Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Causes and diet to follow

The Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, named after the Japanese physician who first described. We have an inflammatory disease of the thyroid, which affects mostly women between 30-50 ages, although it can occur at any age. It usually occurs gradually, causing an underactive thyroid (endocrine gland in the front of the neck and resting on the larynx). To recognize this, and to improve the treatment, we are going to see more closely what its causes, diet to follow and the remedies that can be useful to us.

Possible causes

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a chronic disease caused by an autoimmune inflammatory process. In particular, it can be considered the result of an abnormal reaction of the immune system, to perceive as enemy to thyroid cells causes its progressive destruction and an equally gradual loss of thyroid function. There are many factors that may be involved in the emergence of this disease, such as own genetics, selenium deficiency, stress and smoking.

Symptoms

In the initial phase of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis disease is asymptomatic, i.e. not accompanied by symptoms or particular abnormalities. When they appear, they are similar to the symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, weight gain or difficulty concentrating. As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more apparent and to be that include increased sensitivity to cold, include pale skin, higher levels of cholesterol in blood, fatigue, muscle aches and stiffness (especially shoulders and joints), apathy and excessive menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia).

Diagnosis and Treatment

To diagnose this type of thyroid dysfunction should do blood tests to detect the presence of thyroid hormones. Being a chronic disease there is no definitive treatment, but can be kept under control.

The diet to follow

As we have noted, with proper Hashimoto’s thyroiditis treatment can be kept under control and above all, its symptoms most annoying. Treatment in the diet also plays an essential role. For example, we must review the diet and go for the high-fiber foods and low in fat. It is advisable to take 25 grams of fiber per day and eating a low calorie diet to help control weight.

Among the best allies for the diet recommend taking coconut oil, turmeric and ginger, two natural anti-inflammatory. It is also good to increase the intake of vegetables and fruits. The sugar should be taken in moderation, like saturated fats. As noted above, should be careful calorie intake, since the increase of weight without apparent cause (especially liquid) cause is one of the symptoms of this disease.