Looking for a Functional Medicine Doctor for Hashimoto's in Denver or Wheat Ridge?
If you've been diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease, you've probably been told one thing:
"Your thyroid is underactive. Here's your thyroid medication."
While thyroid hormone replacement is often necessary, it doesn't address why the immune system started attacking the thyroid in the first place or else you need to keep increasing that medication.
At Alternative Family Medicine & Chiropractic, we take a functional medicine approach by identifying factors that may be contributing to immune dysregulation while helping support healthy thyroid function.
What Is Hashimoto's Disease?
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Over time, ongoing inflammation can reduce the thyroid's ability to produce hormones, leading to hypothyroidism.
Common symptoms include:
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Fatigue
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Weight gain
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Brain fog
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Depression
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Hair loss
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Constipation
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Dry skin
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Cold intolerance
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Elevated cholesterol
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Muscle and joint pain
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Fertility concerns
Many patients experience symptoms for years before receiving a diagnosis.
Why Are We Seeing More Autoimmune Thyroid Disease?
Autoimmune diseases have become increasingly common.
While genetics play a role, genes alone do not explain the rapid increase in autoimmune conditions. Functional medicine looks at environmental and lifestyle factors that may influence immune function.
Potential contributing factors include:
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Chronic stress
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Gut dysbiosis
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Food sensitivities
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Nutrient deficiencies
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Vitamin D insufficiency
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Poor sleep
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Environmental toxins
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Mold exposure in susceptible individuals
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Blood sugar dysregulation
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Chronic inflammation
Every patient is different, which is why identifying individual triggers is an important part of a personalized treatment plan.
The Gut-Thyroid Connection
Approximately 70% of the immune system is associated with the gut.
Research suggests that changes in the gut microbiome and increased intestinal permeability may influence immune regulation in some people with autoimmune diseases. While the relationship is complex and still being studied, supporting digestive health may be an important part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Many patients with Hashimoto's also experience:
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Bloating
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Constipation
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IBS
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Food sensitivities
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SIBO
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Candida overgrowth
Addressing gut health may help improve overall well-being.
Glutathione: Supporting the Body's Master Antioxidant System
Glutathione is often called the body's "master antioxidant."
It helps protect cells from oxidative stress, supports normal detoxification processes, and contributes to healthy immune function.
Some studies suggest that oxidative stress plays a role in autoimmune thyroid disease. While glutathione is not a treatment for Hashimoto's, supporting healthy glutathione status may help reduce oxidative stress and support overall cellular health as part of a comprehensive care plan.
Ways to support glutathione production include:
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Eating sulfur-rich vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, garlic, and onions
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Ensuring adequate protein intake
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Correcting nutrient deficiencies
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Regular exercise
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Adequate sleep
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Stress management
For some patients, practitioner-guided glutathione supplementation may also be appropriate.
Nutrients That Support Healthy Thyroid Function
Supporting thyroid health starts with correcting nutrient deficiencies.
Important nutrients include:
Selenium
Supports antioxidant enzymes within the thyroid and healthy thyroid hormone metabolism.
Food sources:
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Brazil nuts
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Seafood
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Eggs
Zinc
Supports thyroid hormone production and immune function.
Food sources:
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Beef
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Pumpkin seeds
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Oysters
Iron
Iron deficiency may impair thyroid hormone production.
Vitamin D
Low vitamin D is common in people with autoimmune diseases and plays an important role in immune regulation.
Magnesium
Supports energy production, stress resilience, and muscle function.
Vitamin B12
Low B12 may contribute to fatigue and neurological symptoms.
Remember this list is not comprehensive!
Can You Lower Thyroid Antibodies Naturally?
The goal is not simply to lower antibodies but to support overall immune health.
A personalized plan may include:
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Optimizing vitamin D
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Supporting gut health
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Improving sleep
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Managing stress
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Identifying nutrient deficiencies
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Addressing blood sugar imbalance
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Treating underlying digestive dysfunction when present
Every patient responds differently, and treatment should be individualized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Hashimoto's be cured?
There is currently no cure for Hashimoto's disease. However, many people can effectively manage symptoms and support overall health with appropriate medical care, thyroid hormone replacement when needed, and lifestyle interventions.
Is gluten always a problem?
Not everyone with Hashimoto's benefits from eliminating gluten. For individuals with celiac disease, a gluten-free diet is essential. For others, the decision should be individualized based on symptoms and clinical evaluation.
Does everyone with Hashimoto's need thyroid medication?
Not always. Treatment depends on thyroid hormone levels, symptoms, and guidance from your healthcare provider.
Looking for a Functional Medicine Doctor in Denver or Wheat Ridge?
If you're struggling with Hashimoto's disease, fatigue, brain fog, digestive symptoms, or autoimmune concerns, we can help identify potential contributing factors and develop a personalized plan to support your health.
At Alternative Family Medicine & Chiropractic, we evaluate nutrition, gut health, inflammation, hormones, and lifestyle factors to help patients optimize thyroid health and overall wellness.
Work with us: https://www.altfammed.com
Supporting glutathione naturally: https://altfammed.com/products/glutathione
We proudly serve patients in Denver, Wheat Ridge, and surrounding areas Arvada, Golden, Lakewood, Longmont, Boulder, and virtually throughout Colorado, Texas, and Florida.