It’s nice to think eating organic food and using “green” household and body products keeps us toxin-free when managing Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism. While those measures certainly help, the sad truth is we are nevertheless inundated with unprecedented levels of toxins in our air, water, food, and everyday environment.
Numerous studies link toxins with myriad health disorders, including Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, cancer, brain disorders, obesity, hormonal imbalances, and more.
Studies show humans carry hundreds of toxins in their bodies. The only reason it isn’t more is because of limits as to how many are tested. Children contain a higher body burden of toxins and toxins are found in umbilical cord blood and breast milk.
Some research links specific toxins, such as BPA found in store receipts and plastics, directly with development of autoimmune Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism.
Though this is depressing, understanding the situation can help you better protect your body from the tens of thousands of synthetic chemicals in our environment.
Be aware of chemical sensitivity when you have Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism
Of course, we’d like our toxin levels to be as low as possible. However, it’s even more important that you do not have an immune reaction to toxins. People develop sensitivities to toxins the same way they do to gluten, dairy, or other foods.
A sensitivity to a chemical or heavy metal contributes to autoimmune disease, food sensitivities, and and an overall decline in health. Plus, since it’s difficult to impossible to avoid toxins, a sensitivity to them will leave you with an ongoing immune battle.
Likewise, if you already have an autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, your risk of developing a chemical or heavy metal sensitivity is higher. This is one of many reasons why it’s so important to manage your autoimmune thyroid disease.
How to weather a toxic environment
Studies have turned up ample disturbing evidence on the effects of toxins on human health, and tens of thousands have not yet been studied. Nor do we understand how these toxins may work in combination.
Although there is no way to completely escape (the deepest parts of the ocean contain high levels of toxins), there are ways you can protect your body from toxins and prevent chemical sensitivities when you have Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism.
How to protect yourself as best you can from toxins when you have Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism
Start with your diet. Foods and beverages, even organic ones, contain toxins because of how prevalent they are in the environment. So avoid the obvious offenders of artificial additives and foods that contain pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics.
Beyond that, the goal is a balanced immune system. This requires eating a diet that stabilizes blood sugar (no sugars or sweeteners, not too high on carbohydrates, and avoid skipping meals, over eating, or under eating.)
It also requires avoiding foods that trigger an immune response. This is different for everyone although gluten and dairy are common offenders, especially for people with Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism.
Resveratrol and curcumin
Toxins trigger inflammation and damage cells. Studies show high doses of resveratrol and curcumin can help buffer the body from the damage of toxins, especially if you take them together in a liposomal form.
These compounds are also great for taming thyroid autoimmunity inflammation and flare-ups associated with Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism.
Glutathione for Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism
Glutathione is the body’s master antioxidant that protects the cells from damage. Low glutathione raises your risk of chemical sensitivities and suffering damage from toxins. Nutrients that boost glutathione levels include n-acetyl-cysteine, cordyceps, Gotu Kola, milk thistle, L-glutamine, and alpha lipoic acid. Straight oral glutathione doesn’t work well, but liposomal, reduced, and s-acetyl glutathione are absorbed. Glutathione can also be delivered via IV, suppositories, or a nebulizer.
Glutathione is a great defense system for your cells with Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism as well.
Boost detoxification
Another strategy against toxins is to improve your body’s detoxification. This can mean supporting the liver, lymph glands, kidneys, and bowel motility (so you’re not constipated). An inability to excrete toxins makes you more inflamed and raises your overall body burden.
Nutrients that support the liver pathways include methyl B12, selenium, molybdenum, dandelion root, milk thistle, trimethylglycine, Panax ginseng, and MSM.
Ask my office about how best to protect yourself from environmental toxins and how best to manage Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism.
