Day: February 15, 2018

                    There is no doubt childhood adversity impacts adult health. Persistent changes in the cell-mediated immune function (one of the ways our body fights infections) is seen as one of the pathways linking childhood adversity and adult health. But do different types of childhood adversity have different effect on the cell-mediated immune function and does timing of the occurrence matter? The answer is yes. Those persons[…]

                  Rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto’s may come together as normally family members do. There is a positive association between the Hashimoto’s antibody (TPOAb), fibromyalgia syndrome and chronic widespread pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

                  The Stem Cell Educator is an immune system retraining method, educating the immune cells that had been destroying cells so they stop attacking. It has been developed for treatment of people with people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Moreover, it is expected that the treatment could help with other autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Lupus and Sjogren’s syndrome, too.

                  The ultimate problem in obesity isn’t too many calories stored in fat, it’s too few in the blood stream, where it will be accessible to fuel the body’s needs. Dr. David Ludwig ad his research team showed that after just one month of carbohydrate restriction, metabolism improves, allowing for increased carbohydrate intake without adverse effects on calorie expenditure. If we eliminate just three foods we will[…]

                    Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar level) is common by autoimmune disorders and Hashimoto’s in particular. The reliable detection of low blood sugar has been a longstanding concern. Dogs can detect hypoglycemia. The hypothesis is that they can do that by detecting the scent of hypoglycemia. Besides olfactory cues, dogs may respond to subtle changes in their owners’ moods (as sugar levels drop people often are becoming[…]

                    Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), so common by autoimmune diseases, can be both a cause of and result of HPA axis dysregulation. Three endocrine glands: the Hypothalamus, the Pituitary gland, and the Adrenal glands and their interactions constitute the HPA axis. HPA axis controls our reactions to stress and body processes (e.g. immune system, energy storage and expenditure, digestion). The main mechanisms to increase blood[…]

                  Little is known about the etiology of psychiatric disorders as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and psychosis. Though patients show immunological abnormalities. New research findings explain the pathogenesis of psychiatric symptoms by the interaction between stress, cytokines, the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal axis, autoimmunity, and the brain. Neuroinflammation and peripheral immune dysregulation play a role in bipolar disorder. Neuroinflammation is the result of an immune response in the Central Nervous System[…]

                  For long health experts have warned us to watch our sodium intake. Too much salt is said to cause high blood pressure, the top risk factor in heart disease, kidney disease, and strokes. But according to Dr. James DiNicolantonio, author of “The Salt Fix: Why the Experts Got it All Wrong—and How Eating More Might Save Your Life,” many of us may actually be salt starved.

                  We are rarely experiencing just one emotion. Most of the cases several emotions are present. When confronted with intense emotions, recognizing them and simply labelling them, can bring them to balance. Making use of brain imaging, researchers brought some insights into the neural basis of affect labelling. While in fMRI scan, people were shown photos of faces expressing strong emotion. Their brain signals show greater activity[…]

                    Even short exposure to toxic mold can cause severe morbidity and mortality in adults, children and domestic pets.

                Researchers from the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center developed a device which instantly delivers new carrying genetic information acids: DNA or RNA into living skin cells to change their function. A single touch of this chip can heal badly injured or compromised organs within less than a second. It can restore organs, blood vessels and nerve cells in a non-invasive way. It has 98 % successful[…]

                  Drugs that treat depression by manipulating the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain may also affect the immune system. This is explained by the fact that serotonin is passed between key cells in the immune system, and that it is specifically used to activate an immune response. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs may restore a healthy immune function in people who are depressed and prone to infections.[…]

                  Subclinical hypothyroidism* is a common problem. Subclinical patients have raised TSH level and normal level of serum thyroid hormones. The most common cause of elevated TSH is autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s). In most of the cases increased antibodies are also present. Subclinical hypothyroidism’s prevalence is 3% to 8% in patients without known thyroid disease and increases with age: 8%-18% in adults 65 years or older. Subclinical[…]

              Relationship between kidney and thyroid function is known from years. Kidney disease can cause thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid dysfunction influences kidney function. By Hashimoto thyroiditis patients this happens via circulating immunocomplexes which are responsible for the change of kidney function by depositing on the basement membrane of the glomeruli. Furthermore, drugs used in the therapy of kidney and thyroid disorders lead to kidney and thyroid complications.

