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Hashimoto’s
thyroiditis is a chronic
inflammatory condition affecting the thyroid, the small gland
at the base of the neck.
This
thyroid disorder was first described by the Japanese specialist Dr. Hashimoto
Hakaru in 1912. Today Hashimoto’s
thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.
Hashimoto’s
thyroiditis is termed an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune problems occur when the
immune system attacks specific organs of the body.
The
immune system launches an attack on an organ in the same way it would attack a
foreign invader such as a virus or bacteria.
The
autoimmune reaction associated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis creates
inflammation within the thyroid. The thyroid stops functioning properly, and in
some cases the inflammation leads to destruction of the thyroid.
The
signs and symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are similar to the symptoms
usually associated with hypothyroidism. The symptoms vary widely depending on
the severity of the problem.
Hashimoto’s
thyroiditis and pregnancy
Optimal
thyroid health is particularly important for women who are pregnant or who are
considering having a baby. For women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis there is an
increased risk of early miscarriage or developing postpartum thyroiditis within
the first year of having a baby.
How to diagnose
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s
thyroiditis is signified by excess production of thyroid antibodies. To diagnose this disorder a specific test that
measures antibody levels is required. Abnormally elevated
thyroid antibodies thereby confirm the diagnosis.
Your
healthcare practitioner may request the following pathology tests;
thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb). Most
practitioners will also measure T4 and T3 and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
to determine how the thyroid gland is functioning.
A
physical examination of the thyroid region along with a thyroid ultrasound may
also be performed.
A
single
test of TSH is inadequate to screen an individual for Hashimoto’s
thyroiditis. You must get your thyroid antibodies checked!
Why is the thyroid
prone to autoimmune disease?
There
are no established reasons why the immune system triggers an autoimmune attack
on the thyroid. Some health researchers think a virus or bacterial infection
may initiate this response, while others believe a genetic flaw may be
involved.
It
is likely Hashimoto’s results form a range of factors. This thyroid autoimmune
disorder may be triggered by exposure to
toxins, chronic
infections, food intolerances (especially gluten), high iodine
intake and heavy metal toxicity.
There
is a high volume of blood washing through your thyroid. This makes the thyroid
extremely susceptible to damage from environmental toxins or whatever
compounds happen to be circulating in the blood. Damaged thyroid cells may be the spark that
ignites an autoimmune reaction within the thyroid.
There
is a clear-cut link between selenium and thyroid function. Is this the missing
link?
After
iodine the next most important nutrient to aid thyroid
health is selenium. Selenium acts as an important co-factor to the iodide
peroxidase enzyme. This specialised enzyme converts thyroxine (T4) to
triiodothyronine (T3). This enzyme therefore plays an pivotal role to regulate concentration
of T3.
Selenium
also plays an important role in safeguarding the thyroid from environmental
damage.
This
trace mineral helps boost glutathione, a potent antioxidant that is highly
active within the thyroid. Glutathione is naturally produced by the body by
combining selenium with three amino acids sourced from dietary protein. These
three amino acids are cysteine, glycine and glutamine.
The
thyroid contains more selenium than any other body part. When a deficiency
develops due to low dietary intake an individual is more likely to develop an
autoimmune thyroid disorder. In fact, in regions of severe selenium deficiency
there is a higher incidence of autoimmune thyroid disorders.
Research
suggests selenium supplementation could be useful in combination with
levothyroxine (T4) in the treatment of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Selenium
is generally considered safe when taken as recommended. In Australia and New
Zealand it is recommended that a daily dose of 150 micrograms from dietary
supplements should not be exceeded.
Read
the following related articles:
Author Bio:
Louise O’ Connor,
the author of The Natural Thyroid Diet –The 4-Week Plan to Living Well, Living Vibrantly, who
is a specialist in Thyroid Health. She is a highly regarded Australian
Naturopath and founder of Wellnesswork.
The Natural Thyroid
Diet goes beyond diet advice and offers practical and effective ways to achieve
healthy thyroid levels within just a short period of time. For more details,
Click on
The-Natural-Thyroid-Diet.com
