3 Ways To Manage Hashimoto's Naturally, According To An Integrative Doctor

As an integrative physician, I've worked with thousands of patients over the past decade. One of the most common health issues I see is Hashimoto's disease—an autoimmune disorder and the most common cause of hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. 

A lot of my patients have Hashimoto's, and many of them come in frustrated or scared. Often, they've tried conventional medication, but it isn't working for them as well as it used to. Their symptoms are coming back, and they don't know what to do. 

If you're struggling with a thyroid issue, you probably empathize. While medication is an important part of thyroid balance, it often isn't enough. You may still feel exhausted, irritable, foggy, or just a little bit off. 

Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease that affects your thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck. 

When you're healthy, your thyroid releases hormones that keep your metabolism running smoothly. But with Hashimoto's, your immune system thinks your thyroid is a foreign invader. It makes antibodies that attack your thyroid, damaging it until it can't produce enough thyroid hormones. This inability to produce enough thyroid hormones leads to what's known as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), and it's one of the most common health issues in the United States. 

If you have Hashimoto's, most doctors will just prescribe you medication (typically the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine) to balance your thyroid hormone levels, without looking at factors like diet and lifestyle. 

For some people, thyroid medication is enough. But I see a lot of patients who still suffer thyroid problems, despite medication. Many doctors don't address the underlying causes of hypothyroidism. Chronic inflammation, chronic stress, and gut imbalances can all contribute to Hashimoto's and make symptoms worse. I've even seen cases where toxins like heavy metals, mercury, and pesticide derivatives drive Hashimoto's disease. 

Many of my patients are amazed by how much diet affects their well-being, especially when it comes to thyroid issues like Hashimoto's. 

Hashimoto's causes inflammation3 throughout your body, which may partially explain why some people with Hashimoto's get joint pain, headaches, and fluctuations in mood. 

Hypothyroidism often leaves you deficient in iodine and selenium—two essential nutrients for thyroid function6. Adding more of both to your diet can support your thyroid and help you normalize your thyroid hormone production. 

Hypothyroidism often throws other hormonal systems out of balance, including your adrenal gland. Taking supplements that support your adrenals can help battle the weight gain, fatigue, and brain fog that often comes with Hashimoto's. 

If you have Hashimoto's (or think you have it), the first thing to do is to work with a doctor to get your thyroid hormone levels checked. Your doctor will likely prescribe thyroid hormones to help you get back in balance.