After implementing carefully researched lifestyle changes, I was able to see a tremendous improvement in my health. I decided to summarize my research and improvements in my book Hashimoto’s The Root Cause in 2013. When I initially published the book, I was hopeful that one day a group of researchers would take the information I collected and carry out a large-scale clinical trial to test the interventions. Unfortunately, these types of clinical trials can be very expensive, and there isn’t a financial incentive for most companies to do this kind of research if they can’t collect a return on their investment.
Then I realized, that we, the thyroid community have the power to create our research!!
During the month of May, I developed a survey to assess the impact of various interventions on Hashimoto’s – 2232 people with Hashimoto’s provided feedback to this survey as to the factors that seemed to make their conditions better and the factors that made their conditions worse. These are the highlights…
1. Stress is a Huge Contributing Factor
69% of you reported that you had a lot of stress in your life before you started feeling unwell. Getting enough sleep, spending time with loved ones, being in nature, walking, massage, reading, sitting on a beach and being warm were some of the activities that made most people with Hashimoto’s feel better, while lack of sleep, being stressed out, being around negative people, fighting with loved ones and a lack of sunshine and cold weather made most people with Hashimoto’s feel worse. Please don’t under-estimate the importance of stress reduction in your healing journey. I want you to remember that stress is not just caused by external factors, but can also be self-induced due to our thought patterns like negative self-talk or perfectionism. I recommend taking a nice vacation or “staycation” where you take a few days to focus on relaxing and self-care.
2. Nutrient Deficiencies Are Real
68%, 33% and 28% of you were found to have low levels of Vitamin D, low levels of B12 and low levels of ferritin, respectively. Low levels of these nutrients can be a huge contributor to thyroid fatigue. Low ferritin levels are an indicator of anemia and can contribute to hair loss as well.
If you have not had these important tests, please talk to your doctor about testing for them. I’ve written about each of these nutrient deficiencies on my blog: –> Links to articles –> [Thyroid and Vitamin D] [Thyroid and B12] [Thyroid and Ferritin], and cover them in my chapter on Nutrient Deficiencies [Download the Nutrient Deficiencies chapter for free HERE].
Taking supplements can help restore your nutrient levels and help overcome fatigue. When asked about the benefits of various interventions, 67%, 88%, 82%, reported that vitamin D3 supplement, B12 supplement, and iron/ferritin supplement improved their fatigue, respectively.
3. Gluten Sensitivity with Hashimoto’s is a Big Deal
76% of you reported that you thought you were gluten sensitive (16% of you were not sure, the rest did not believe that you were).
Most people that reacted to gluten felt the reaction in their gut (symptoms of constipation, diarrhea, cramping, bloating, nausea, gas, acid reflux, burning or burping) and in the brain related symptoms like headaches, dizziness, brain fog, anxiety, depression, fatigue, and insomnia. Overall, 88% of people who attempted to go gluten-free felt better!!
86% of people who went gluten-free reported an improvement in digestive symptoms. One reader wrote “Gluten elimination was the first thing I did. Lost 8 pounds in 2 weeks without dieting. Added supplements, exercise, and cutting out sugar. Still losing weight and cannot believe how good I feel!”
Notably, only 3.5% of you were diagnosed with celiac disease. Thus this confirms what we’ve been saying all along, you do not have to have celiac disease to benefit from a gluten-free diet!
If you are still on the fence about going gluten free, I encourage you to try it!
4. Food Matters
In addition to the gluten-free diet, the other most helpful dietary interventions were going on a sugar free diet and the Paleo diet (81% of those who tried these diets felt better), grain-free diet (81% felt better), dairy free diet (79% felt better), autoimmune Paleo diet (75% felt better) and the low glycemic index diet (76% felt better). Incorporating healing foods also made people feel better. Homemade broth helped 70% of those that tried it; Green smoothies helped 69%, and fermented foods helped 57%.
5. Supplements Can Help
The most helpful nutritional interventions were taking a B12 supplement (76%), D3 supplement (74%), digestive enzymes (73%), ferritin/iron supplement (63%), Omega-3 Fatty acid supplement (65%), selenium 200 mcg supplement (63%), Betaine with Pepsin supplement (59%), curcumin supplement (56%), zinc 30 mg supplement (52%) and L-glutamine supplement (51%). (The numbers in the parentheses represent the % of people who reported “feeling better” after trying these supplements).
I’ve written about all of these supplements in my book, Hashimoto’s: The Root Cause, and the majority are covered in my nutrient depletions chapter [download the nutrient depletions chapter for free].
One person commented: “Zinc supplements immediately eliminated a long-standing thrush infection that was not successfully treated by four doctors in 2 years.”
