5 Hashimoto's Foods to Avoid

 

Diet and thyroid health go hand in hand. Foods can either fuel health or cause some serious health issues including thyroid dysfunction. In this post, I am going to share five Hashimoto's foods to avoid. These are foods that cause thyroid dysfunction that I come across in my practice regularly. These foods are inflammatory, and can even lead to leaky gut, and autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s. These are so commonly consumed and something that I see a number of thyroid patients consuming that I thought it was important to address each one.

If you are stuck on what you and should not be eating or dealing with a thyroid disorder and trying to get to the root cause of the issue, it may be time to take a look at diet. Let’s jump in and talk about the first food that can cause thyroid dysfunction.

#1 Gluten

Gluten is one of the first foods I recommend my patients remove from their diet. Not only is gluten inflammatory for the body but gluten can be especially harmful to those with thyroid disease. The issue with gluten consumption is that gluten can cause some mistaken identity within the immune system.

When someone with a thyroid issue consumes gluten, it can pass through the gut lining and then into the bloodstream in the case of leaky gut. Keep in mind that most people with an autoimmune condition also suffer from leaky gut. When the gluten gets into the bloodstream the immune system will mount an attack however the immune system often confuses gluten and the thyroid. What does this mean? This means that the immune system may not only attack the gluten but it will also attack the thyroid gland.

Another major issue with gluten is the fact that it can be detrimental for someone with leaky gut and I find that many of my thyroid patients also suffer from some sort of gut health issue such as leaky gut syndrome. When you consume gluten, the body produces zonulin which is a chemical responsible for causing those tight junctions in the gut to open up. In someone with a gluten sensitivity, this can cause a huge issue because those tight junctions are not able to heal as quickly as in someone who does not react to gluten. This will lead to further intestinal permeability.

This is another reason why I always recommend that patients with thyroid issues remove gluten from their diet as it has a ripple effect on health. Not only is it directly damaging for the thyroid itself, but it can lead to leaky gut which can ultimately lead to an autoimmune condition. The best thing to do is to keep it out of your diet altogether.

What to Eat Instead of Gluten?

Try quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat, teff, wild rice, and millet. They are delicious pseudograins with grain-like textures but without gluten. Sweet potatoes and Yukka are delicious hearty alternatives. Feeling like some pasta? Try zoodles (zucchini noodles) or make noodles from cucumbers, carrots, beets, or sweet potatoes by using a spiralizer. Try lettuce wraps, collard green wraps instead of bread, wraps, and buns. Try toasting sweet potatoes slices instead o bread.

#2 Dairy

Those who suffer from thyroid dysfunction need to be careful as many people are not able to tolerate dairy products very well. Dairy is problematic for a number of reasons.

For one, many people with autoimmune conditions also suffer from gut health issues as we just talked about. Lots of people have a difficult time breaking down and digesting dairy so it can cause further gastrointestinal upset.

Dairy often pops up on food sensitivity tests as well and many people may not even know that they were reacting to dairy as detecting a food sensitivity can be a challenge. Food sensitivities can present themselves with symptoms such as coughing, asthma, mucus, and skin issues but they can pop up days after you consume the reactive food. For this reason, many people who are sensitive to dairy may not even know it since their symptoms present themselves days after they have consumed a certain dairy product. Many people also notice that some of the symptoms they had been living with for so long such as bloating, skin issues, and other digestive complaints also start to decline once dairy is removed from the diet.

What to Eat Instead of Soy?

Do you love soy milk? I recommend almond milk hemp milk, cashew milk or hazelnut milk instead of soy milk for dairy-free milk alternatives. Try almond yogurt and other dairy-free ‘dairy’ options made from nut milk. Try nut cheeses instead of soy cheese. Forget about soy-based veggie burgers and veggie alternatives. Eat organic, pasture-raised meat, grain-fed poultry, and wild-caught fish instead of quality clean protein.

#3 Soy

Soy is another hot topic when talking about thyroid health. Many people ask me what I recommend when it comes to soy consumption, and I recommend that it is kept out of the diet, and here’s why.

