Reverse The Autoimmunity Gear
Most doctors will not treat Hashimotos' disease separately and the course of treatment includes the regular levothyroxine supplement , as in hypothyroid. However, one can take certain steps towards addressing the autoimmune element holistically . These include :
- Go 100% GLUTEN-FREE . The molecular composition of thyroid tissue is almost similar to that of gluten. So for those with Hashimoto's, it's a case of mistaken identity. Eating gluten can increase the autoimmune attack on your thyroid. Gluten intolerance - which is far more commonplace than was previously known and is now recognized as a major trigger for autoimmune conditions. However, one must be careful that "Gluten-free" foods that we consumed are also not processed & junk foods.
- Ensure a HEALTHY GUT 80% of your immune system resides in your gut. And a leaky gut can expose the immune system to food particles, toxins, bacteria and so on. This will overwhelm your immune system, making it attack your own body. Including probiotic-rich & fermented foods can help maintain a healthy gut lining. Such foods include kanji, kefir, kimchi, yogurt,or even home-made pickles and idli, dosa.
- Try and STEP UP YOUR PROTEIN INTAKE: Most of the time, our regular daily meals are more carb-dominant and protein intake is less than sufficient. Including more pulses, nuts, millets , organic poultry, fish can help step up protein consumption. Protein helps transport thyroid hormones throughout the body.
- Try and REDUCE intake of refined SUGAR & CAFFEINE . It isn't a hidden secret anymore that refined sugar is one of the main causes of elevated inflammation as well as a leaky gut in the body. Consumption of caffeine beyond moderation can impact the adrenal glands negatively. These are terrible twosome and can burn out the thyroid gland and also destabilize blood sugar levels.
- Try & SWITCH YOUR SALT: It's commonly believed that hypothyroidism is due to insufficient iodine, but this isn't true. In fact, if you have Hashimoto's, taking supplemental iodine is like throwing kerosene over a fire. Eschew the iodised salt and opt for options like himalayan pink salt, rock salt or sea salt.
- INCLUDE HEALTHY FATS Good fat is your friend and cholesterol is a precursor to hormonal pathways. Natural healthy fats include Ghee, olive oil, coconut oil, nuts, flaxseeds and full-fat cheese. Virgin Coconut oil has been found to be specially helpful in managing Hypothyroid as it contains MCTs(medium chain triglycerides) that help boost metabolism, raise basal body temperature and provide energy. The lauric acid in coconut oil helps improve the immune system. Omega 3 fats can be obtained by taking oily fish & flaxseeds .
- SELENIUM SUPPLEMENT: In the field of nutrition, promising findings from many research studies have pointed to the value ofl selenium in helping to combat autoimmune thyroid disease by helping significantly lower the elevated thyroid antibody levels , thereby warding off development of full autoimmune thyroid disease, and resulting hypothyroidism. Selenium deficiency is associated with sub-optimal thyroid function, and has been shown to be a risk factor for both Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease. Brazil nuts, fatty fish,pork & beef are some of the food sources of selenium.
- Try and maintain OPTIMAL LEVELS OF VIT-D. Optimal vitamin D levels are between 50-80 ng/mL; anything below 32 contributes to hormone pathway disruption. Many studies have confirmed that patients with high TPO antibodies had significantly low levels of Vit D. Besides taking supplements(in case of deficiency, one must also sit under the sun to help make Vit D naturally).
- ASHWAGANDHA & CURCUMIN: Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb and is known to work wonders in case of adrenal & thyroid issues as it helps the body to cope with stress better. Also called the Indian ginseng, it helps lower cortisol, and helps balance thyroid hormones besides boosting immunity, strength and curing fatigue. Curcumin is the yellow pigment in turmeric and the magical compound known for it's anti-inflammatory as well as immune-boosting properties.
- Include GLUTATHIONE: Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and is one of the pillars of fighting Autoimmune thyroid conditions. While few foods contain glutathione, there are foods that help the body produce glutathione: asparagus, broccoli, peaches, avocado, spinach, garlic, squash, grapefruit, and raw eggs. Exercise helps in production of Glutathione in the body, so here is another reason why should include exercise of a regular basis.
- PRACTICE RELAXATION TECHNIQUES to help you combat stress better. Stress and the resultant secretion of cortisol are known immune suppressants. Chronically elevated cortisol levels due to chronic stress hinders thyroid hormone production and suppresses the conversion of the inactive form of thyroid hormone, Free T4, to the active form, Free T3. Including relaxation techniques like meditation, chanting, yoga may just help shift the thyroid function into the right gear.
Be positive that your immune system can again be off the auto-gear and you can be on the road towards good health & longevity.
