May 19, 2025 • 22 mins
Did your doctor prescribe Synthroid without looking for the real reason your thyroid is struggling? You're not alone. Millions suffer from Hashimoto's thyroiditis—an autoimmune condition masquerading as a simple thyroid problem—and most conventional treatments miss the mark completely.
Hashimoto's isn't about a sluggish thyroid; it's about your immune system launching a full-scale attack on your butterfly-shaped gland. That persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain, depression, brain fog, and hair loss aren't just annoying symptoms—they're signals that something deeper is happening. Those puffy eyes and thinning outer eyebrows? Classic signs your body is fighting itself.
The functional medicine approach digs beneath surface symptoms to identify and address root causes. While conventional medicine typically stops at prescribing synthetic hormones, true healing requires investigating food sensitivities, gut health, stress levels, and environmental triggers that fuel autoimmune inflammation. Through comprehensive testing for thyroid antibodies (TPO and thyroglobulin) and implementing targeted interventions like anti-inflammatory diets, stress management techniques, and specific supplements (selenium, vitamin D, magnesium), many patients experience significant improvement within weeks and can achieve remission within months.
Women are 5-10 times more likely than men to develop Hashimoto's, and up to 90% of hypothyroid cases may actually be autoimmune in nature. The good news? By addressing inflammation, healing gut function, and giving your body the resources it needs to restore balance, you can regain energy, mental clarity, and quality of life without relying solely on medication.
Ready to take control of your thyroid health? Visit HarmonyHubHealth.com to learn how functional medicine can help put your Hashimoto's into lasting remission. Your thyroid—and your entire body—deserves more than just a prescription Band-Aid.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Welcome to Harmony Hub Health, where my mission is
to provide comprehensive,affordable, integrative care
that addresses the root cause ofhealth issues.
At the Hub, the focus is onindividual patient journeys.
I strive to optimize health,vitality and longevity,
fostering a community where eachperson can thrive in body, mind
and spirit.
(00:21):
So today I want to talk aboutHashimoto's thyroiditis, or as I
like to call it, the autoimmunedisorder that likes to dress up
(00:42):
as a thyroid problem andconfuse the heck out of everyone
.
Sounds like a fun time, right?
Well, it is not.
But in this podcast I'm goingto educate you and maybe throw a
little snark in, because, let'sface it, hashimoto's deserves
it.
So first things first.
Hashimoto's is not somemysterious thyroid deficiency or
(01:02):
a synthroid shortage.
No, it's an autoimmune disorderwhere your own body decides
that your thyroid, that littlebutterfly shaped organ that
controls your metabolism, energylevels and everything else
that's supposed to make you feellike a normal human being, is
the enemy.
Your immune system launches afull blown attack on your
(01:23):
thyroid, thinking it's some sortof foreign invader, like a
virus or bacteria.
Now, for all of the poor soulsout there that have been told
your thyroid is just a littlesluggish, here's some Synthroid.
I'm going to break it to yougently.
That's not the root cause.
The root cause is autoimmunity,where your body's immune system
mistakenly targets and destroysyour own thyroid tissue.
(01:46):
A simple blood test won't solveyour problems and this is a
deeper, systemic issue.
I have a lot of feelings withthis because I myself was
diagnosed with Hashimoto's andoffered medication.
But let's throw a little bit ofhistory in to keep things
interesting.
Medication, but let's throw alittle bit of history in to keep
(02:07):
things interesting.
Hashimoto's was named after aJapanese doctor, dr Hikaru
Hashimoto, who first identifiedthe disease in 1912.
He noticed that patients withthyroid issues had
characteristic changes in theirthyroid glands, along with
inflammation.
Naturally he was like hmm, thisseems like an autoimmune issue.
Naturally he was like hmm, thisseems like an autoimmune issue.
(02:28):
Hence the name Hashimoto'sthyroiditis.
That's how that came about.
Sounds pretty official, righttoo bad.
It still gets confused withregular old thyroid problems by
way too many doctors.
And here's where it gets alittle twisty.
Hashimoto's starts as anautoimmune disease, not a
thyroid disorder.
It's an inflammatory responsetriggered by something genetics,
(02:49):
environmental factors or maybeeven stress.
Your body's immune system getsconfused and starts making
antibodies against your thyroidgland, thinking it's doing you a
favor.
Spoiler alert it is not over.
This damages your thyroidtissue and reduces its ability
to produce thyroid hormones,which is what leads to the
(03:10):
classic hypothyroidism symptomsof fatigue weight gain,
depression, hair loss, dry skin,all the things.
And you know what else happensInflammation and a whole lot of
it.
And you better believeinflammation is not just having
a little tea party in yourthyroid gland, it wreaks havoc
all over your entire body.
(03:30):
Before we dive deeper, I do wantto address the physical traits
and symptoms that should haveyou raising an eyebrow and maybe
going for a checkup.
Hashimoto's can be sneaky, youknow.
It can creep in slowly or itcan really hit you hard.
Either way, it's not somethingthat you want to ignore.
