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).

Symptoms

You can experience Thyroid symptoms such as:

• Fatigue
  
• Cold intolerance
  
• Constipation
  
• Dry skin & hair
  
• Puffy face
  
• Muscle & joint aches
  
• Brain fog
  
• Insomnia
  
• Low mood or depression
  
• Irregular or heavy periods
  
• Slow heart rate
  
• Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
  

What are the causes of Hashimoto's flare-up?

Nutrient Deficiencies

1. Iodine
   
2. Selenium
   
3. Zinc
   
4. Vitamins B-12 and D
   

Medicines and Supplements

Thyroid medication can be interfered with by certain drugs and supplements.

1. Calcium Carbonate
   
2. Iron
   
3. Multivitamins containing calcium and iron
   
4. Antacids
   
5. Estrogens - used in birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy
   
6. Certain medications for lowering cholesterol, ulcer, seizure, and antibiotics
   

Stress

1. Emotional Stress - pertains to work, relationships, and health.
   
2. Physical Stress - going through an illness, injury, or surgery.
   
3. Pregnancy, menopause, and other life changes.
   

The triggers of Hashimoto’s flare-up

1. Diet

   A healthy diet can stimulate your hormones, brain, and gut, reversing immune dysfunction and inflammation.
   

2. Emotional & Physical Stress
   

   The impact of stress on your body is far-reaching, affecting everything from your hormone production to your immune system.
   

3. Viral Infections
   

   One environmental factor triggering an autoimmune outbreak is viral infections (like rubella, mumps, or Epstein-Barr virus), and a virus causes inflammation as a defense mechanism. Conditions of any kind can put a strain on your body, making it susceptible to disruptions.
   

4. Lack of Sleep & Lack of Exercise
   

   Thyroid health can improve by getting enough sleep. If you struggle to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get low-quality sleep, your immune system will have a difficult time building up its forces.
   

5. Bacterial Infections (Acute or Recurrent)
   

   Bacterial infections can also stress the immune system, leading to Hashimoto's exacerbations.
   

6. Parasites
   

   Parasites can also trigger outbursts. There have been reports that some cases of Hashimoto's are associated with blastocystis hominis infections.
   

7. Exposure to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
   

   Chemicals that disrupt hormones are classified as EDCs. EDC chemicals like these either block or mimic native hormones in the body. Moreover, they make thyroid lab tests appear better than they are, thus interfering with thyroid diagnosis. These chemicals are found in plastics, receipts, drinking water, clothing, lotions, creams, etc.
   

8. Leaky Gut
   

   A leaky gut means that your body's protective barrier (intestinal lining) is not as effective, and toxins may enter your bloodstream unintentionally. You may experience inflammation in your gut, or your immune system may react to the toxins, two factors that can cause a flare-up.
   

How are Hashimoto's flare ups treated?

• Changing your medication or stopping it may be recommended by your healthcare provider.
  
• Researchers suggest that bioidentical thyroid replacement may be more effective.
  
• If you have nutrient deficiencies, your thyroid function will improve by taking supplements or changing your diet.
  
• Mindfulness meditation may improve immune system function for stress-related thyroid flare-ups.
  

Lifestyle Changes for Hashimoto's

Diets

• gluten-free diet
  
• sugar-free diet
  
• Paleo diet
  
• grain-free diet
  
• dairy-free diet
  
• an autoimmune modified paleo diet
  
• low glycemic index diet
  

Supplements

• Vitamin D
  
• Selenium
  
• Zinc
  
• Curcumin
  
• B Complex vitamins
  
• Magnesium
  
• Iron
  
• Thyroid Synergy or Thyroid Support Complex
  

When to see an expert for a Hashimoto's flare up?