                  The effects of spaceflight on the human body have been studied since 20th century. There is enough evidence that microgravity influences metabolism, heat regulation, heart rhythm, respiratory system, muscle tone, and bone density. More recently, studies show that stressors encountered during spaceflight (e.g. microgravity, radiation, chronic stress) weaken the immune system and provide a positive environment for some pathogens. The fact that the immune system reacts[…]

                  How many times have you asked yourself how it comes that your libido is so low? Is it my exhaustion? Is this effect of hormonal changes? Do I still love my partner? When having Hashimoto’s or other autoimmune disease, people suffer from inflammation. The body attempts to fight the inflammation by releasing more cortisol via adrenal glands, and produces less sex hormones, which leads to decreased[…]

                    * Silicone breast implants are associated with complaints such as fatigue, cognitive impairment, joint and muscle pain, fever, dry eyes and mouth. * Silicone can travel throughout the body and can be detected in tissues and the central nervous system. * Migrated silicone induce a chronic inflammatory process. * Though when the implants are removed, 60–80% of patients show an improvement of the signs and[…]

                    The same as plants, we humans have a chemical reaction to light through photosynthesis. When particles of light come in contact with the skin, they are absorbed by light-sensitive molecules inside cells, which produce a response. The response is different depending on the wavelength, color, light and where it’s used. Phototherapy is applied to: • blue light to treat acne and moderate psoriasis • red[…]

                  It is not easy to cope with a chronic illness as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Many Hashimoto’s describe it as a slow death that is invisible for the outside world. What are the little things that help you keep going? Can you find them below? If not, share with us what works for you. Exchange new ideas to incorporate into (y)our routines.

                    Hair is important for our overall physical appearance and self-perception. Graying of hair is part of becoming old. Though premature graying can be a sign of an autoimmune disorder (e.g. Hashimoto thyroiditis, vitiligo, pernicious anaemia). A role for environmental factors and nutritional deficiencies is also hypothesized. The epidemiological and investigative study of premature graying of hair in higher secondary and pre-university school children shows that[…]

                  The idea that sound can heal is ancient. Currently science provides a prove of this old notion that musical frequencies can affect our mood, change cellular rhythm in our body, and thereby affect our health. This can be explained by the fact that all matter is vibrating at certain frequencies. Disease leads to a lower frequency vibration. The experiences of the participants in sound healing in[…]

                  Usual treatment for someone diagnosed with hypothyroidism is a lifelong synthetic hormone replacement therapy. Hormone replacement therapy does provide a certain level of thyroid hormones but almost completely excludes fine regulation of thyroid status according to current physiological conditions. Despite the complex problems thyroid can cause, scientists see thyroid gland as an organ with fairly simple structure, which is easy for 3D printing. The reason scientists[…]

                  Thyroid problems can be difficult to diagnose in pregnancy due to higher levels of thyroid hormone in the blood, increased thyroid size, fatigue, and other symptoms which are common to both pregnancy and thyroid disorders. Thyroid hormone is crucial during pregnancy for the healthy development of the fetal brain and nervous system. During the first trimester through the placenta the fetus gets it’s thyroid hormone supply.[…]

                  For long the belief that humans inherit DNA from their parents and that DNA remains largely unchanged over lifetime has been dominant. The new research in Human Social Genomics is showing evidence that this belief is wrong. Changes in the expression of hundreds of genes can occur as a function of the physical and social environments. DNA is coded for the production of a extensive variety[…]

                    Current study of the Joslin Diabetic Center and the University of Massachusetts Medical School demonstrates that ultrasound imaging technology can detect pancreas inflammation in living rats during the development of type1 diabetes. In general, type1 diabetes is caused by autoimmune destruction of β-cells within the pancreatic islets. Type 1 diabetes is very often manifesting together with other autoimmune diseases, particularly Hashimoto thyroiditis. Presently, there is[…]

