Get Celiac Disease Diagnosed And Treated
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that causes your intestines to react abnormally to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, oats, and other related grains.
Celiac disease is three times more common in people with an autoimmune thyroid disease like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease.
It’s unclear why this association exists. It may be due in part to the genetic component of autoimmune diseases. Both conditions are also fairly common. Celiac disease also interferes with absorption of essential minerals like iodine and selenium, which can trigger thyroid dysfunction.
Some studies show that a low-gluten diet may help people with Hashimoto’s disease prevent potential complications, and possibly even the progression of the condition.
If you think you might have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, talk to your doctor.
Limiting or avoiding gluten is a big dietary change. It’s important to only make these kinds of changes under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Thyroid Disease: Symptoms And Treatment
Most people have heard of the thyroid gland, but many do not know or understand what the thyroid gland does. The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland. It makes a hormone called thyroid hormone, which is involved in regulating the bodys metabolism. The gland is shaped like a butterfly and located in the front of the neck below the Adams apple.
HYPOTHYROIDISM
Problems can occasionally occur in the gland. One of the most common problems affecting the thyroid gland is hypothyroidism. This occurs when the gland stops making enough hormone. The most common cause of this condition is Hashimotos thyroiditis an autoimmune disorder that ultimately causes the gland to stop working.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism may vary, and can include fatigue, weight gain, constipation and dry skin. Hypothyroidism is treated medically by replacing the bodys hormone with a medication that is taken daily for life.
HYPERTHYROIDISM
Some disorders of the thyroid gland cause it to be overactive and make too much hormone. Not surprisingly, this is called hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism usually is caused by an autoimmune disease called Graves disease or by a metabolically active thyroid nodule that is making too much hormone.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism also vary, and can include weight loss, rapid heart rate, sweating, diarrhea and nervousness. Graves disease can be treated with medication, radioactive iodine therapy or surgery.
OTHER THYROID DISORDERS
WHEN TO SEEK TREATMENT
Synthetic T4 Hormones To Replace Insufficient Thyroid Hormones
Hypothyroidism is most commonly treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy, and the most effective way to treat hypothyroidism is with synthetic T4 medication. While these hormones are identical to the natural T4 that the thyroid makes, several factors can affect the exact dosage you need. These include your age, the severity of symptoms, and your overall health profile.
Synthetic T4 is available in a prescription medication called levothyroxine, sold under brand names such as Levothroid and Synthroid. There are many generic versions available, too. Youll want to take care in switching back and forth between brands, as there may be slight variations in doses.
When you first start taking prescription thyroxine hormones, your doctor will prescribe a dosage based on your weight and your blood test results for TSH and free T4 levels. Children, teenagers, and the elderly generally require smaller doses.
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How Is Postpartum Thyroiditis Treated
Treatment for postpartum thyroiditis depends on the phase of the disease and what symptoms you have. For example, if you get symptoms of hyperthyroidism in the first phase, your treatment may include medicines to slow down the heart rate.
In most women who have postpartum thyroiditis, the thyroid returns to normal within 12 to 18 months after symptoms start. But if you have a history of postpartum thyroiditis, your risk is higher for developing permanent hypothyroidism within 5 to 10 years.5
Thyroid Surgery And Treatment As Causes Of Hypothyroidism
Thyroid treatment and surgery can lead to hypothyroidism.
Several conditions such as hyperthyroidism, goiters, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer can be treated by partially or fully removing the thyroid gland. This may result in hypothyroidism.
Radiation treatment of the thyroid can also lead to hypothyroidism. Radioactive iodine is a common treatment for hyperthyroidism. It works by destroying the cells of the thyroid gland and decreasing the production of T4.
Radiation is also used to treat people with head and neck cancers, Hodgkins disease, and other lymphomas, which can lead to damage of the thyroid gland.
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Our Approach To Natural Thyroid Treatment
Many doctors begin hypothyroidism treatment with a check for low thyroid stimulating hormone levels. However, during our work with patients, weve found that doesnt give us a full picture of your thyroid.
When a patient comes to us with symptoms of hypothyroidism, the first thing we look for is Hashimotos disease. Hashimotos disease is an autoimmune condition that accounts for 90% of hypothyroidism cases.
Causes of Hashimotos are varied, but we administer blood tests, urine tests, and/or elimination diets to understand your unique diagnosis. Our experience has taught us that treating the root causes of Hashimotos is how to cure hypothyroidism permanently it also means each patient gets a tailored treatment plan, and all treatments dont work for all people.