So the common symptoms ofHashimoto's are fatigue.
(03:50):
If you're feeling tired all thetime, no matter how much you
sleep, it's not just I need anap fatigue.
It's the kind that makes youfeel like you are running on
empty all day long.
Then there's the weight gainthat pesky weight that seems to
pile on Even when you're eatingright and exercising.
It's not your fault.
Your thyroid is taking theslow-mo route and your
(04:12):
metabolism is suffering.
Another sign is depression andanxiety.
Your brain and thyroid are moreconnected than you think.
When thyroid hormones are low,you might experience feelings of
sadness, brain fog,irritability or heightened
anxiety.
And if you're a person who'salways cold, even when the rest
(04:33):
of the world is sweating, thiscold sensitivity your thyroid is
responsible for regulatingtemperature, so if it's slacking
off, you might be shivering.
Then there's constipation notthe fun kind, but if you're
backed up regularly, despitetrying to eat fiber and drink
enough water, it could be due tolow thyroid function.
I don't know what the fun kindis either.
(04:54):
Dry skin and hair loss.
When thyroid hormones drop,your skin and hair might start
to look a little worse for wear.
Think dry, flaky skin andthinning hair.
It's the thyroid's way ofshowing you that it's not happy.
And then there's joint andmuscle pain.
Your thyroid plays a key rolein keeping your muscles and
joints feeling limber, so if younotice stiffness, aches or
(05:16):
weakness, it could be a sign ofthyroid trouble.
Then there's the brain fog andmemory issues.
You forget things that younever used to forget, like your
friend's birthday, like whereare your keys.
It's like it's buried under acloud of brain fog that you just
can't clear.
And then there's sleepdisturbances.
If you're having troublefalling asleep or staying asleep
(05:37):
, if you're waking up feelinglike you didn't sleep at all.
That's a common issue for thosewith Hashimoto's and for the
women.
Often they can experience heavyirregular periods, and this is
because the thyroid hormonesinfluence your reproductive
health.
Then there's the physicaltraits, as if all of that wasn't
enough, but you can get agoiter or an enlarged thyroid.
(05:58):
Some people think Hashimoto'sdevelop a goiter, which is an
enlargement of the thyroid, thatit's just your thyroid not
working.
It's often a sign ofinflammation, as the thyroid
tries to compensate for the lossof function.
But as your thyroid slows downand as it's constantly being
(06:19):
attacked by those antibodieswith that inflammation, it
causes it to enlarge.
Swelling in the face, especiallyaround the eyes, can be common
symptom of Hashimoto's.
This puffiness is related tofluid retention, which is
another side effect of lowthyroid hormone levels.
I was actually able to notethis and this is, you know, I
always come up with thesepodcasts because it's something
(06:40):
that happened the week beforeand I did have somebody come in
for a consultation who did havea puffy face and brittle nails
and thinning eyebrows and I'mlike, hmm, sure enough, we
uncovered some Hashimoto's.
But, yes, swelling in the face,especially around the eyes, is
a common symptom of Hashimoto's.
The puffiness is related tofluid retention and brittle
(07:04):
nails.
Nails might become brittle.
They might break easy.
It's another sign of thyroidimbalance, as a thyroid helps
regulate the health of your skin, your hair and your nails and,
believe it or not, losing theouter part of your eyebrows can
be a sign of Hashimoto's.
The thyroid plays a role inregulating hair growth, so this
thinning can be a physicalmanifestation of thyroid
(07:26):
dysfunction.
So now that we know whatHashimoto's actually is, let's
get into how functional medicineapproaches this disaster.
Unlike conventional medicine,which often relies on Synthroid
or Levothyroxine to addresshypothyroid symptoms without
asking why in the first place,functional medicine is more like
(07:46):
hold up.
What's going on here?
Let's get to the root of this.
We focus on lifestylemodifications, nutrition, stress
management and, mostimportantly, personalized
treatment.
I look at TPO and thyroglobulinantibodies.
So a functional nursepractitioner at TPO and
thyroglobulin antibodies.
(08:06):
So a functional nursepractitioner or just
practitioner will test for thepresence of thyroid peroxidase,
that's, the TPO andthyroglobulin antibodies, to see
if your immune system isattacking your thyroid.
These are specific markers thatindicate autoimmune activity.
High levels of these antibodiesmeans that you've got a full-on
Hashimoto's situation happening.
Then I like to look at food IgG.
(08:28):
These are your foodsensitivities and food
sensitivities particularlyIgG-mediated food reactions, can
exacerbate inflammation in thebody, including the thyroid so
yes, that pizza.
Or on the brain, including thethyroid so yes, that pizza or
glass of wine could be fuelingthe fire.
(08:49):
So in functional medicine, welike to test for food
sensitivities, or that IgGtesting to pinpoint what foods
might be exacerbating yourimmune response and causing more
harm than good, and you mightactually be surprised with what
comes up on that.
