Hashimoto’s is the leading cause of hypothyroidism in the U.S. Hashimoto’s is a form of hypothyroidism. The same symptoms apply for hashimoto’s and hyperthyroidism. Women in their middle age have higher rates of Hashimoto’s then any other group. However, it can affect any age or sex.

The leading signs for Hashimoto’s:

• Enlarged thyroid gland in the throat-below the Adam’s Apple
• Fatigue/No Energy
• Puffy Skin
• Swollen tongue
• Brittle Nails and Hair
• Hair Loss
• Depression
• Joint and Muscle Pain
• Female Menstrual Problems
• Constipation

Scientist’s and researchers do not know the exact cause of Hashimoto’s. There are two theories however that are being investigated.

1. Infections – viruses and bacteria
2. Genetics – the gene mutations passed down from parents creating a weak thyroid. 

From my experience in the office, I have seen both of these factors affect the thyroid and create hypothyroid symptoms.

In my practice, I incorporate kinesiology and acupuncture meridian testing to determine if the body weakens neurologically to infections. I often see infections such as Epstein Barr Virus, Cytomegalovirus Virus, Astrovirus, Influenza, Mumps, Streptococcus, Staph, Campylobacter (food poisoning), and pseudomonas heavily affect and decrease thyroid function. Many patients remember they had these infections when they were children. The infections can hide in tissue and lay dormant, but all the while draining you of nutrients and damaging the thyroid.

I am cautious to say this, but I do have a suspicion that the antibodies are attacking the hidden infections within the thyroid tissue, not the thyroid itself. Why would the body attack itself? Researcher’s are investigating and stating that this also could be the issue with other autoimmune diseases such as: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Type 1 Diabetes. I do agree from what I see in the office.

Genetics play a key role in Hashimoto’s Disease. There are genes that code for physical shape, size, function, metabolism of thyroid tissue that is passed down from your parents. If any one of your parents had thyroid issues, you can be prone to have the same condition since you received the mutated genes/codes. You can mask the symptoms of Hashimoto’s with the right supplementation and lifestyle changes necessary.

With my patients, I often check and test the Triple Warmer Meridian in Chinese Acupuncture. It is the energy channel responsible for the support and function of the thyroid, small intestine, heart, and hormonal/circulation system. They all affect each other! Not one organ functions on it’s own; they borrow energy from each other in times of weakness to create balanced energy between each other.

Removing stress from the Triple Warmer Channel is important to bring health to the thyroid and it’s sister organs. Every patient is different, however I often see common foods that negatively affect those with Hashimoto’s:

• Grains – wheat, rye, barley, rice, oats, flour
• Dairy – sugars, lactose, galactose and casein are hard to break down
• White Sugar
• Lectins

First Step:
I HAVE HONESTLY SEEN HASHIMOTO’S SYMPTOMS DRAMATICALLY CHANGE WHEN A PATIENT STRICTLY GIVES UP THESE FOODS. Without having to take any supplements or go on any special diet, I have seen patients change their own lives by taking control of eliminating these inflammatory foods. This is the first step.

It does take finding a different way to eat, and you may be able to have some of those foods back in your diet, but it all depends on how long it takes for your thyroid to heal.

Stick With the Basics:

• Lean meats: lamb, bison, grass-fed beef, fresh fish, plant proteins
• Lectin Free vegetables
• Low sugar fruits: melons, cantaloupe, cherries, most all berries

Later we can talk about supplementation, but the most important thing for your thyroid health is re-shaping your diet.