Soy can cause some endocrine disruption which is the last thing that you want when dealing with thyroid issues. Soy contains isoflavones which are a type of phytoestrogen and closely resembles human estrogen. When someone consumes large amounts of soy it is possible to throw off hormonal balance and specifically estrogen in the body. Hormonal imbalance can lead to further thyroid issues.

Another problem with soy is that it is one of the largest GMO crops in the US and is commonly found in processed foods. It can be found under different names as well such as lecithin or emulsifier on a food label. These are commonly added to processed or hydrogenated oils. When we consume genetically modified foods, our bodies do not process them the same way we do whole foods that have not been genetically modified. When we consume these foreign foods, the immune system will likely respond which will then create inflammation. When we continue this pattern over and over again the inflammation can cause serious health issues. This immune response may also potentially lead to an autoimmune response when GMO foods are consumed such as soy. This can lead to things like Hashimoto’s.

What to Eat Instead of Dairy?

The good news is that there are so many delicious dairy-free milks out there. Almond milk, cashew milk, hazelnut milk, and hemp milk are great dairy-free options. Read the labels and buy organic, unsweetened varieties without additives or make your own nut milk at home. If you are craving cheese, try avocados, nut cheeses, or nut butter for healthy fats. If you are missing that cheesy flavor, sprinkle a bit of nutritional yeast on your meals and salads.

#4 Sugar

Sugar is a major autoimmune trigger and something I always recommend eliminating or at least reducing from the diet. Sugar is an issue for a couple of different reasons.

The first problem has to do with the gut. You have probably picked up on the gut and thyroid connection by now. Without proper gut health, it is impossible to have healthy thyroid function. The issue with sugar and the gut is that it can lead to leaky gut but it can also cause an imbalance in the healthy bacteria in the gut which can lead to other gut infections such as Candida, or SIBO. Sugar is also very inflammatory and any type of inflammation in the body can trigger disease as inflammation is the root cause of nearly all disease seen today.

High sugar intake can also cause blood sugar imbalances which can ultimately affect the adrenal gland. Not only that but when sugar is consumed in large amounts that constant secretion of insulin can lead to insulin resistance. Constant insulin surges can have a negative effect on the thyroid gland.

What to Eat Instead of Sugar?

Going sugar-free can be difficult and scary at first, but after the first initial weeks, your body will adjust to this new way of eating. You will feel so much better that you won’t miss sugar and sugary foods at all. You don’t have to live without sweetness though. I recommend removing all sources of refined sugar from the diet and opting for more natural options whenever possible. However, it is important to keep natural sugars in check as well. Things like pure grade B maple syrup or raw honey are ok in moderation but they should not be over-consumed. Try low-glycemic index fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, and sweet vegetables, such as beets, sweet potatoes, and carrots will satisfy your sweet tooth. Same with high sugar fruits, try opting for lower sugar options such as berries, apples, and peaches. These are delicious and healthy options, and once you are off sugar, your body will find them plenty sweet. For sweeteners, you can use a bit of monk fruit or stevia without disrupting your blood sugar levels.

#5 Processed Foods 

Processed foods are another group of foods commonly known to disrupt thyroid function. One of the major issues with these foods is that they often contain all four of the previous foods talked about all in one. This can wreak havoc on your health for more than one reason. These foods are so far from what our bodies can recognize that inflammation is triggered and the immune system may even react due to the fact that the body cannot recognize foods that are so far from their whole and natural state.

Foods that are packaged, frozen meals, snacks, pastries, and even some granola bars are best avoided. I recommend sticking to as many whole foods as possible that have not been manipulated in a lab. By skipping the processed and inflammatory foods and going for a more whole foods diet you will allow your body to reap all the benefits nutrient-dense foods have while avoiding the foods that cause inflammation and disease. Opt for things like grass-fed animal products, organic fruits, and vegetables, and healthy fats like avocados, coconut oil, and sprouted nuts and seeds. Add these foods to your diet and slowly eliminate the packaged food options.

What to Eat Instead of Processed Foods?

Instead of processed foods, try real foods. Shop in the produce aisle at your grocery store. Visit the farmers market. Grow your own food, if you can. Focus on greens, vegetables, herbs, spices, low-glycemic index fruits, nuts, seeds, healthy fats, and clean animal protein. Get cooking and start experimenting with recipes. My website and my boo, The 30-Day Thyroid Reset Plan: Disarming the 7 Hidden Triggers That are Keeping You Sick are full of delicious thyroid-friendly recipes.

