HASHIMOTO DISEASE AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
Reduce thyroid inflammation to improve your well-being and boost your energy levels!
Key Dietary Eliminations
The protocol centers on an elimination diet to address inflammation caused by molecular mimicry and gut permeability:
√ Consider switching to a gluten and dairy-free diet: These are the primary targets for elimination due to their documented link to Leaky Gut Syndrome and the subsequent autoimmune response (molecular mimicry) that causes the body to attack the thyroid. The author cites a personal experience of a 90% reduction in antibodies after two months of elimination.
√ Soy: To be avoided because they contain phytates that damage the intestinal lining.
√ Refined Sugar and Fructose: Should be eliminated to reduce the burden on the liver and prevent blood sugar imbalances, which stress the adrenal glands and can lead to insulin resistance.
√ Refined Oils: Avoid cooking with pro-inflammatory oils like sunflower and rapeseed. Instead, use ghee or coconut oil.
√ Sugar Alcohols: Discouraged due to potential links to allergic reactions and digestive issues like SIBO.
Recommended Foods and Supplements
The focus shifts to nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory, and gut-healing foods:
√ Substitutions: Use plant-based milks (coconut, almond) and pseudograins (buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa).
√ Gut Health: Consume Bone Broth (rich in collagen for gut lining repair) and prebiotic foods (chicory, spirulina, asparagus) to nourish the gut microbiota.
√ Healthy Fats: Prioritize Omega-3s from wild-caught fish, flax, and chia seeds and Omega-9s from avocado and olive oil.
√ Hydration: Drink 2-3 liters of filtered water daily, adding a pinch of Himalayan salt to replenish essential minerals.
√ Anti-inflammatories: Increase intake of fresh vegetables and use anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon. Spirulina is recommended for its powerful anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties.
√ Supplements that help lower anti-TPO and anti-TG antibody levels, such as black seed oil, selenium or myo-inositol. Consult a Functional Medicine Practitioner to get a personalised supplementation plan.
WHAT IS ESTROGEN?
Blood Sugar and Adrenal Support
Balancing blood sugar is highlighted as a critical step to alleviate stress on the adrenal glands, which are often underactive in hypothyroidism:
√ Stabilization: Incorporate protein with every meal, eat breakfast within an hour of waking, and combine carbohydrates with protein to avoid sugar spikes and subsequent reactive hypoglycemia.
√ Adrenal Care: Ensure 8-9 hours of sleep, going to bed by 10:00 PM (for adrenal regeneration), manage stress, and use supplements like Ashwagandha to support adrenal function.
Lifestyle and Detoxification
√ Detox: Use Epsom salt baths and an infrared sauna. Consult a Functional Medicine Practitioner about detox supplements.
√ Avoidances: Eliminate the use of microwaves, conventional cleaning products, and personal care items containing aluminum (antiperspirants), fluoride (toothpaste), chlorine, and xenohormones (BPA/phthalates from plastic bottles and cans).
Testing and Supplementation Plan
√ Blood test: Thyroid- Stimulating- Hormone (TSH), Free thyroxine (FT4), Free triiodothyronine (FT3), Thyroid peroxidase Antibodies (TPO) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb).
√ Gut Microbiome Test - testing for intestinal microflora, fungal infections and parasites. Contact us for my details.
√ Elemental Hair Analysis (EHA) is required to diagnose heavy metal toxicity and deficiencies in key minerals (e.g., selenium, zinc, magnesium) and vitamins, which is crucial for creating a personalized supplementation plan.
Contact us for my details.
√ Testing for chronic or latent viral infections capable of reactivation (IgG antibodies and advanced ELISpot laboratory testing).
The primary viral infections linked to Hashimoto's include:
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Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
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Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6)
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Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
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Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)
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Coxsackievirus B
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Human Parvovirus B19
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Rubella Virus
These viruses can cause the immune system to misidentify thyroid tissue as a threat — a process called molecular mimicry—or they can physically hide inside the thyroid gland, leading to chronic localized inflammation. The virus infects thyroid cells, and the immune system sends cells to destroy the infected tissue. The virus contains proteins that are structurally very similar to thyroid proteins (e.g., thyroid peroxidase - TPO). Our antibodies or T-cells mistakenly attack the similar-looking thyroid proteins, leading to autoimmunity.
Contact us to order the most sensitive tests for latent viral infections that may be targeting your thyroid.
Mineral Deficiencies causing Hypothyroidism:
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Potassium
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Sodium
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Selenium - lowers thyroid antibodies, needed for T3 thyroid hormone production
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Iron
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Phosphorus
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Manganese
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Magnesium
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Chromium
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Zinc
Vitamin Deficiencies causing Hypothyroidism:
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A
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C
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B6, B5, B1
Thyroid Inhibitors (inhibit its function):
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Lithium
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Heavy metals
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Copper
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Estrogen
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Insulin
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Calcium
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Parathyroid hormone (PTH) produced by the parathyroid glands
Read this testimonial from one of my clients:
For many years, I suffered from chronic fatigue, difficulty getting out of bed in the morning, low energy, and mood swings. Doctors diagnosed me with hypothyroidism and the onset of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. I sought help from many specialists, but Functional Medicine proved to be the answer to my health ailments. By changing my diet, correcting mineral and vitamin deficiencies, reducing exposure to toxins, and using probiotics, I managed to eliminate the inflammation in my thyroid gland and no longer have any symptoms. I gave birth to two healthy children, and my TSH levels are perfect. I highly recommend Katarzyna Blochowiak's services.