                    Iodide and fluoride are essential elements. Individual iodide and fluoride intake are dependent on the environment. Whether fluoride affects the thyroid is still debatable, as well as the possible mechanism underlying any effect remains unknown. At the same time there is a discussion about the effect of iodine on thyroid. Chinese scientists from the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Institute of Endocrinology, China have studied[…]

                    Infertility is a common condition that affects 9%-18% of the general population. The causes of female infertility can be different: genetic, anatomic abnormalities, endocrine and autoimmune disorders. Women with some autoimmune disorders (systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, and autoimmune thyroid disease) are at higher risk of infertility. Active vitamin D can work as a positive immunomodulator on both the innate and adaptive immune responses. Vitamin[…]

                30 % of adults in Europe have a thyroid nodule. Thyroid cancer occurs in 5-15 % of thyroid nodules. Thyroid cancer is a major and growing health challenge. Chances of survival and full recovery to a great extent depends on an early and fast diagnosis and an effective treatment. To exclude thyroid cancer when screening thyroid nodules, ultrasound followed by fine needle aspiration biopsy of suspicious nodules[…]

                  Emotions are associated with specific patterns of nervous system activation with separate downstream hormonal and immunologic effect. Acute changes in proinflammatory cytokine activity may be linked to specific emotions, as shame. Shame is a threat emotion. How do you deal with threat?  1) Attack – Revenge 2) Anxious – flee, submit 3) Self-attacking & self-harm 4) Seek reassurance 5) Self-soothing 6) Other

                  Alcohol is the world’s third largest risk factor for disease and disability. The effect of alcohol on the hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid axis is substantial. Alcohol consumption affects almost all aspects of the functioning of the thyroid gland. Alcohol causes direct cellular toxicity on thyroid cells which leads to thyroid suppression: blocking both fT4 and fT3, and increases reverse T3 and reduction of the thyroid volume. What is your[…]

                  The association between the presence of TPOAb and depression has been unclear. Though, most studies investigating the relationship between thyroid function and depression measured just the current presence of depressive symptoms, thus focused on state* characteristics of depression. It may be questioned whether thyroid function is more distinctly associated with trait** markers. A study based on a large population-based survey in the Netherlands explored this hypothesis.[…]

                  Grapefruit is suggested as a protector against cardiovascular diseases and cancers. However it is also inhibiting enzyme systems: • the intestinal cytochrome P – 450 3A4 system, which is responsible for the first pass metabolism of many drugs • the P – glycoprotein pump, which transports many of these cytochrome P – 450 3A4 substrates By inhibiting these enzyme systems, grapefruit juice alters the movement of[…]

                  Hashimotp.Help is a big supporter of grounding. We have seen its healing effect on many Hashimoto’s. When we let our body make contact with the surface of the Earth= grounding, this produces positive effects on physiology and health. Using grounding on a daily basis relates to prevention and treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease. A selection of grounding exercises you can find in our training

                  The first sense we develop as foetus is touch. Touch is our first language. We are born to touch and to be touched. The positive outcomes of touch has been proven in many ways. Touch decreases inflammation. Hugs strengthen the immune system. This is explained by the gentle pressure on the sternum and the emotional charge which stimulates the thymus gland responsible for the regulation of[…]

                    Short-term stress can increase the expression of immunoprotective (e.g. wound healing, anti-infectious, anti-tumor) or immuno-pathological (pro-inflammatory, autoimmune) responses. From the other side, chronic stress can suppress protective immune responses and/or worsen pathological immune responses. Thus, stress has an adaptive function. It has a profound influence on the immune system through different neuroendocrine networks. Stress can have an effect on inflammatory autoimmune diseases, both in predisposing[…]