The Hashimoto’s Diet Can Help

There you have it the five foods that can cause thyroid dysfunction. Removing these foods from your diet is an excellent way to safeguard your thyroid health but your overall health as well. By eliminating inflammatory foods from your diet you will do your whole body good.

If removing all of these foods all at once is intimidating to you, try removing one for 2 weeks and then move onto the next. Before you know it, your diet will be free from some of the most common foods that upset thyroid function.

Once these foods are removed it may also be a great idea to start a Paleo-style diet which is what I commonly recommend.

The Hashimoto’s diet I recommend is based on Paleo principles. The Paleo approach recommends that you remove sugar, gluten, soy, dairy, and processed foods from your diet, and choose a more natural and healthier way of eating. This dietary approach is free from sugar, processed foods, gluten, dairy, and other inflammatory foods that are just downright toxic for thyroid health.

By following the Hashimoto’s diet, you will be consuming fewer calories, more protein, and more healthy fats to keep your blood sugar levels steady throughout the day. It seems so simple but it’s true, you can feel better just by trying a few simple dietary modifications. I personally transformed my health using these principles and helped hundreds of patients doing the same.

If you have Hashimoto’s or another thyroid disease, I recommend reading and following the recommendations in my book, The 30-Day Thyroid Reset Plan: Disarming the 7 Hidden Triggers That are Keeping You Sick. You will learn everything you need to know about thyroid disease. I offer a 30-day plan to improve your health and my favorite thyroid-friendly recipes to nourish your body with delicious meals.

Final Thoughts

If you want to improve your Hashimoto’s and transforms your health, it is critical that you remove foods that are harmful for your thyroid. Ditch gluten, dairy, soy, sugar, and processed foods. Choose greens, vegetables, herbs, spices, low-glycemic index fruits, nuts, seeds, healthy fats, and clean animal protein instead to improve your thyroid and overall health.

If you are dealing with symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease or other thyroid issues, I invite you to schedule a consultation with me. I can help to identify the root cause of your condition and recommend a personalized treatment plan to repair your body and regain your health and well-being. Schedule your consultation here.

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by Peter Saydak

5 Reasons Leaky Gut Causes Thyroid Issues (#2 will surprise you)

 

There is a huge connection between leaky gut and thyroid issues. Believe it or not, the two go hand and hand and not only thyroid conditions but autoimmune conditions as well.

In this article, I am going to break down the top five reasons why leaky gut causes thyroid issues and why it is so important to address any type of gut issue such as leaky gut at its source. I will also talk specifically about how leaky gut can lead to Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and then some steps that you can take today to heal the gut and take the right steps towards uncovering potential gut health issues.

To start, let’s jump right in and talk about why leaky gut is commonly associated with autoimmune disease.

#1 Leaky Gut is Often Associated with Autoimmune Disease

Did you know that it is impossible to have a healthy body without a healthy gut? This is because the gut houses nearly 70% of our immune system. More and more research is coming out on the importance of taking care of the digestive system as it plays an integral role in the overall health of our body, and this is especially true for anyone with any type of autoimmune condition such as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. With autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s, there is a very large chance that leaky gut is also present as well. (1)

With leaky gut, those tight junctions in the gut become “leaky” and allow things like undigested food particles as well as other harmful toxins and microbes to enter your bloodstream. When this occurs, the immune system goes into high alert as what is being leaked into the bloodstream is recognized as a foreign invader. With the immune system being triggered, inflammation also sets in. Unfortunately, when leaky gut is not addressed and this pattern continues for long periods of time there is tremendous stress put on your immune system. After a period of time, your immune system may begin attacking your own body tissue unknowingly as it is so overworked and stressed from all the foreign particles coming in. This is where autoimmune disease can set in and things like Hashimoto’s can develop.

This is just one of the many reasons leaky gut causes thyroid issues and a major reason why it is so important to tackle leaky gut from a holistic approach to be sure it is being addressed appropriately. Overlooking leaky gut or being misdiagnosed could be the difference between catching it early enough to prevent an autoimmune condition or it getting bad enough to where autoimmunity sets in. This is also where functional medicine comes in as leaky gut is something that many functional medicine practitioners are very educated on and can help set you on a path to recovery and healing your gut.

