Hashimoto's Linked To Leaky Gut Syndrome
Hashimoto’s disease, thyroid gland and leaky gut syndrome
A common form of thyroiditis – inflammation of the thyroid – is Hashimoto’s disease. In this form of thyroiditis, the immune system attacks the thyroid gland causing hypothyroidism. When this occurs, the amount of hormones released by the thyroid gland is reduced and growth and mental development slows. Poor digestion can trigger Hashimoto’s disease.
Problems with the gut may occur when the lining becomes permeable, known as leaky gut syndrome. This allows food waste to enter the body instead of, well, into the toilet. When this foreign material enters the body, the immune response is to attack it.
The thyroid plays a role as it produces the hormones that protect the gut. T3 and T4 are thyroid hormones that work to make the gut strong, for example, they can work to prevent stress-induced ulcers. In endoscopic examinations of ulcers, researchers found low levels of T3 and T4, meaning without them the gut becomes weaker.
The gut relies on the thyroid for protection, and the thyroid needs the gut to stay strong and fight off illness.
6 Natural ways to keep the thyroid-gut connection strong
natural ways to keep the thyroid-gut connection strongIf you want to maintain a healthy thyroid-gut connection, it’s important to take necessary steps to keep both happy and healthy. Below are natural ways to encourage a healthy thyroid-gut connection:- Manage stress and blood sugar.
- Recognize any food intolerances – common food intolerances are dairy, wheat and gluten.
- Consume fiber.
- Stay hydrated.
- Eat foods that contain gut-friendly bacteria (fermented foods)– sauerkraut kefir, pickles, miso etc.
- Exercise.