Dr. Eric Berg presentsthe true causes of hypothyroidismandautoimmune thyroiditisin a short video.
Hypothyroidism is not a thyroid disease. It is actually an autoimmune disease.
Hashimoto is not a thyroid disease, but an immune system disorder
90% of hypothyroidism cases are Hashimoto.
Hypothyroidism is anautoimmune dysfunctionand not necessarily a problem of the thyroid gland, although it severely affects the thyroid.
This is why patients with hypothyroidism who receivesynthesized hormonesdo not feel better.
They fail to lose weightand continue to feelfatigued.
Synthesized hormones increase the levels of T3 and T4 hormones, but do not solve the problem, as they do not address the cause of the disease.
What Triggers Hypothyroidism
Dr. Eric Berg states that many cases of Hashimoto are related tointestinal issuesand elevated levels ofstress.
All diseases begin in the gut, said Hippocrates thousands of years ago. Another wise saying states that the stomach is the house of diseases, and fasting is the mother of health.
As scientists discover more about the gut microbiome, the above statement gains meaning.
Cause #1: Intestinal Issues
A common cause of autoimmune thyroiditis is intestinal problems.
Intestinal bacteria influence the risk of developing gastrointestinal diseases, such ascolitisorirritable bowel syndrome. But not only that.
Gut health also determines the predisposition toneurologicalandmetabolic disorders, skin diseases, inflammatoryor autoimmune diseases, such as:
- depression, anxiety
- eczema, psoriasis
- multiple sclerosis
- Alzheimer’s
- Parkinson’s
- rheumatoid arthritis
- systemic sclerosis
- ankylosing spondylitis
- obesity
- autoimmune thyroid disease
- insulin resistance
A lesser-known role of the gut is to reduceinflammationandimmune activity. There are certain markers of inflammation in the gut that can be measured with a stool sample.
When a person has intestinal inflammation (e.g., in inflammatory bowel disease), these markers are elevated.
70% of our immune system is located in the gut.
In autoimmune thyroiditis,the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. The attack of antibodies on the gland is so strong that over time it cancompletely destroy thyroid tissue.
Solution
The solution to this problem is not a medication or a singular remedy.
Of course, certain nutrients and supplements help, such aszincandselenium. These support the immune system.
However, Hashimoto must be approached from a different perspective.
It is essential torestore gut health.
This meanschanging the diet.
Dr. Berg recommendsthe ketogenic dietandintermittent fasting.
Gluten must be avoided at all costs. It wreaks havoc in the gut.
Increased consumption ofgrainsaffects gut health and consequently the function of the immune system.
Intermittent fasting is excellent for autoimmune thyroiditis (and other autoimmune diseases) because itreduces inflammation.
The continuous attack of antibodies on the thyroid gland produces a lot of inflammation.
Most of the damage associated with Hashimoto comes from too much inflammation.
If we manage to reduce inflammation, the thyroid gland can regain normal function.
Cause #2: Viruses or Other Pathogens
Another cause of autoimmune thyroiditis is viruses or other pathogens.
One of the most common is theEpstein Barr virus. It belongs to the family ofherpes viruses.
Viruses and pathogens affect the function of the immune system. They block vitamin D and steal certain nutrients.
It is important to note thatelevated stress levels activate this virus.
The link between Hashimoto and stressis very strong.
Dr. Eric Berg states that many cases of Hashimoto are based on a lot of stress.
Therefore,reducing stress is crucial for alleviating symptoms.
Garlicis an extremely important food for preventing viruses.
And if there is a viral infection in the body, garlicreduces viral load.
Cause #3: Liver or Gallbladder Issues
If hypothyroidism is not associated with Hashimoto, the causes may be different.
80% of the conversion of the hormone T4 to T3 occurs in the liver.
As a result, asick liver (e.g., fatty liver) will not be able to make this conversion optimally.
Cause #4: Too Much Estrogen
Elevated levels of estrogen in the body canblock thyroid function.
Estrogen dominancehas been correlated with the appearance ofthyroid nodules (in thebreastsandovaries), but not only.
Some studies have associated the consumption ofcruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower) with decreased iodine levels and thyroid diseases.
However, this is a myth, as there is no conclusive data in this regard.
It takes very large amounts of cruciferous vegetables to affect the iodine levels in the body.
But if you are concerned about this issue, cook cruciferous vegetables or consume them fermented, and you will have no reason for concern.
Cruciferous vegetables are actually very healthy, as they contain many antioxidants and phytonutrients.
Their benefits are much greater, as they help toregulateestrogen.
Avoid soy productsif you have any kind of thyroid problem. Soy is one of the mostgenetically modifiedfoods.
