Understanding Hashimoto’s

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the U.S., yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed conditions. Millions of people suffer from symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, and hair loss—often unaware that an autoimmune condition is at the root of their struggles. Even worse, conventional medicine often falls short in addressing the full picture of Hashimoto’s, leaving many frustrated and without answers.

Shocking Truths About Hashimoto’s

It’s Not Just a Thyroid Problem—It’s an Autoimmune Disease

Most people (and even some doctors) think of Hashimoto’s as just a thyroid issue. In reality, it’s an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Simply taking thyroid hormone replacement, like levothyroxine, does nothing to address the root cause: the immune system dysfunction that’s driving the attack.

You Can Have ‘Normal’ Thyroid Labs and Still Have Hashimoto’s

Many patients are told their thyroid function is “normal” based on TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels alone. But TSH doesn’t tell the whole story. You could have thyroid antibodies (TPO and TG antibodies) attacking your thyroid for years before TSH becomes abnormal. If your doctor isn’t testing for these antibodies, they could be missing Hashimoto’s entirely.

Gluten Could Be Worsening Your Symptoms

Gluten sensitivity is strongly linked to Hashimoto’s. Research shows that gluten proteins can trigger an immune response that increases thyroid destruction due to molecular mimicry. In fact, studies have found that many people with Hashimoto’s see an improvement in symptoms and a reduction in thyroid antibodies after removing gluten from their diet.

Hashimoto’s Is Linked to Gut Health—And It’s Often Ignored

Up to 80% of the immune system is in the gut, and research has shown that people with Hashimoto’s often have gut dysbiosis, leaky gut, or infections like H. pylori. Without addressing gut health, your immune system remains overactive, continually attacking the thyroid. Conventional medicine rarely explores this connection, but Functional Medicine focuses on restoring gut balance to calm the immune response.

Nutrient Deficiencies Play a Bigger Role Than You Think

Many essential nutrients are required for proper thyroid function, yet deficiencies are common among Hashimoto’s patients. Key nutrients include:

• Selenium: Helps reduce thyroid antibodies and inflammation.
• Zinc: Supports T3 conversion (active thyroid hormone).
• Vitamin D: Modulates immune function.
• Iron: Essential for proper thyroid hormone production.
• B12: Low levels can contribute to fatigue and brain fog. If your doctor isn’t testing and addressing these deficiencies, your treatment plan is incomplete.

Chronic Stress Can Worsen Hashimoto’s

Stress isn’t just a mental burden—it has a profound impact on your thyroid. Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which can suppress thyroid function, worsen inflammation, and lead to adrenal dysfunction. Managing stress through lifestyle changes, mindfulness, and adaptogenic herbs can make a significant difference in symptoms.

Environmental Toxins May Be Fueling Your Autoimmune Attack

Endocrine disruptors like BPA (found in plastics), pesticides, heavy metals, and fluoride can interfere with thyroid function and contribute to autoimmunity. A toxin-reducing lifestyle—filtering your water, using clean beauty products, and avoiding plastics—can help lower your toxic burden and support your thyroid.

How Is Hashimoto’s Treated?

Conventional Treatment for Hashimoto’s

Conventional treatment typically involves prescribing synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine) to replace what the damaged thyroid can no longer produce. While this can help manage symptoms, it doesn’t address the immune dysfunction at the heart of Hashimoto’s.

A Functional Medicine Approach to Hashimoto’s

Functional Medicine goes beyond just replacing thyroid hormones. It looks at the whole picture, identifying and addressing the root causes of autoimmunity, including:

• Comprehensive Testing: Evaluating thyroid antibodies, nutrient levels, gut health, and adrenal function to get a complete picture of your health.
• Dietary Changes: Removing inflammatory foods like gluten and processed sugars, while focusing on a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet.
• Gut Healing: Restoring balance with probiotics, digestive enzymes, and gut-healing nutrients like L-glutamine.
• Reducing Toxin Exposure: Detoxifying the body by eliminating endocrine disruptors, filtering water, and eating organic foods.
• Managing Stress: Incorporating relaxation techniques, adaptogenic herbs, and mindfulness to support adrenal health and immune balance.
• Optimizing Nutrient Levels: Supplementing with key nutrients like selenium, zinc, vitamin D, and magnesium to support thyroid function and immune regulation.

You Don’t Have to Just ‘Live With It’

Many patients with Hashimoto’s are told there’s nothing they can do beyond taking medication. This is outdated thinking. Addressing root causes—like diet, gut health, nutrient levels, and toxins—can often help people reduce or even reverse their symptoms. Functional Medicine provides a roadmap for healing by looking at the bigger picture.

Final Thoughts

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is more than just a thyroid disorder—it’s a complex autoimmune condition that requires a holistic approach. If you’ve been struggling with unexplained symptoms and aren’t getting the answers you need, it’s time to dig deeper. Don’t settle for being told your labs are “normal” when you still feel unwell. Advocate for comprehensive testing and explore the lifestyle changes that can transform your health.

Are you ready to take control of your Hashimoto’s journey? Contact Radiant Health and Wellness to explore a root-cause approach to healing.

Resources:

• Wentz, I. (2017). Hashimoto’s Protocol: A 90-Day Plan for Reversing Thyroid Symptoms and Getting Your Life Back. HarperOne.
• Brownstein, D. (2017). Overcoming Thyroid Disorders. Medical Alternatives Press.
• Hybenova, M., et al. (2015). Gluten-free diet in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease: Effect on thyroid antibody levels. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes.
• Ventura, A., et al. (1999). Gluten-dependent diabetes-related and thyroid-related autoantibodies in patients with celiac disease. J Pediatr.
• The Institute for Functional Medicine. Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders and Gut Health.