When identifying the cause of Hashimotos disease, we look at the following six risk factors:
Other causes include thyroid cancer, hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills, and overtreatment of hyperthyroidism .
What Is Selenium And How Does It Work
If you’re pregnant, getting enough selenium decreases your chances of developing permanent postpartum thyroiditis. This is when your thyroid becomes inflamed after your baby is born.
However, keep in mind that soil in the United States is selenium replete and most people’s intake of selenium is at recommended level. Talk to your doctor before starting selenium supplements.
Talk to your doctor before you start taking selenium. Its role in thyroid health still isn’t completely understood. In fact, studies suggest that high selenium levels may be a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.
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Limit Exposure To Blue Light
There are various types of radiation that we are exposed to in our daily life. One of these is a type of ultraviolet radiation from phone screens, laptops, and LED tubelights known as blue light. Increased nighttime exposure to this has been known to directly impact thyroid hormone levels.
Reducing inflammation and taking appropriate lifestyle modification measures help to reverse thyroid function. These are important steps of learning how to cure thyroid disease forever.
How Is Hyperthyroidism Diagnosed
Early detection is important so that you and your doctor can outline a plan for hyperthyroidism treatment before it causes irreversible damage.
Brenessa Lindeman, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery and Medical Education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, emphasizes the need for people with suspicious symptoms to advocate for their own health and get checked for hyperthyroidism early to prevent serious complications like osteoporosis, premature menopause, or even cardiac arrest.
Methods of diagnosis for hyperthyroidism include:
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Analysis of medical history and symptoms
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Physical examination
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An ultrasound or nuclear medicine scan of your thyroid to see if it has nodules, or to determine whether it is inflamed or overactive
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Blood tests to measure levels of thyroid hormones and related substances, including thyroid stimulating hormone , triiodothyronine , thyroxine , and thyroid peroxidase antibody
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What Other Problems Can Hypothyroidism Cause
Hypothyroidism can contribute to high cholesterol. In rare cases, untreated hypothyroidism can cause myxedema coma. This is a condition in which your body’s functions slow down to the point that it becomes life-threatening.
During pregnancy, hypothyroidism can cause complications, such as premature birth, high blood pressure in pregnancy, and miscarriage. It can also slow the baby’s growth and development.
Causes Of An Underactive Thyroid
An underactive thyroid is when your thyroid gland doesnât produce enough of the hormone thyroxine .
Most cases of an underactive thyroid are caused by the immune system attacking the thyroid gland and damaging it, or by damage that occurs as a result of treatments for thyroid cancer or an overactive thyroid.
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Who Is More Likely To Develop Hypothyroidism
Women are much more likely than men to develop hypothyroidism. The disease is also more common among people older than age 60.1
You are more likely to have hypothyroidism if you
- had a thyroid problem before, such as a goiter
- had surgery or radioactive iodine to correct a thyroid problem
- received radiation treatment to the thyroid, neck, or chest
- have a family history of thyroid disease
- were pregnant in the past 6 months
- have Turner syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects women
Your thyroid is also more likely to be underactive if you have other health problems, including
- lupus, a chronic autoimmune inflammatory condition
How Are Thyroid Diseases Diagnosed
It can be hard to tell if you have a thyroid disease. The symptoms are the same as many other health problems. Your doctor may start by asking about your health history and if any of your family members has had thyroid disease. Your doctor may also give you a physical exam and check your neck for thyroid nodules.
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may also do other tests, such as:
- Blood tests. Testing the level of thyroid stimulating hormone in your blood can help your doctor figure out if your thyroid is overactive or underactive. TSH tells your thyroid to make thyroid hormones. Depending on the results, your doctor might do another blood test to check levels of one or both thyroid hormones in your blood.
- Radioactive iodine uptake test. For this test, you swallow a liquid or capsule that holds a small dose of radioactive iodine . The radioiodine collects in your thyroid because your thyroid uses iodine to make thyroid hormone.
High levels of radioiodine mean that your thyroid makes too much of the thyroid hormone. Low levels mean that your thyroid does not make enough thyroid hormone.
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Taking Supplements For Hyperthyroidism
How Is Hypothyroidism Treated Exactly A Look At Your Treatment Options
Because hypothyroidism involves a lack of sufficient thyroid hormones, treatment focuses on replacing their loss.
Theres no cure for hypothyroidism, so lifelong treatment is required to help you feel better and decrease any related complications, such as heart disease.
