90% of People with Hypothyroidism Have This (Thyroid School #5)

Let’s talk about something juicy—and no, not the latest gossip, but a key piece of the thyroid health puzzle that affects up to 90% of people with hypothyroidism.

Hashimoto’s.

Here is a short training I did on this very topic (it’s only 7 minutes if you 2x it!)

You might have heard about it, or maybe it’s something you’ve never even thought to ask about. Either way, it’s time to dive in and make sure you’re equipped with the knowledge you need for your health journey.

The Hashimoto’s Connection 🔎

Yep, studies show that 90% of those with thyroid dysfunction actually have an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s at the root of their thyroid dysfunction. Whether you’ve had a conversation about it or have no clue what it is, it’s crucial to understand how this autoimmune disease could be impacting your thyroid.

Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disorder, which means your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid (I’m putting this simply!). This can disrupt the production of thyroid hormones and lead to hypothyroidism. But here’s the thing—knowing whether Hashimoto’s is behind your thyroid issues can make a big difference in your treatment approach.

What to Look for: Antibodies 🧪

You may be wondering how you can figure out if you have Hashimoto’s. It often starts with lab tests that check for certain antibodies in your blood. Look for two key markers:

• Anti-TPO (thyroid peroxidase antibodies)
• Anti-TG (thyroglobulin antibodies)

The presence of these antibodies can suggest that your immune system is attacking your thyroid. However, it’s essential to work alongside a provider to get a full picture. We like to order (at the very least) a full thyroid panel to help us gain a clearer picture of what is going on.

Why Does It Matter? 💡

If you’re dealing with Hashimoto’s, management it’s not ONLY about taking thyroid medication– despite what you’ve been told. Hashimoto’s is a lifelong autoimmune disease, and it’s essential to take a comprehensive, sustainable, personalized approach to managing it. 

With Hashimoto’s, food is one of your most powerful tools. It’s not about quick fixes like a 30-day diet protocol. We need long-term, sustainable changes that reduce inflammation, balance your immune system, and support your overall health.

The Autoimmune Trifecta ⚖️

Hashimoto’s doesn’t develop in isolation. It’s part of a bigger picture—the autoimmune trifecta—which includes:

• Genetics
• Gut imbalance (leaky gut, microbial imbalances, etc.)
• Stress (emotional, physical, or even toxins)

What Happens When Your Immune System Attacks? 💥

In Hashimoto’s, your immune system attacks key components of thyroid hormone production, including thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin. This impacts your ability to create thyroid hormones, leading to the symptoms of hypothyroidism:

• Brain fog
• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Digestive issues
• Inflammation

So while hypothyroidism is a thyroid issue, Hashimoto’s is a whole-body issue. It can affect your brain, gut, and overall well-being, making it essential to take a holistic approach to support your body.

The Power of Testing and Proactive Care 🔬

You may not have symptoms or may just feel “off,” but Hashimoto’s can quietly develop in the background for years before triggering full-blown symptoms. Getting tested for antibodies is a smart way to catch it early—before you hit the more advanced stages.

Should You Cut Gluten? 🤔

You’ve probably read about the connection between gluten and Hashimoto’s, and it’s true—gluten can be problematic for many people with autoimmune thyroid disease. Why?

• Molecular mimicry: The proteins in gluten can resemble enzymes in the thyroid gland, causing your immune system to attack not only gluten but your thyroid as well.
• Celiac risk: The genetic predisposition for Hashimoto’s is similar to that of celiac disease, so it’s worth testing for if you suspect gluten may be affecting you.

But here’s the catch: Eliminating gluten alone isn’t a cure. It’s about creating a nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet that works for YOU. Just swapping gluten-filled foods for gluten-free processed foods isn’t going to cut it.

Key Principles for Managing Hashimoto’s 📋

If you’re dealing with Hashimoto’s, here’s what I recommend (with the right provider guiding you through it):

• An anti-inflammatory diet: This helps manage inflammation and supports your immune system.
• Gut healing: The gut is at the core of many autoimmune conditions. A healthy gut is key.
• Micronutrient balance: Micronutrient deficiencies can exacerbate symptoms.
• Stress management: Chronic stress can trigger flare-ups, so managing stress is vital.
• Blood sugar balance: This can help keep your body in a more balanced state.

This is exactly why I developed The BRAIN Method—to help women manage Hashimoto’s through these essential principles. Without these foundational steps, supplements and quick fixes won’t make the impact you want.

Questions to Ask Yourself 🤔

• Have you tested your antibodies?
• Are you tracking fluctuations in your antibody levels?
• How colorful and nutrient-dense is your diet?
• If you’re gluten-free, are you focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods or processed alternatives?
• Have you had your vitamin and mineral levels tested?

If you’re unsure about any of these, we are here to help! Our team can guide you through testing, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes that support long-term wellness.

Ready to Take Control of Your Thyroid Health? 

It’s time to stop guessing and start addressing the root causes of your thyroid health challenges. If you want more information on lab testing, how to support your immune system, or just need a little guidance—click here to learn more about the options we offer.

Let’s work together to give your thyroid the support it deserves!

Nicole + The CFW Team

EMAIL:
hello@chewsfoodwisely.com

VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS ONLY
Business Mailing Address:
2525 Robinhood Street
Houston, Texas 77005