Where did the name come from? It is attributed to a Japanese surgeon and it’s an autoimmune disease; which is due to chronic inflammation that causes thyroid gland failure. It is activated by certain antibodies that attack the thyroid gland; preventing the cells of the thyroid to convert iodine into thyroid hormones. An enlarged thyroid is a common characteristic; a low number of cases involve iodine deficiency but most are associated with excessive iodine intake.
But, how exactly does this condition develop? Pregnancy or viral illnesses can be related to pituitary or hypothalamus gland dysfunction; oh and let’s not forget genetics. So, what are the symptoms? They can develop slowly but include fatigue, intolerance to cold, fertility, unexplained weight gain, dry skin and hair, hoarse voice, muscles aches or cramping, stiff joints, constipation, memory impairment, decreased concentration and depression.
So, how can it be treated? Most patients take pharmaceutical drugs; synthetic hormones but even then they need to be careful because foods such as soy products, salt substitutes, foods high in iron, nutritional supplements such as calcium, iron, potassium and iodine may interfere with the body’s ability to absorb the drug. However, left untreated, a patient will be exposed to an increased risk for heart disease due to increased levels of LDL; bad cholesterol due to an underactive thyroid which can also lead to sleep apnea. For all you women; please be aware that babies born to women with untreated hypothyroidism can lead to an increased risk of birth defects.
Are there any other measures that can be combined with treatment? According to a study published in Internal Medicine News, “Selenium cuts antibodies in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and lowers the disease activity.” Selenium; a trace mineral is an essential nutrient with antioxidant properties. Food sources include garlic, onions, wheat germ, red grapes, broccoli and egg yolks. The suggested daily intake of selenium is 75mg for men and 55mg for women; the problem is that most people don’t consume even this small amount in the daily diet.
On April 29, 2010, my mother died suddenly of undetected and untreated Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. It is my passion to help people become aware of this disease and encourage them to receive testing. Through Alternative Practitioners’ and Do’s there is an iodine test available to see how you process iodine; I encourage you to take the test. You could actually be found with an iodine deficiency and through the use of Iodoral, doctors are treating the symptoms of hypothyroidism. I encourage each and every one of you to “Take control of your health so you too can experience a natural way to a better life!”
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