I know a lot of people willjust cut out gluten and dairy,
which you need to do if you haveHashimoto's to begin with, but
(09:11):
it might be other triggers thatare causing those IgG problems,
reactions that are delayed inyour gut, and inflammation is at
the root cause of autoimmuneconditions like Hashimoto's.
It's all too common to hear theword inflammation tossed around
these days, but the real issueis that chronic inflammation can
destroy tissue, your thyroidbeing a prime target, and
(09:34):
contribute to a wide range ofdiseases, including other
autoimmune disorders.
It's not just about thyroidfunction, it's about your whole
entire body and this is why,when people usually get an
autoimmune label, you usuallyget more and more and more.
Usually, you don't see peoplewith just one.
(09:56):
So how do we lower inflammationand decrease those TPO
antibodies?
In functional medicine, webelieve in using root cause
interventions to target thesources of the problem rather
than just managing symptoms.
So here are some things thatactually work.
Number one is ananti-inflammatory diet.
The foundation of reducinginflammation is food.
(10:18):
So start with an autoimmuneprotocol, as known as AIP, or a
gluten-free diet.
These diets eliminateinflammatory foods, including
gluten, dairy soy and refinedsugars.
It focuses on nutrient-densefoods like wild-caught fish or
grass-fed meats, organicvegetables and healthy fats like
(10:41):
avocados, olive oil, coconutoil.
Don't forget about turmeric andginger, both of which have
natural anti-inflammatoryproperties that can help calm
down the immune system.
And not everybody wants to cutout unnecessary things, so this
is why I always do go back tothat IgG food sensitivity
unnecessary thing.
(11:01):
So this is why I always do goback to that IgG food
sensitivity.
Number two, which is a big onethat's easier said than done, I
know, is to reduce stress.
We all know stress is a killerfor your thyroid, but how many
of us actually take action toreduce it?
I ended up doing that.
It was really hard, it was kindof scary, but stress increases
cortisol and high cortisollevels worsen inflammation and
(11:22):
autoimmune attacks.
The best ways to lower stressincludes mindfulness, meditation
, deep breathing exercises, yoga, the pulsato which we've been
talking about at Harmony HubHealth, which let me know if you
need a link for that.
It is amazing, but if you'redealing with chronic stress it
(11:43):
could be triggering yourHashimoto's.
You can always add some PEMPtherapy, which is that pulse
electromagnetic field therapy toyour routine to support adrenal
health and reduce stress at thecellular level.
Number three, which is veryimportant.
So these I wouldn't say theseare a number of important.
You need to do all these things,but the gut thyroid connection
(12:03):
is undeniable.
So a large percentage of immunesystem is housed in your gut
and an unhealthy gut whetherit's due to leaky gut or SIBO,
which is small intestinalbacterial overgrowth, can
exacerbate autoimmune diseases.
Probiotics, digestive enzymesand bone broth can help heal the
gut lining and reduceinflammation in your gut, which
(12:27):
in turn reduces inflammation inyour thyroid.
So focusing on gut healingprotocol is essential to calming
down the immune system.
Then there are supplements.
So certain supplements can helpreduce inflammation and lower
those TPO antibodies.
Some of the most effectiveinclude selenium.
You know studies show thatselenium supplementation can
(12:49):
significantly lower TPOantibodies and help improve
thyroid function, so it's knownfor its powerful
anti-inflammatory andantioxidant properties.
Then we have vitamin D, becausevitamin D deficiency is common
in those with Hashimoto's, andstudies suggest that vitamin D
supplements can help regulatethe immune response and lower
(13:09):
inflammation.
Next is magnesium, which helpslower cortisol levels, which in
turn helps reduce inflammation.
It also supports thyroidfunction.
Then we have omega-3 fattyacids.
Omega-3s are known for theiranti-inflammatory effects and
incorporating fish oil orflaxseed oil can help reduce
overall inflammation.
(13:31):
Some optional therapies would belike LDN.
It's known as low-dosenaltrexone.
It has become the go-totreatment in functional medicine
for autoimmune conditions likeHashimoto's.
At low doses, naltrexone canmodulate the immune system and
reduce inflammation.
It works by increasingendorphin production, which
improves immune function,reduces inflammation and,
(13:55):
hopefully, decreases TPOantibody levels.
Another treatment that I am soexcited I offer now at Harmony
Hub Health is ozone therapy, soO3, ozone is a powerful
anti-inflammatory treatment thatcan stimulate the immune system
and help heal damaged tissuelike your thyroid.
It works by increasing oxygendelivery to tissues and
(14:18):
detoxifying your body.
It has been shown great promisein reducing chronic
inflammation.
Many functional medicinepractitioners are adding ozone
therapy to their Hashimototreatment protocols to help
reduce inflammation and supportoverall immune function.
How long does it take to lowerTPO antibodies?
And I want to be real about theexpectations, because lowering
(14:41):
TPO antibodies is not going tohappen overnight.
In functional medicine the goalis to reduce inflammation,
restore balance and address theroot cause of your autoimmune
response, which takes time.
You might start noticingsymptom improvements within four
to six weeks of startingdietary changes and supplements.