#2 Leaky Gut Can Cause Vitamin & Mineral Deficiencies

One of the missing pieces many modern medical professionals miss when diagnosing leaky gut happens to be vitamin and mineral deficiencies. When a patient comes to my practice with a deficiency, looking at the gut is one of the things that I always address. Why? Because with conditions such as leaky gut there is a large possibility that the reason the deficiency is present is due to the fact that the body is not absorbing what it needs to appropriately. The answer could be leaky gut in many of these situations.

Ongoing inflammation in the gut can cause things like iron deficiency anemia, B12 deficiencies, as well as a number of different mineral deficiencies. These can cause things like fatigue, muscle pain, bone issues, and even hair loss. This is one of the reasons why leaky gut can cause thyroid issues. When the body is deficient in vitamins and minerals and particularly things like iron, and selenium, thyroid hormone balance can be thrown off.

The body needs iron in order to synthesize thyroid hormone so when anemia is present, patients could ultimately end up dealing with a thyroid condition. Selenium is another essential mineral for thyroid health and if one is deficient they can suffer from thyroid consequences. Selenium helps with the conversion of T4 to T3 and it is also an important mineral for overall immune health.

With any type of deficiency, your body is at risk for not performing at the optimal level that it needs to be to keep all body systems happy and healthy. If leaky gut is present it is essential to address it and get you on a path to health so that vitamin and mineral deficiencies do not occur and ultimately lead to complications with your thyroid health.

#3 Leaky Gut is Often Triggered by Inflammation

One of the causes of leaky gut happens to be inflammation. Inflammation can cause those tight junctions in the gut to become “leaky.” As we talked about before, once foreign particles begin leaking into the bloodstream, the immune system starts to make antibodies against what is viewed as foreign invaders. Your immune system begins to attack things like undigested food particles that may have never been an issue for you before, but now are being targeted as foreign since they are entering the bloodstream as larger molecules. This is also where food sensitivities set in for those with leaky gut.

The problem with these antibodies is that they can get into different tissues in the body and then trigger an immune reaction there as well. Next, autoantibodies may be created which can set you on a path for chronic inflammation. This is again where an autoimmune condition can occur. If the inflammation is triggered in the thyroid then Hashimoto’s or other thyroid diseases could occur. If the antibodies begin to attack the gut, gut conditions can arise. Any area of the body can be affected by leaky gut, it all depends on where the antibodies go and where the inflammation sets in.

As you can see, it all began with inflammation. Leaky gut starts with inflammation and then ultimately triggers inflammation in various areas of the body leading to further complications and even autoimmune diseases. It is very important to work with a skilled practitioner if you suspect you may be dealing with leaky gut as it can be tricky to detect. Many times, someone can consume a reactive food and not have any type of reaction for 24 hours. This can make it difficult to pinpoint what is causing the reaction if you are unsure what to look out for. There may also be a number of foods causing a reaction and worsening leaky gut so I always like to take a thorough look at what my patients are eating and then look at potential inflammatory responses.

#4 Leaky Gut Can be Caused by Gluten Consumption Which is Also Linked to Thyroid Issues

Over the past couple of years, gluten free diets have become increasingly popular and I believe that they are here to stay. While some people may view gluten free diets as just another “fad diet” I think it is incredibly important for my patients to remove gluten from their diet lifelong and especially those who have leaky gut or a thyroid condition.

There are many things we need to worry about with gluten. For one, gluten can certainly lead to leaky gut. When we consume gluten, a chemical called zonulin is triggered and then released. Zonulin tells those tight junctions in your gut to open which can ultimately lead to leaky gut. (2) When these tight junctions open, gluten can pass through those junctions along with any other undigested food particles and microbes. For this reason alone, it is very important to keep gluten out of the diet and especially if leaky gut is suspected. Leaky gut can lead to autoimmune disease so we definitely do not want to include any foods that could potentially lead to thyroid conditions or other autoimmune disorders into our diet.

