Hashimoto’s disease acts by transforming the immune system into a potential enemy. This occurs because it is a disease of autoimmune character that directly affects the thyroid, weakening it and culminating in hypothyroidism. This condition causes the thyroid gland to decrease the production of T3 and T4 hormones, triiodothyronine and thyroxine, respectively. Genetics, gender, age, development of other autoimmune disorders, radiation exposure, bacterial or viral infections, as well as excessive consumption of iodine are possible risk factors for the development of Hashimoto Disease. Below, understand the implications of Hashimoto’s disease in the gut.
Intestinal and Thyroid Health
Studies show differences in the composition of the intestinal microbiota in patients with thyroid diseases compared to healthy individuals. Thus, the relationship between intestinal disorders and thyroid function is a reality, as occurs in subclinical hypothyroidism and permeable bowel, hypohydrory, SIBO, H. pylori infection and intestinal dysbiosis. In these cases, metabolome is shown as one of the possible causes of the dysregulation of TSH levels, that is, the reuse of the hormone through the enterohepatic cycle. In addition, dysbiosis can lead to reduced absorption of minerals and activation of Toll-Like receptors. It is noteworthy that all this leads to a positive feedback, because, in a bidirectional pathway as well as gastrointestinal disorders impair the function of the thyroid, it tends to induce gastrointestinal disorders.
Thus, the modulation of the intestinal microbiota is related to improved availability of levothyroxine, stability of thyroid function and influence on micronutrient absorption that directly influences the reduction of thyroid inflammation, antibodies, and improvement of frequent symptoms. And in cases of allergies or intolerances, withdrawal of the stressor such as gluten or lactose results in improved thyroid function
Clinical practice
The nutritionist can use as strategies for the management of Hashimoto’s disease, mainly the focus on intestinal health care, as well as magnesium supplementation, coenzyme Q10, omega 3 and maintenance of micronutrients at appropriate levels. In addition, in these patients, the literature indicates the supplementation of Myo-Inositol (2 to 4g/day), alpha lipoic acid (400- 600mg/day) and Ashwagandha (300mg 2 times a day).
Bibliographic references
Reading Suggestion:
Hashimoto Thyroid Dietary Management
Watch the video with Dr Filippo Pedrinola on the Science Play platform
– Gut-Thyroid Axis
Article: Hashimoto and intestine: Bargiel P, Szczuko M, Stachowska L, Prowans P, Czapla N, Markowska M, Petriczko J, Kledzik J, Jędrzejczyk-Kledzik A, Palma J, Zabielska P, Maciejewska-Markiewicz D. Microbiome Metabolites and Thyroid Dysfunction.
J Clin Med. 2021 Aug 16;10(16):3609. Doi: 10.3390/jcm10163609. PMID: 34441905; PMCID: PMC8397005.
