What Causes Hashimoto’s Disease?

Hashimoto’s is a common autoimmune disorder that targets thyroid tissue and impairs thyroid function. This thyroid disease can lead to weight gain, weakened immunity, and hormonal and metabolic imbalances. 

Discover what causes Hashimoto’s disease and learn about effective natural strategies to support thyroid health.

What is Hashimoto's disease?

Hashimoto’s disease, also known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, and chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland. 

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ located at the front of the neck. It plays a crucial role in producing and regulating thyroid hormones, such as thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin. 

These hormones influence almost every biochemical process in the body and help regulate metabolic pathways, heart rate, blood pressure, brain function, mood and behavior, calcium balance, and body temperature.

Hashimoto’s disease is marked by the immune system mistakenly attacking the thyroid gland, triggering chronic inflammation that disrupts its function.

This immune response impairs the thyroid gland's ability to produce enough thyroid hormones, impacting various crucial physiological functions, a condition clinically referred to as hypothyroidism.

Hashimoto’s disease is responsible for the great majority of adult hypothyroidism cases, predominantly affecting women, according to research published in Baillière's Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.  

Watch the video below to learn more fascinating insights about Hashimoto’s.

What causes Hashimoto's disease? 

The exact cause of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis remains unclear, but it’s thought to result from a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors that disrupt immune function.

Some suggest that infections caused by certain viruses or bacteria may trigger Hashimoto’s disease in genetically susceptible individuals.

Environmental triggers, such as exposure to radiation and endocrine disruptors found in certain cosmetics, plastics, and cleaning agents, are also believed to contribute to imbalanced immune responses and an increased risk of autoimmune diseases.

Chronic stress or traumatic life events are another risk factor for the development of Hashimoto’s disease. Stress can directly impact immune cell function and immune regulation, potentially triggering autoimmune reactions, especially in those with a genetic predisposition.

Interestingly, many individuals with Hashimoto’s can track its onset to a time of significant emotional or physical stress or trauma. 

Additionally, dietary habits and gut health may also play a role in developing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. 

"Gluten has been found to be a potential trigger for Hashiomoto’s," advises Dr. Berg. “Gluten proteins are structurally similar to proteins found in thyroid tissue, and those with gluten sensitivities are more likely to develop autoimmune thyroiditis.”

Research published in the Journal of Translational Gastroenterology suggests that consuming gluten-containing grains can trigger intestinal inflammation, which can lead to increased intestinal permeability, often referred to as leaky gut. 

A leaky gut allows undigested food particles, microbes, and toxins to enter the bloodstream, which initiates immune system responses and chronic inflammation.

Specifically, gluten can be problematic as its proteins resemble the structure of those found in the thyroid gland. This similarity can lead to molecular mimicry, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland in an attempt to eliminate gluten from the body.

Risk factors for Hashimoto's

There are several risk factors associated with an increased likelihood of developing Hashimoto’s disease. 

Gender and age are significant contributing factors, with middle-aged women being at higher risk of autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism. 

Genetic predisposition also plays a role, as a family history of autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis has been linked to Hashimoto's development.

Dietary and lifestyle habits may also play a crucial role in the risk associated with Hashimoto’s disease. 

Consuming foods high in inflammatory ingredients, such as seed oils and ultra-processed products, can place stress on various physiological functions and potentially compromise immune function. 

Diet-related chronic inflammation may also contribute to conditions such as leaky gut, further exacerbating imbalanced immune responses and increasing the likelihood of autoimmune disorders.

Chronic stress has long been found to disrupt immune cell functions, heightening autoimmune risk by promoting inflammatory responses. 

Research published in Frontiers in Immunology shows stress can also contribute to intestinal permeability, suggesting a multifactorial link between chronic stress and autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s. 

Symptoms of Hashimoto's

Symptoms of Hashimoto's disease are primarily related to hypothyroidism, a consequence of the thyroid gland's compromised ability to produce enough thyroid hormones due to immune system damage.

Because thyroid hormones play a vital role in various metabolic and cellular functions, Hashimoto’s can affect nearly every system in the body, leading to a wide range of health issues. 

Common Hashimoto's thyroiditis symptoms include:

• Fatigue and sluggishness

• Weight gain

• Hair loss

• Increased sensitivity to cold

• Constipation

• Dry skin

• Pale complexion

• Fluid retention

• Muscle tenderness

• Stiff joints or pain

• Depression 

• Poor memory 

• Heavy or irregular periods

• Enlarged thyroid or goiter
  
  

These symptoms typically develop gradually over several years and can easily be misattributed to other health issues, underscoring the importance of thorough medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis.

Left untreated, severe cases of Hashimoto’s can increase the risk of digestive and kidney diseases, raise cholesterol levels, impact cardiovascular health, and disrupt mood regulation.

While autoimmune thyroiditis is primarily linked to insufficient thyroid hormone concentrations, it can temporarily cause too much thyroid hormone production, particularly in the earlier stages of Hashimoto’s disease, which can complicate diagnosis and management.

If you believe you have a thyroid problem or show signs of Hashimoto’s, consult a medical professional for a thorough health evaluation. A doctor will likely perform blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels, aiding in an accurate diagnosis and initiating timely treatment. 

Natural ways to manage Hashimoto's disease

While there is no known cure for Hashimoto’s disease, there are several natural ways to manage symptoms and support a healthy thyroid gland.

Here are three natural approaches to support thyroid functions.

1. Stress management

Chronic stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which initiates increased cortisol production. Cortisol, the body’s primary stress-hormone, has been found to disrupt pituitary gland function, which is vital for regulating thyroid hormone production. 

Practicing stress management techniques, such as breathwork, stretching, and regular physical activity, can help modulate the HPA axis and support thyroid health.

According to research published in Annals of Neurosciences, stress reduction has been found to improve thyroid hormone balance, heart rate variability, pulmonary functions, anxiety, depression, and quality of life among hypothyroidism patients.

2. Dietary adjustments

The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in immune system responses, nutrient absorption, and mood regulation, which are essential aspects of managing Hashimoto’s disease. 

Maintaining a balanced gut microbiome is critical to minimize systemic inflammation and promote balanced immune cell activities.

Incorporating fiber-rich and probiotic foods such as leafy green vegetables, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kefir provides essential prebiotics and probiotics that support microbial balance. 

Additionally, focusing on consuming organic, non-genetically modified (GMO) whole foods, including healthy fats, pasture-raised protein sources, grass-fed dairy, and nutrient-rich vegetables, can enhance overall health and immune function. 

These dietary choices not only nourish the body but also help mitigate the inflammatory processes associated with Hashimoto's, supporting thyroid health and improving quality of life.

3. Promote optimal nutrition 

Poor digestive processes and impaired nutrient absorption are common consequences of an underactive thyroid. 

Due to a slower metabolic rate, the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients is impacted, increasing the risk of deficiencies that can further exacerbate health issues.

Therefore, it’s recommended that individuals with Hashimoto’s prioritize optimal intake of essential nutrients crucial for thyroid health, such as selenium, iodine, vitamin A, and vitamin D3.

Selenium and iodine are critical for thyroid hormone production, reduce inflammation, and protect thyroid tissue from autoimmune-related damage and oxidative stress.

Vitamin D is a potent immune modulator and can help prevent calcification of thyroid nodules, which is a common condition in individuals with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

A study published in Frontiers in Endocrinology indicates that retinoids, a type of Vitamin A compound, play a crucial role in supporting thyroid homeostasis by enhancing iodine uptake. 

The authors further suggest, “Retinoids are involved in different immune functions, as well as in the process of activation, proliferation, and differentiation of regulatory T cells (Treg). This is particularly significant given the high prevalence of thyroid autoimmune disorders, whose pathogenesis seems to be related to the altered homeostasis of regulatory T cells.”

Key takeaways

Hashimoto’s disease is a common autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing inflammation and reduced thyroid hormone production.

Understanding what causes Hashimoto's disease involves recognizing factors that contribute to imbalanced immune system responses, such as chronic stress, gluten consumption, and certain microbial infections. 

Beneficial dietary adjustments, stress reduction techniques, and gut health support, in addition to prioritizing key nutrients such as selenium, iodine, vitamin D, and vitamin A, are effective strategies for promoting thyroid health and overall well-being.

FAQ

1. What causes Hashimoto's disease?

While the exact cause of Hashimoto's is unknown, it’s believed that this autoimmune disease can be triggered by a combination of stress, environmental factors, dietary habits, and genetic predisposition.

2. Does Hashimoto's go away?

Hashimoto's disease is a chronic autoimmune condition that currently has no cure. However, its symptoms can be managed with dietary and lifestyle changes, including stress reduction, a nutrient-rich diet, and avoidance of gluten-containing foods.

3. Does Hashimoto's get worse as you age?

Yes, unmanaged Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can progress and cause more severe symptoms of hypothyroidism, including fatigue, weight gain, depression, and cognitive difficulties, as well as increase the risk of heart disease and goiter.

4. Is Hashimoto's caused by lifestyle choices?

While the cause of Hashimoto’s is unclear, lifestyle choices such as a poor diet, chronic stress, and frequent exposure to environmental toxins may contribute to its development by affecting immune function and overall health. 

5. Who is most likely to get Hashimoto's disease?

Hashimoto’s disease most commonly affects middle-aged women but can occur in anyone, including men and children.

Those who experience chronic stress or have a family history of autoimmune or thyroid diseases appear at a higher risk of developing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

6. Can I do keto and intermittent fasting with Hashimoto's?

Yes, many people with Hashimoto’s find that adopting a ketogenic diet and intermittent fasting is beneficial for their overall health and well-being. 

It’s believed that the metabolic changes in response to a high-fat diet and caloric restriction can help significantly reduce inflammation, promote cell repair, and support thyroid health.  

7. What is thyroid hormone replacement therapy (THRT)?

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is a medical treatment that involves using synthetic thyroid hormones to compensate for decreased thyroid hormone production. 

Sources

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0950351X88800557

2. https://xiahepublishing.com/m/2994-8754/JTG-2023-00060 

3. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389

4. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09727531241282516 

5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9592814/