6. Banishing the Blues and Pain with Lifestyle is Possible
Feeling tired, blue and in pain? Have a spa day! Sauna therapy helped an overall 57% of those who tried it to feel better; the biggest benefits were seen in mood, energy, skin and reducing pain levels. Massage helped improve mood for 80% of people, reduced pain for 62% and improved energy levels in 45% of people!
Going to the spa may get very expensive, but you can look for ways to make it more affordable. For example, some gyms may have saunas in them that you may be able to use with a membership or a daily pass, and massage companies often have discounts on their websites. My husband and I once found a local massage school that offered deeply discounted massages. When all else fails, you can do a hot Epson salt bath at home, and get your partner to give you a massage.
7. Sweet Spot for TSH Levels
Sixty nine percent of respondents feel optimal with a TSH under 1 μIU/mL, and 57% felt good with the TSH between 1 and 2 μIU/mL !! While a TSH as high as 4 μIU/mL may be considered to be “within normal limits” I felt like a sloth and was losing a ton of hair when my TSH was at that level. You can read my article about TSH in this article for more information.
8. Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) Can Make a Big Difference for Some
While only 38% of those that tried it reported feeling better, the ones that saw benefit had some spectacular results. 48% were able to reduce thyroid antibodies, 61% saw an improvement in mood, 66% were able to have more energy, and 40% saw a reduction in pain.
One reader wrote: “Low Dose Naltrexone changed my life for the better. If I had not added that to my regimen, I would still be suffering from nerve pain and uncontrollable allergy symptoms, in addition to the problems I have from the Hashimoto’s.”
9. Probiotics Can Help Normalize Weight
Thirty six percent of people felt that probiotics helped them normalize their weight. I’ve written about weight, Hashimoto’s and probiotics.
Here’s a message from someone who has implemented many of the interventions discussed above and seen a tremendous improvement:
“I was diagnosed with underactive thyroid and had radiation in 1969 as a child, Synthroid treatment for years, rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed in 2012 along with Sjogren’s syndrome, leaky gut, and chronic sinus infections. I was a weak, sick, nearly bedridden woman on a ton of medicine. I was getting sicker and being prescribed more dangerous and expensive medications with no real end in sight for pain or healing.
Even with all this chaos in my body I constantly searched for answers and did my best to take care of myself, I had no idea that I was making myself sick with food and chemicals and tap water and a million other things. I have removed as many chemicals from my life as I can, eat organic, take vitamins, minerals and probiotics, eat fermented foods drink kefir, have reduced all stress, sleep a lot, rest a lot, go on walks, meditate, drink clean water and think peaceful thoughts. I don’t take on too much, and I play as much as I can. In the past year, I have been able to remove all meds for rheumatoid arthritis and reduced the thyroid meds also. I am active, 40 pounds lighter and glad to be alive again. I have a way to go yet but am better now than I have been in years. Thank you for the work you have done and for compiling this valuable information.”
Support
I know that Hashimoto’s can make us feel very much alone, especially when no one else we know personally has the condition. Even when others we know have Hashimoto’s, the condition can manifest with different levels of severity in different individuals, making us wonder why we feel so much worse than others. I’ve been there.
I want you to know that you’re not alone and that you can get better. I’m here for you, and together, we can overcome Hashimoto’s… it may take some work on both of our ends.
I’ve been working on some exciting stuff behind the scenes to support you guys over the last six months and will be trickling out information to a subset of you over the coming weeks and months so watch your inbox for announcements from me.
I can’t wait to share these resources with you when they’re fully ready… here are some clues:
- A way to simplify and optimize your diet
- A guide to optimizing thyroid medications
- Three original research works to be published in late 2015/2016 to raise awareness of innovative interventions worldwide
- Hashimoto’s training for doctors…
…and some innovative and exciting surprises !!
I hope this survey of interventions encourages you to take charge of your health and to find a deeper level of healing. I recommend dedicating 1 hour each day to self-care. You should focus on things that relax you and make you feel better, preparing nourishing foods, and staying on top of your supplements and labs. After all, what gets measured gets managed! Give yourself the same care as you would to a loved one, child or pet who needed you.
I hope that you found this information helpful in your healing journey!
P.S. Be sure to sign up to my email list to get a free book chapter, recipes, Thyroid Diet start guide and notifications about upcoming events and my weekly newsletter.
