HEALTH OVER ALL

ARE YOUR THYROID FLARE UPS WELL CONTROLLED

ARE YOUR THYROID FLARE-UPS WELL CONTROLLED?

When someone mentions they have Hashimoto’s, they’re talking about having an under-active thyroid, referred to as hypothyroidism, as the result of autoimmunity.  In this case, the immune system inappropriately attacks the thyroid gland, resulting in glandular damage over time.  This inappropriate action of the immune system can occur from a myriad of reasons, with the basic understanding; your immune system is confusing the proteins on your thyroid gland for a foreign invader, such what would be seen on the outside of a bacteria or virus.  Another possible reason, is that the immune response is already so heightened – in the case of having another pre-existing autoimmune concern – where this inappropriate reaction is simply more likely to happen.  For this reason, we often see patients with one autoimmune concern being more susceptible to additional autoimmune concerns.

Out of the estimated five percent of people living with Hashimoto’s, approximately 8 times more women are affected than men – according to reports from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
We need to ensure that patients with Hashimoto’s are aware of what triggers make flare-ups worse, and how best to prevent future damage from occurring.
The thyroid hormone is your main metabolism hormone; interacting with all cells in your body.
When thyroid levels are sub-optimal, you’ll likely notice a change in how you feel.  Here are some symptoms you may experience with an under-active thyroid;
  • fatigue with possible aching joints and muscles
  • brain fog
  • weight gain
  • dry skin
  • changes with mood – anxiety or depression
  • perpetually cold, when others seem fine
  • constipation
What does it mean to  have an autoimmune flare-up?
It is usually an exacerbation of your original symptoms, as the immune response is heightened at this time.  In this case, we typically want to run an inflammatory marker on blood work, in conjunction with the rest of the thyroid blood work panel – the thyroid antibodies, TSH, free T3 and free T4.
If you’ve had your TSH run on blood work, and it falls within range yet you’re still experiencing thyroid symptoms; your levels likely are not optimal for you.
TSH is the most common marker tested on blood work, and it is very likely that this was the sole test that was run, for your annual blood work appointment.  Keeping in mind, that TSH is not the actual thyroid hormone, rather the SIGNAL that tells your body to either produce more or less of the actual hormones, T3 and T4.
From a dietary perspective, here is what you can do to avoid common triggers of a Hashimoto’s flare-up
The incorporation of the autoimmune paleo diet can be extremely helpful for some patients with Hashimoto’s.  The focus being on grain-free period of time, making note of how you’re feeling.  Also focusing on anti-inflammatory foods and supplements, such as curcumin found in turmeric, and ginger – can be great additions.  Keeping in mind, that we do want to reach a therapeutic dosage, thus it is best to seek advance from your Naturopathic Doctor.
There really is no one-size-fits-all diet, that is suitable for all patients with autoimmune concerns.  Adjustments should and can be made, and we would love to help guide you through this journey.  Contact us to book your free strategy session, to discover the best way for you to work with us.
*Disclaimer* The Strategy Call does NOT include any free medical advice.  It is to determine the best course of action for you!
Naturopathic Doctors at Health Over All