However, to lower TPOantibodies significantly and put
(15:03):
it into remission which Iluckily have done it can take
three to six months ofconsistent treatment and
lifestyle adjustments.
But people ask if Hashimoto'scan be cured and I'm sure you're
hoping that I say yes, so youcan throw a party, but it's just
not the right reality.
(15:24):
But you can manage it.
You can put it in remission andyou can feel a heck of a lot
better through proper treatment,diet and lifestyle changes.
Functional medicine is all aboutimproving quality of life, even
if we can't make it disappearentirely.
But here's the upside With theright treatment plan you can
balance your thyroid, reduceinflammation and feel like
(15:46):
yourself again.
That's the goal no more walkingaround in a fog with no energy,
constantly freezing and gainingweight for no reason I have had
my Hashimoto's in remission.
It's been over 10 years.
It has to have been at least 10years.
I'd have to look back andfigure my timeline but I know
(16:08):
it's been over 10 years.
But the goal is remission, sogetting your immune system and
thyroid back on track so youfeel good and live without the
annoying symptoms.
So functional medicine atHarmony Hub Health we would
offer dietary interventions, sothat's a gluten-free and
autoimmune protocol diet thatdrastically reduces inflammation
(16:30):
in the body to help putHashimoto's into remission.
And focusing on nutrient-densefoods like healthy fats, lean
proteins, anti-inflammatoryfoods like the turmeric and
ginger, and even doing those IgGfood sensitivity testing.
Targeted supplements that wouldbe the selenium, the vitamin D,
magnesium and zinc can helpsupport thyroid function and
(16:53):
immune health.
And for those with gut issues,probiotics and digestive enzymes
can really help balance the gutmicrobiome.
I love thyrotane from OrthoMolecular.
I have quite a few patientswith Hashimoto's that have used
thyrotane to bring down theirTPO.
Very important is the stressmanagement because, remember,
cortisol is the stress hormone,is a big player in autoimmune
(17:15):
flare-ups.
So functional medicineemphasizes stress reduction as
well and then detoxification.
Heavy metals and environmentaltoxins can contribute to thyroid
dysfunction.
So functional medicine includesdetox protocols using binders
or supplements to clear outthese harmful substances from
your system and reduce thyroidinflammation.
(17:37):
I've had such interesting htmaor hair tissue mineral analysis
tests, where I found heavymetals, with people that have
hashimoto's.
So detoxification is very, veryimportant.
Also, bhrt bioidentical hormonereplacement because when
(17:59):
thyroid levels are severely low,bhrt or t3 supplements can be
used to restore normal thyroidhormone levels and improve
symptoms, especially ifSynthroid alone wasn't cutting
it and you were taking that.
In cases where NP thyroid orArmour thyroid those are both
natural, desiccated thyroidoptions are better tolerated.
(18:21):
These may be used to supportthyroid hormone balance as they
provide both T3 and T4 hormones,something that synthetic
options don't have.
You know, synthroid is justchemical, synthetic T4.
So these natural options cangive you a more comprehensive
thyroid hormone replacement,ensuring that you're getting the
(18:42):
full spectrum of thyroidsupport.
Before you roll your eyes andsay this isn't me, I want to hit
you with some hard stats aboutHashimoto's, just to bring it
back to reality.
This is what I found when I dida quick search.
So over 14 million people inShave Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
(19:03):
Hashimoto's is the most commoncause of hypothyroidism in the
developed world.
Women are 5 to 10 times morelikely to develop Hashimoto's
than men.
Well, because autoimmunediseases like to target women
for some reason and as many as90% of hypothyroid cases may be
autoimmune.
(19:23):
And as many as 90% ofhypothyroid cases may be
autoimmune, meaning Hashimoto'scould be the silent villain in
your thyroid tissues.
So the traditional approach totreating Hashimoto's is like
putting a Band-Aid on a gapingwound.
It may help control symptomstemporarily with hormone
replacement, with synthetic T4,but it doesn't address the
underlying cause, which isautoimmunity.
(19:45):
So, on the other hand,functional medicine can dig a
little deeper.
It's not just about replacingthyroid hormones with Synthroid
or Levothyroxine and calling ita day.
It's about identifying triggers, balancing immune function,
reducing inflammation andrebuilding the system from the
inside out.
So at harmony hub health we dotake a comprehensive approach
(20:09):
testing for thyroid antibodies,food sensitivities and
inflammation markers.
I also like to look at stresslevels, because stress loves to
screw with your thyroid and yourgut health.
You know your thyroid and gutare besties and nutrient
deficiencies.
That would be the vitamin D,selenium, zinc.
It would be looking at theminerals and the HTMA.
(20:29):
All of these are part of a planto restore balance and give
your body what it needs to getbetter.
So Hashimoto's, you know.
Don't let it scare you.
The goal is to not fix yourthyroid, but to heal your body,
and that's exactly whatfunctional medicine can help you
do Instead of just popping apill.
It's time to get real aboutaddressing the root cause and
(20:52):
taking control of your health.