                  Important complications of the subclinical thyroid dysfunction are related to cardiac, bone metabolism and neuropsychiatric disorders. Two-thirds of patients with thyroid disease are reporting having psychiatric disorders. Subclinical thyroid disorders may cause anxiety. A study issued at Endocrine Journal studied if there is a relation between the subclinical thyroid dysfunction and anxiety. Scientists refer to subclinical thyroid disorders when fT3 and fT4 are in a normal[…]

                  Many autoimmune diseases are more prevalent by women. Effective contraception, either hormonal or non-hormonal is essential in young patients with autoimmune disease. Despite this need, there is a lack of literature on the safety of contraceptives in autoimmune diseases. Some evidence suggests that oral contraceptives can induce antibodies and increase the thrombotic risk. Other studies advocate a positive effect of oral contraceptives. For example positive effect[…]

                  Subclinical hypothyroidism is defined as elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and a serum free thyroxine level (free T4) within the reference range. Most patients with subclinical hypothyroidism have no symptoms or have nonspecific symptoms. About 18% of adults 65 years of age or older have characterises of subclinical hypothyroidism. Subclinical hypothyroidism is a possible contributor to many problems in older persons: vascular system and the heart,[…]

                  The benefits of writing about traumatic, stressful or emotional events has been found to result in improvements in both physical and psychological health, both in non-clinical population and in people battling terminal or life-threatening diseases. While the exact mechanism by which expressive writing brings health benefits is not clear yet, there is abundance of evidence that expressive writing results in significant improvements in longer-term physical health[…]

                  Hypothyroidism (above 90 % of those with hypothyroidism are having Hashimoto’s) and mood disorder often manifest together. In such cases, pharmacological management can be complex because of potential interactions between psychotropic medications and thyroid function. For example this is the case by lithium therapy, a treatment used for bipolar disorder. It is important to carefully evaluate patients before starting with lithium therapy as well as monitoring[…]

                  We need on average about 7.5 hours of quality sleep per night. Sleep loss results in metabolic and endocrine changes including: – decreased glucose tolerance: stop smoking and using alcohol. Smoking keeps you awake and prevents the onset of sleep entirely. Alcohol is damaging to the sleep cycle. – decreased insulin sensitivity – increased evening concentrations of cortisol (eliminate caffeine, evening exercise, negative thoughts before sleep)[…]

  Certain food, drugs, and gastrointestinal disorders can influence the absorption of your thyroid medication (levothyroxine) which can change your treatment outcomes The absorption of levothyroxine takes place primary in the gastrointestinal tract. Around 60% to 82% of the administered dose is absorbed during the 3 hours after taking the medicine. Soybeans and coffee have the greatest impact on the reduction of absorption, whereas vitamin C has the ability to increase it. Many gastrointestinal disorders, such[…]

  When a child experiences a serious life event (e.g. death and illness, divorce/separation, conflicts between adults, new adult in the family, unemployment) at any time during the first 14 years of life, he/she has an increased risk of being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes independent of heredity, heredity for type 2 diabetes, mother’s pregnancy age, the parents’ education level, whether the mother worked part time before the child’s birth and the childhood body-mass index[…]

  Fibromyalgia is a systemic disorder. It is a global pain syndrome generated by the nervous system. Be aware that symptoms of musculoskeletal pain can be caused by medical conditions (autoimmune disorders), metabolic disorders (hypothyroidism, food allergies/sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies), mental conditions (post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and panic attacks). Muscle symptoms are a frequent found in thyroid diseases. There are significant similarities between noninflammatory joint diseases and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. Fibromyalgia patients have some[…]

By subclinical Hashimoto thyroiditis patients have raised TSH level and normal level of serum thyroid hormones. In most of the cases increased antibodies are also present. Those patients are more opt to coronary heart disease, psychiatric disorders, and pregnancy problems. Diagnosing on time those subclinical cases with slight hypothyroidism and properly treating them is essential in order to slow down the progression of the disease and But how to spot those subclinical cases if there[…]

Coffee decreases mortality from cardiovascular and neurological disease, diabetes type 2 and some type of cancers. How coffee influences autoimmunity?

