Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is an autoimmune disease, is the reaction of antibodies against proteins in the thyroid, causing the gradual destruction of the thyroid gland itself and the inability to produce thyroid hormones. In essence, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid, causing inflammation and tissue damage.

Antibodies are made by white blood cells to fight germs and infections. But in Hashimoto’s, auto-antibodies (antibodies which attack normal, healthy tissue) are made by white blood cells and appear in the bloodstream.

The result is an infiltration of immune cells into your thyroid gland and damage to the thyroid tissue. As a result, your thyroid gland then reduces its production of hormones, which leads to an underactive thyroid gland (known as hypothyroidism).

In fact, Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the leading cause of hypothyroidism and goiter in the United States. As many as 25 percent of Hashimoto's patients may develop additional conditions such as Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, pernicious anemia, adrenal insufficiency, lupus, and other autoimmune disorders.

• Puffy Face and Eyelids
• Raspy, Hoarse Voice
• Intolerance to Cold
• Fatigue and Exhaustion
• Depression and Moodiness
• Shortness of Memory
• Dry, Coarse Hair
• Loss of Hair From the Outer Third of the Eyebrow
• Infertility
• Constipation
• Heavy and More Painful Menstrual Periods
• High Cholesterol Levels
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Difficulty Losing Weight
• Slowed Heartbeat
• Worsening Allergies
• Chronic Infections, Including Yeast Infections and Sinus Infections

• Environmental Toxins Such as Mercury and Pesticides (please visit our page on Is it Autoimmune Thyroid Disease or Is It Heavy Metal Poisoning!)
• Pregnancy
• The Food Borne Bacteria Yersinia Enterocolitica Infection
• Too Little or Too Much Supplemental Iodine
• Family History of Thyroid Disease
• Exposure to Radiation
• Excessive Exposure to Tap Water, Which Contains Flouride and Chlorine
• Overconsumption of Soy Products

All autoimmune symptoms or “misplaced immunity” are triggered, for the most part, by the cumulative toxic burden on the body. This can include, but not be limited to: stress, injuries, surgery, heavy metals, chemicals, plastics, food additives, food allergies, refined and processed foods, viruses, bacteria, yeast, fungus and mold.

This cumulative toxic insult creates a hospitable terrain in the gut (small intestine) where opportunistic organisms like bad bacteria and parasites can thrive. These bad bacteria can inhibit the growth of the probiotic (literally, “for life”) bacteria that is meant to colonize the lining of the small intestine. Since over 70% of immune-producing cells are created in this lining, this means that what we call our “immune system” is significantly weakened. This, in turn, creates an environment where yeast and fungus can overgrow.

All this can lead to what is called “Leaky Gut Syndrome” or intestinal hyperpermeability. This is when the lining of the intestine, which is permeable, creates holes so that toxins and undigested proteins “leak” out into the bloodstream. When this happens the immune system releases an IL-6 autoimmune reaction where auto-antibodies start to attack and inflame healthy tissue like the joints, the arteries, the bladder and the thyroid.

There are new studies that are showing that up to 90% of Americans suffer from the chronic iodine deficiency that causes thyroid problems.

Here’s what very few people realize: Thyroid hormones, absolutely essential to life and health, are made up almost entirely of the relatively rare element iodine. Without a sufficient amount of the “raw material”, iodine, your thyroid can’t produce enough thyroid hormones – T4 and T3 – for your body to function properly. And, if this is the case, your underactive thyroid will probably not show up by testing TSH (thyroid secreting hormone) in a blood test. Therefore, millions of people go around with undiagnosed thyroid problems.

1. There is almost no iodine in most foods.
   
   
2. The recent campaign to limit salt intake to control high blood pressure means that many older patients aren’t getting even the small amount of iodine found in iodinized salt.
   
   
3. The American diet is full of chemical additives and foods that prevent your body from absorbing iodine. The most prominent iodine blockers are chlorine, fluoride, bromine, soy and soy products.

If there is one thing that seems to be universally true with autoimmune patients, it is that they have a toxic body. The more discomfort you are in, the more pain you are feeling, the sicker and more toxic you are. Inflammation and irritation are classic signs of a toxic body. Although environmental toxins are not the only cause of an autoimmune disease, it may be what is the root cause of the other factors such as candida, viral or bacterial infections.

It is therefore of utmost importance to decrease the toxic burden on the body, give proper nutrients to the cells, and effectively decrease inflammation. This will enhance the quality of life for thyroid disease sufferers, no matter what the level of severity.

Avoid fluoride toothpaste and fluoridated water as they compete with iodine for absorption. Proper bowel elimination and stress reduction are also essential for any symptoms of autoimmunity and maintaining a healthy thyroid.

As is the case with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, all autoimmune diseases have one thing in common: an underlying autoimmune process that is sabatoging the body's ability to stay healthy. We have outlined an autoimmune repair plan utilizing natural supplement and detoxification therapies to help combat this autoimmune process. For more information on this, please click here for our Autoimune Repair Plan report .

Also Highly Recommended - Obtain a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis to Test for Heavy Metals and Mineral Deficiency

The solution to beating autoimmune diseases lies in addressing the root causes of autoimmunity, and in regulating the immune system. Ideally this can happen without the side effects associated with pharmaceutical substances such as interferon, prednisone or methotrexate.

In a large number of cases, the cause of any autoimmune disease can be traced to the overload of toxicity the body has had to deal with over many years, particularly heavy metals. We suggest you consider having a hair tissue mineral analysis done to find out which heavy metals the body is high in and which essential minerals the body is deficient in.

This test can provide you with much-needed information about mineral ratios that can be toxic and causing imbalances in your body, especially if you're suffering from symptoms of autoimmune disease.

For complete details on the value of a hair tissue mineral analysis, please click here. Also visit our page on Is it Autoimmune Thyroid Disease or Is It Heavy Metal Poisoning!

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