often leads to the remission of both conditions. [22]

Many of my clients have also been able to reduce their joint pain, fatigue, and TSH and TPO counts, by eliminating Blasto.

I was super excited to learn that a paper had been published in a medical journal, detailing the case of a person who saw a reduction in TSH and thyroid antibodies after the eradication of Blastocystis hominis! [23] In this case, a 49-year-old man who presented with chronic urticaria, was found to also have Hashimoto’s, even though he never had clear symptoms.

Blastocystis hominis was isolated through a stool examination, and the patient was given a two-week treatment with metronidazole, after which the Blastocystis hominis was eradicated and the urticaria disappeared. During the four years of follow-up, the patient presented without any symptoms. His thyroid hormones were normalized, and his anti-thyroid antibodies had declined.

I’ve found that eradicating a Blastocystis hominis infection in a person with Hashimoto’s often leads to a remission of Hashimoto’s, with an improvement in symptoms, a reduction in food sensitivities, and a reduction in thyroid antibodies.

Testing for Blasto

If you suspect you may have a Blasto infection (like 35 percent of my clients do), you may want to consider ordering a non-invasive functional medicine stool test. Tests that check for this infection include:

  • GI-MAP – This panel includes bacteria, viruses, opportunistic organisms, normal flora, parasites, and fungi. The DNA/PCR techniques that are employed by this assessment also measure one’s antibiotic resistance genes and virulence factors that contribute to pathogenicity. You can order this test through my Rupa Health, Direct Labs, or MyMedLab channels.
  • GI Effects Comprehensive Profile 3 day + H. Pylori – This panel screens for ova, parasites, bacteria, fungi, yeasts, and occult blood. It also checks for antigens to Helicobacter pylori, Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium parvum, and more. You can order this test through my Rupa Health or Direct Labs channels. Note: This test includes Pancreatic Elastase as part of the standard markers. If ordered through my Rupa channel, an H. pylori add-on is automatically included in your test panel.
  • Comprehensive Stool Analysis (Doctor’s Data Kit) – The Comprehensive Stool Analysis evaluates the status of beneficial and imbalanced commensal bacteria, pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and yeast. You can order this test through my Rupa Health or Direct Labs channels.
  • Gut Zoomer 3.0 Complete – The Gut Zoomer 3.0 Complete is the most comprehensive stool test that analyzes over 300 microorganisms in your large intestine with 99 percent specificity and 98 percent sensitivity, and with very high levels of accuracy in the detection of pathogenic microorganisms. Among a wide array of pathogens, it can detect bacteria (e.g. H. pylori, E. coli), parasites (e.g. Blastocystis hominis, Giardia), worms (roundworms, tapeworms), fungi (Candida albicans), and viruses (e.g. EBV). This test can help identify imbalances in your gut microbiome, which can lead to many health issues, such as gastrointestinal symptoms, skin conditions, autoimmune disorders, and more.

      Treatment Options

      According to the Blastocystis Research Foundation, “Some patients can manage symptoms with an extensive exclusion diet, which may include the exclusion of refined sugar, wheat, dairy products, rice, corn, carbonated drinks, tea, coffee, alcohol, and fruit.” [24] (Does this sound familiar? If you’ve read my article on the best diet for Hashimoto’s, you’ll know that many people with Hashimoto’s have managed their symptoms with similar diets.)

      While diet can help to manage symptoms, it will not eradicate the pathogen. This parasite needs to be treated with antiprotozoal medications, and/or herbs with antiprotozoal activity, and/or the beneficial yeast Saccharomyces boulardii.

      I have seen the following protocols for eradicating Blastocystis hominis to work effectively:

      Medications

      • A triple therapy used in Australia combines three medications to eradicate the infection: diloxanide furoate, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and secnidazole.+ [25]

      OR

      • Alinia is another antiprotozoal medication that can be taken for three days on, then two weeks off, repeated twice.+ (This ensures that we address more than one “life-cycle” of the parasite, so that we can access it when it’s in its more vulnerable state.) [26]

      +Keep in mind that antiprotozoal medications can lead to yeast overgrowth, and treatment with anti-yeast herbs or a medication like Nystatin may be necessary to rebalance the gut.

      Natural Treatment Options

      The beneficial yeast Saccharomyces boulardii may help eradicate Blastocystis hominis (when two capsules are taken twice per day, for at least 30 days, but ideally for 60 days). In fact, one study found that S. boulardii was just as effective as the antibiotic metronidazole in the treatment of a group of children who presented with gastrointestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea-vomiting, flatulence) from the confirmed presence of Blasto by stool examination. [27] They were given 250 mg of S. boulardii, twice a day for ten days, then tested periodically until they received a “clinical cure rate” of 94.4 percent after 30 days. This has become my go-to treatment in many cases, as I have seen excellent results from an S. boulardii supplement alone, and rarely recommend protozoal medications and aggressive protocols to eradicate Blasto anymore (at least not as a starting point).

      Functional medicine practitioners typically use a combination of berberine and oil of oregano for various gut infections, including parasites, SIBO, yeast, and dysbiosis, because they have antimicrobial properties. These days, I sometimes add berberine and oil of oregano to S. boulardii for Blasto, especially if a person has other types of infections, including H. pylori and/or strep. [28]

      I first learned about berberine about a decade ago, while attending functional medicine conferences to learn more about how to heal my own Hashimoto’s. I remember speaking to a few doctors who mentioned that berberine seemed to help their Hashimoto’s patients feel better and reduce thyroid antibodies. I have not seen this in the published research, but I wonder if this improvement is due in part to the antimicrobial activity. Berberine contains compounds called alkaloids that have broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties. [29]

      In addition to its impact on gut infections, berberine also has blood sugar balancing properties (blood sugar issues are so common in Hashimoto’s), and has been super helpful to me and my clients in eliminating pesky chin hairs! [30]

      Because I’ve found this supplement to be so helpful for my clients, I developed a Berberine formulation as part of my Rootcology supplement line, which contains 400 mg of the plant alkaloid berberine (from Berberis aristata), using Evail™ technology, an all-natural formulation that improves the absorption and delivery of berberine. I also like Berberine 500 by Vital Nutrients.

      Oil of oregano is typically used for yeasts and mold, but it also has strong antiparasitic properties. It is also used frequently in cases of SIBO.

      While my first line recommendation has undoubtedly become S. boulardii for most people, in cases of resistant Blasto, combining Oil of Oregano and Berberine with S. boulardii, for 60 days, may be helpful. [31]

      In addition to Rootcology Oil of Oregano, Oil of Oregano from Designs for Health is another quality product that I recommend.

      Alternative or Add-On Options

      As I mentioned, I generally recommend an S. boulardii supplement, and sometimes berberine and oil of oregano, and I really don’t see a lot of issues with resistance or intolerance. That said, in the case of resistance, or the inability to tolerate certain products, I am always learning new things and sharing them with my readers and clients.

      Interestingly, two additional antimicrobials that I like to recommend for people who have various gut infections may also have anti-Blasto properties (at least in Petri dishes):

      • Garlic Oil contains allicin, a sulfur-containing garlic extract with antiparasitic activity. Allicin has been shown to be effective against protozoa such as Blastocystis hominis by inhibiting the replication and invasion of these parasites. [32] I first learned about using garlic extracts for Hashimoto’s when I read a short, yet insightful self-published book. This gentleman reported that his Hashimoto’s went into remission after using garlic extract! At the time, most of the garlic extracts on the market contained dairy, so I didn’t try it for myself, but now typically recommend dairy-free garlic extracts for sulfur-SIBO and various other infections.
      • Black Cumin Seed Extract is something I didn’t initially use to get my Hashimoto’s into remission, but found out about it a few years ago when studies showed that it had thyroid benefits. This versatile herb has been called “a cure for everything but death.” While I can’t vouch for that, it is interesting to note that black cumin seed is an herb used for lactation! I was four months postpartum when I had a Hashimoto’s flare-up, along with a scratchy, hoarse voice. (For the first few weeks, I thought it was just from screaming during childbirth, haha.) It turned out that I had H. pylori, a common thyroid trigger, and none of my usual protocols were breastfeeding-friendly. At the advice of my wonderful herbalist MD friend Maya Shetreat, I tried black cumin seed extract (also called black seed oil or black cumin), which helped me get rid of the H. pylori and the flare-up. In addition to anti-H. pylori effects, black cumin seed has been shown to have antiparasitic effects on a variety of parasites, including Blastocystis hominis. Black cumin seed extract is also effective for treating Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia, and Pentatrichomonas infections. [33] Rootcology’s Black Cumin Seed Extract is a unique blend containing 125 mg tocotrienols (a type of vitamin E) along with 1 g black cumin seed oil (Nigella sativa) per serving, in capsule form, for a synergistic combination. Alternative black seed oil supplements that may be helpful include Designs for Health Annatto-E Synergy, Amazing Herbs Black Cumin Seed (ground), and Organic Black Seed Oil (cold-pressed).

