ASK
BONNIE for March 2004
Question #1:
My girlfriend is 23 years old and has been diagnosed with Hashimoto disease. She is constantly run down and almost always tired to the point of exhaustion after work. Is there anything she can do to help this? Do you think Hashimoto is causing this?
Answer #1:
Yes, I do think the Hashimoto is causing this. Without knowing exactly what steps she is taking to address the disease and its severity, I will lay out general information for which she may draw from.
Hashimoto disease, or chronic thyroiditis, is an inflammation of the thyroid gland that frequently results in hypothyroidism (lowered thyroid function). The onset of the disease is slow, and it may take months or even years for the condition to be detected. Chronic thyroiditis is most common in women and individuals with a family history of thyroid disease. It is estimated to affect between 0.1% and 5% of all adults in Western countries. Intolerance to cold, mild weight gain, fatigue, constipation, hoarseness, enlarged neck or presence of goiter, dry skin, hair loss, heavy and irregular menses, and difficulty concentrating or thinking are common symptoms associated with the disease. Usually, a free T4, serum TSH, T3, antithyroid peroxidase, and antibodyantithyroglobulin antibody tests are performed to diagnose the condition. Make sure all of these tests most (especially the TSH) were run on your girlfriend to rule out misdiagnosis.
With Hashimoto, the body develops antibodies that attack and gradually destroy the thyroid. A viral infection of the thyroid can also decrease thyroid hormone production, but the effect is generally mild and temporary. Before starting any medication, rule out viral infection first. Finally, iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism, but this seldom occurs in the developed world where iodine is routinely added to salt.
Besides these natural causes, there is a still more common cause of hypothyroidism—medical treatment for hyperthyroidism (excessive production of thyroid hormone production). People with certain forms of hyperthyroidism receive treatment with radioactive iodine to inactivate the thyroid gland. This treatment causes hypothyroidism, which requires lifelong treatment with thyroid replacement therapy.
Medical treatment for low-thyroid conditions is safe and very effective. In most cases, treatment involves use of a hormone called levothyroxine, or T4. The body actually uses two forms of thyroid, T4 and T3, but, in most cases, the body easily and automatically converts T4 to T3 in the right proportions. In those few people whose body cannot make this conversion, supplemental T3 may be necessary. In any case, the dosage of drug is adjusted by monitoring TSH levels. When the pituitary gland is satisfied, the dose is correct.
So-called “natural” thyroid hormone is popular among people interested in alternative medicine. Sold by prescription only under the name Armour Thyroid®, this extract of pig thyroid contains both T4 and T3. There is no doubt that Armour Thyroid is as effective as standard synthetic thyroid hormone, and it is a satisfactory choice for those who prefer to use natural treatments. If taking supplemental calcium, take it at least four hours away from thyroid medication.
Treatments sometimes recommended for hypothyroidism, but that lack any meaningful scientific support, include selenium, traditional chinese herbal medicine, vitamin B3, and zinc. Do not supplement with any of these substances without assistance from a licensed health professional.
Far too frequently, people with low thyroid levels consume seaweed or iodine supplements in hopes that they will help. However, while iodine deficiency does indeed cause low thyroid levels, taking iodine won’t help at all if you’re not deficient in it, and the vast majority of people living in the developed world have plenty of iodine. In fact, excessive iodine intake can occasionally cause hypothyroidism. This is a classic case of “more is not better.”
As Hashimoto is triggered by the immune system constantly inflaming, lifestyle and dietary choices have a major impact. Avoid any foods that you are allergic or sensitive to, because they trigger inflammation. Avoid processed and sugary foods. Sugary foods weaken the adrenal and thyroid glands. Find whatever method you feel comfortable with for stress reduction. Stress weakens the immune system, paving the way for inflammation to thrive. Stress also puts tremendous strain on your thyroid gland. Try to consume real foods, concentrating on lean, bioavailable protein, healthy fat, and low glycemic (fruits and vegetables) as opposed to high glycemic (breads, grains, sugar) carbohydrates. My Circle of Health Food Chart (pdf only) is a great model to follow.
Have a happy, healthy day.
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