We have something to celebrate! After years of helping Hashimoto’s patients in her practice, Dr. Anna Huysse wanted to make accessible the knowledge and expertise she has been sharing with people who came to visit her in her practice. In this way, Hashimoto.Help was born: offering evidence-based online services to Hashimoto’s patients at any stage of the disease. One of the online programs ‘Reset your immune system: Hashimoto’s heart’ has been scientifically tested for[…]
Among the variables that impact the risks and costs associated with waiting for later rewards is the internal, physical condition of the body. When healthy, we are less in need of immediate resources to manage a metabolically costly response to infection, injury, or disease. We are more likely to survive into the future to realize delayed rewards. Though, when sick, current energy demands are higher, and the future is relatively less certain. When having[…]
For long we have believed that overuse or misuse of antibiotics to be the main cause for antibiotic resistance. Though recently, study shows that triclosan used as a preservative in water based formulations of products that we use daily (aftershave lotions, bath products, cleansing products, foot sprays, hair conditioners, makeup products, powders, shampoos, shaving products, skin care[…]
Tonsils play an important role in our immune system. Tonsils are a pair of lymphoid tissues located at the rear of the throat and function as the first defence against bacteria and virus. The underlying component of B cells in the germinal centers of the tonsil is activated when a pathogen is present. Studies show that the pre-existing antigen-specific IgA[…]
Maternal depression has been repeatedly linked with negative child outcomes as increased psychopathology: poor socioemotional adaptation, externalizing (conduct) and internalizing symptom (anxiety/depression, somatic complaints, social withdrawal), and emotion dysregulation. In addition, maternal depression is related to poor physical health throughout life. Studies show that prenatal maternal depressive symptoms are associated with poor physical health across early childhood, which in turn predicted[…]
Heb je vage klachten die mogelijk duiden op een trage schildklier of de ziekte van Hashimoto? Dan is preventie en vroege detectie van groot belang. De webinar met Dr. Anna Huysse wordt gecombineerd met praktische oefeningen, tests en discussies. Deze webinar is interessant voor mensen met vage klachten, hypothyroïdie/trage schildklier en Hashimoto’s. In het bijzonder voor mensen met: – Depressiviteit, angst en borderline die ondanks medicatie klachten houden – als Hashimoto zijn[…]
The adolescent years are a very critical time for brain maturation, including how well we’ll cope with stress later in life. The lifestyle decisions made during adolescence — as what we eat —can make a big difference in our ability to overcome every day challenges. Healthy food habits are important at any age, but it’s especially important during adolescence. Post-traumatic stress[…]
The battle with Hashimoto’s leads many capable, devoted and talented people to withdraw from their jobs, hobbies, and community activities. As a consequence of the disease itself and by often not being understood by medical professionals, family and friends, being alone, many Hashimoto’s withdraw, isolate themselves and start to doubt their capabilities and feel insecure to do the things they love[…]
Highly Sensitive Person is a scientific term. The scientific term is ‘sensory-processing sensitivity’. Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is a recently proposed construct that refers to a genetically influenced tendency to more strongly and deeply process a variety of information including the arts, caffeine, other peoples’ moods, hunger, and pain. Highly Sensitive Persons are born that way. These processing differences are genetically based,[…]
Emotions and hormones go hand in hand. I would like to share with you a technique developed by HeartMath institute called Cut-Thru. The heart has its own independent nervous system, with at least 40 thousand neurons, called heart brain. When heart thythms are more coherent, neural and biochemical events occur which affects every organ in the human body. Heart feelings affect bith[…]
Typically, Hashimoto thyroiditis also called autoimmune thyroiditis is viewed as a single organ autoimmune disease. However, we should not forget that it is part of an autoimmune family diseases. Hashimoto thyroiditis is frequently found in association with other autoimmune conditions and well-differentiated connective tissue diseases. Non-endocrine associations of hypothyroidism and Hashimoto thyroiditis have been described including rheumatic manifestations such as […]