Secondly, gluten is also a major issue for anyone who suffers from a thyroid disease as gluten closely resembles your own body tissues including the thyroid. When gluten is consumed by someone with thyroid disease, the immune system will respond by destroying gluten especially in the case of leaky gut. However, the immune system may also end up attacking the thyroid as the immune system may mistake your thyroid for gluten molecules.

Another point I would like to talk about here is that gluten can cause inflammation and unfortunately, inflammation is the leading cause of nearly all disease. While inflammation is a necessary component of the immune system, and our bodies natural response to targeting anything that should not be in the body, chronic inflammatory states can lead to major issues like autoimmunity.

A large majority of the population suffers from a gluten sensitivity and many of these cases go undiagnosed. This means that each time someone consumes gluten who doesn’t know they have a sensitivity, inflammation is triggered. This can cause the immune system to go haywire and can lead to a state of chronic inflammation. The only way to give your immune system the break it needs to recover is to remove gluten from the diet. The trick here is that gluten must be removed completely. This is so important because as it turns out, gluten consumption can actually spike your gluten antibodies for three whole months! (2) This means that even eating it once in a while can lead to serious issues among those with a gluten sensitivity or Celiac disease.

The bottom line here is to remove gluten from the diet. Not only is it damaging for someone who already has a thyroid condition, but it can also cause leaky gut which is another cause of autoimmune disease so there is truly no reason we should have this food a part of our diet.

#5 The Gut Houses 70% of the Immune System

As I have already mentioned, the gut houses a large majority of our immune system. Without a healthy gut, it is nearly impossible to achieve overall health which is why an unhealthy gut can lead to thyroid issues.

The portion of the immune system that resides in the gut is referred to as the GALT which stands for gut-associated lymphoid tissue. The GALT is home to different types of lymphoid tissues that store things like immune cells and these immune cells will produce the antibodies that attack particles in the body that are recognized as foreign invaders. (3) This is a protective function of the gut but when leaky gut is present, this function doesn’t work the way that it should. When particles seep into the bloodstream, as you now know, the immune system starts to attack and then autoimmune diseases can arise. When the gut is unhealthy the body is unhealthy which is why it is so important to take the proper dietary and lifestyle steps necessary to protect these tight junctions in the gut and to allow the GALT to function the way it needs to in order to keep the body healthy.

If you suspect you may be dealing with leaky gut or you have a thyroid or other autoimmune condition, here are some steps you can take today to help heal the gut.

Steps to Heal Your Gut Naturally

There are several steps you can take to repair your gut and improve your overall health naturally Here is what I recommend:

Remove Food Sensitivities

Food sensitivities are one of the main reasons behind leaky gut syndrome and common chronic symptoms from digestive issues, headaches, skin problems to fatigue, anxiety and so on. I recommend that you get tested for food sensitivities and/or try an elimination diet to spot your food sensitivities. 

Get Tested for Gut Infection and Leaky Gut

I recommend that you work with a functional health practitioner, like myself, and get tested for gut infections and leaky gut syndrome. They will be able to help you with an individualized plan to tackle your gut sensitivities and leaky gut through gut-supporting nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle strategies.

Eliminate Inflammatory Foods

Eliminate refined sugars, refined oil, processed foods, and artificial foods. Eliminate deep-fried foods and junk food. Cut out gluten, grains, and dairy. Remove all foods that you are sensitive or allergic to.

Eat an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Eat plenty of greens, vegetables, herbs, spices, and low-glycemic index fruits. Enjoy more grass-fed animal products and wild-caught fish. Drink bone brought regularly to support your gut lining. Enjoy more fermented vegetables, such as kimchi, sauerkraut, coconut kefir, and kombucha to support healthy gut flora. Add anti-inflammatory coconut oil to your diet to help fight inflammation and viral, bacterial, and fungal overgrowth.

Reduce Chronic Stress

Reduce any sources of chronic stress and learn to respond to stress better. Spend time with supportive and uplifting people. Schedule regular me-time. Practice meditation, breathwork, journaling, gratitude, and yoga. Exercise regularly and spend plenty of time in nature.