But many people are happy to learn that once they and their doctors are able to figure out the best type and dosage of medication for them, many of the most uncomfortable hypothyroidism symptoms such as fatigue, high cholesterol, and weight gain may be reversed.
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Can I Check My Thyroid At Home
You can do a quick and easy self-exam of your thyroid at home. The only tools you need to do this self-exam are a mirror and a glass of water.
To do the thyroid self-exam, follow these steps:
- Start by identifying where your thyroid is located. Generally, youll find the thyroid on the front of your neck, between your collar bone and Adams apple. In men, the Adams apple is much easier to see. For women, its usually easiest to look from the collar bone up.
- Tip your head back while looking in a mirror. Look at your neck and try to hone in on the space you will be looking once you start the exam.
- Once youre ready, take a drink of water while your head is tilted back. Watch your thyroid as you swallow. During this test, youre looking for lumps or bumps. You may be able to see them when you swallow the water.
Repeat this test a few times to get a good look at your thyroid. If you see any lumps or bumps, reach out to your healthcare provider.
Natural Remedies For Thyroid Issues
1. Ashwagandha
So for starters, the No. 1 natural remedy you need to start to support the thyroid is ashwagandha, which is proven to heal thyroid and adrenal issues. Ashwagandha is known as an adaptogenic herb. Adaptogen herbs mean they help you adapt and deal with stress, and ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine.
Other adaptogenic herbs can include things like tulsi or holy basil also things like rhodiola and ginseng and licorice root. All of those are adaptogen herbs, but ashwagandha may be the most effective at naturally supporting overall thyroid health, especially as a natural treatment for hypothyroidism and Hashimotos. In fact, in the studies on it, it was actually shown to help both hyper and hypothyroid symptoms, which is amazing.
So, you should definitely add ashwagandha to your hypothyroidism diet since it works as a way to treat hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
2. Selenium
The No. 2 thing you should consider adding in to overall improve your thyroid function is selenium. The benefits of selenium are critical actually, selenium has very powerful antioxidant-like functions. In fact, studies have shown that selenium helps balance out T4 in your body hormones, so again, taking a therapeutic dose of selenium every day has also been shown to benefit thyroid function.
There are also foods high in selenium you can consume, including:
5. Proteolytic Enzymes
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Try Your Best To Avoid These Environmental Toxins
Long-term exposure to endocrine disruptorschemicals that interfere with your body’s endocrine systemmay trigger endocrine problems in humans.
A few to be aware of are perfluorinated chemicals . PFCs are synthetic chemicals that repel both water and oil. These chemicals can be found in things such as:
- Non-stick cookware
- Leather products
PFCs have been linked to thyroid disease in previous studies from PLOS ONE. Researchers have also found that exposure to phthalates and bisphenol-A could cause disruptions in thyroid hormone levels.
Dr. Gupta also recommended avoiding antibacterial soaps that contain triclosan. Triclosan is an ingredient that has altered hormone regulation in studies of animals .
Although it would be impossible to avoid these completely, the key is to reduce your exposure as much as you can, especially if you’re pregnant or have little ones in the housedeveloping fetuses, infants, and children are more vulnerable to any effects of environmental chemicals.
Following some general guidelines can go a long way. “Just use soap and water to wash your hands instead,” Dr. Gupta said. “Use essential oils when fragrance is needed.”
To avoid exposure to toxins, you can also choose more fresh or frozen foods over canned, store food in porcelain or glass rather than plastics, and keep your home well-ventilated.
Look Out For Perchlorates
Perchlorates are odorless, colorless salts. They dissolve in water and are found naturally in certain parts of the United States. They’re also manufactured for explosives, fireworks, and rocket motors. In some parts of the nation, they can be found in the water supply.
A large percentage of U.S. produce is irrigated with perchlorate-contaminated water. This means perchlorate is present in the U.S. food supply and many Americans are exposed to low levels.
Your thyroid needs iodine to produce thyroid hormones. High levels of perchlorates can block your thyroid from taking up iodine. It’s a good idea to stay informed about perchlorate contamination in your area and maximum state levels for perchlorates in the water. If you use well water, consider having it tested for perchlorates contamination.
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What To Eat And What To Avoid
One way to manage hyperthyroidism is to have a healthy diet.
If you have hyperthyroidism, your doctor might prescribe a low-iodine diet before starting medical treatment. This increases the effectiveness of the treatment.
According to the American Thyroid Association, a low-iodine diet means you should avoid: