Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism and the Prevalence of Autoimmune Thyroiditis
An autoimmune disorder is characterized as a malfunction of the immune system where the body produces antibodies that attack the body’s own cells and tissues – the thyroid gland being the most commonly affected organ. Although the reasons for this dysfunction are complex, we understand that many environmental and endogenous factors are associated with autoimmunity of the thyroid. Hashimoto’s vs Graves’ disease: Both Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are autoimmune disorders of the thyroid. They are both conditions where the immune system (immune T and B cells specifically), infiltrate the thyroid gland and produce autoantibodies leading to abnormal function – under-function or overstimulation of the thyroid gland in Hashimoto’s and Graves’ respectively. Testing for these conditions involves looking at the presence of anti-TPO and anti-TG antibodies in the blood. Usually easy to detect, these antibodies may precede diagnosis of clinical symptoms by 2-7 years. Usually, the presence of anti-TG antibodies is not enough to make a definite diagnosis – as these antibodies can also be elevated in other conditions, including arthritis and type 1 diabetes. However, most patients with Hashimotos will have elevated anti-TG antibodies which is very characteristic of this disorder. Possible risk factors/ contributors It is now believed that an interaction between genetic and environmental factors can lead to an autoimmune thyroiditis condition. Some risk factors include: recent or past infections, gender (females being more affected) and iodine intake. Environmental factors that can contribute to the development of these conditions include over-exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, halogens, polyhalogenated biphenols and various nutrient deficiencies or excesses. For example, although iodine is recognized as essential for thyroid functions, overconsumption can increase the risk of thyroid dysfunction in susceptible individuals, therefore levels should be monitored in at-risk and diagnosed individuals. Treatment: Once testing has confirmed a diagnosis of Hashimotos or Graves’, there are several options for treatment. First and foremost, thyroid replacement hormone (Levothyroxine) may be prescribed for Hashimoto’s (hypothyroidism). For Graves’ (Hyperthyroidism) – anti-thyroid medications, radioactive iodine or surgical removal (partial or full) of the thyroid gland may be needed. There are effective treatments which may be used to help treat autoimmune thyroid disorders. Addressing specific deficiencies such as vitamin D deficiency can help address some of the problem – with adequate levels having an immunomodulatory effect. In addition, botanical anti- inflammatory agents such a blue flag, selenium and rosmarinic acid which can target the thyroid preventing an auto-immune reaction are used in specific doses. Knowing when to use the right botanical and at what dose is key to reducing damage to the thyroid gland, returning balance to the immune system and eliminating symptoms. Conclusion: There are several compounds with varied mechanisms of action which can support thyroid function and prevent auto-immune damage. Some mechanisms involve T cell modulation and cytokine response. In addition to these therapies, it’s also important to consider stress reduction options, improving digestion, and absorption through adequate nutrition and avoidance of triggering foods known to interfere with proper thyroid function. Finally, incorporating exercise helps induce 5′-deiodinase – an enzyme that helps stimulate production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). When treated multi-factorially, patients usually experience the best outcomes and can often significantly improve their thyroid health. -Dr. Michael Michna, Naturopath Sources: Hutfless S, Matos P, Talor MV, et al. Significance of prediagnostic thyroid antibodies in women with autoimmune thyroid disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011;96:E1466-E1471. Gallagher CM, Meliker JR. Mercury and thyroid autoantibodies in U.S. women, NHANES 2007-2008 Environ Int. 2012;40:39-43. McLeod DS, Cooper DS. The incidence and prevalence of thyroid autoimmunity. Endocrine.2012;42:252-265. Vanderpump MP. The epidemiology of thyroid disease. Br Med Bull 2011;99:39-51.
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Here at Dalhousie Health & Wellness our naturopathic Doctors are trained to help you with Insomnia. When you have insomnia, you’re never really asleep, and you’re never really awake. With insomnia, nothing’s real. Everything is far away. Everything is a copy of a copy of a copy. (Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club).😩
- Tossing and turning at night and the inability to sleep can be one of the most frustrating things experienced by an individual! In addition, disrupted sleep can affect our health in many ways – including an increase in appetite, weight gain, depressed immunity, low energy, decreased attention span and many more. 😕 - Insomnia and sleep issues should not be considered normal and ought to be addressed before they begin to negatively affect our health. Surprisingly perhaps, insomnia also occurs more frequently than most would imagine. In fact, a study in the Canadian Journal of psychiatry showed that within the tested sample - over 40% of participants in a randomized survey presented with at least 1 symptom of insomnia (trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or morning awakening for a minimum of 3 nights per week in the previous month. 🕛 - The causes of insomnia are numerous and oftentimes the cases may have multiple sources. From a naturopathic perspective, insomnia can be very treatable once the actual cause is addressed. Normally, once secondary organic causes (like menopausal hormonal shifts, thyroid dysregulation etc) are eliminated or treated – the treatment focuses on identifying sleep hygiene and regulation of circadian rhythms (our sleep/wake cycle), regulating melatonin levels, stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) and investigating the individuals microbiome health. New research for example, illustrates strong evidence to suggest that 80% of our serotonin (a neurotransmitter that is responsible for metabolism, mood and sleep) is produced in the GUT by commensal (healthy) bacteria. That is why creating a healthy GUT environment is crucial for restful and uninterrupted sleep. 🌘 Dr. Michael Michna, Naturopath |
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