Functional Medicine Approach to Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's

Understanding Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and depression. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder and the most common cause of hypothyroidism. In Hashimoto's, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to chronic inflammation and impaired thyroid function.

Why Patients Choose Integrative Health Solutions?

Dr. Bronner is known to be a leading thyroid doctor. He has been working with patients who are struggling with hypothyroidism for more than 20 years. It is common for people with hypothyroidism to struggle for many years until they can find solutions.

We make sure to do the most comprehensive testing that is available to truly identify where your thyroid imbalances are. We look for the root causes of your hypothyroidism such as autoimmune antibodies and nutrient deficiencies. Once we have identified where the imbalance is, we are able to address these effectively and efficiently.

Hypothyroidism – Details

Hypothyroidism occurs when there is a lack of thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone is essential for the overall functioning of our bodies. It is responsible for our metabolism, body temperature, ability to burn fat, and overall energy. When we have a lack of these hormones, many symptoms can occur that affect our quality of life.

Hypothyroidism is on the rise due to environmental conditions. Various factors can affect thyroid function. Many people who are hypothyroid and are currently being treated with T4-only medication may find that their treatment feels woefully inadequate, leaving them with many lingering symptoms of hypothyroidism. This is because the body needs liothyronine (T3) to actually function, and without checking this number, you don't have the whole picture. Reverse T3 is another marker that must be assessed to verify the proper and optimal functioning of the thyroid. It is also very important to check for thyroid antibodies to make sure we do not have an autoimmune condition that is attacking the thyroid gland.

We make sure to check all the variables and cover all the bases.

Causes of Hypothyroidism

The two main causes of hypothyroidism are:

• Inflammation of the thyroid: Most often this is because of autoimmune antibodies. These antibodies attack and over time destroy the thyroid tissue leading to lower hormone production. It is very important to identify this so that things can be done to mitigate this damage.
• Nutrient deficiencies: This can lead to poor thyroid function. This most often occurs when there are no antibodies present but the patient is still hypothyroid. In these cases, we like to look at iodine levels and other nutrients to make sure there are no deficiencies. Gastrointestinal function can play a role in thyroid health as well.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

• Weakness
• Hair loss
• Feeling cold
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Fatigue
• Memory loss
• Constipation
• Joint pain
• Dry skin
• Allergies
• Poor immune function
• Early aging

The Functional Medicine Approach

Functional medicine aims to address the root causes of health issues, rather than just treating symptoms. This approach involves a comprehensive assessment of an individual's genetic, biochemical, and lifestyle factors to create personalized treatment plans. For hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's, functional medicine focuses on the following key areas:

1. Comprehensive Testing and Diagnosis

Functional medicine practitioners use advanced testing to get a complete picture of thyroid health. This includes:

• Thyroid Function Tests: TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies (TPOAb and TgAb).
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Assessing levels of iodine, selenium, zinc, and vitamin D, which are crucial for thyroid function.
• Gut Health: Evaluating gut permeability and microbiome balance, as gut health can significantly impact thyroid function.
• Adrenal Function: Testing cortisol levels to understand the role of stress in thyroid dysfunction.

2. Personalized Nutrition and Diet

Diet plays a crucial role in managing hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's. Functional medicine emphasizes:

• Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Reducing inflammation through a diet rich in whole foods, including vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
• Gluten-Free Diet: Many individuals with Hashimoto's benefit from eliminating gluten, which can reduce autoimmune responses.
• Nutrient-Rich Foods: Incorporating foods high in essential nutrients like selenium, zinc, and iodine to support thyroid function.

3. Gut Health Optimization

A healthy gut is vital for overall health and particularly for autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's. Functional medicine strategies include:

• Probiotics and Prebiotics: Supporting a healthy microbiome through beneficial bacteria.
• Elimination Diets: Identifying and removing foods that trigger inflammation and gut permeability.
• Gut Healing Protocols: Using supplements and foods that support gut lining integrity, such as L-glutamine, bone broth, and aloe vera.

4. Stress Management and Lifestyle Modifications

Chronic stress can exacerbate thyroid dysfunction. Functional medicine incorporates:

• Stress Reduction Techniques: Practices like yoga, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises.
• Sleep Optimization: Ensuring adequate and quality sleep to support hormonal balance.
• Physical Activity: Engaging in regular, moderate exercise to improve overall well-being.

5. Personalized Supplementation

Based on individual needs, functional medicine may recommend specific supplements to support thyroid health and reduce autoimmune activity, such as:

• Selenium and Zinc
• Vitamin D
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids
• Adaptogenic Herbs (e.g., ashwagandha, rhodiola)

Take Control of Your Thyroid Health

At Integrative Health Solutions, we strive to help support our patients who are struggling with thyroid conditions of all kinds by completing thorough testing and providing state-of-the-art treatment protocols. Our experienced practitioners work closely with you to create a customized plan that addresses your unique needs and promotes long-term well-being.