      I recommend that you talk to your doctor before using any of these supplements, to ensure that they are right for you.

      Treatment Tips

      The key is to use these treatments long enough, or in a pulsed fashion, to fully eradicate Blasto.

      Blasto can take on four different forms during its lifecycle, and some of the forms are resistant to treatment. [34]

      The forms range from the cyst stage (when infection is thought to occur), to vacuolar, amoeboid, and granular stages, until they return to cyst form, often repeating the cycle. The cyst is the most resistant form of Blasto, and is able to survive in harsh conditions because of its thick multilayered cyst wall. Therefore, it’s important to stay on a treatment long enough to eradicate the parasite during one of its other forms in the cycle. [35]

      In theory, lipase-containing digestive enzymes (such as Veggie Enzymes and Pancreatic Enzymes Plus), taken while one is using other treatments for the Blasto infection, could help with making the parasite more vulnerable to the treatments, by breaking down the cyst wall. I used to recommend lipase-containing enzymes for resistant cases of Blasto, sometimes with arginine (which, according to some researchers, can help with eradicating it), along with more aggressive treatment options. As I mentioned earlier, in the last few years, I’ve had such great results with S. boulardii alone (and it’s generally well tolerated and cost-effective), that I usually start there.

      Removing food sensitivities will also be very helpful for managing symptoms while recovering from Blasto.

      Please be sure to work with your practitioner to determine which treatment option is best for you.

      When you work with your functional medicine practitioner, be sure to ask about potential co-occurring infections. Often, Blastocystis co-occurs with H. pylori, another potential root cause and trigger of Hashimoto’s. (You can read more about H. pylori in my article here.) Some professionals will go as far as to treat a person for both infections when one or the other is found.

      The Takeaway

      Some people with Hashimoto’s can completely reverse their condition just by going gluten and dairy free, and some see no improvement at all from doing so. Gluten and dairy are common leaky gut triggers, but there are many others. Testing for gut infections could be an important next step on your road to uncovering your root causes. If this sounds like your story, I urge you to listen to your body — or should I say, gut feeling? 🙂 — and look into other possible root causes — like a Blasto infection.

      Addressing infections can make a dramatic difference in your health journey. However, some people may need to dig further and address the other root causes of their remaining symptoms.

      I cover steps on how to search for your personal root causes, as well as a Blastocystis hominis protocol, in my book, Hashimoto’s Protocol… so be sure to check it out if you haven’t done so already.

      I hope this information helps you on your journey!

      P.S. Be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter to get a free chapter of my first book, recipes, a Thyroid Diet start guide, and notifications about upcoming events. I love interacting with my readers on social media, and I encourage you to join my Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest community pages to stay on top of thyroid health updates and meet others who are following similar health journeys.

