Managing Your Auto Immune Thyroid Disease

What’s your thyroid treatment options?

Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) is the most common organ-specific auto immune disease (AID), with a world-wide prevalence of around 5%.

Auto Immune disease includes a collection of approximately 140 diseases, that are characterised by failure of the immune system; instead of protecting the body from foreign invaders, it attacks its own cells.

Approximately 78% of auto immune disease sufferers are women and many spend years undiagnosed.

What can trigger Auto Immune Thyroid disease?

·         genetics

·         dietary habits

·         nutrient deficiencies

·         environmental toxins

·         infections

·         drugs and smoking

·         stress

·         hormone imbalances

·         gastrointestinal microbiome

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), Graves’ disease (GD) – autoimmune thyroid diseases- are characterized by autoimmune antibody infiltration of the thyroid gland, that may cause thyroid dysfunction and destruction of the thyroid tissue, thus  initiating  and  perpetuating  the autoimmune process.

Existing research supports a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and a greater tendency for development of antibodies linked to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), Graves’ disease (GD), and/or postpartum thyroiditis.

The  term  vitamin  D  (VitD)  encompasses  a  group  of  steroid  compounds,  namely  VitD2(ergocalciferol) and VitD3 (cholecalciferol), with its main functions are the regulation of calcium metabolism and the promotion of bone homeostasis.

Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to several musculoskeletal diseases, neoplasms (cancers), cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, infections, and neurocognitive dysfunction.

Can you have more than one autoimmune disease?

The answer is yes. Once you have one you are at increased risk of being diagnosed with another and these are some of the common autoimmune diseases:

• Coeliac disease – the immune system reacts to gluten that damages the small intestine. Common symptoms are flatulence, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis – bone and cartilage are damaged, causing tender, swollen and stiff joints.

• Multiple sclerosis – the nervous system is impacted. Common symptoms are muscle weakness, poor coordination, sight problems and cognitive difficulties.

• Type 1 diabetes – the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin to manage blood sugar levels. Common symptoms can include thirst, hunger and frequent urination.

It is well established that up to 34% of coeliac sufferers will get diagnosed with another autoimmune disease. Coeliac disease leads to malabsorption with a deficiency of several nutrients including vitamin D , and it is associated with an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune thyroid disease and diabetes.  

So what can you do to reduce your risk?

Whilst there is no cure for autoimmune disease, with proper guidance it is possible to put it into remission. Here’s the things that I know help-

1.      Eating healthy- good nutrition is essential for good health especially if you already have an autoimmune disease or any other chronic health condition

TIP- Consider an anti-inflammatory diet like the AIP- Auto Immune Paleo diet.

2.      Prioritise sleep- it’s when the body rests, recharges and detoxifies. Just one bad night’s sleep can impact your immune system and your risk of autoimmune disease.

TIP- Turn of your screens an hour before bed and go to bed before 10pm

3.      Keep moving- activity is great for stimulating blood flow and oxygenating your cells. Healthy circulation transports nutrients and removes toxins from the body.

TIP- Walking is the best exercise, try to do at least 20 minutes per day.

4.      Personal care- taking time to look after yourself and incorporating times to just rest and recover. Being busy is actually bad for your health.

TIP- Schedule in time to relax; have a bath or read a book or just do nothing.

5.      Reducing stress- low grade stress, doing too much, trying to fit everything in, raises your cortisol, causes inflammation and can trigger autoimmune activation.

TIP- Don’t sweat the small things- pick 3 things a day that you know you can achieve.

Genetic testing can reveal many of the underlying genetic variations that can impact your health.

Identifying your susceptibility can help you to manage your risk of liver disease, autoimmune diseases, migraines, nutrient deficiencies, cardiovascular disease, mental health disorders, hormone disorders, infertility, and much more.

Want to find out more about genetic testing? Book a Free 30-minute consult and take the first step on your roadmap to health!

Want to know how to get started? Get your free recipe collection HERE