View source for Hashimoto's - Primary

== What Does It Mean? ==
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to chronic inflammation and impaired thyroid function. This condition can result in hypothyroidism, causing metabolic slowdowns, fatigue, and other systemic effects. Functional Medicine aims to identify triggers such as gut health imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and immune dysfunction to address the root cause and improve thyroid health.

== How Did We Get There? ==

=== Root Causes: ===

* Autoimmune Dysfunction – The immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid tissue, leading to chronic inflammation.
* Nutrient Deficiencies – Low levels of iodine, selenium, zinc, and vitamin D can impair thyroid hormone production.
* Gut Dysbiosis & Leaky Gut – Increased intestinal permeability can exacerbate immune dysfunction and contribute to autoimmunity.
* Chronic Stress & Adrenal Imbalances – Dysregulated cortisol levels can interfere with thyroid hormone conversion.
* Toxin Exposure – Environmental toxins such as heavy metals and endocrine disruptors may trigger thyroid dysfunction.

=== Signs & Symptoms: ===

* Fatigue and sluggishness
* Unexplained weight gain
* Cold intolerance
* Dry skin and brittle hair
* Depression or mood swings
* Constipation
* Brain fog and memory issues
* Joint pain or muscle weakness

=== Lab Test Findings ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Lab Test'''
|'''Expected Changes'''
|'''Optimal Range'''
|-
|TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone)
|Decreased
|1.00-2.00 µU/mL 
|-
|Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO Ab)
|Increased
|0-6.80 IU/mL
|-
|Anti-Thyroglobulin Antibodies (Anti-Tg IgG)
|Increased
|0-15.00 IU/mL
|-
|Iodine (Serum/Plasma)
|Normal or Decreased
|52.00-80.00 µg/dL
|}

== How Do We Treat It? ==
A Functional Medicine approach to Hashimoto’s focuses on reducing autoimmune activity, supporting thyroid hormone production, and improving gut health to restore balance and optimize function.

=== Supplement Protocol ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Supplement'''
|'''Function'''
|'''Dosage & Frequency'''
|-
|Vita-Thyro
|Supports thyroid hormone synthesis and function
|2 capsules with or without food, twice daily
|-
|V-Inflamma
|Reduces systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation
|2 capsules without food, daily
|-
|DG Protect
|Supports gut barrier integrity and immune modulation
|1 capsules 20-30 minutes  prior to food, three times daily
|-
|Vita DIM
|Aids in hormone metabolism and reduces estrogen dominance
|2 capsules with or without food, daily
|}

=== Additional Lifestyle Interventions: ===

* Optimize Gut Health: Remove inflammatory foods and support microbiome balance.
* Manage Stress: Implement stress-reducing techniques such as meditation and yoga.
* Reduce Toxin Exposure: Avoid endocrine disruptors found in plastics, processed foods, and personal care products.
* Balance Blood Sugar: Maintain stable glucose levels through diet and lifestyle modifications.
* Adequate Sleep: Prioritize 7-9 hours of restorative sleep to support immune regulation.