      References

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      [2] Sugiyama A, Nishie H, Takeuchi S, Yoshinari M, Furue M. Hashimoto’s disease is a frequent comorbidity and an exacerbating factor of chronic spontaneous urticaria. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2015;43(3):249-253. doi:10.1016/j.aller.2014.02.00; Zuel-Fakkar NM, Abdel Hameed DM, Hassanin OM. Study of Blastocystis hominis isolates in urticaria: a case-control study. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2011;36(8):908-910. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2230.2011.04127.x
      [3] Yason JA, Liang YR, Png CW, Zhang Y, Tan KSW. Interactions between a pathogenic Blastocystis subtype and gut microbiota: in vitro and in vivo studies. Microbiome. 2019;7(1):30. Published 2019 Mar 11. doi:10.1186/s40168-019-0644-3
      [4] Diagnosis | Blastocystis Research Foundation. Blastocystis Research Foundation. http://www.bhomcenter.org/info/diagnosis.htm. Accessed June 30, 2017.
      [5] Biedermann T, Hartmann K, Przybilla B. Hypersensitivity to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and chronic urticaria cured by treatment of Blastocystis hominis infection. British Journal of Dermatology. 2002;146(6):1113-1114
      [6] Lepczyńska M, Białkowska J, Dzika E, Piskorz-Ogórek K, Korycińska J. Blastocystis: how do specific diets and human gut microbiota affect its development and pathogenicity?. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2017;36(9):1531-1540. doi:10.1007/s10096-017-2965-0
      [7] El-Zawawy HT, Farag HF, Tolba MM, Abdalsamea HA. Improving Hashimoto’s thyroiditis by eradicating Blastocystis hominis: Relation to IL-17. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab. 2020;11:2042018820907013. Published 2020 Feb 21. doi:10.1177/2042018820907013
      [8] El-Zawawy HT, Farag HF, Tolba MM, Abdalsamea HA. Improving Hashimoto’s thyroiditis by eradicating Blastocystis hominis: Relation to IL-17. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab. 2020 Feb 21;11:2042018820907013. doi: 10.1177/2042018820907013. PMID: 32128107; PMCID: PMC7036484.
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      [10] Zuel-Fakkar NM, Abdel Hameed DM, Hassanin OM. Study of Blastocystis hominis isolates in urticaria: a case-control study. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2011;36(8):908-910. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2230.2011.04127.x; Levy Y, Segal N, Weintrob N, Danon YL. Chronic urticaria: association with thyroid autoimmunity. Arch Dis Child. 2003;88(6):517-519. doi:10.1136/adc.88.6.517
      [11] Patil AD. Link between hypothyroidism and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2014;18(3):307-309. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.131155
      [12] Poirier P, Wawrzyniak I, Vivarès C, Delbac F, El Alaoui H. New Insights into Blastocystis spp.: A Potential Link with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. PLoS Pathogens. 2012;8(3):e1002545. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1002545.
      [13] Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel- syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360016. Updated March 17, 2018. Accessed April 30, 2018.; Poirier P, Wawrzyniak I, Vivarès C, Delbac F, El Alaoui H. New Insights into Blastocystis spp.: A Potential Link with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. PLoS Pathogens. 2012;8(3):e1002545. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1002545.
      [14] Salehi M, Mardaneh J, Niazkar HR, et al. Prevalence and Subtype Analysis of Blastocystis hominis Isolated from Patients in the Northeast of Iran. J Parasitol Res. 2021;2021:8821885. Published 2021 Jan 13. doi:10.1155/2021/8821885
      [15] Zuel-Fakkar NM, Abdel Hameed DM, Hassanin OM. Study of Blastocystis hominis isolates in urticaria: a case-control study. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2011;36(8):908-910. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2230.2011.04127.x
      [16] Biedermann T, Hartmann K, Przybilla B. Hypersensitivity to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and chronic urticaria cured by treatment of Blastocystis hominis infection. British Journal of Dermatology. 2002;146(6):1113-1114. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2133.2002.473212.x.
      [17] Rossignol JF, Kabil SM, Said M, Samir H, Younis AM. Effect of nitazoxanide in persistent diarrhea and enteritis associated with Blastocystis hominis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2005 Oct;3(10):987-91.
      [18] Rajamanikam A, Hooi HS, Kudva M, Samudi C, Kumar S. Resistance towards metronidazole in Blastocystis sp.: A pathogenic consequence. PLoS One. 2019;14(2):e0212542. Published 2019 Feb 22. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0212542
      [19] Sugiyama A, Nishie H, Takeuchi S, Yoshinari M, Furue M. Hashimoto’s disease is a frequent comorbidity and an exacerbating factor of chronic spontaneous urticaria. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2015;43(3):249-253. doi:10.1016/j.aller.2014.02.00
      [20] Tungtrongchitr A, Manatsathit S, Kositchaiwat C, et al. Blastocystis hominis infection in irritable bowel syndrome patients. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 2004;35(3):705-710.; Yakoob J, Jafri W, Beg MA, et al. Irritable bowel syndrome: is it associated with genotypes of Blastocystis hominis [published correction appears in Parasitol Res. 2011 Dec;109(6):1745]. Parasitol Res. 2010;106(5):1033-1038. doi:10.1007/s00436-010-1761-x
      [21] Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel- syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360016. Updated March 17, 2018. Accessed April 30, 2018.; Poirier P, Wawrzyniak I, Vivarès C, Delbac F, El Alaoui H. New Insights into Blastocystis spp.: A Potential Link with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. PLoS Pathogens. 2012;8(3):e1002545. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1002545.
      [22] Zuel-Fakkar NM, Abdel Hameed DM, Hassanin OM. Study of Blastocystis hominis isolates in urticaria: a case-control study. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2011;36(8):908-910. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2230.2011.04127.x; Levy Y, Segal N, Weintrob N, Danon YL. Chronic urticaria: association with thyroid autoimmunity. Arch Dis Child. 2003;88(6):517-519. doi:10.1136/adc.88.6.517; Poirier P, Wawrzyniak I, Vivarès C, Delbac F, El Alaoui H. New Insights into Blastocystis spp.: A Potential Link with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. PLoS Pathogens. 2012;8(3):e1002545. doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1002545.; Biedermann T, Hartmann K, Przybilla B. Hypersensitivity to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and chronic urticaria cured by treatment of Blastocystis hominis infection. British Journal of Dermatology. 2002;146(6):1113-1114
      [23] Rajič B, Arapović J, Raguž K, Bošković M, Babić SM, Maslać S. Eradication of Blastocystis hominis prevents the development of symptomatic Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: a case report. J Infect Dev Ctries. 2015;9(7):788-791. Published 2015 Jul 30. doi:10.3855/jidc.4851.
      [24] Biedermann T, Hartmann K, Przybilla B. Hypersensitivity to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and chronic urticaria cured by treatment of Blastocystis hominis infection. British Journal of Dermatology. 2002;146(6):1113-1114
      [25] Nagel R, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H, Traub R. Clinical pilot study: efficacy of triple antibiotic therapy in Blastocystis positive irritable bowel syndrome patients. Gut Pathogens. 2014;6:34. doi:10.1186/s13099-014-0034-0.
      [26] Sekar U, Shanthi M. Blastocystis: Consensus of treatment and controversies. Tropical Parasitology. 3(1), 35–39. http://doi.org/10.4103/2229-5070.113901
      [27] Dinleyici EC, Eren M, Dogan N, Reyhanioglu S, Yargic ZA, Vandenplas Y. Clinical efficacy of Saccharomyces boulardii or metronidazole in symptomatic children with Blastocystis hominis infection. Parasitol Res. 2011;108(3):541-545. doi:10.1007/s00436-010-2095-4
      [28] Chedid V, Dhalla S, Clarke JO, et al. Herbal therapy is equivalent to rifaximin for the treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Glob Adv Health Med. 2014;3(3):16-24. doi:10.7453/gahmj.2014.019
      [29] Elizondo-Luévano JH, Castro-Ríos R, López-Abán J, et al. Berberine: A nematocidal alkaloid from Argemone mexicana against Strongyloides venezuelensis. Exp Parasitol. 2021;220:108043. doi:10.1016/j.exppara.2020.108043
      [30] Yin J, Xing H, Ye J. Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolism. 2008;57(5):712-717. doi:10.1016/j.metabol.2008.01.013
      [31] Pais P, Almeida V, Yılmaz M, Teixeira MC. Saccharomyces boulardii: What Makes It Tick as Successful Probiotic?. J Fungi (Basel). 2020;6(2):78. Published 2020 Jun 4. doi:10.3390/jof6020078; Lepczyńska M, Białkowska J, Dzika E, Piskorz-Ogórek K, Korycińska J. Blastocystis: how do specific diets and human gut microbiota affect its development and pathogenicity?. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis. 2017;36(9):1531-1540. doi:10.1007/s10096-017-2965-0
      [32] Salama AA, AbouLaila M, Terkawi MA, et al. Inhibitory effect of allicin on the growth of Babesia and Theileria equi parasites. Parasitol Res. 2014;113(1):275-283. doi:10.1007/s00436-013-3654-2
      [33] Ali M, Eldahab MA, Mansour HA, Nigm A. Schistosoma mansoni: Antiparasitic effects of orally administered Nigella sativa oil and/or Chroococcus turgidus extract. Acta Biol Hung. 2016;67(3):247-260. doi:10.1556/018.67.2016.3.3; Aminou HA, Alam-Eldin YH, Hashem HA. Effect of Nigella sativa alcoholic extract and oil, as well as Phaseolus vulgaris (kidney bean) lectin on the ultrastructure of Trichomonas vaginalis trophozoites. J Parasit Dis. 2016;40(3):707-713. doi:10.1007/s12639-014-0564-x; Sheikh, BY et al. Antimicrobial Effects of Thymoquinone on Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia. Pharma. Journ. 2015; 8(2): 168-170. doi:10.5530/pj.2016.2.12; Eida OM, El-Shafei HA, Nomeir YA, El Safhi MB. IN VIVO AND IN VITRO EFFICACY OF NIGELLA SATIVA AQUEOUS EXTRACT ON BLASTOCYSTIS HOMINIS. J Egypt Soc Parasitol. 2016;46(1):27-34. doi:10.12816/0026147
      [34] Blastocystis Hominis Infection. Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/blastocystis-hominis-infection/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351211. Published January 3, 2018.; Mirza H, Wu Z, Kidwai F, Tan KS. W. A Metronidazole-Resistant Isolate of Blastocystis spp. Is Susceptible to Nitric Oxide and Downregulates Intestinal Epithelial Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase by a Novel Parasite Survival Mechanism. Infection and Immunity. 79(12), 5019–5026. http://doi.org/10.1128/IAI.05632-11
      [35] Tan KS. New insights on classification, identification, and clinical relevance of Blastocystis spp. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2008;21(4):639-665. doi:10.1128/CMR.00022-08

      Note: Originally published in September 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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        • Jacqueline- When you click on the link it does say that it will be recorded, but I do believe you still need to register for it to see the recorded version. If you do attend live, you do receive a bonus gift! 🙂

          Reply

      2. Hi Izabella, I’m really struggling to find my root cause! I’m now on Armour (hurrah!), have treated candida and yeast problems, have had food intolerances tested and eliminated everything bar meat, fish, vegetables and fruit, nuts and seeds. Granted my acid reflux and IBS have gone, but my ESR inflammation levels are still really high, as are my antibodies. I’m stumped as to what else I can do! Can you help? I’m fairly certain I don’t have Lyme…any input really appreciated!
        Reply

      3. This is very interesting Izabella, I am currently doing grad work in clinical nutrition and I am working on a presentation ‘Parasites and the role they play in autoimmune disease.
        Reply

      4. I have hashimoto disease I just had a hysterectomy and thought this hive itchy was caused from a change in hormones. But reading this I guess not.I went to dermatologist said it was scabies I freaked out .I don’t think that’s what it is cause he gave me cream and anti itch stuff over 2 weeks ago still coming sporadically.. Help
        Reply

      5. I have had a total hysterectomy as well. I’m still very tired.. Sleep a lot , can’t function.. Very itchy.. Comes and goes. I take my hormones, but still not enough. I can’t loose not one drop of weight. I had lost a few inches within 7 months of working out spin and boot camp. I got to the point when my hormone pellet ran out that i was too tired and to weak to keep going.
        Reply

      8. I started having hives in March of this year. It started from 5 pm to 9am in the morning and then disappeared daily. Later I took allergy med to control it. Early August I went to see an allergist and the blood work showed T3 and T4 within normal but Thyrogloublin antibodies greater than 1000 and Peroxifas antibodies 664. I purchased your book and the 2 books by amy meyers, so much info and I feel stressed and lost as to where to start. So far I don’t have other bad systoms yet, and want to do my best not to develop full blown autoimmune issues. Functional medicine is not covered by my current insurance.
        Reply

        • Anita- Make sure to take the book slow, take notes, highlight, and establish a baseline when making changes. For those who are struggling with the book, I’m opening up a 12 week program called Hacking Hashimoto’s where you will have the opportunity to sign up for 12 hours of Q&A access. I will be announcing details to my waiting list shortly. For now, you can enter your name for alerts.

