Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
HYPOTHYROIDISM Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Hypothyroidism is where the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This can happen if there is a problem in the thyroid itself or a problem in the organ that controls the thyroid. For this lecture we will focus on the …
Part 2 of Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND In our last blog we started by doing an overview of just what constitutes autoimmune thyroid disorders. Just like with any autoimmune disorder it is important to work on our overall health, including our digestive …
Thyroid Autoimmune Disorders!
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Let us talk about Autoimmune and how it relates to the thyroid. This is important to talk about because thyroid health is much more complex than just under or overactive thyroid. It can be such a complex issue that I will be splitting it into 2 parts. This first part is a breakdown as to what autoimmune thyroid disorder is and the second part will focus on supplements. Let us get into it, shall we? What does autoimmune mean in this context? In this case autoimmune is a term referring to inflammation in the thyroid usually caused by the body’s immune system attacking the thyroid. The most common autoimmune system disorders of the thyroid are Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, postpartum thyroiditis, and silent thyroiditis. Sub-clinical thyroid disorders can be triggered by leaky gut, and other pro-inflammatory situations including other autoimmune disorders. (1)
Hashimoto’s disease results in a slow decline of hormones as the cells are damaged by the immune system. The symptoms of Hashimoto’s start slow but proceed to more severe hypothyroidism symptoms as they progress. What exactly are these symptoms? See the attached photo. (8)
As for blood tests TSH and T3/T4 will be typical for hypothyroidism but what is unique is the presence of specific antibodies called thyroid peroxidase or TPO. Please see the picture below for typical lab results for hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s disease is treated in two main ways. The first is to work with the thyroid to help regulate its function. The second is more about the underlying cause. (2)
In contrast to Hashimoto’s, there is Graves’ disease, which results in the overproduction of hormones or in other words the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.(3) Please see the attached photo for these symptoms. (9)
Lab results show typical TSH and T3/T4 for hyperthyroidism as well as antibodies to the thyroid. Please see below for typical hyperthyroidism labs. Radioactive iodine uptake can help determine Graves’ disease. The goal of treatment once again is to work on calming symptoms and address the underlying inflammation. (3) Now if you are wondering what I mean by “normal hypothyroid and hyperthyroid labs” I have included a chart right here so you can compare them! (10)
Postpartum thyroiditis is any thyroid dysfunction that occurs in the first 12 months after pregnancy. This may present as hyperthyroidism type symptoms or hypothyroidism type symptoms, or it may present as hyperthyroidism proceeding into hypothyroidism. Postpartum thyroiditis affects approximately 8% of pregnancies. Of those, one in five will develop permanent hypothyroidism that needs to be treated. Usual blood work will show antibodies to thyroglobulin, thyroid peroxidase, and TSH receptors. There is usually also a lymphocyte infiltration and T cell changes noted. In the initial phase there is usually a suppressed TSH. As time passes, this can shift to an increase in TSH, indicating that there is a shift from hyperthyroid to hypothyroidism. For most women there is no need to treat this condition as hormones will naturally regulate themselves. For others it is important to follow up with a health care provider to address the symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. (4)
Silent thyroiditis or sub-acute lymphocytic thyroiditis is a sub type of Hashimoto’s which features a goiter. In this condition, there are hyperthyroid symptoms followed by hypothyroidism symptoms. This can be diagnosed by a radioactive iodine uptake because in both hyperthyroid/hypothyroid you will have a decrease in iodine uptake. (5)
Goiter is a growth in the neck because of an enlarged thyroid, which is usually caused by iodine deficiency. A goiter or even a growth called a thyroid nodule may or may not be metabolically active. If it is active hyperthyroid symptoms can occur. If it is not active it can present as hypothyroid symptoms or in many cases, they are asymptomatic. Since these growths are most often associated with deficiencies of certain nutrients it is important to include those in any protocol. If they are caused by Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease or pituitary disease or thyroiditis it is important to work on this underlying cause. Goiters and nodules are usually not treated independently but rather as part of a protocol to treat something like Graves or Hashimoto’s. (6)
Last but not least is sub-clinical thyroid disorders which are usually related to leaky gut and other auto-immune issues such as RA, SLE, and Diabetes. In this situation blood work is normal but is sub-optimum. Treating the symptoms can help with feeling better, but it is particularly important to target other underlying issues such as gut dysbiosis and leaky gut with healthy probiotics.(7)
In our next part of this 2-part mini-series I will be talking about just what supplements you can use to help with the symptoms of autoimmune thyroid disorders. I will be talking about supplements you might expect such as Turmeric, Omega 3s and something you may not expect such as Resveratrol!
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Thyroid and Women’s Health Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Thyroid health is important for our overall wellbeing. But did you know that it can also affect women’s health concerns? In general women are more likely to be diagnosed with thyroid issues. In fact, up to …
Thyroid Health and the Adrenal Glands Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND When it comes to holistic health care 2 of the most common things to talk about are thyroid health and adrenal health. What is interesting about these 2 topics is that they are more …
Summer Colds
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Most people have had a cold in the summertime at least once during their lifetime. But why do summer colds even happen? And while yes, I know you know the symptoms of a cold I will still do a quick refresher on those! Lastly, which nutrients are the best to help fight off the summer sniffles? It is a lot to cover so let us get into it, shall we?
Why do summer colds happen? Well as we know, colds are caused by a virus. Some of these viruses are more prevent in winter and thus spread in the colder winter season. Other viruses thrive in warmer weather and thus transmit from person to person more easily in the summer months. During the summer there tends to be many large gatherings with people close together. For example, amusement parks, cruise ships and even traveling to summer vacation spots on airplanes are all situations that are conducive to spreading a virus. In addition to spending time close to other people in the summer people often spend long hours in air conditioning. Viruses spread very easily in the cool and dry air that the AC creates. (1) In my clinical experience, in addition to the cool and dry air AC is a risk because going in and out of the cold AC frequently can be difficult for the body to adjust to. I have also found that AC can dry out mucus membranes. Both can affect our overall immunity, and this can leave us vulnerable to an upper respiratory infection such as a cold. Another risk factor for summer colds is an inability to access handwashing facilities. Remember the best way to reduce the transmission of a virus is to wash your hands! However, in places like the park this may not be possible. (1)
Since summer colds tend to be caused by a different virus than the typical winter cold virus, they may have different symptoms than you would expect. Common respiratory symptoms include runny nose, cough, sore throat, headaches, fever and even body aches. In addition to these respiratory symptoms, a summer cold can also cause digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, and an upset stomach. (2) Other symptoms can include feeling pressure in the sinuses or your head. You may notice a decrease in energy. Some viruses can also cause mouth blisters, hand/feet blisters and even pink eye!
What are the most common risk factors for catching a summer cold? Spending time around children (studies find that they typically do not wash their hands). Spending time in an enclosed public space. Going in and out of AC frequently is a risk. Being incredibly young or old can increase your risk of a cold. Not practicing good hygiene (for example not washing your hands, touching your face etc.). Lastly, having a weak immune system for any reason such as stress or lack of sleep. (3)
So, what can you do to prevent a summer cold or to reduce the symptoms?
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