Children who experience chronic stressors are vulnerable to emotional and physical health problems during their entire life. An adverse early life environment can induce changes on behavioural and metabolic responses later in life. Childhood adversity has been linked to elevated rates of morbidity and mortality from a number of chronic diseases. Physiological and biomolecular studies are increasingly establishing how childhood exposure to chronic stress leads […]
Epidemiological data underline a strong correlation between poor vitamin D status and higher risk for chronic inflammatory illnesses of various etiologies, including autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D exerts an endocrine action on the cells of the immune system, generating anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects. There is increasing evidence for the significant role of vitamin D in reducing the incidence of autoimmune diseases. Several[…]
Physical and psychological distress play a role in the development of autoimmune disease as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Many studies confirm the effect of different stressors on the function of the immune system. In addition, many retrospective studies have shown that up to 80% of patients reported uncommon emotional stress before disease onset. The immune system plays a role in sensing threats. But[…]
This is Shelley’s question: ‘I’ve been taking Synthroid for 2 years, and my goitre has grown larger anyways. Will I need surgery or are there other things to try to keep my goiter from getting any bigger? I feel like I’m not getting enough air when I lay down at night.’ Dear Shelley, please, understand that due to liability issues, I[…]
Many people with Hashimoto thyroiditis experience problems to conceive or/and have a higher chance to have problematic pregnancy. Psychological problems as depression are also often going hand in hand with Hashimoto’s. Depression is even more common in women with infertility. Women with depression are less likely to conceive and have a lower live birth rate after in vitro[…]
What does coffee mean for a person with a chronic condition as Hashimoto’s? We love coffee, need it for its taste and stimulating qualities. It brings us energy and helps us keep going when we are tired. Though, coffee can be bad for Hashimoto’s because it: Influences the absorption of thyroid medication Food can impair the absorption of thyroid hormones. This is the reason why it is recommended to take thyroid medication on an[…]
Should SOY be avoided altogether in Hashimoto’s? There are four reasons why you should avoid soy: The problem with eating any food that you have an allergy or are sensitive to is that this will result in inflammation and interfere with the healing process. Most of the soy is genetically modified. Genetically modified soybeans contain high residues of glyphosate, which negatively influences our gut microbiota. Soy has phytates. And studies show that the phytates in[…]
Adrenal Glands The adrenal glands sit on top of the kidneys and weigh just 5 grams each. But per gram of tissue the adrenals have one of the highest rates of blood flow and the highest concentration of vitamin C. There are two parts of the adrenal gland: cortex and medulla. The cortex produces the steroid hormones cortisol, dehydro epian drosterone (DHEA helps produce other hormones, including testosterone and estrogen) and aldosterone (which main[…]
In humans, body temperature is controlled by the thermoregulatory centre in the hypothalamus. Thyroid is controlling metabolic heat production. This process is called thermogenesis. Thyroid is playing a role of a thermostat, keeping constant temperature of 37 degrees Celsius, which is essential the processes in our body. When healthy, the thyroid dynamically reacts to changes in temperature. When unable to maintain proper body heat, this can lead to cold intolerance. When thyroid hormones are[…]
To provide you with an accurate advice for weight management, we need to know what causes your weight gain on first place, Arlana and Lisa. This may differ not just per person but also per period of your life (period of hormonal changes: pregnancy, (pre)menopause), development stage of Hashimoto’s (early stages more often changes in weight, weight loss, later: both thyroid hormones and inflammation) But, ok, I will concentrate on the 5 most important[…]
