In the first part of this article I ended off mentioning several triggers for getting an autoimmune disease, including Hashimoto’s. These include chronic stress, hormone imbalances, sugar issues such as insulin resistance, iodine deficiency and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), allergies especially gluten intolerance, vitamin deficiencies especially vitamin D, toxicity from the environment or from dietary intake, chronic inflammation and infections, and genetic susceptibility.
How Chronic Stress Fuels Autoimmune Disease
Stress was a word originally used by engineers to measure the amount of pressure or weight that a structure could tolerate. Dr. Hans Selye coined the term “human stress” as related to how we react and respond to external stimuli. There are 3 types of “stress”: physical, mental and chemical. Whether one is in an accident (physical), or there is psychological stress such as a divorce or illness of a family member or a low balance in a bank account, or one is on a junk diet (chemical), these factors cause a reaction in our bodies. As we know, there are some people who seem very relaxed and easygoing, and others who seem nervous and worried all the time. Another way to explain this behavior is that there are either very positive people or very negative people. So it is not only what comes at us, but how we respond/react to it, that counts. In any case, stress does much to weaken our immune systems. Overproduction of cortisol from the adrenal glands causes weakness in the digestive tract, brain, and other organs. It sets up a situation where we become much more vulnerable and then develop autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s.
The Gluten and Thyroid Tissue Connection
Numerous studies from all over the world link Hashimoto’s to gluten sensitivity. Gluten is the protein found in grains such as wheat, spelt, rye, barley and, to a lesser degree, oats. It is actually the gliadin portion of gluten that causes the immune response. Besides a genetic weakness to gluten called Celiac, in our society the overconsumption of wheat and wheat products tends to eventually create an attack on our immune system when consuming these products. In time, the overactive immune system may begin attacking body tissue. To make matters worse for the thyroid gland, the molecular structure of gliadin very closely resembles that of thyroid tissue. So when the immune system is on attack it may attack the gliadin cells and the thyroid cells simultaneously. Celiac disease affects up to one in a hundred Americans, though most people are unaware they have it. Gluten intolerance may affect about 50-80% of Americans, and it weakens the intestinal tract, causing “leaky gut” syndrome. Then other autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s disease emerge.
Other Dietary Triggers to Watch
Other provocative foods such as dairy should also be tested and probably avoided. Specifically, the protein molecule in dairy called casein is implicated in autoimmune disease and Hashimoto’s. Any foods that are toxic should be avoided as well. Beginning with soda pop and other excessive sugar-laden products, also acid-forming foods such as pineapple, orange and orange juice, tomatoes etc. should be avoided. Insulin resistance, caused by a high-carbohydrate diet, promotes inflammation and immune system problems – leading to autoimmune issues. Low levels of iodine and too much refined sugar lead to a condition called PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome. PCOS is found among young females at an alarming rate. It is the most common cause of infertility. PCOS can trigger Hashimoto’s.
Hormones, Pregnancy and Hashimoto’s
It is well known that women develop hypothyroid symptoms after childbirth. They are usually prescribed Synthroid, again based on the TSH levels of blood tests. It is important to test the hormone estrogen when ruling out Hashimoto’s. Estrogen may trigger Hashimoto’s after a pregnancy. Later in a woman’s life, during perimenopause, also due to estrogen fluctuations, symptoms of Hashimoto’s may be similar to those of perimenopause.
Why Vitamin D Matters So Much
A vitamin D deficiency, so common among us, is associated with Hashimoto’s. Vitamin D is actually a steroid hormone. Vitamin D is essential for a balanced, strong immune system. Especially due to a genetic defect affecting the ability to absorb vitamin D, people with autoimmune disease must take adequate doses of D3, as much as 20,000 IU daily. Blood tests should be taken regularly.
So in conclusion, eating healthily, exercising, leading a low-stress lifestyle, having a well-functioning digestive system, and building a strong immune system are all necessary in avoiding and treating autoimmune disease. Remember, your mainstream doctor often does not dig deep enough when treating hypothyroidism. Remember too, of key importance, is avoiding gluten! So is it the thyroid or the immune system? Through in-depth analysis the answers will emerge. Antibody blood tests, gliadin sensitivity tests, glucose tolerance tests etc. should be performed, not just a thyroid panel of TSH, T3 and T4.
For any health related issues, or for a “second opinion,” please contact me at 845 369-1310 or at drbek@aol.com. Thanks!