Hashimoto’s Disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. Here we take a brief look at the ramifications of Hashimoto’s, and discuss four supplements that could help someone who has it.
What Is Hashimoto’s Disease?
Hashimoto’s Disease is an autoimmune disorder that targets the thyroid. It usually leads to hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid. Because the thyroid is the body’s primary hormone producer, hypothyroidism leads to a variety of symptoms and potential complications. Symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, joint and muscle pain, constipation, and irregular menstruation for women. Furthermore, hypothyroidism from Hashimoto’s can cause complications including heart disease, high blood pressure, and problems during pregnancy for women. For these reasons, Hashimoto’s must be managed.
Like other autoimmune disorders, Hashimoto’s Disease causes the body’s immune system to attack healthy tissues, in this case the hormone-producing cells in the thyroid. The incidence of Hashimoto’s is about 3.5 cases per 1,000 women each year in the U.S., but only 0.8 cases per 1,000 men each year. The predominant causes for Hashimoto’s Disease are genetics.
Medication is typically prescribed for those experiencing hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto’s disease. The standard treatment is hormone replacement therapy using synthetic T4 hormone. Lifestyle and dietary measures to support the thyroid, and reduce potential for interaction with medication, are usually necessary for those with Hashimoto’s.
Supplements for Those with Hashimoto’s Disease
Nutrient supplementation, done correctly, could support the bodily health and well-being of those with Hashimoto’s Disease. These can be useful if taken in the context of proper dietary and lifestyle choices, but not instead of them. Here are several terrific supplements to support someone with Hashimoto’s:
Vitamin D supplementation could be helpful for someone with Hashimoto’s Disease due to a couple of different factors. First, studies have shown that those with Hashimoto’s have lower levels of this crucial vitamin than does the general population. In fact, the degree of vitamin D deficiency has been linked to the apparent severity of Hashimoto’s Disease in some studies. Secondly, vitamin D specifically benefits the immune system, in that it could potentially reduce an autoimmune response, as well as tamp down the inflammation that often coincides with the harmful autoimmune response. Vitamin D supplementation could be instrumental for someone with Hashimoto’s Disease.
Selenium: This is a mineral used by the body only in small amounts. The standard dosage of selenium is 200mcg. Studies show supplementing with 200mcg of selenium daily could reduce the force of certain antibodies which affect the thyroid in those with Hashimoto’s Disease. This could bear well on thyroid function, and improve the quality of life in someone with Hashimoto’s.
Vitamin B12 is recommended for those with Hashimoto’s because B12 deficiency is scientifically linked to Hashimoto’s and general thyroid dysfunction. It’s estimated that 46% of Hashimoto’s patients are B12 deficient. A vitamin B12 supplement could take up the slack of this deficiency and significantly support the thyroid and its functions.
Zinc could be helpful because it is essential for the thyroid to function. Research shows that taking zinc can help those with Hashimoto’s Disease, especially if taken alongside selenium.
If you or someone close to you has Hashimoto’s, then these four supplements should be considered in-depth for their potential to improve thyroid health, and quality of life. It’s recommended that you always consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplement, in order to avoid medicinal interactions and/or side effects.