Hashimoto's Protocol: Root Causes & Effective Solutions

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The thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck, plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions. Disorders affecting the thyroid can have a profound impact on overall health, and two common conditions often confused are Hashimoto's thyroiditis and hypothyroidism. In this article, we'll unravel the mysteries surrounding Hashimoto's, understand its distinctions from hypothyroidism, and explore effective strategies for addressing this autoimmune thyroid disorder.

Hashimoto's VS Hypothyroidism

1. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: An Autoimmune Culprit

   Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition wherein the immune system 'mistakenly' attacks the thyroid gland. This assault triggers inflammation and impairs the thyroid's ability to produce hormones adequately. The condition is typically asymptomatic in the early stages, but individuals eventually develop symptoms of hypothyroidism. The combination of high TSH, low free T4, and anti-thyroid antibodies confirms a diagnosis of Hashimoto’s disease

2. Hypothyroidism: A Broad Spectrum Condition

   Hypothyroidism, on the other hand, is a general term denoting an underactive thyroid. It can result from various causes, with Hashimoto's being one of the contributors. To explore other causes of hypothyroidism go to: Hypothyroidism Protocol

The Main Distinguishing Factor

• Autoimmune Origins: The Hallmark of Hashimoto's

  The symptoms of Hypothyroidism & Hashimoto's are similar. The key differentiator is the autoimmune nature of Hashimoto's. Diagnostic tests, including thyroid antibody tests like anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies, can help identify the autoimmune component. In Hashimoto's antibodies will be elevated. 

  • Functional Range Anti-thyroid Peroxidase (TPO): 0 - 6.8 IU/ml
  • Function Range Thyroglobulin Abs: 0 -1 IU/ml

Root Causes of Hashimoto's 

• Trauma (physical, emotional, mental)

• Difficulty or fear expressing oneself 
• Chronic Stress
• Environmental toxins
  • Heavy metals
    • Hair Mineral Analysis
  • Mold
    • Mycotoxin Profile
  • Endocrine disruptors: pharmaceuticals, dioxin and dioxin-like compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls, DDT and other pesticides, and plasticizers such as bisphenol A (BPA) are the most common

• Leaky gut

• Stealth pathogens such as Candida Overgrowth, parasites (i.e. blastocysts hominis), SIBO

• Viruses (can be taken care of if you address your toxic burden)
• Poor Drainage Pathways
• Food allergies or sensitivities
• Iodine overload

Order of Operations

• Important to continue medication while addressing root causes and periodically test your thyroid markers
• Regulate your nervous system if you have a history of trauma from childhood or adulthood
• Control your exposure to environmental toxins 
  • Invest in a good water filter: Reverse osmosis such as AquaTru (link applies discount automatically), or with a distillation machine such as My Pure Water (code: PAOLA)
  • If mold is present in your environment, invest in a good air filter such as AirDoctor (link applies discount automatically). Consider having it tested and remediated. 
• Assess your drainage pathways and support as necessary to start reducing your toxic burden.
• Avoid gluten for a minimum of 3 months and retest your antibodies at the end of the 3 month period
• Consider possible food sensitivities such as soy, dairy, eggs, corn and nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers, eggplants, and various berries like goji berries). You can benefit from doing elimination diets, removing these foods/food groups for a minimum of 30 days. 
• Test your levels of heavy metals & mold. You would have to actively address them if drainage is not enough. 
• Assess your risk of Candida Overgrowth, Parasites and SIBO. Address what is present so that you can start healing leaky gut. Note that comprehensive parasite cleansing can take care of candida overgrowth, SIBO, LIBO, and SIFO. 
• Seal the gut lining (*Leaky Gut Protocol will be available soon!*)
• Use red-light therapy (I own Firestorm) on the thyroid daily or every other day for 20-25 minutes. Red light therapy is a great way to reduce antibodies. 
• Test Serum Iodine: > 80 mcg/L is considered iodine overload. Assess possible exposures:

  • Taking iodine supplements or medications containing iodine.

  • Regularly consuming large amounts of seaweed or kelp.

  • Consuming excessive amounts of iodized salt in processed and restaurant foods.

  • Working in industries using iodine, leading to exposure through skin contact or inhalation.

• Consider nutrients that help reduce antibodies (keep in mind that this is more of a bandaid, hence the other tools should take priority!)

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Nutrients To Reduce TPO Antibodies

• Vitamin D: 2000-4000 IU per day for 6 months with meals. This would be 1-2 drops of Seeking Health per day. Test your vitamin D levels first to rule out toxicity typically exceeding 150 ng/mL.
• Selenium: 200 mcg/day for a minimum of 3 months, it may take 9 months to see significant results

Note: You may need one or both of these supplements to notice improvements.