What is Hashimoto's Disease?
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a condition that causes inflammation of the thyroid gland and is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism. Hashimoto's flare-ups are periods of intense inflammation that can occur when the gland isn't producing enough hormones. They can be highly disruptive and lead to many complications, including weight gain, fatigue, and an increased risk of heart disease.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also called Hashimoto's disease, is an autoimmune condition. Thyroid gland damage occurs when it attacks the immune system by mistake. As a result, hypothyroidism can develop when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones to meet the body's needs.
A condition in which the immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue by mistake is referred to as an
autoimmune disorder.
What is Graves’ Disease?
Graves' disease causes hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid gland. You produce more thyroid hormones than you need, so your body speeds up many of its functions.
Hashimoto's and Graves' diseases are both autoimmune disorders that affect your thyroid gland, which produces hormones that regulate your body's basal metabolic rate.
What is a Hashimoto’s flare-up?
A Hashimoto's flare-up is a temporary increase in symptoms experienced by people with Hashimoto's disease. These flare-ups can be brought on by stress, illness, or other triggers and can last for days or weeks at a time. During a flare-up, people may experience fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and other symptoms.
Hashimoto's disease flare-ups can generate hypothyroid symptoms even if you are receiving treatment for it. If this occurs, it's most likely because your thyroid replacement hormone is insufficient, typically levothyroxine (T4).
A variety of factors can cause a flare-up of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
The thyroid is affected by stress because it slows down your body's metabolic rate. There is a reduction in
triiodothyronine (T3) and
thyroxine (T4) hormones when thyroid function slows during stress.
The treatment for a Hashimoto upsurge can vary depending on the symptoms, including dietary changes, medication, or surgery.
The effect of diet and lifestyle changes on Hashimoto's thyroiditis can be significant, including lowering antibody levels, improving thyroid function, and reducing its symptoms.
There have been several diets found to improve Hashimoto's symptoms in some people.
Taking supplements may help lower thyroid antibodies and inflammation.
Getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and practicing self-care are imperative. Stress reduction techniques lower thyroid antibodies, improve quality of life, and decrease depression and anxiety. When you're fatigued, it's vital to allow your body to rest and avoid foods that will compromise your immune system leading to Hashimoto's outburst.
If in case of unexplained weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, and constipation, consult your
functional medicine doctor to find out if you are experiencing Hashimoto's thyroiditis flare-ups.
People with Hashimoto's disease must be aware of the potential for a flare-up while taking the necessary steps for prevention. If you are experiencing any Hashimoto symptoms, it is essential to seek medical help immediately to prevent or minimize the outbreak's severity while keeping the thyroid hormone levels in check.