A Guide to Hashimoto’s Disease Treatment
Have you recently been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease? Are you wondering about Hashimoto’s disease treatment and how it can help you?
You’re not alone. As many as 1 in 50 people in the US have Hashimoto’s disease, making it the most common cause of hypothyroidism or low thyroid function.
Although Hashimoto’s can greatly impact your life and how you feel, it’s possible to get your life back with the right treatment.
Keep reading to learn all about Hashimoto’s disease and what treatments are available for you.
What Is Hashimoto’s?
Hashimoto’s disease or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that damages your thyroid and affects how it functions. Your immune system starts attacking your thyroid cells which eventually leads to the death of these thyroid cells.
Your thyroid is important because it regulates many things in your body like your metabolism, body temperature, and muscle function.
Causes of Hashimoto’s
While it’s not exactly clear what causes the immune system to attack thyroid cells, there are several factors that can lead to the onset of Hashimoto’s.
Genetics seem to play a key role. If you have direct family members like parents or siblings with Hashimoto’s, you’re more likely to develop it too.
Environmental triggers like stress or radiation exposure can also trigger the onset of Hashimoto’s disease.
Symptoms of Hashimoto’s
Hashimoto’s disease typically progresses slowly over the course of a few years. Many people don’t notice any symptoms of this disease initially. Once your thyroid function starts to decline, you’ll notice symptoms like:
- Feeling fatigued and sluggish
- Sensitivity to cold temperatures
- Daytime sleepiness
- Dry skin
- Muscle aches and muscle stiffness
- Brittle nails
- Hair loss
Some people also experience problems with depression as well as noticeable differences in memory and concentration.
Hashimoto’s Disease Treatment
You’ll have to see your doctor to discuss the symptoms you’re having. You’ll also need to have a blood test to check your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.
Treating Hashimoto’s first involves improving your thyroid function with synthetic thyroid medication. There are not many side effects associated with this type of medication, and you’ll likely have to take it for the rest of your life.
Following a diet for Hashimoto’s is also important, as improving your diet can drastically reduce the inflammation and symptoms associated with this disease. You’ll want to focus on foods that lower any inflammation in your body. Foods you should eat on a daily basis include:
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Fish
- Avocados
- Peppers
- Mushrooms
- Green tea
You should also consider decreasing dairy products and focus on eating foods that contain less gluten. This will help to improve your digestion and aid in medication absorption.
It’s also important to decrease the stress you experience on a daily basis. Many people look to meditation, yoga, and other natural lifestyle changes. You can go here to read about natural treatments that may be the answer for you.
Treat Your Hashimoto’s Today
Being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s can change your life, but finding the right Hashimoto’s disease treatment can bring you back to where you need to be.
Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor and find a treatment plan that works for you.
If you’re ready to learn more tips and tricks, then check out our blog for more lifestyle and health tips that will empower your life!