Hashimoto's Protocol

1. Hashimoto's is an autoimmune thyroid condition affecting millions

Hashimoto's thyroiditis certainly sounds like a rare and exotic disorder, the fact is that Hashimoto's is the most common autoimmune condition in the United States and worldwide, affecting anywhere from 13.4 percent to 38 percent of people within the general population.

Widespread impact: Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism. It affects millions of people, particularly women, and often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. Symptoms can include:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Depression
• Hair loss
• Brain fog
• Joint pain

The condition develops when three factors align: genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and intestinal permeability (leaky gut). Early diagnosis and a comprehensive approach to treatment are crucial for managing symptoms and preventing progression.

2. The Root Cause Approach addresses underlying triggers

Hashimoto's is often a combination of food sensitivities, an impaired ability to handle stress, difficulty handling toxins, a leaky gut, a lack of thyroid hormone, infections, and nutrient depletions.

Comprehensive healing: The Root Cause Approach aims to identify and address the underlying factors contributing to Hashimoto's, rather than simply treating symptoms. This holistic method involves:

• Identifying food sensitivities and optimizing nutrition
• Improving stress management and adrenal function
• Enhancing detoxification pathways
• Healing the gut and addressing infections
• Optimizing thyroid hormone levels
• Addressing nutrient deficiencies

By targeting these root causes, many people with Hashimoto's can achieve significant symptom improvement and even remission of the autoimmune process.

3. Optimize thyroid hormone levels for symptom relief

Thyroid hormones are Goldilocks hormones, meaning the dose has to be "just right" for us to feel optimal.

Personalized treatment: Optimizing thyroid hormone levels is crucial for symptom relief and overall well-being. This involves:

• Comprehensive thyroid testing (TSH, free T3, free T4, and thyroid antibodies)
• Considering different types of thyroid medications (T4-only, T3-only, or combination T4/T3)
• Proper timing and administration of thyroid medications
• Regular monitoring and adjusting of dosage

Many patients feel best with a TSH between 0.5 and 2 μIU/mL and when their free T3 and free T4 are in the top half of the reference range. It's important to work with a knowledgeable practitioner who is willing to adjust treatment based on both lab results and symptoms.

4. Support liver function to reduce toxic burden

Supporting the liver first is especially important in autoimmunity, and in Hashimoto's in particular.

Detoxification support: The liver plays a crucial role in detoxification and hormone conversion. Supporting liver function can significantly improve Hashimoto's symptoms. The Liver Support Protocol includes:

1. Remove potentially triggering foods (gluten, dairy, soy, sugar)
2. Add supportive foods (beets, cruciferous veggies, cilantro, berries)
3. Reduce toxic exposure (personal care products, plastics, cleaning supplies)
4. Support detox pathways (supplements like NAC, milk thistle, selenium)

This protocol often results in rapid symptom improvement, including increased energy, clearer thinking, and reduced inflammation.

5. Balance adrenal function to manage stress response

I believe that adrenal fatigue is an adaptive mechanism to help humans conserve resources and survive in times of famine, invasion, cold weather, or disease outbreak, as the condition put them in a quasi-hibernation mode so they were more likely to retreat to their caves, survive on fewer calories, and conserve energy by sleeping more.

Stress management: Adrenal dysfunction is common in Hashimoto's and can exacerbate symptoms. The Adrenal Recovery Protocol focuses on:

1. Rest and proper sleep hygiene
2. Stress reduction techniques (meditation, yoga, deep breathing)
3. Blood sugar balance through diet
4. Targeted supplements (adaptogenic herbs, B vitamins, vitamin C)

By supporting adrenal function, patients often experience improved energy, mood, and overall well-being.

6. Heal the gut to reduce inflammation and autoimmunity

According to research from Dr. Alessio Fasano, every person with an autoimmune disorder has some degree of leaky gut.

Gut restoration: Healing the gut is crucial for reducing inflammation and autoimmunity. The Gut Balance Protocol includes:

1. Remove reactive foods (follow the Root Cause Autoimmune Diet)
2. Supplement with digestive enzymes and betaine with pepsin
3. Balance gut flora with probiotics and fermented foods
4. Nourish the gut with L-glutamine, zinc, and bone broth

Addressing gut health can lead to a reduction in thyroid antibodies, improved nutrient absorption, and overall symptom improvement.

7. Address infections that may trigger or exacerbate Hashimoto's

Chronic infections are the Hashimoto's triggers that get the least amount of attention, yet identifying and treating them can result in complete remission of Hashimoto's.

Infection eradication: Common infections associated with Hashimoto's include:

• H. pylori
• Blastocystis hominis
• Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
• Epstein-Barr virus

Identifying and treating these infections through targeted protocols (which may include herbs, antibiotics, or antivirals) can lead to significant improvement in thyroid function and overall health.

8. Remove environmental toxins to reduce autoimmune triggers

People with Hashimoto's are more likely to have multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) to substances like BPA, parabens, formaldehyde, and brominated and halogenated compounds that can be found in everyday products like plastics, personal care products, furniture, and mattresses.

Toxin reduction: Minimizing exposure to environmental toxins can reduce autoimmune triggers. Key strategies include:

• Using natural personal care and cleaning products
• Filtering water and air
• Choosing organic foods when possible
• Addressing mold exposure if present
• Considering removal of dental amalgams or breast implants if they're suspected triggers

Gentle detoxification protocols can help remove accumulated toxins safely.

9. Personalize nutrition and supplement strategies

Dogma #3: All nutrients should be obtained from food. Some idealists may say that we should get all of our nutrients from foods, but that's not always possible, especially for people with Hashimoto's who have multiple food sensitivities, nutrient-depleting infections, and digestive difficulties.

Targeted supplementation: While a nutrient-dense diet is crucial, many Hashimoto's patients benefit from targeted supplementation. Key nutrients to consider include:

• Selenium
• Zinc
• Vitamin D
• Magnesium
• B vitamins, especially B12 and thiamine

Personalized dietary strategies, such as the Root Cause Paleo or Autoimmune Protocol diets, can help identify food sensitivities and optimize nutrition.

10. Overcome traumatic stress to support overall healing

Time and time again, my clients report that they began to feel unwell after one of the above-mentioned stressors.

Emotional healing: Addressing past traumas and chronic stress is crucial for overall healing. Strategies include:

• Practicing self-love and self-compassion
• Developing a gratitude practice
• Seeking support through therapy or support groups
• Considering techniques like EMDR for processing trauma

Emotional healing can lead to improvements in both physical and mental health, supporting the overall recovery process.

Last updated: November 12, 2024