Now go ahead and take a look atyour thyroid, your inflammation
, and maybe consider cutting outthat gluten, because your
thyroid deserves better thanthat.
This podcast was for educationalpurposes only and does not
replace medical advice.
If you think you might haveHashimoto's, please don't
diagnose yourself with latenight web MD rabbit holes or by
(21:15):
watching TikTok.
Talk to a qualified healthcareprovider who understands both
your thyroid and your sarcasm.
And no googling your symptomsdoes not count as a second
opinion.
Stay curious, but also staysafe.
You can come and see me atMonarch in person in Manchester,
maryland.
This is Monarch Beauty and Spa.
You can find me online atHarmonyHubHealthcom.
(21:38):
You can even reach out by emailat Michelle.
That's M-I-C-H-E-L-E atHarmonyHubHehealthcom, and I
would love to help you out.
Welcome to Harmony Hub Health, where my mission is
to provide comprehensive,affordable, integrative care
that addresses the root cause ofhealth issues.
At the Hub, the focus is onindividual patient journeys.
I strive to optimize health,vitality and longevity,
fostering a community where eachperson can thrive in body, mind
and spirit.
(00:21):
So today I want to talk aboutHashimoto's thyroiditis, or as I
like to call it, the autoimmunedisorder that likes to dress up
(00:42):
as a thyroid problem andconfuse the heck out of everyone
.
Sounds like a fun time, right?
Well, it is not.
But in this podcast I'm goingto educate you and maybe throw a
little snark in, because, let'sface it, hashimoto's deserves
it.
So first things first.
Hashimoto's is not somemysterious thyroid deficiency or
(01:02):
a synthroid shortage.
No, it's an autoimmune disorderwhere your own body decides
that your thyroid, that littlebutterfly shaped organ that
controls your metabolism, energylevels and everything else
that's supposed to make you feellike a normal human being, is
the enemy.
Your immune system launches afull blown attack on your
(01:23):
thyroid, thinking it's some sortof foreign invader, like a
virus or bacteria.
Now, for all of the poor soulsout there that have been told
your thyroid is just a littlesluggish, here's some Synthroid.
I'm going to break it to yougently.
That's not the root cause.
The root cause is autoimmunity,where your body's immune system
mistakenly targets and destroysyour own thyroid tissue.
(01:46):
A simple blood test won't solveyour problems and this is a
deeper, systemic issue.
I have a lot of feelings withthis because I myself was
diagnosed with Hashimoto's andoffered medication.
But let's throw a little bit ofhistory in to keep things
interesting.
Medication, but let's throw alittle bit of history in to keep
(02:07):
things interesting.
Hashimoto's was named after aJapanese doctor, dr Hikaru
Hashimoto, who first identifiedthe disease in 1912.
He noticed that patients withthyroid issues had
characteristic changes in theirthyroid glands, along with
inflammation.
Naturally he was like hmm, thisseems like an autoimmune issue.
Naturally he was like hmm, thisseems like an autoimmune issue.
(02:28):
Hence the name Hashimoto'sthyroiditis.
That's how that came about.
Sounds pretty official, righttoo bad.
It still gets confused withregular old thyroid problems by
way too many doctors.
And here's where it gets alittle twisty.
Hashimoto's starts as anautoimmune disease, not a
thyroid disorder.
It's an inflammatory responsetriggered by something genetics,
(02:49):
environmental factors or maybeeven stress.
Your body's immune system getsconfused and starts making
antibodies against your thyroidgland, thinking it's doing you a
favor.
Spoiler alert it is not over.
This damages your thyroidtissue and reduces its ability
to produce thyroid hormones,which is what leads to the
(03:10):
classic hypothyroidism symptomsof fatigue weight gain,
depression, hair loss, dry skin,all the things.
And you know what else happensInflammation and a whole lot of
it.
And you better believeinflammation is not just having
a little tea party in yourthyroid gland, it wreaks havoc
all over your entire body.
(03:30):
Before we dive deeper, I do wantto address the physical traits
and symptoms that should haveyou raising an eyebrow and maybe
going for a checkup.
Hashimoto's can be sneaky, youknow.
It can creep in slowly or itcan really hit you hard.
Either way, it's not somethingthat you want to ignore.
So the common symptoms ofHashimoto's are fatigue.
(03:50):
If you're feeling tired all thetime, no matter how much you
sleep, it's not just I need anap fatigue.
It's the kind that makes youfeel like you are running on
empty all day long.
Then there's the weight gainthat pesky weight that seems to
pile on Even when you're eatingright and exercising.
It's not your fault.
Your thyroid is taking theslow-mo route and your
(04:12):
metabolism is suffering.
Another sign is depression andanxiety.
Your brain and thyroid are moreconnected than you think.
When thyroid hormones are low,you might experience feelings of
sadness, brain fog,irritability or heightened
anxiety.
And if you're a person who'salways cold, even when the rest
(04:33):
of the world is sweating, thiscold sensitivity your thyroid is
responsible for regulatingtemperature, so if it's slacking
off, you might be shivering.