          HACKING HASHIMOTOS
          http://hackinghashimotos.com/

          In addition, any person that goes through the program will have the opportunity for a follow up consultation with one of my thyroid pharmacist consulting members. I thought you might be interested.

          Reply

      10. I have Hash and the first day of my life I ever had a hive was the first day I took Synthroid.. it progressively got worse to the point of disability. I was on several different drugs in the end and decided to stop all my drugs and switched to natural thyroid. My Hives tapered down then disappeared completely. I’m allergic to synthetic drugs
        Reply

      11. I am new to this, what is “natural thyroid”, Anne. Today I went to the dr office and my diagnosis is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. I will have a session with a local holistic practitioner on this Friday. My neighbor recommended a Endocrinologist. Any suggestion on medication will be greatly appreciated, I want to read more so I can ask questions.
        Reply

      14. I have now been feeling pain in chest and my anxiety is much more than ever. I’m see a cardiologist but do you think this is another sign of hasimotos. I’ve also been having sensitivity to foods. I had heard pylori a few years ago.
        Reply

        • Helen- Thank you so much 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

      17. Hi Izabella, the information about Balstocystis Homini in your last email,is very revealing for me. I was diagnosed with Hashimotos in April 2014, ever since I have been grain free, sugar free, lactose free and eating as clean as possible. I also underwent a treatment for Candida . My energy has improved a lot , I lost 30 pounds and am sleeping like a baby and in general feel healthy, except for some symptoms of IBS, heartburn and acid reflux. My husband keeps telling me that my stomach got very sensible after eliminating so many foods. But looking at my tests from April 2014 I found that I also had Blastocystis Hominis. I was given homeopathic medication to treat parasites , which I took for some time. After reading your article, I hope to have found the reason for my gut problems and the connection to Hashimotos is eye opening. I just had some stool test done and am curios to know the results in my next appointment and see if I still have the Blasto. After reading your newsletters and blogs all the time and can’t thank you enough for the help that this information has made in my life. Love, Ingrid
        Reply

      18. Dr Wentz, thank you for all that you do for this group. I was wondering about your thoughts about taking Diatomacious Earth for this protozoa?
        Reply

      19. Hi Izabella. I have a young friend diagnosed with Hashimoto’s just under two years ago. Not a typical Hashi’s person. Age 23, 5’4″, 120lbs, gorgeous, intelligent (summa cum laude at major midwest university). Single. Not in a relationship. Very socially active. Not often symptomatic. I have an autoimmune and have worked extensively to try to get her to take steps with diet and getting under the care of a functional medicine program but having trouble motivating her. I think she believes she can continue her current lifestyle a few more years then address the issue when it becomes more prevalent. Financially not yet in a position to commit several thousand dollars to a functional program and frankly the massive changes it would require might discourage her and cause her to walk away. I would like to see her at least get labs done and maybe change from Synthroid to a natural thyroid compound. Any suggestions.
        Reply

      20. My grandson was tested for parasites. Blastocistys hominis was the result. he has mast cell activation syndrome + leaking gut, very sick no energy , brain fog shaking, can this al be because of the parasite in the first place.??
        Reply

      21. Dr. Izabella, thank you for caring enough to respond to every comment. PLEASE HELP! I have been suffering from Chronic hives for the past five years now and am taking Xolair shots every month to control itch. It all started with a visit to Texas and eating at a particular restaurant that I feel the food was contaminated. All of us didn’t eat much as it just didn’t taste right. I having more compromised immune system got more sick than other. With all the food allergy testing I came to be not allergic to anything but I have found my body can’t stand wheat so I eat gluten free bread and have cut down on milk as well, only in tea/coffee. Doctors still can’t figure out what is wrong with me as I have seen 28 doctors by now and am quite disheartened especially when you don’t have much energy and your brain is foggy. I too had hysterectomy done thinking perhaps that will help in someway but deep down I keep feeling it is all in my gut. I have been taking probiotics that has helped much but only to the point that I now live on the edge and little off balance can throw me off. I too have been diagnosed with low thyroid and am now on medication for it. Also I have IBS but the insurance would not cover the Xisaxan medication and the doctor has given me Amox-Clav 28 tablets for two weeks. I took these last year also but didn’t find it to cure. Now I am thinking if theses antibiotics are not for IBS why I should kill what little good bacteria I have left in my gut. Oh the suffering is endless with doctors at loss. Please help me. I don’t know where to go. Thank you.

        Reply

      22. Hi Izabella,
        Thank you for all you do. I am struggling to treat my blast infection with the oil of oregano. Designs by health is telling me it only comes in 60mg capsules now, which means I have to take 10 per day. After a few days my throat starts to burn and feel awful. My question is, if I just can’t tolerate it anymore and decide to take the Alinia as you recommend, will this ruin all the hard work I’ve done to get my gut healthy?

        Reply

      23. Terrific article, Dr. Wentz! I was wondering if you had ever looked at vaccines as possibly playing a causal role? Your story sounds much like mine, only my own Hashimoto’s, celiac, and autoimmune issues began with a bang a few weeks after receiving several vaccines at once.

        A decade later children had even more serious reactions to vaccines than I did, so perhaps there’s a genetic connection here as well.

        Reply

      24. Hi Dr. Wentz,

        I have hashimotos, and recently found out that I have Blastocystis Hominis. I am also 6 weeks pregnant. Would you recommend using Alinia or Flagly while pregnant? Or would you recommend treating while pregnant.

        Thank you!

        Reply

      25. I tested positive for h pylori, received the treatment with a certain class of antibiotics. Now my gut is stripped of all the good bacteria, it’s riddled with ulcers according to the endoscopy, and I have candida, which causes thrush whenever I take an antibiotic. And GERD, which causes me to aspirate on my own stomach acid in the middle of the night. No amount of probiotics have been able to repair the damage.

        Reply

      26. “This could be because EBV and other herpes viruses feed on the amino acid arginine, and thus can cause a depletion of this amino acid which normally suppresses Blastocystis hominis.”

        Would taking an amino supplement containg arginine/citrullene be good or bad?

        Reply

      27. Hi Izabella,

        I’ve been following your Root Cause book and working through it to great success so far. Reduced antibodies after cutting things out methodically (soy was the thing in my case, although taking out gluten didn’t reduce antibodies made my head clearer and stopped me being so clumsy, it was amazing!). I finally saved up and got the Genova comprehensive test and it showed Blastocystits hominis. As I’m in the UK, I thought I’d try the natural treatments first (rather than being put on Flagyl etc.). I have a few questions (I imagine you might answer these in your new book, but it would be great to get on with the treatment right away!).

        – So if I try the Sacchromydes boulardii approach as you mention on here, is it useful to take the oil of oregano as well?

        – What would be helpful to mitigate die-off effects while doing this? (is that likely to happen?).

        – Is it useful to start the VSL#3 while doing the eradication? Or more useful afterwards?

        Thanks for your amazing work on behalf of all of us with this condition. The book is so useful and clear, and the blog posts are super informative.
        All the best,
        Millie

        Reply

      28. Hi I have had Grave’s Disease for 16 year and kept my thyroid and refused RAI. Ironically, they asked me how long I was in the hospital with Mono! I had no idea I’d had it evidentally right before the Grave’s. No one has an autoimmune in my family and I was under immense stress when I got it. What protocol would you do since Grave’s is opposite of Hashimoto’s? Would the Arginine be too abundant? Thank you for any help! I want to get well! Sincerely, Lee

        Reply

      29. Hi Dr. Wentz, Thank you so much for all you do and share with us. So the best test to determine histamine intolerance is a simple blood test that any Dr. can do? I had read elsewhere that they are unreliable. Is that so? If they are, is an elimination diet the best test? For many of us (including of course myself), who have Hashimotos, silent reflux, leaky gut, candida – knowing the answer to whether we are histamine intolerant can have a big implication on the diet. My other question is, are TENSION style headaches a sign? I’ve had those for years now, accompanied by Hashimotos, leaky gut, silent reflux and candida (which may or may not currently be an issue). I am also currently battling hives, following a round of antibiotics which led to a tremendous yeast infection coupled with several days of very poor eating (including gluten and dairy, which typically I never eat). Thanks so much for the response, I so greatly appreciate it!

