If you or a loved one struggles with symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, give us a call today at (775) 507-2000.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition, where antibodies attack healthy thyroid tissues and thyroid cells. In response to this attack, thyroid hormone levels go askew causing TSH to be increased and T4 to be decreased.
Typically, a Hashimoto’s diagnosis can take a while, as most practitioners do not test for the markers frequently. The standard testing used to diagnose Hashimoto’s involves testing Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies and Anti-thyroglobulin Antibodies, along with other standard thyroid hormone blood tests. When the antibodies are elevated, that is an indicator as well as physical symptoms (see below). When the antibodies test results come back high, we can see that there is an autoimmune attack on the thyroid.
Where do these antibodies come from? There has been a genetic component shown in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Women are especially prone as well with 1 in 3 women being diagnosed with some kind of thyroid disorder. Additionally, there are also environmental and hormonal components. Primarily, there is a vast connection between dysbiosis and the condition. Recent research has shown that Hashimoto’s is linked to autoimmune gastritis, with 40% of gastritis patients having Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis as well. 10-40% of other gastric disorders are also connected to Hashimoto’s. Clearly, there is a major intestinal connection due to the overgrowth of bad gut bacteria.
As a result of this, standard medical care may not result in optimal thyroid function. Standard practice of care is to prescribe Hashimoto’s patients with a synthesized Thyroxine (T4). However, due to many of the Hashimoto’s patients having gastric disorders, the medication is not fully absorbed. These patients with Hashimoto’s only show to actually ingest 62%-84% of the prescribed dose. This occurs because of decreased secretion of gastric acid, which leads to lower absorption of the pharmaceutical grade levothyroxine. As stated, most patients are typically only prescribed medication to address the decreased T4 and increase TSH. The standard medical model does not address the main issue which is residing in the gut.
So, how do we fix this on a functional level? Most people who experience the symptoms of Hashimoto’s have been experiencing them for an extended period of time, but it is not hopeless. In order to fix this, we must first address the bacterial imbalance in the gastrointestinal system. At Gate’s Brain Health we provide sincere guidance to see your symptoms resolve. We will provide you with a nutritional plan that will specifically address the autoimmune attack happening not only on your thyroid but your gut as well. Dr. Gates, D.C. Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist, will also utilize natural supplements known to kill off bad gut bacteria and prohibit ideal thyroid function. We will also work alongside your general practitioner to ensure that you are receiving optimal care regarding your condition.
If you are experiencing the below symptoms of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and would like to achieve optimal thyroid function, please call us today!
Symptoms:
- Unexplained weight gain
- Joint pain
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
- Cold intolerance
- Edema
- Dry skin
- Constipation
- Enlarged thyroid
- Depression/Anxiety