Joe- Thank you so much for your support! I know it’s a lot to ask, but if you haven’t already, would you mind leaving a review on Amazon? 🙂
http://www.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Thyroiditis-Lifestyle-Interventions-Treating/dp/0615825796/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8
Cynthia- Thank you so much for sharing!! 🙂
Kathy- Thank you so much for your support! I know it’s a lot to ask, but if you haven’t already, would you mind leaving a review on Amazon? 🙂
http://www.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Thyroiditis-Lifestyle-Interventions-Treating/dp/0615825796/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8
Elizabeth- While changing your diet is a really important first step that will greatly help many of you, if you do not see a complete remission of your condition within 3-6 months, I encourage you to dig deeper. Changing my diet was a really important step in my healing journey, but it was just the beginning. Here is an article you may find interesting as well! 🙂
6 DIFFERENT ROOT CAUSES
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/6-different-hashimotos-root-causes
Shasha- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Lenore- Thank you so much for your support. I’m looking forward to hearing your progress on this page. Make sure to take the book slow, take notes, highlight, and establish a baseline when making changes. 🙂
Jennifer- Awe thank you so much for your kind words and your support! 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
Brian- While changing your diet is a really important first step that will greatly help many of you, if you do not see a complete remission of your condition within 3-6 months, I encourage you to dig deeper. Changing my diet was a really important step in my healing journey, but it was just the beginning. Here is an article you may find interesting! 🙂
6 DIFFERENT ROOT CAUSES
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/6-different-hashimotos-root-causes
Shasha- Here are a couple of articles you may find interesting! 🙂
HASHIMOTO’S AND THE GUT
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-and-the-gut
THE GUT AND AUTOIMMUNE THYROID CONNECTION
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/the-gut-and-autoimmune-thyroid-connection
Jess- Thank you so much for your support! I hope you also check out my book! Here’s the link in case you’re interested. 🙂
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Lisa- There are quite a few options for thyroid medications. In my experience, what works for one person may not work for another. If your doctor will not prescribe the medication you are looking for, ask your local pharmacist for doctors in your area who prescribe the medication you are looking to try. Have you read these articles?
WHICH THYROID MEDICATION IS BEST?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-thyroid-medication-is-best/
TOP 11 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THYROID MEDICATIONS
https://thyroidphramacist.com/blog/top-11-things-you-need-to-know-about-thyroid-medications
Chandra- thank you so much for your support! I know it’s a lot to ask, but if you haven’t already, would you mind leaving a review on Amazon? 🙂
http://www.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Thyroiditis-Lifestyle-Interventions-Treating/dp/0615825796/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8
Mary- Thank you so much for your support. I’m looking forward to hearing your progress on this page. Make sure to take the book slow, take notes, highlight, and establish a baseline when making changes. 🙂
Heather- Thank you so much for your support!! You may find this article interesting as well! : )
6 DIFFERENT ROOT CAUSES
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/6-different-hashimotos-root-causes
chrisitina- You can copy the link and send it to your doctor’s email!! 🙂
PETRONA – Here is an article you may find interesting! 🙂
TURMERIC FOR YOUR THYROID AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/turmeric-for-your-thyroid-and-hashimotos
Sashya- I look forward to hearing your progress on this page! I hope you also check out my book! Here’s the link in case you’re interested. 🙂
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Rosalind- Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically, is ‘dead’, or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to re-balance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.
HASHIMOTO’S ROOT CAUSE BOOK
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
I think I just found out why all the things I tried did not work for me. I still have Hashimotos and hormonal imbalance, because of an overload of copper! I found out through a hair mineral analysis. I also have HPU, where the body looses too much zinc and B6 and manganese. I did not take enough of these, therefore my body stored too much copper and I have copper toxicity now. With too much copper the thyroid does not work properly and it also influences my adrenal fatigue and my hormones. Maybe this information might be helpful for other people!
Tina – thank you for following this page and for sharing.
Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out?
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
thyroidpharmacist.com/protocol
Hi! I just read your Hashimoto’s Protocol book. I have a few questions: 1.) I can’t seem to find the omega-3 fatty acids supplement you recommended in the book. 2.) I saw in the above comments that we may not need to take all the supplements…does this apply to the ones you recommend in your 2nd book? 3.) In your second book, for each protocol do I stop the previous protocol’s supplements? Like for the liver protocol, do I stop taking those after the 2 weeks and move to the adrenal protocol? 4.) After the 90 days…what do I do next as far as diet/supplements? Thank you so much for your wealth of information. I’m excited to try your protocols and feel better!
Kerry – thank you for following this page and for your support. 🙂 Please, contact info@thyroidpharmacist.com where my team is standing by to assist.
Good blog on hasimotos. You have Great advice indeed! A friend of mine got it years ago . She went to a doctor who confirmed it . He also told her that for $5000 he could get her on a diet to get rid of it. At the time my friend didn’t have the dollars . We prayed ALOT over her . I gave her massages which I highly recommend!She switched her diet to all organic plant based . Less than a year later she was heaied! It’s gone and hasn’t come back! Thankyou for your information to teaching people and want to help! ❤
Melissa – thank you so much for sharing your friends journey! <3 That is so good to hear. What a great friend you are!