        Reply

      30. Thank you for this article. I have VERY low serum IgA levels – that’s a little different than secretory IgA, I think? Anyway, should saccharomyces boulardii be taken on an empty stomach or with food? I’ve heard different people/companies say conflicting things. Also, you say to take it twice a day, but what is the dosage? It’s different depending on the company. Thanks!!!

        Reply

      31. Can a Giardia infection cause the same symptoms as a Blasto infection? Does it also contribute to Hashimoto’s? And can you use the same natural protocol to eradicate it? I read that it usually goes away on its own but I am wondering if it becomes chronic in certain people.

        Reply

      32. Happy to have found this article. 25 years ago I was diagnosed with Fybromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, IBS, GERD, Carpal tunnel, with a side bar of ” oh, and your Thyroid is a little sluggish”. 2 years ago I started having new issues and was then diagnosed with a second Autoimmune disorder Chronic Urticaria with Angio Edema. I asked second?? the specialist said yes, you have an autoimmune thyroid condition.
        So in reading your work, I have come to believe that I really only have one condition, Hashimoto’s.
        I’m hoping that thought studying your work I can start to feel better.
        Thanks

        Reply

      33. I was diagnosed with Hashimotos in 1997, but in 1988 the had discovered a nodule on my thyroid but never did anything about it or my blood tests being low. I developed hives because of an allergic reaction to Effexor. My doctor took me off the Effexor about 5 weeks ago but I’m still breaking out in hives. Could it be I’m stuck in my body thinking it needs t get rid of that med or could it be I’ve developed something else? I’m so frustrated, miserable and confused. I’m really tired of,wasting money on this.

        Reply

        • Julia – – thank you for following this page. Nodules and goiters are often the result of toxicity and/or the autoimmune process. So, doing interventions to reduce the autoimmune attack on the thyroid, and toxicity, can be helpful to reduce them. 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 and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition. Here are the links to my books:

          Hashimoto’s Root Cause
          http://amzn.to/2DoeC80

          Hashimoto’s Protocol
          http://amzn.to/2B5J1mq

          Reply

      34. I’m located in Phoenix AZ and am having a hard time finding a Dr. to test me for Blasto or open to the idea. I’ve seen two different naturopathic doctors who sort of blew me off when I brought it up. I suffer from Hashimotos and random uticaria. The hives are beyond frustrating. I want an answer and want them to stop. Do you know of a Dr. in AZ that will treat this?

        Reply

      35. Hi Izabella,
        I live in the U.K. diagnosed hypothyroid seven years ago, I was told I do not have hashi’s as my Thyroid Peroxidase AB level were 50 IU/mL range 0 -75.
        I have since had some private tests which showed antibodies at their highest
        THYROGLOBULIN ANTIBODY 103.000 IU/mL 0.00 – 115.00
        THYROID PEROXIDASE ANTIBODIES 32.02 IU/mL 0.00 – 34.00
        As they are all in range my Doctor still says I do not have hashi’s.
        Do you think because they are high in range I could in fact have hashimotos.
        I started with eczema and hives last year and wonder if the antibodies are causing this.
        Any advice would be gratefully received.
        Thank you Elaine.

        Reply

      36. Hi there!

        So I stumbled upon your blog and I’m so glad I did! I was diagnosed with hashimoto’s in 2005 and for the most part was able to keep my levels in check with a slow but ever increasing dosage of synthroid. I’ve been wheat/GF free for 3 years now, but have had an ever increasing stomach/gut issue and now I know why(dairy sugar etc)!!! So I am due to see my endo next week…how do I talk her into giving me the scripts to kill blasto?!!

        Thanks again,

        Jeff

        Reply

      37. Hi Izabella, as always, thank you for the information. Is there one CDSA test that you prefer over the other for testing blasto (GI-MAP vs. GI Pathogen)? Thanks again. I am one of those people that follow the AIP diet (have done so for several years) and there has been limited reduction in antibodies.

        Reply

      38. This is so timely for me, I thank you very much Dr. Wentz! I have been following you for a few years now as I work to heal myself from multiple food sensitivities, Hypothyroidism, HPA Axis dysfunction, H pylori and Blasto. My question is on Alinia. I work with two functional medicine practitioners, one whom had advised me to take Alinia for 28 days in a row to eradicate the Blasto ( I have eradicated the H Plyori, happily). The other says he isn’t even comfortable prescribing that for me, let alone for such a duration of time. I am just curious if you’ve heard Alinia ever be used for that length of time. After six years of working on healing and knowing that Blasto may be what’s holding me back from feeling good, I want to try it but hesitate with 28days and what that may do detrimentally to my gut as it Hopefully eradicates it.

        If you can comment, I’d so appreciate it. And thank you again, you are a wealth of information for me, and my family and we use AquaTru now thanks to you.

        Amanda

        Reply

        • Amanda – you are very welcome! I appreciate your support! <3 If you check out the bottom of the article I do have my recommendation for treatment of Blasto. Please understand it would not be legal or appropriate for me to give any type of medical advice here. I do hope you keep me posted on your progress here and on my Facebook page!

          Reply

          • Thank you so much for writing me back Dr. Wentz! I so appreciate your time and what you said. I completely understand and respect that you can not advise me unless I am a patient of yours. I am just trying to research and do my due diligence on the next protocol to try, and haven’t found any information on a 28 day protocol for Alinia. I do see your protocol and since I have tried your antimicrobial protocol and still test positive for Blasto, I will now try your Alinia recommendation, and happily keep you posted! Congratulations by the way in your beautiful baby!
            Amanda

            Reply

      39. Hi, Izabella! GI Map showed Blasto overpopulation and Secretory IgA only 5, that is almost non existant. For the past 7-8 months my diet is extremely restricted, I got so sensitivite to huge variety of foods! My digestion is very poor, my stool condition tells me so… Where do you think the healing should start? Over 5 months now I take S. Boulardii, amino acids, digestive enzymes, HCl + pepsin, beta glucans. My energy levels shooted very well, but it did not change digestion and sensitivities even a bit! My nutritionist says we should focus now on healing leaky gut (with phospholipid complex and then GI revive), and then addressing Blasto with milder herbs (my case seems a bit complicated to her). Please share your insights:) Thanks!

        Reply

        • Ruta – thank you for reaching out and sharing your journey with me. I happy to hear your have found a practitioner and are taking charge of your health. 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

      40. Hello! Any ideas for persisting, stubborn infections? I have tried with single antibiotic therapy, triple antibiotic therapy, then herbal remedies for six months along with the Saccharomyces boulardii. I have also tried ozone therapy. I still have blasto! My doctor says my immune system is too impaired to eliminate the infection, so I am at a loss as to what to do 🙁 I eat a strict whole foods diet, get a lot of sleep, and do a lot of stress management. What a puzzle autoimmune illness can be!

        Reply

        • Gemma – thank you for reaching out. I understand how frustrating this can be. Diet can help to manage symptoms, it will not eradicate the pathogen. This parasite needs to be treated with antiprotozoal medications and/or herbs. Die you 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

      42. I have a question which someone did ask some time back but you didn’t specifically address that part of her comment. Would food-grade diatomaceous earth help in getting rid of some of these parasites? I was taking it some time ago, but stopped when I read something about not taking it for long periods of time. I do not have a doctor and have not been tested for Hashimotos, but years ago my thyroid levels were near the bottom of the normal range. I took Levothyroxin for quite a while, but finally stopped when I read that it leaches the calcium out of your bones. My mother had osteoporosis, and if that is in any way hereditary, I didn’t want to increase my risk. I didn’t notice any difference in the way I felt after stopping. I don’t think I have a major problem there as I have no weight problems. I do have the fatigue, though. So I wondered if I should start back on the diatomaceous earth again. Thank you for your article.

