Summary of Ep. 267 Hashimoto’s: What Is It and How It Impacts Our Health:
Dr. Anshul Gupta is a Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician and a best-selling author, speaker, and researcher who educates people worldwide on reversing Hashimoto’s disease. In an interview with Cynthia Thurlow on the Everyday Wellness podcast, Dr. Gupta described how his own personal health struggles led him to functional and integrative medicine, ultimately resulting in finding a protocol to reverse his own debilitating symptoms. He then worked alongside Dr. Mark Hyman at the Functional Medicine Department at the Cleveland Clinic, where he encountered a lot of middle-aged women who were experiencing symptoms similar to his. Through his research, Dr. Gupta discovered that many of these women had Hashimoto’s disease, and he became passionate about helping these women reverse the condition. In the podcast, Dr. Gupta explained the root causes of Hashimoto’s, including the impact of chronic stress, food, and an imbalanced gut microbiome, as well as the importance of lab testing for the disease. He also discussed medication options, peptides, and the issues surrounding iodine supplementation.
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Hashimoto’s Disease: Understanding and Reversing the Slow Destruction of the Thyroid Gland
Autoimmunity and Hashimoto’s: The Basics
Hashimoto’s disease is a type of autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the thyroid gland. The result is an inflammation of the thyroid gland, which slowly damages and destroys it. Hashimoto’s disease mainly affects women and is often diagnosed in middle age. According to Dr. Anshul Gupta, many women suffer from thyroid disorders without even knowing they have Hashimoto’s. Hashimoto’s disease is often misdiagnosed as hypothyroidism, as the symptoms overlap.
Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Disease
The symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease can take years to develop, and may include fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, and depression. As the thyroid gland becomes more damaged, symptoms can also include hair loss, dry skin, and constipation. Unfortunately, many of these signs and symptoms are not specific to Hashimoto’s disease and can mimic other conditions.
The Root Causes of Hashimoto’s
According to Dr. Gupta, there are five major root causes of Hashimoto’s disease:
1. Chronic stress: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and increase inflammation in the body.
2. Imbalanced gut microbiome: The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in the immune system function. An imbalanced gut microbiome can trigger the immune system to attack the thyroid gland.
3. Food sensitivities: Foods such as gluten and dairy can cause inflammation and damage to the gut lining, leading to an autoimmune response.
4. Toxins and infections: Exposure to toxins and infections can trigger an immune system response that leads to destruction of the thyroid gland.
5. Genetic predisposition: Genetics can also play a role in the development of Hashimoto’s disease.
Food and Hashimoto’s Disease
Dr. Gupta explains that food sensitivities can make it much harder for the thyroid gland to function. Foods like gluten and dairy can cause inflammation, leading to an autoimmune response that attacks the thyroid gland. He also notes that toxins and heavy metals are a big issue for people with Hashimoto’s disease. Exposure to mold and mycotoxins can also increase the risk of developing Hashimoto’s disease.
Testing and Medication Options
Dr. Gupta discusses the testing that can be done to diagnose Hashimoto’s disease, including thyroid hormone levels and autoantibody testing. There are also various medication options for people with Hashimoto’s, including peptides and low-dose naltrexone (LDN). He also shares his thoughts on iodine supplementation, which can be controversial for those with Hashimoto’s disease.
The Benefits of Fasting for Hashimoto’s
Dr. Gupta also discusses the benefits of fasting for mitochondrial health, particularly for people with thyroid issues. Mitochondria are the energy factories of our cells, and improving their function can have a positive impact on energy levels and overall health. Fasting can also help reduce inflammation and promote cellular repair.
Reversing Hashimoto’s
Dr. Gupta is on a mission to help one million people reverse their health conditions. He has written a best-selling book called Reversing Hashimoto’s and hosts a virtual functional medicine practice, blog, and YouTube channel. He shares his innovative approach to Hashimoto’s disease, which has helped several patients reverse their unresolved symptoms and live life to the fullest.
Conclusion
Hashimoto’s disease is a complex autoimmune disorder that can take years to diagnose. However, with the right approach and knowledge, it can be reversed. Dr. Gupta’s insights shed light on the root causes, symptoms, and treatment options for Hashimoto’s disease. By addressing the underlying causes of inflammation and immune system dysregulation, individuals with Hashimoto’s can take control of their health and reverse the slow destruction of the thyroid gland.