Reduce Environmental Toxicity

Eliminate as many environmental toxins as possible. Avoid conventional cleaning, body, and beauty products, and choose organic, natural, and DIY alternatives. Improve your air quality with HEPA filters and having indoor plants in your home. Make sure your home is free of mold. Drink purified filtered water. Avoid plastic as much as possible, and use glass or aluminum bottles, glass jars and boxes, cloth bags, wooden or ceramic bowls, and other plastic-free options. If you are a smoker, stop smoking and avoid second-hand smoke.

Try a 30-Day Thyroid Reset

If you have thyroid imbalances or thyroid disease, I recommend reading and following the recommendations in my book, The 30-Day Thyroid Reset Plan: Disarming the 7 Hidden Triggers That are Keeping You Sick. This plan will help you to improve your gut health, repair your thyroids, and improve your overall health. You will learn everything you need to know about thyroid disease. I offer a 30-day plan to improve your health and my favorite thyroid-friendly recipes to nourish your body with delicious meals.

Final Thoughts

Your gut health and thyroid health are both important for your overall health. They come hand in hand and are closely connected. If you have leaky gut syndrome or other gut health issues, it is important to address it right away to avoid thyroid problems. If you have thyroid issues, it is important to uncover and address underlying gut health issues and leaky gut syndromes. Follow my tips to improve your gut health naturally.

If you are dealing with symptoms of leaky gut syndrome, Hashimoto’s disease, or other thyroid issues, I invite you to schedule a consultation with me. I can help to identify the root cause of your condition and recommend a personalized treatment plan to repair your body and regain your health and well-being. Schedule your consultation here.

Resources

(1) Amy Myers. Understanding the True Cause of Autoimmune Disease

(2) Amy Myers. 3 Important Reasons to Give up Gluten if you have an Autoimmune Disease

(3) Chris Kresser. The Thyroid-Gut Connection

5 Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies Common in Thyroid Conditions. Natural Endocrine Solutions

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by Peter Saydak

Epstein-Barr Virus Symptoms and Thyroid Connection

When it comes to thyroid health and particularly autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, there are many things in the body that can trigger this autoimmune response. One of the many triggers includes chronic infections such as the Epstein-Barr virus. The connection between the Epstein-Barr virus and thyroid health is pretty strong, and I am going to break down exactly why and talk about the most common Epstein-Barr virus symptoms so that you can uncover if this virus may be affecting your thyroid health.

Before we dive into that, let’s explore what exactly this virus is and how it affects your body.

What is the Epstein-Barr Virus?

You may be familiar with this virus and its link with mononucleosis which is a virus that commonly affects children and young adults. This virus which is commonly referred to as "mono" can cause symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. Epstein-Barr can cause mono. However, not everyone who is infected with Epstein-Barr will develop mononucleosis.

While Epstein-Barr can cause mononucleosis, it can also lead to more serious disease which we will talk about when we discuss the connection between the Epstein-Barr virus and thyroid health.

The problem with this virus is that once present in the body, it can persist for life. Epstein-Barr can also become reactivated which can cause symptoms, but at other times it may not cause any symptoms at all. Reactivation can become particularly problematic for those whose immune systems do not work as they should such as in the case of autoimmune conditions.

There is also quite a bit of confusion surrounding this particular virus. While modern-day medical practitioners know what the Epstein-Barr virus is, it is not as understood that there are over 60 varieties of this virus. Many doctors may diagnose this condition thinking that it’s a short-lasting thing, but often times it’s a long-term issue that can cause chaos in the body if not addressed appropriately. This virus can lead to problems such as thyroid disease, and chronic fatigue syndrome which is not something many medical practitioners talk about when addressing this virus.

Epstein-Barr Virus Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms associated with Epstein-Barr include:

• Sore throat, usually severe
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swollen tonsils
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Chills
• Headache
• Bloating
• Body aches
• Weakness
• Sweat
• Dizziness

Keep in mind that while these are some of the most commonly seen Epstein-Barr virus symptoms, some people experience symptoms not as commonly associated with Epstein-Barr which can easily lead to misdiagnoses which can ultimately make it difficult to feel better and get to the source of the problem if not working with an experienced health professional.

How Do You Contract the Virus?

So, we now know some of the symptoms of Epstein Barr, and we know that it is much more complicated than many medical professionals may know, but how exactly does someone develop Epstein-Barr?