Then there's constipation notthe fun kind, but if you're
backed up regularly, despitetrying to eat fiber and drink
enough water, it could be due tolow thyroid function.
I don't know what the fun kindis either.
(04:54):
Dry skin and hair loss.
When thyroid hormones drop,your skin and hair might start
to look a little worse for wear.
Think dry, flaky skin andthinning hair.
It's the thyroid's way ofshowing you that it's not happy.
And then there's joint andmuscle pain.
Your thyroid plays a key rolein keeping your muscles and
joints feeling limber, so if younotice stiffness, aches or
(05:16):
weakness, it could be a sign ofthyroid trouble.
Then there's the brain fog andmemory issues.
You forget things that younever used to forget, like your
friend's birthday, like whereare your keys.
It's like it's buried under acloud of brain fog that you just
can't clear.
And then there's sleepdisturbances.
If you're having troublefalling asleep or staying asleep
(05:37):
, if you're waking up feelinglike you didn't sleep at all.
That's a common issue for thosewith Hashimoto's and for the
women.
Often they can experience heavyirregular periods, and this is
because the thyroid hormonesinfluence your reproductive
health.
Then there's the physicaltraits, as if all of that wasn't
enough, but you can get agoiter or an enlarged thyroid.
(05:58):
Some people think Hashimoto'sdevelop a goiter, which is an
enlargement of the thyroid, thatit's just your thyroid not
working.
It's often a sign ofinflammation, as the thyroid
tries to compensate for the lossof function.
But as your thyroid slows downand as it's constantly being
(06:19):
attacked by those antibodieswith that inflammation, it
causes it to enlarge.
Swelling in the face, especiallyaround the eyes, can be common
symptom of Hashimoto's.
This puffiness is related tofluid retention, which is
another side effect of lowthyroid hormone levels.
I was actually able to notethis and this is, you know, I
always come up with thesepodcasts because it's something
(06:40):
that happened the week beforeand I did have somebody come in
for a consultation who did havea puffy face and brittle nails
and thinning eyebrows and I'mlike, hmm, sure enough, we
uncovered some Hashimoto's.
But, yes, swelling in the face,especially around the eyes, is
a common symptom of Hashimoto's.
The puffiness is related tofluid retention and brittle
(07:04):
nails.
Nails might become brittle.
They might break easy.
It's another sign of thyroidimbalance, as a thyroid helps
regulate the health of your skin, your hair and your nails and,
believe it or not, losing theouter part of your eyebrows can
be a sign of Hashimoto's.
The thyroid plays a role inregulating hair growth, so this
thinning can be a physicalmanifestation of thyroid
(07:26):
dysfunction.
So now that we know whatHashimoto's actually is, let's
get into how functional medicineapproaches this disaster.
Unlike conventional medicine,which often relies on Synthroid
or Levothyroxine to addresshypothyroid symptoms without
asking why in the first place,functional medicine is more like
(07:46):
hold up.
What's going on here?
Let's get to the root of this.
We focus on lifestylemodifications, nutrition, stress
management and, mostimportantly, personalized
treatment.
I look at TPO and thyroglobulinantibodies.
So a functional nursepractitioner at TPO and
thyroglobulin antibodies.
(08:06):
So a functional nursepractitioner or just
practitioner will test for thepresence of thyroid peroxidase,
that's, the TPO andthyroglobulin antibodies, to see
if your immune system isattacking your thyroid.
These are specific markers thatindicate autoimmune activity.
High levels of these antibodiesmeans that you've got a full-on
Hashimoto's situation happening.
Then I like to look at food IgG.
(08:28):
These are your foodsensitivities and food
sensitivities particularlyIgG-mediated food reactions, can
exacerbate inflammation in thebody, including the thyroid so
yes, that pizza.
Or on the brain, including thethyroid so yes, that pizza or
glass of wine could be fuelingthe fire.
(08:49):
So in functional medicine, welike to test for food
sensitivities, or that IgGtesting to pinpoint what foods
might be exacerbating yourimmune response and causing more
harm than good, and you mightactually be surprised with what
comes up on that.
I know a lot of people willjust cut out gluten and dairy,
which you need to do if you haveHashimoto's to begin with, but
(09:11):
it might be other triggers thatare causing those IgG problems,
reactions that are delayed inyour gut, and inflammation is at
the root cause of autoimmuneconditions like Hashimoto's.
It's all too common to hear theword inflammation tossed around
these days, but the real issueis that chronic inflammation can
destroy tissue, your thyroidbeing a prime target, and
(09:34):
contribute to a wide range ofdiseases, including other
autoimmune disorders.
It's not just about thyroidfunction, it's about your whole
entire body and this is why,when people usually get an
autoimmune label, you usuallyget more and more and more.
Usually, you don't see peoplewith just one.
(09:56):
So how do we lower inflammationand decrease those TPO
antibodies?
In functional medicine, webelieve in using root cause
interventions to target thesources of the problem rather
than just managing symptoms.
So here are some things thatactually work.
Number one is ananti-inflammatory diet.
