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
• 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.