Today’s question is – TPOAb please explain what this test stands for and all about it, please! What are your top tips for Antibody reduction? I managed to reduce mine by 75% by cutting out gluten but I am struggling to get TPOAb below 550. Antibodies and autoimmunity Antibodies are proteins made by the immune system to fight bacteria, viruses, and toxins. Antibodies even make cancer therapies. Thus, normally antibodies are a good thing. An[…]
Thank you for your question, Pamela. Indeed there is some mixed opinions on this topic. Some research findings provide evidence that iodine can cause health issues as thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions. Others show that iodine supplementation can lead to improvement in these conditions. My opinion is that both conclusions are correct in certain circumstances. What is the relationship between thyroid and iodine? Thyroid gland takes iodine, found in many foods, and convert it[…]
Hair is an unique character for all mammals but not on other animals. It has several functions: protection of the skin, sensory function: sexual and social communication. Human hair could be classified as: – androgen-independent hair (i.e., eyebrows and lashes); – hair on hormone-dependent body regions (e.g. scalp, beard, chest, axilla, and pubic region), which consist of terminal hair shafts. Hair shaft can be used for diagnostic purpose and, in particular, for testing psychoactive[…]
Autoimmune diseases are chronic conditions that are caused by the loss of immunological tolerance to self-antigens. When we look at autoimmune diseases separately, most of them individually are rare. Thought collectively they are affecting many people and are a leading cause of death among young and middle-aged women. The group of autoimmune diseases is a heterogeneous group of disorders. Different changes in the immune system lead to a range of syndromes that either target[…]
Recently, the connection between autoimmunity and psychiatric disorders has been discovered for various autoimmune diseases. Evidence is accumulating that some psychiatric disorders have an autoimmune basis. Study of German researchers team published this month at JAMA Psychiatry uses a sample of 36 174 participants, equally distributed between depression and anxiety. Patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, Hashimoto thyroiditis, or subclinical or overt hypothyroidism had an increased risk of developing symptoms of depression and anxiety or of receiving[…]
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is used in different areas of life: from cleaning your home, to mouth hygiene, and skin care. Do you know that baking soda can have an beneficial effect on your health? It can: relieve minor skin irritation and itching help to relieve heartburn, indigestion by neutralizing stomach acid help fight colds and flu lessen chemotherapy side effects Moreover, researchers at Augusta University show that drinking baking soda daily may[…]
Are you suffering from reverse T3 dominance? What if when taking T4 medication your body converts it to mainly reverse T3? Have you thought that emotional distress and trauma can cause it? Several hormones are secreted by the thyroid. The three most important hormones regarding thyroid disease and cellular function are: total thyroxine T4, known as the storage or inactive form of thyroid hormone, is the hormone most produced by the thyroid. total[…]
It is already over 100 years of research on the etiology of mental illness. And we still do not have a clear answer what causes mental illness. This can be explained by the fact that we keep dividing disease into mental and physical. And our common assumption still often is that the brain is the prime place to look for answers to mental disease. Though, nowadays we are talking with more confidence about the involvement[…]
Have you heard about swallowable gastric balloon/ weight loss balloon “pill”? Intragastric balloons are not new. They have been used since 1985 to treat obesity, helping patients feeling more full and eat less. Original models were rapidly abandoned because they were ineffective and potentially harmful. Nowadays, different kinds of intragastric balloons are available which are safe, effective, and very well accepted by patients. A New Swallowable Intragastric Balloon Not Needing Endoscopy: the Elipse™Balloon is[…]
The human body contains a community of microbial cells and genetic material, called microbiome. There is a growing knowledge that the microbiome plays a vital role in the development and function of important physiological processes as digestion, growth, immune-defense, and brain development. Microbiome is very sensitive to diet, stress, infection, pharmacological intervention.
Vagus nerve has direct connections between your brain and organs (e.g. stomach, lungs, heart, spleen, intestines, liver and kidneys). It is vital for keeping our bodies healthy by regulating our immune system, controlling stress and reducing inflammation. The vagus nerve is an essential part of the brain–gut axis and plays an important role in the modulation of inflammation, the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis, and the regulation of food intake, satiety, and energy homeostasis. Vagal tone[…]
For long Hashimoto’s thyroiditis has been characterized as a well-defined clinicopathologic entity. Though nowadays it is considered a heterogeneous disease (has several etiologies). There are different variants of Hashimoto thyroiditis: – fibrous, fibrous atrophic (Ord’s disease), or goitrous forms – IgG4 thyroiditis Thyroid autoantibody levels differ between goitrous and atrophic thyroiditis in that inhibitory TSH receptor antibodies are higher in Ord’s thyroiditis. These antibodies block cAMP (a messenger, used for intracellular signal transduction) production[…]
The etiology of autoimmune disease is still a debate and unclear. A population-based study including approximately 1.1 million people was conducted using linked Danish registries to investigate the association between depression and the risk of autoimmune disease. The findings show that depression to be associated with a significantly increased risk of autoimmune disease, compared to those without a history of depression. Results suggest a general increased risk of autoimmune diseases following the onset of depression during[…]
Smoking habit is a possible environmental trigger for several autoimmune diseases (e.g. inflammatory bowel diseases), by increasing production of free radicals which provoke DNA alterations leading to autoimmunity, or even triggering protein citrullination with subsequent production of autoantibodies. Though the role of nicotine has been controversial. Some studies claim its protective and anti-inflammatory effect. Others are suggesting that nicotine increases pro-inflammatory cytokines and leads to release of intracellular components that act as auto-antigens. Different[…]
The liquid and soft gel formulations of levothyroxine allowing better L-T4 absorption in comparison to the traditional tablet form. Recent study compared the effects of thyroid replacement therapy with either liquid or tablet formulation of levothyroxine on mood states, self-perceived mental well-being and thyroid hormone profile in recently thyroidectomized patients. The results, after 2 months of liquid formulation of levothyroxine in recently thyroidectomized patients, show a greater efficacy of liquid formulation of[…]
Levothyroxine sodium is widely prescribed to treat hypothyroidism. For long there is an agreement that levothyroxine should be taken before breakfast in order to prevent its interference with food or other medications. Some hypothyroid patients, despite taking thyroid medication, still report unbalanced thyroid hormone levels.A Randomized Double-blind study shows that Levothyroxine when taken at bedtime, at least 2 hours after dinner, significantly improves thyroid hormone levels. When levothyroxine was taken at bedtime, the plasma thyrotropin[…]
The immune system seems to be sensitive to pH and temperature changes as well as vice versa. More acidic environment is necessary in order of the immune system to do its job: destroy foreign invasion as infection and/or for removal of nonviable tissue damaged by trauma. Some confirmation of the relationship between pH and immune system: • Extreme levels of alkalinity can set the immune system into action through cell destruction. • Strong ions[…]
Living in groups is essential for the survival and re-productive success of social species. Social isolation, loneliness are powerful chronic emotional stressors. They are weakening the neuroendocrine and the immune systems and disrupting the neuro-immuno-endocrine communication and as a consequence pathologies can occur. Research shows that social isolation impairs several immunological functions which may cause the increased vulnerability to infections and inflammatory diseases such as neuro inflammation, tumoral processes, or cardiovascular pathologies by lonely[…]
How our gut functions: digestion of food, presence of food sensitivities and/or allergies, and processing of stress may be a sign of earlier difficult life experiences. Recent study reports that people with altered microbiomes have differently shaped brains. The hypothesis is that it is probable that this relationship isn’t unidirectional. The scientists state that the signals the gut and its microbes get from the brain of someone with an early adverse events history[…]
Research shows that chronic inflammation may be one mechanism through which abuse affects the risk of disease later in life.
Early life stress (ELS) can induce changes on behavioural and metabolic responses later in life. Stress early in life may cause persistent programming changes on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis functioning. Persistent hyperactivation of HPA axis can cause damage. Study investigating whether changes in thyroid hormone metabolism could explain mechanistic links between early life stress. The sample of this study included 80 students[…]
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[…]