The foundation of reducinginflammation is food.
(10:18):
So start with an autoimmuneprotocol, as known as AIP, or a
gluten-free diet.
These diets eliminateinflammatory foods, including
gluten, dairy soy and refinedsugars.
It focuses on nutrient-densefoods like wild-caught fish or
grass-fed meats, organicvegetables and healthy fats like
(10:41):
avocados, olive oil, coconutoil.
Don't forget about turmeric andginger, both of which have
natural anti-inflammatoryproperties that can help calm
down the immune system.
And not everybody wants to cutout unnecessary things, so this
is why I always do go back tothat IgG food sensitivity
unnecessary thing.
(11:01):
So this is why I always do goback to that IgG food
sensitivity.
Number two, which is a big onethat's easier said than done, I
know, is to reduce stress.
We all know stress is a killerfor your thyroid, but how many
of us actually take action toreduce it?
I ended up doing that.
It was really hard, it was kindof scary, but stress increases
cortisol and high cortisollevels worsen inflammation and
(11:22):
autoimmune attacks.
The best ways to lower stressincludes mindfulness, meditation
, deep breathing exercises, yoga, the pulsato which we've been
talking about at Harmony HubHealth, which let me know if you
need a link for that.
It is amazing, but if you'redealing with chronic stress it
(11:43):
could be triggering yourHashimoto's.
You can always add some PEMPtherapy, which is that pulse
electromagnetic field therapy toyour routine to support adrenal
health and reduce stress at thecellular level.
Number three, which is veryimportant.
So these I wouldn't say theseare a number of important.
You need to do all these things,but the gut thyroid connection
(12:03):
is undeniable.
So a large percentage of immunesystem is housed in your gut
and an unhealthy gut whetherit's due to leaky gut or SIBO,
which is small intestinalbacterial overgrowth, can
exacerbate autoimmune diseases.
Probiotics, digestive enzymesand bone broth can help heal the
gut lining and reduceinflammation in your gut, which
(12:27):
in turn reduces inflammation inyour thyroid.
So focusing on gut healingprotocol is essential to calming
down the immune system.
Then there are supplements.
So certain supplements can helpreduce inflammation and lower
those TPO antibodies.
Some of the most effectiveinclude selenium.
You know studies show thatselenium supplementation can
(12:49):
significantly lower TPOantibodies and help improve
thyroid function, so it's knownfor its powerful
anti-inflammatory andantioxidant properties.
Then we have vitamin D, becausevitamin D deficiency is common
in those with Hashimoto's, andstudies suggest that vitamin D
supplements can help regulatethe immune response and lower
(13:09):
inflammation.
Next is magnesium, which helpslower cortisol levels, which in
turn helps reduce inflammation.
It also supports thyroidfunction.
Then we have omega-3 fattyacids.
Omega-3s are known for theiranti-inflammatory effects and
incorporating fish oil orflaxseed oil can help reduce
overall inflammation.
(13:31):
Some optional therapies would belike LDN.
It's known as low-dosenaltrexone.
It has become the go-totreatment in functional medicine
for autoimmune conditions likeHashimoto's.
At low doses, naltrexone canmodulate the immune system and
reduce inflammation.
It works by increasingendorphin production, which
improves immune function,reduces inflammation and,
(13:55):
hopefully, decreases TPOantibody levels.
Another treatment that I am soexcited I offer now at Harmony
Hub Health is ozone therapy, soO3, ozone is a powerful
anti-inflammatory treatment thatcan stimulate the immune system
and help heal damaged tissuelike your thyroid.
It works by increasing oxygendelivery to tissues and
(14:18):
detoxifying your body.
It has been shown great promisein reducing chronic
inflammation.
Many functional medicinepractitioners are adding ozone
therapy to their Hashimototreatment protocols to help
reduce inflammation and supportoverall immune function.
How long does it take to lowerTPO antibodies?
And I want to be real about theexpectations, because lowering
(14:41):
TPO antibodies is not going tohappen overnight.
In functional medicine the goalis to reduce inflammation,
restore balance and address theroot cause of your autoimmune
response, which takes time.
You might start noticingsymptom improvements within four
to six weeks of startingdietary changes and supplements.
However, to lower TPOantibodies significantly and put
(15:03):
it into remission which Iluckily have done it can take
three to six months ofconsistent treatment and
lifestyle adjustments.
But people ask if Hashimoto'scan be cured and I'm sure you're
hoping that I say yes, so youcan throw a party, but it's just
not the right reality.
(15:24):
But you can manage it.
You can put it in remission andyou can feel a heck of a lot
better through proper treatment,diet and lifestyle changes.
Functional medicine is all aboutimproving quality of life, even
if we can't make it disappearentirely.
But here's the upside With theright treatment plan you can
balance your thyroid, reduceinflammation and feel like
(15:46):
yourself again.
That's the goal no more walkingaround in a fog with no energy,
constantly freezing and gainingweight for no reason I have had
my Hashimoto's in remission.
It's been over 10 years.