        Reply

        • Diane – thank you so much for reaching out and sharing your journey! That’s a great question and 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 advise you to discuss this with your clinician. <3 I do hope you keep me posted on your progress.

          Reply

      43. Hello Dr Wentz, I am so grateful for your article, thank you. I happened to read it quite by accident but i am so glad I did. I live on a remote cattle property in Queensland Australian, I have had Hashimo symptoms since 2014 & since the medical institution failed me, telling me there was nothing wrong after testing, I saughter the help of alternate treatment. I have had improvement but still not right. After reading your article I had the test done & found that I do have Blastocystic species DNA! So now to work out how to treat it. I am going to the Dr today to see what he suggests but would rather your guidance on this. And then will they come back? And how often should I test & treat if needed? How do you get them in the first place? Thanks for you valuable time.

        Reply

        • Kylie – thank you for reaching out. I am happy to hear you are taking charge of your health! <3 Blastocystis hominis is a common human intestinal parasite. Blasto has been shown to cause dysbiosis and leaky gut, which predisposes us to autoimmunity. I’ve found that eradicating a Blastocystis infection in a person with Hashimoto’s often leads to a remission of Hashimoto’s, with an improvement in symptoms, a reduction in food sensitivities, and a reduction in thyroid antibodies. Eradicating this infection has also helped many of my clients reduce their joint pain, eliminate or reduce their IBS symptoms, and reduce their fatigue. Check out this article for my recommendations on treatment:

          https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/the-common-root-cause-of-hashimotos-hives-and-ibs/

          Reply

      44. Hi Dr. Wentz, Are there any studies or are you familiar with parasites, and Blasto in particular being more active/destructive during a Full Moon? The past few nights my sleep is worse( waking around 1:40am and only dozing until 4, I’m exhausted during the day and taking naps, my appetite is insatiable which isn’t normal and I’m grinding my teeth much worse than normal while sleeping. I will do a bone broth fast and coffee enemas the next two days in hopes of calming it, starving it. Could it be true that parasites are more active during a Full Moon or am I merely buying in to that myth?
        Thank you for your thoughts,

        Amanda

        Reply

      45. I just wanted to briefly tell my story and make people aware that hives CAN BE CURED. I started breaking out in hives a little over one year ago, and I also developed chronic fatigue (I slept for fifteen hours at a time) and some other symptoms. After about 80 blood tests, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and put on Prednisone for the hives. Prednisone made them go away, but only temporarily, and taking Zyrtec all the time just wasn’t good enough. So I had a GI MAP test done, which revealed some issues in my intestines. I was out on about ten different supplements and completely cut dairy and gluten out of my diet. I don’t take the supplements anymore and I don’t even need to take my levothyroxine anymore. All I had to do was heal my gut by avoiding things that break down the intestinal wall. I’ve been gluten and dairy free for quite a while now and have not had hives or any other symptoms since. When I do eat them by accident, it causes extreme pain to the point where I’m on my knees. If you struggle with hives and abdominal pain, please consider cutting out gluten and dairy. It can solve all your problems.

        Reply

        • K – thank you so much for sharing your journey! I am so happy to hear you are feeling better! <3 My mission is to collect 10,000 success stories with the hope of submitting them to a medical journal in the future. Understandably, you are probably very busy, but if you have some time, please do you mind sharing your full story with me here at this link? https://thyroidpharmacist.com/testimonial/

          These stories will go a long way in helping others who are going through a similar journey to yours. Thank you for your consideration!

          Reply

      46. This article gives me a lot to think about. I recently lived in Mexico where I became very ill. It started off as just dry itchy skin, then severe stomach pain, nausea and extreme fatigue. I tested positive for blastocystis in a stool sample. I was put on flagyl with no luck or improvement. I came back to the USA for treatment where my tests for the parasite came back negative, but I have been diagnosed with mono and hashimotos (plus appendicitis). On top of this my skin has become unbearably sensitive to about any soap or perfume. This is also accompanied by hives that seem to come and go at random. I am now on medication for my hashimotos but it seems to be doing nothing for me. I still suffer from fatigue, hives, severe stomach pain, dry itchy skin aaccompanied by hives and heartburn. The most recent blood tests show I am still positive for mono and we are trying to find a good dosage for my hashimotos. As for the skin the doctors and specialists seem to be left scratching their heads.
        As it seems to be stumping all of the doctors and specialists I am currently going to, this article gives me some new hope! What would be your advice as I am on my road to recovery? I will take all the help I can receive.
        Thank you!

        Reply

        • Hunt – thank you for reaching out and sharing your journey. I am so sorry you are struggling with all of this. <3 I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician to be a part of your own health care team. It’s an entire medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying root causes and prevent serious chronic disease rather than treating individual disease symptoms. I believe that everyone needs to find a practitioner that will let him/her be a part of the healthcare team. You want someone that can guide you, that will also listen to you and your concerns. You want someone that’s open to thinking outside of the box and who understands that you may not fit in with the standard of care. It's a good idea to ask some standard questions when contacting a new doctor for the first time. Something else to consider is you can work with a functional doctor remotely, via Skype. You could also contact your local pharmacist or compounding pharmacy, who may be able to point you to a local doctor who has a natural functional approach. But I encourage you to keep looking for the right one for you! Here are some resources you might find helpful.

          CLINICIAN DATABASE
          https://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/pages/clinician-database

          FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
          https://ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/

          http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/recommended-compounding-pharmacies.html

          Reply

      47. I have Hashimoto’s, chronic urticaria, and IBS. I’ve had my stool tested during my regular yearly exam, will this test find Blasto or does my DR need to be looking for it, specifically?

        Reply

      48. I have been gluten free due to celiac since 2006 I only eat rice),dairy free for over a year,soy free and chicken eggs free for a while.Since removing all these I started having all kind of reactions which I never had before like back,chest and scalp acne and hives. I am on slow release compounded t4/t3 for my hashimoto’s, and unfortunately my numbers keep going up.Is it safe to do the herbal treatment for Blastocystis without being tested for it as
        I have most of the symptoms .

        Reply

        • Ann – thank you for reaching out. <3 I am so sorry you are struggling with all of this. <3 Unfortunately, as a licensed Pharmacist, I am unable to legally provide specific medical advice here. Generally speaking, my clients have found success in treating gut infections through the use of antibiotics, herbal support, or a combination of both. Discussion of these options with your medical provider should be useful in determining the most effective course of treatment for you and should be based on your medical history, symptoms, and testing results. You deserve the care of a focused primary care physician to advise you. I hope that you understand.
          Here are some articles I hope you find helpful.

          6 DIFFERENT ROOT CAUSES
          https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/6-different-hashimotos-root-causes/

          WHAT’S CAUSING YOUR LEAKY GUT
          https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/whats-causing-your-leaky-gut/

          Reply

      49. I have done GI-Map test and it shows that my digestive enzymes are on the lower side. I don’t have any infections. I also tested for food allergies. I have tried low fodmap and aip to some extent. I don’t eat gluten, milk soy etc. Even after all of this, I still have IBS-D flareups. My functional medicine doctor put me on leaky gut protocol with prescription digestive enzymes but nothing seems to be working and my antibodies are not going down after 6 months of treatment. Any idea what else/test I need to take to rule out something else? I love your advises!

        Reply

        • Beth – thank you so much for reaching out. I so sorry you are struggling with all of this. <3 Hashimoto's is very much an individual condition. While there are root cause commonalities, each person will have their own or in some cases, more than one root cause. You will have to 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 need to 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.
          You will have to create your own 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.
          If you need further support, please check out the list of lab tests inside the “Testing” chapter of my book, Hashimoto’s Root Cause. I also offer a 12-week program, Hashimoto's Self Management Program. Here are some resources I hope you find helpful as well.

