Hashimoto’s Disease
Since I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease, I have met more than two dozen people ranging in age who also have it. Hashimoto’s Disease is an autoimmune deficiency that causes your body to attack your thyroid trying to eventually kill it off. Taking Synthroid counter balances this attack and stabilizes your thyroid.
For some people, they can stabilize their thyroid in a matter of weeks, for me it took one year, and for others it has taken two years.
Hair loss and thinning are part of Hashimoto’s Disease. I have alopecia universalis – which means every hair on my body fell out. It is unknown whether my hair will ever grow back and it could grow back and fall out all over again.
Hashimoto’s Disease makes it extremely difficult to control your weight – couple Hashimoto’s with menopause and you are in trouble. Some women take HRT risking cancer to control/maintain their weight. In the words of Bartleby the Scriviner, I would prefer not to.
The other fact is that even once your thyroid is stabilized through Synthroid, you will still suffer fatigue. You will have less energy than you did before you had this disease. And when you get sick with a cold or the flu, your thyroid will go into apoplexy and you will take much longer to recover.
Another side effect of Hashimoto’s is dry eyes, which is also a side effect of menopause.
As far as nutritional advice for Hashimoto’s – I’ve read to stay away from soy because it mimics estrogen in your body, which attacks the thyroid. So I’ve given up all soy products. One thing that is unproven is gluten intolerance. An allergist in California said the whole gluten-free debate these days seems a little like voodoo – almost like hypoglycemia (which I also have) – where there is no proven medical condition. However, most agree that gluten intolerance is similar to wheat allergy and certainly those with celiac cannot eat gluten. But I have proven that gluten-free has helped me feel better – much better – and I do think that Hashimoto’s and Gluten-Free go hand in hand.
There is not a lot of Western medicine and nutrition experts looking at thyroid conditions in the U.S., especially among women, but many women suffer from thyroid issues. Until the medical research world takes thyroid conditions seriously and begins looking at cause and effect, you are basically on your own – and it’s best to come up with your own plan of what works and what doesn’t.
I’ve read some stuff online like to give up cruciferous vegetables, but that is just ridiculous. I also read that Flax Seed Oil is not good, and I gave it up for a while, but I think I will go back to it if anything for the Omega 3 that will help with my eyes.
Good luck.