It has to have been at least 10years.
I'd have to look back andfigure my timeline but I know
(16:08):
it's been over 10 years.
But the goal is remission, sogetting your immune system and
thyroid back on track so youfeel good and live without the
annoying symptoms.
So functional medicine atHarmony Hub Health we would
offer dietary interventions, sothat's a gluten-free and
autoimmune protocol diet thatdrastically reduces inflammation
(16:30):
in the body to help putHashimoto's into remission.
And focusing on nutrient-densefoods like healthy fats, lean
proteins, anti-inflammatoryfoods like the turmeric and
ginger, and even doing those IgGfood sensitivity testing.
Targeted supplements that wouldbe the selenium, the vitamin D,
magnesium and zinc can helpsupport thyroid function and
(16:53):
immune health.
And for those with gut issues,probiotics and digestive enzymes
can really help balance the gutmicrobiome.
I love thyrotane from OrthoMolecular.
I have quite a few patientswith Hashimoto's that have used
thyrotane to bring down theirTPO.
Very important is the stressmanagement because, remember,
cortisol is the stress hormone,is a big player in autoimmune
(17:15):
flare-ups.
So functional medicineemphasizes stress reduction as
well and then detoxification.
Heavy metals and environmentaltoxins can contribute to thyroid
dysfunction.
So functional medicine includesdetox protocols using binders
or supplements to clear outthese harmful substances from
your system and reduce thyroidinflammation.
(17:37):
I've had such interesting htmaor hair tissue mineral analysis
tests, where I found heavymetals, with people that have
hashimoto's.
So detoxification is very, veryimportant.
Also, bhrt bioidentical hormonereplacement because when
(17:59):
thyroid levels are severely low,bhrt or t3 supplements can be
used to restore normal thyroidhormone levels and improve
symptoms, especially ifSynthroid alone wasn't cutting
it and you were taking that.
In cases where NP thyroid orArmour thyroid those are both
natural, desiccated thyroidoptions are better tolerated.
(18:21):
These may be used to supportthyroid hormone balance as they
provide both T3 and T4 hormones,something that synthetic
options don't have.
You know, synthroid is justchemical, synthetic T4.
So these natural options cangive you a more comprehensive
thyroid hormone replacement,ensuring that you're getting the
(18:42):
full spectrum of thyroidsupport.
Before you roll your eyes andsay this isn't me, I want to hit
you with some hard stats aboutHashimoto's, just to bring it
back to reality.
This is what I found when I dida quick search.
So over 14 million people inShave Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
(19:03):
Hashimoto's is the most commoncause of hypothyroidism in the
developed world.
Women are 5 to 10 times morelikely to develop Hashimoto's
than men.
Well, because autoimmunediseases like to target women
for some reason and as many as90% of hypothyroid cases may be
autoimmune.
(19:23):
And as many as 90% ofhypothyroid cases may be
autoimmune, meaning Hashimoto'scould be the silent villain in
your thyroid tissues.
So the traditional approach totreating Hashimoto's is like
putting a Band-Aid on a gapingwound.
It may help control symptomstemporarily with hormone
replacement, with synthetic T4,but it doesn't address the
underlying cause, which isautoimmunity.
(19:45):
So, on the other hand,functional medicine can dig a
little deeper.
It's not just about replacingthyroid hormones with Synthroid
or Levothyroxine and calling ita day.
It's about identifying triggers, balancing immune function,
reducing inflammation andrebuilding the system from the
inside out.
So at harmony hub health we dotake a comprehensive approach
(20:09):
testing for thyroid antibodies,food sensitivities and
inflammation markers.
I also like to look at stresslevels, because stress loves to
screw with your thyroid and yourgut health.
You know your thyroid and gutare besties and nutrient
deficiencies.
That would be the vitamin D,selenium, zinc.
It would be looking at theminerals and the HTMA.
(20:29):
All of these are part of a planto restore balance and give
your body what it needs to getbetter.
So Hashimoto's, you know.
Don't let it scare you.
The goal is to not fix yourthyroid, but to heal your body,
and that's exactly whatfunctional medicine can help you
do Instead of just popping apill.
It's time to get real aboutaddressing the root cause and
(20:52):
taking control of your health.
Now go ahead and take a look atyour thyroid, your inflammation
, and maybe consider cutting outthat gluten, because your
thyroid deserves better thanthat.
This podcast was for educationalpurposes only and does not
replace medical advice.
If you think you might haveHashimoto's, please don't
diagnose yourself with latenight web MD rabbit holes or by
(21:15):
watching TikTok.
Talk to a qualified healthcareprovider who understands both
your thyroid and your sarcasm.
And no googling your symptomsdoes not count as a second
opinion.
Stay curious, but also staysafe.
You can come and see me atMonarch in person in Manchester,
maryland.
This is Monarch Beauty and Spa.
You can find me online atHarmonyHubHealthcom.
(21:38):
You can even reach out by emailat Michelle.
That's M-I-C-H-E-L-E atHarmonyHubHehealthcom, and I
would love to help you out.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.