          BUILDING YOUR OWN HEALTH TIMELINE
          https://thyroidpharmacist.com/sample-health-timeline/

          Hashimoto’s Self-Management Program
          https://thyroidpharmacist.com/enroll-in-hashimotos-self-management/

          Reply

      50. Hi Dr. Izabella,
        What kind of doctor would you want to see to be tested for Blastocystis ? I have Hashimoto’s, have had chronic hives for 2 years now, and I also have had mono. I am on tirosint and my levels are where my doctor wants them to be, but I am constantly exhausted, and my body hurts. The only thing that helps me is working out, I have also been sugar, dairy, gluten, corn and soy free for almost 2 weeks. I have tested negative for all allergies on the patch test my allergist did. I was hospitalized a week and a half ago because I had an extremely severe allergic reaction, I hate living this way not knowing if today will be the day I have full body hives and my eyes are swollen shut. I don’t know where to turn, I went to a specialist and they wanted to charge me $4,000 for 6 months of treatment which is outrageous. Can you offer some advice ?

        Reply

        • Casey – thank you for reaching out. <3 I am so sorry to hear you are struggling with all of this. I believe that everyone needs to find a practitioner that will let him/her be a part of the healthcare team. You want someone that can guide you, that will also listen to you and your concerns. You want someone that’s open to thinking outside of the box and who understands that you may not fit in with the standard of care. It's a good idea to ask some standard questions when contacting a new doctor for the first time. Something else to consider is you can work with a functional doctor remotely, via Skype. You could also contact your local pharmacist or compounding pharmacy, who may be able to point you to a local doctor who has a natural functional approach. But I encourage you to keep looking for the right one for you! Here are some resources you might find helpful.

          CLINICIAN DATABASE
          https://thyroidpharmacist.com/database-recommended-clinicians/

          FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
          https://ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/

          COMPOUNDING PHARMACIES
          https://thyroidpharmacist.com/database-recommended-compounding-pharmacies/

          I also cover protocols for Blasto and EBV in my book Hashimoto’s Protocol. Here is a link:

          Hashimoto’s Protocol
          http://amzn.to/2B5J1mq

          Reply

        • Laura – thank you for reaching out. I understand how hard it is to find a practitioner. <3 I believe that everyone needs to find a practitioner that will let him/her be a part of the healthcare team. You want someone that can guide you, that will also listen to you and your concerns. You want someone that’s open to thinking outside of the box and who understands that you may not fit in with the standard of care. It's a good idea to ask some standard questions when contacting a new doctor for the first time. Something else to consider is you can work with a functional doctor remotely, via Skype. You could also contact your local pharmacist or compounding pharmacy, who may be able to point you to a local doctor who has a natural functional approach. But I encourage you to keep looking for the right one for you! Here are some resources you might find helpful.

          CLINICIAN DATABASE
          https://thyroidpharmacist.com/database-recommended-clinicians/

          FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
          https://ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/

          COMPOUNDING PHARMACIES
          https://thyroidpharmacist.com/database-recommended-compounding-pharmacies/

          Reply

        • Luca – thank you so much for your support! <3 Please understand, I am not able to advise on whether Artemisia or wormwood would be appropriate for you and your specific health needs without a comprehensive health assessment. I recommend that you discuss this with your personal doctor. <3

          Reply

      53. Thank you for your article! I had what they thought was a adverse reaction to low-dose naltrexone that my doctor had started me on to lower my thyroid antibodies which are back up to greater than 100 (off the scale again). Ever since then (about 3 weeks ago), I seem to spontaneously bust out into hives. I thought I was developing new food allergies because it happened two days ago after eating strawberries but then it happened this morning after I drank my “green stuff” which is juiced kale, spinach, blah blah (Suja Uber Greens) that I have every single morning. It started about 30 minutes after I was drinking. I just discovered your website and information a couple of months ago (THANK GOD) and I’m grateful to you and for you. Looks like my leaky gut must be back and now I have a new hives toy to play with….go figure. What food sensitivity testing do you recommend?

        Reply

        • Heather – thank you so much for reaching out and sharing your journey. <3 I know how overwhelming everything can be. Gut healing is a journey; you may need various interventions like removing reactive foods and infections, taking enzymes and probiotics, and balancing nutrients. Remember, be kind to yourself and learn to listen to your body so that you can support and feed it properly! You are worth it! You may find this article helpful as well!
          WHAT'S CAUSING YOUR LEAKY GUT
          https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/whats-causing-your-leaky-gut/

          Reply

      55. It took 10 years for a doctor to finally diagnose that my symptoms are being caused by blasto. Now, seven months after diagnosis, I still am requiring effective treatment. I have wasted hundreds of dollars on numerous natural therapies to no avail. All my doctor will prescribe me is metranidazole, the potential side-effects of which sound horrific. I am having no success trying to get in to see a doctor in my country who will prescribe nitazoxanide, as it is not listed in our health care system and requires a compounding pharmacist to make it up.

        Any suggestions on how to get hold of this medication or a prescription for it?

        Reply

      56. Thank you so much for your very informative post! I have Hashimotos, along with celiac and a host of food intolerances. My functional doctor suggested I do a stool test with Genova Diagnostics, and it found that I had blystosis parasite, as well as signs of SIBO. I just tested for SIBO and I am awaiting my results. What protocol do you suggest to patients who have both Blastocystis hominis & SIBO?

        Reply

        • Amber – thank you for reaching out. <3 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 are a couple articles you might find interesting.

          6 DIFFERENT ROOT CAUSES
          https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/6-different-hashimotos-root-causes/

          COULD SIBO BE PREVENTING YOU REMISSION FROM HASHIMOTO’S?
          https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/sibo-prevent-remission-hashimotos/

          Reply

      57. I was wondering if you could tell me whether you normally recommend taking S. Boulardii with food or on an empty stomach? I know you are not able to give health care advice, but I’m just wondering what the most common way of taking it is, because it doesn’t indicate anywhere on the supplement label. Thank you!

        Reply

      58. De Wentz.
        Thank you so much for this information. I was diagnosed with Hashimotos in December of 2017. I have eliminated all of my food sensitivities along with wheat, corn, rice, dairy and others. My energy levels have gotten better over the years but I still experience chronic hives. I was wondering at what time of the day it is best to take the S. Boulardii. Should I take it before breakfast or with food in my stomach?
        Thank you!

        Reply

      59. Dear Dr. Wentz! I came across you back in 2013, while looking for answers to my symptoms. Most Dr.’s told me I was fine, all tests fine, normal. But I was not well. I searched for answers. Back in 2008 – I started having symptoms that made no sense and the German Dr.’s tested me up and down to find nothing. I did, however show leaky gut. I was diagnosed with Dinentamoeba Fragilis and Blasto parasites back in 2012 in Australia (we had moved there) and treated with Paracea Forte from Bioceuticals (Chinese wormwood, barberry and black walnut) for years. This kept my symptoms of gut dysbiosis mostly under control. However the Autoimmune symptoms and food intolerances continued to grow. The Hashimotos finally started to show itself in TPO antibodies, and we knew what I had known for years. Continue on to today, 2020, living in Boston. Now diagnosed with SIBO, and have been under treatment with the Functional Dr.’s of the Ultra Wellness Center in MA. Prior to working with them, I had been with another Functional Dr. here in Boston (where we now live), and done a course of the Xifaxin, and Flagyl about a year ago – with no success in eradicating the SIBO. I have now been working for almost a year with the above Functional Dr.’s, with the help of many expensive supplements, digestive enzymes, (HCL), Pancreatic enzymes (Spectrazyme Pan 9X es), Biocidin (5drops 3x/day), Biofilm busters (Interfase plus), glutamine, vitamins (B’s, zinc, silymarin, A, K), IG26DF, SBI Protect, and a few others in addition to a strict low fodmap diet for fruit and veg, and SCD for the rest + lifestyle changes (fitness and lower stress etc.). While this protocol has helped stabilize my situation, where I am not in daily distress (with methane SIBO symptoms), It is not helping eradicate it. Have you had success in the treatment methods you outlined above? I have spent thousands upon thousands of dollars in 3 different countries – with specialists – and yet to feel that we are in any way coming closer to healing. I have also investigated energy healing, Chiro, Reiki, Shamans, Ayurveda, Accupuncture, and Osteopaths as well as yoga, meditation, self acceptance and any avenue I could find to do my part to self-heal. I would welcome any advise you could provide as this seems to be quite difficult to eradicate. At the current time, Blasto is the only parasite that we have currently seen in stool tests the past 2 years. I would love to say farewell it, as I believe that it is the root cause underlying all other issues I have lived with for well over 10 years! Many thanks in advance for any advise you can pass along. You were instrumental in my knowing that I had autoimmune disease, when the dr.’s would not listen to me. Kind Regards.