Early diagnosis of Hashimoto thyroiditis is essential! A bioassay technology is available, which enables to quickly diagnose autoimmune thyroiditis in just a few days via thyroid-blocking immunoglobulin (TBI) detecting method. In autoimmune thyroiditis, thyroid-blocking immunoglobulin (TBI), prevents or blocks the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) from binding to its own receptor (TSHR). This event stops the intracellular signalling cascade required for the production and secretion of thyroid hormones.

Selenium is essential for our health. It is an powerful antioxidant and supports our immune system. Furthermore it is vital for the synthesis of many proteins. Even very small selenium deficiency may contribute to the development as well as maintenance of autoimmune thyroid diseases. Most affected are agricultural areas of Europe and India, China, southern South America, southern Africa and the south-western United States. Research shows that selenium supplementation improves the inflammatory activity in patients[…]

Are your TPOAb positive and considering to become pregnant? Have you developed postpartum mood disorder? Recent study published in Frontiers in Endocrinilogy states that postpartum thyroiditis is more likely to occur in pregnant thyroid autoantibodies positive women compared to negative women. Concerning positivity for TPOAb, approximately 10% of pregnant women are TPOAb positive, and around one-third to half of them will develop postpartum thyroiditis within 12 months after delivery. At least 2–3% of women have[…]

Interleukin-17 is a cytokine (small proteins important by the cell signalling) whcih helps protecting against extracellular bacterial and fungal infections. It plays important role in inflammation. Though, when produced in excess, it contributes to chronic inflammation associated with many inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, as Hashimoto thyroiditis. What can we do to contribute to the balance? Some examples are: – Learn what causes us chronic stress and reprogram our response – Bring our body to its[…]

Another study showing that we inhirit trauma from the previous generations. Can this also be one of the reasons that the autoimmune diseases are running in the families?

Autoimmune Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is considered to have detrimental effects on the brain and consequently on the memory. There is controversial evidence that the treatment of hypothyroidism may be associated with definite recovery of overall neurocognitive functioning. Currently published study on memory and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis under levothyroxine treatment, examines healthy participants with positive instructions, healthy participants with negative instructions, Hashimoto patients with positive instructions, and Hashimoto patients with negative instructions. The study did not detect any[…]

Here is the message of one of the top developmental biologist of our time: Bruce Lipton. Please, share your thoughts below: What message are you sending to your cells in order to activate your DNA?

There is a notion that the two thyroid lobes work differently. One can be hypo, the other hyper or normal. Interesting and worth studying hypothesis, isn’t it?

We are living in an exciting time! The Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam showed that targeting the inflammatory reflex may reduce inflammation of reumatoid arthritus. The direct correlation between vagus nerve stimulation and the suppression of several key cytokines like TNF as well as reduced autoimmune signs and symptoms demonstrates proof of mechanism, which might be relevant for other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases as Hashimoto thyroiditis as well.  

There has been a discussion about the increased risk of stroke in Hashimoto thyroiditis patients. The research findings of a big cohort study point out that this risk is slightly increased for this group of patients. And the risk is due to thyroid hormone deficiency rather than a cumulative effect of autoimmune pathology. Screening and early diagnosis of Hashimoto thyroiditis are essential!

Sound therapies have been popular for long as a way of relaxing and restoring our health. Researchers wanted to know what kind of music induces the greatest state of relaxation. What they found is that the song “Weightless” results in 65 % reduction in participants’ overall anxiety, and 35 % reduction in their usual physiological resting rates. Enjoy! But be careful when and where you are going to listen to it. This song will lead[…]

An international team of 56 researchers in five countries has confirmed a hypothesis first proposed by the ancient Greeks – that different diseases are characterized by different “chemical signatures” identifiable in breath samples. The Na-Nose can detect 17 different diseases including cancer from the breath and are developing Sniffphone for disease detection through a Smartphone. We are living in an exciting time! You can read more here: https://www.businessinsider.nl/disease-breathalyzer-detec…/…