thyroiditis on a woman

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

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Adapted by Melody Gluth

Thyroid

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. It secretes hormones that influence almost all of the metabolic processes. Thyroid problems can be as small as a goiter (enlarged gland) or as life-threatening as cancer. Most thyroid issues can be easily managed through treatment, though it may cause some discomfort.

Hyperthyroidism is overproduction of thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism, in contrast, is when the body is not producing enough thyroid hormones. This can cause lower energy levels, and in some rare cases, it can bring on a myxedema coma, which can be potentially fatal.

Hypothyroidism is the cause of Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

What is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks thyroid tissues. At some point, the tissue dies and stops producing thyroid hormones.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. It occurs mostly in middle-aged women, but it can occur in men and women of any age.

Common Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Forgetfulness
• Difficulty with learning
• Dry, brittle hair and nails
• Dry, itchy skin
• Puffy face
• Constipation
• Sore muscles
• Weight gain
• Heavy menstrual flow
• Increased frequency of miscarriages
• Increased sensitivity to many medications

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis affects about 14 million people in the US alone, including actresses Gina Rodriguez and Zoe Saldana.

If you, like Gina and Zoe, have Hashimoto’s, you’ve probably felt at a loss on how to improve your health.

What Can You Do?

The Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Healing Diet by Kate Barrington provides a road map to remission, guiding you through the necessary steps to relieve your symptoms and feel better than ever.

Within the book’s pages, you’ll find information on diagnosis and treatment plans, a guide for foods to enjoy and foods to avoid, more than 100 wholesome and delicious recipes, and workout plans and tips.

By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a greater understanding of this condition and be better equipped to manage it through healthy food and lifestyle choices.

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