        Reply

        • Lisa – thank you so much for sharing your journey. <3 I'm so proud of your for taking charge of your health and I'm happy to hear you have found supportive practitioners! I’ve found that many Hashimoto's patients also have the gut infection Blastocystis hominis, which has recently been connected to irritable bowel syndrome, hives AND Hashimoto’s. In the last few years, I’ve noticed that getting rid of the Blastocystis hominis infection can help people to get their Hashimoto’s into remission. Read more about it in my Blastocystis article:

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

          Reply

      60. I keep coming back to your articles. Thanks for this amazing resource! One question: I’ve tried S. Boulardii a few different times, and each time I get the onset of a respiratory infection. Same thing happens when I take Serrapeptase. Have you ever heard of such a thing from anyone you have worked with?

        Reply

        • Toni – thank you so much for your support! <3 I'm so sorry you had this experience. Everyone will react differently, so it's hard to say without knowing your complete history. <3 I recommend that you discuss this with your personal practitioner.

          Reply

      61. Wow! Just wow! I can’t believe I am just stumbling onto this article. My hashimotos diagnosis stemmed from a 8 month battle with chronic hives. It took over my life and I did so much research and already knew I had Hashi’s before I was actually diagnosed let alone able to convince my 4th doctor to finally test me for it. My endocrinologist had never even heard of the two being connected. Needless to say it was a roller coaster emotional experience & my heart goes out to anyone struggling with chronic urticaria index.

        Reply

      62. Hello
        I am a nutritionist and I work in Spain. I have read your books published in my language in my country.
        And I must tell you that it is very gratifying how the application of your advice to my Hashimoto 12 patients in total is giving good results.

        Thanks for your information and help.

        Reply

      64. Hello Dr. Izabella Wentz, I had hives for more than 20 years and my Hashimoto was discovered within the last 10 years. I spent months scratching my inner and outer thighs to the point of bleeding. I read articles a few years ago about associating this with curing the gut and I did not trust that, they were not reliable to me. I also visited a functional medicine doctor who works with enzymes but it was expensive at that time. Last Friday I read your article “is blasto behind your Hashimoto’s’, hives and IBS?” and it was reliable to me especially for the references at the end of it, so I immediately bought S. boulardii, oil of oregano and berberine. By Saturday my hives were reduced significantly and today Monday the itchiness is almost gone.
        I just want to say THANK YOU for your generosity of sharing this article. This is a miracle to me, God bless you!

        Reply

      65. DEar Dr. Wentz,

        I like you, I like what you do and the information you provide. Many people would not understand Hashimotos if not for your work. It is priceless for those of us suffering from Hashimotos and all the various health issues that go along with it.
        If indeed you really want to help people get well and have lives that are not filled with suffering then why mark up your products so high that only the upper middle class and the rich can afford them? I understand business and the need to make a profit, but these markups are excessive for people like me that live on a fixed retirement income. Can you find a way to help people like me treat their Blasto with the supplements you recommend at an affordable price?
        Thank you, gratitude, Leslie.

        Reply

        • Leslie – thank you so much for following and sharing your feedback, it is very important to me! I’m so sorry, unfortunately, professional supplements from smaller companies such as mine can sometimes be a bit more costly, as we do not have all the advantages and discounts that larger companies might have. ❤️

          Reply

      66. Hi Dr. Wentz,

        I first want to say thank you for all of the hard work and effort you have put in to replying to many of us! You are doing such great work.

        I read this article and through much of the comment thread in an effort to seek answers for my chronic hives. I am in the 3rd year of experiencing daily hives, with no answers in sight. I have met with different practitioners and no one has been able to quite pinpoint the issue. I am recognizing that I have other symptoms related to hypothyroidism and was tested for the Blasto protozoa back in 2020 and tested negative. During this time, my hives were at their worst. My thyroid ranges were considered “normal” last year, though I am planning to have a comprehensive panel done again. I truly feel at a loss, because I eat well, I meditate, I take high quality supplements, and yet my skin is still itchy and dry, my hair is brittle and falling, and I am generally fatigued. Do you think a case like this would benefit most from immune building supplements and foods?

        Reply

        • Shikha – You’re very welcome! I’m so sorry you are struggling with hives. 🦋❤️ You may want to consider ordering or having your practitioner order a non-invasive functional medicine stool test such as one of those I recommended above. Also, Women with Hashimoto’s and autoimmune conditions are more likely to have dry, dull skin, rashes, hives, pre-menstrual acne and facial swelling, especially if their thyroid levels are not optimized, and they are not absorbing vitamins and nutrients correctly. Those are some things you may want to discuss with your practitioner as well. Please keep me posted on your progress.

          Reply

      67. Dear Dr. Wentz, thank you so much for wealth of information!
        I am wondering about tests for Blasto infection. Unfortunately, the links on this site no longer work. The link for GI-MAP goes to the list of tests from Directlabs, and the rest of the links return Error 404 page. I tried searching directlabs site for GI-Map, but it did not bring ant results. Would you be able to update the links? I want to make sure that I am ordering the correct test 🙂
        Thank you so much!

        Reply

      68. That is interesting. I have several autoimmune diseases, including Hashimoto’s. Our oldest daughter developed Cold Urticaria (allergic to cold) when she was 9. Any time her skin would get cold it would break out in hives as it warmed up. Fun stuff living in MN. Fast forward to her being in the Class of 2020, missing prom/graduation/etc. She then went off to college and had all of that stress with Covid as well. By the end of freshman year she had gained about 40 pounds (she was never overweight before) and was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s as well. 🙁

        Reply

      69. Dr. Isabella, first I am so grateful for your research. I suffered multiple symptoms for years which I thought were menopause related, but when I finally got my hormones balanced with bioidenticals, I did not feel any better! Then I found you and begged my GP to run all the thyroid tests, which resulted in a Hashimoto’s diagnosis. After treating with numerous practitioners for years with no help, I finally self-treated with an essential oil blend containing oregano, and it completely resolved all my gut symptoms and my thyroid tests were normal again. Then several years ago, all the symptoms returned and my antibodies started climbing again. I repeated the oil blend treatment, but it did not work this time. Then I got COVID and asked my doctor for ivermectin. Shockingly, all my gut symptoms, including food sensitivities, are gone again! I am going to have the thyroid tests repeated, but I will not be surprised to see that they are back to normal. Today I got your email on the gut and for the first time learned about Blasto. So I am thinking that could have been what I had and am wondering if you have any insight into the use of ivermectin for that.

        Reply

        • Hello. I have also been suffering for years with gut-related symptoms and multiple other issues like food sensitivities, joint pain, brain fog, lack of energy, and neurological symptoms. The primary and first symptom, right from the beginning, was food intolerance and discomfort or scratches inside my colon (lower right side).

          After years of testing, I discovered that I have antibodies for Hashimoto’s disease and gastric antibodies. In 2014, I tested positive for Blastocystis. I took metronidazole, which helped for a week, but then all the symptoms returned. After that, I took a combination of Iodoquinol, Nitazoxanide, and Paramomycin. Several natural therapies targeting Blastocystis were also used.

          Despite the above treatments, there was no improvement, although subsequent tests showed that Blastocystis did not reappear until 2022 in a GI map test and again this year in a stool test. I wonder if this parasite was hidden all along or if I have been re-infected.

          Interestingly, oregano oil and ivermectin also help me for about a week, but then the symptoms return. How long have you been taking ivermectin, and at what dose? I wonder if I didn’t use it long enough.

          Reply

      70. Hello!
        Thank you so much for such a detailed article.
        I was wondering if you have recommendations on laboratories that test for Blasto in Europe? I currently live in Estonia and haven’t managed to find this test here yet.
        Thank you!

        Reply

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