Mailbag! How to TAME Hashimoto’s Disease Symptoms
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted July 5, 2022
I live with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and I’m having trouble controlling my weight. What would you recommend?
–June from Hickory, NC
June,
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition where the thyroid is being attacked by the immune system. This “attack” knocks out the production of thyroid hormones, causing hypothyroidism (or an underperforming thyroid).
The thyroid and its hormones are responsible for much of the body’s metabolism. When thyroid hormones are unbalanced, you can feel tired, gain weight easily, and struggle with constipation, among other symptoms.
If you’re on thyroid medications and gaining weight, I would suggest you first work with your doctor to see if they can get the amount of medication right. This is more difficult than you might imagine, and you should consider going to someone who specializes in hormones for low thyroid.
Outside of that, you may want to work on gut health.
Leaky gut is a condition where the normally tight junctions between the cells of your digestive tract break down. This breakdown allows molecules that normally wouldn’t get access to the bloodstream to flow in from your gut. When this happens, the immune system goes crazy, and may cause an autoimmune reaction.
To put your digestive tract into order, you want to avoid all vegetable oils and reduce sugar as much as you can. Try taking a probiotic or eating fermented foods (such as sauerkraut or yogurt) to also balance your gut health.
Here are a few other ideas.
- Omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oils help reduce inflammation and balance thyroid function and hormones.
- Eat seaweeds. These are some of the best sources of natural iodine, the mineral your thyroid needs to make thyroid hormone. Some health practitioners will suggest you take iodine as a supplement, but that can lead to an overactive thyroid— especially if you’re already taking thyroid hormones. Simply sticking with seaweeds is your best choice.
- Selenium. Just like iodine, the thyroid gland needs selenium. I suggest taking around 200 micrograms a day.
- Tyrosine or L-tyrosine. This amino acid is used in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Studies have shown that supplementing with tyrosine can help reduce fatigue and improve alertness in people with hypothyroidism.
- Vitamin B complex. B vitamins are used in every step of thyroid hormone production. Studies have shown supplementing with B vitamins can help combat symptoms of autoimmune disease, including chronic fatigue.
P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? Click here to submit your questions and get featured in the weekly mailbag!
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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