The Truths About Hashimoto’s!
BiochemNordic
What is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis:
First identified by Dr. Haruko Hashimoto in 1912, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis or autoimmune thyroiditis, represents an autoimmune variation of hypothyroidism.
This autoimmune form of hypothyroidism is most commonly found in women and is marked by a thyroid gland that becomes populated with white blood cells.
In autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the immune system targets its own tissues, in this instance, the thyroid gland. Symptoms frequently include an enlarged thyroid gland, or goiter, which is unable to produce enough thyroid hormones.
Blood test for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Blood tests usually reveal low levels of T4 and T3, elevated TSH, and the existence of thyroid antibodies, such as thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb, Anti-TPO) and thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb). Most people with Hashimoto’s will have an elevation of one or both of these antibodies.
Medical understanding of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
The general medical understanding is that these thyroid antibodies impair the function of the thyroid gland, inhibiting the production of thyroid hormones, which eventually can cause hypothyroidism.
Most doctors and healthcare practitioners generally hold the belief that autoimmune conditions are lifelong. Consequently, the prevailing perspective is that once you have Hashimoto’sthyroiditis, it is typically considered a persistent condition that you will carry throughout your life.
Dr. Ray Peat’s Approach to Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Contradicting conventional medical perspectives, Dr. Peat posited that thyroid antibodies should not be considered the cause of this form of hypothyroidism. Rather, he interpreted their presence as a sign that the body’s repair mechanisms are trying to heal the thyroid gland.
Dr. Peat generally classifies Hashimoto’s thyroiditis as a subset of hypothyroidism, with similar symptoms and treatment requirements. He believed that the correct treatment of Hashimoto’s with a thyroid-supporting diet, correct thyroid medication, and hormonal support compounds, as well as other lifestyle changes, would eventually take the stress off the thyroid gland making it relax which in turn would make the antibodies come down. Dr. Ray Peat, unlike others, didn’t believe that once you have Hashimoto’s you will always have Hashimotos.
How to treat Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
If you are looking to develop a more profound understanding of metabolism, hypothyroidism, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, I suggest checking out my book, “Test Your Thyroid Function.”
“Test Your Thyroid Function” offers comprehensive insights into thyroid health and encompasses all the essential information regarding thyroid testing, including thyroid blood tests for TSH, T4, T3, rT3, and thyroid antibodies. The book also guides readers on how to use pulse and temperature measurements alongside symptom evaluation to gauge metabolic function at home.
If you’re interested in my approach to healing metabolism, which draws inspiration from the research of Dr. Ray Peat, I suggest reading my book, “How I Overcame Hypothyroidism.”
You can discover additional valuable information on my website, biochemnordic.com. There, you will find a wealth of free resources along with e-materials and video counseling to assist you in your quest for better metabolic health.