One of the very first ways someone can contract the virus is if a mother had Epstein-Barr while pregnant, her baby could get it. Secondly, you can get the virus through blood transfusions infected with the virus, but you can also get it by just coming in contact with someone who is infected with this virus if they are in the infected stage. Keep in mind though that if someone has Epstein-Barr, it doesn’t mean that they are contagious at all times. It all depends on the stage the virus is at within the body which is what I am going to review next.

The Stages of Epstein-Barr

As if the virus wasn't confusing enough,  it actually works in different stages. There are four stages to the virus.

Stage One

In stage one, you just caught the virus, and it’s possible that it is in its initial dormant stage where it just hangs out in your bloodstream while it quietly works to gain strength and then waits for the opportunity to cause an infection. This can occur if you are stressed out, burnt out, overworked, or maybe aren’t feeding your body right. If you let your body become too depleted the virus could become opportunistic and strike at this time. The virus may also take advantage during periods where your body may be going through some hormonal changes such as during pregnancy or for teenagers, during puberty.

The thing about stage one of the Epstein-Barr virus is that you can contract the virus, but it can hang around and wait for the perfect moment to strike for a long time, sometimes years.

Stage Two

Stage two is when the virus has decided to strike and can turn into mono as we spoke about before. Mononucleosis is considered to be stage two of the Epstein-Barr virus, and you have probably heard of this being referred to as the “kissing disease.” Stage two is when you would be the most contagious.

At this stage, symptoms will vary from person to person. Some people may go through this stage with only a mild sore throat and just some fatigue while others may experience more severe symptoms such as debilitating fatigue and a severe sore throat. Some people may even develop a rash. The length of time someone will experience these symptoms also varies. Some may only be down and out with the virus for about a week while others may be battling the symptoms for months.

Stage two is also the time where the virus may be targeting one or more than one of your organs to hang out in. Often times the EPV (Epstein-Barr virus) will choose the liver or the spleen as these two organs are home to certain toxins that the virus loves.

Stage Three

During stage three, things are a little bit different. The virus may have chosen its organ or organs of choice to call home, and if you were to get blood work, then lab tests may show antibodies which doctors would mark as having a past EBV infection. This is where the problem comes in. If your doctor is reading your lab work as if the virus is no longer active but you have not taken any steps to ridding your body of the EBV then the virus could very well be active in the body and still causing issues. The virus can go undetected as being active during this stage because chances are it is hiding out in one or more than one of your body organs. We will talk specifically about this and thyroid health coming up.

When the Epstein-Barr virus lives in one of your organs, it can cause inflammation, and it can do so without triggering your immune system since the virus is literally hiding. After stage two, your immune system may stop attacking the virus thinking that it has already ridden the body of the infection when in reality, EBV is just a very smart and tricky virus that knows how to hide in the body and not be detected.

Stage Four

In the final stage of the Epstein-Barr virus, its end goal is to affect your nervous system. If the virus invades your thyroid during stage three, there is a good chance you may begin to experience some unwanted symptoms such as nerve pain and just feeling achy throughout your body.

Unfortunately, during this stage blood work would not necessarily detect any sign of the infection so it can be very difficult to be diagnosed properly if you are not working with a health professional who has experience with this condition and its various stages.

Once it attacks your nervous system, you could experience things like ongoing fatigue, insomnia, and numbness in your extremities. It is during this stage that many people are misdiagnosed, and many people are given inappropriate medications or are thought to have hormonal imbalances because lab tests are not able to pick up on the infection.

How is the Epstein-Barr Virus Diagnosed?

Often times, this virus is diagnosed during stage two of the virus when symptoms are at their worst. Many people will head to the doctor complaining of a sore throat and fatigue, and their doctor will run blood work. It’s common that during stage two, the virus will show up as a type of mono.

After stage two, it can be very difficult for the virus to show up on lab tests and even when it's still active in your body, doctors often miss a diagnosis. It is not as simple as one would think, with four stages and the ability for the virus to hide out in your body for long periods of time you have to work with someone who knows the virus well to give you the proper diagnosis.

The Connection Between the Epstein-Barr Virus and Thyroid Health

We have talked about how the Epstein-Barr virus can affect different areas of the body, but I want to talk specifically about its effect on thyroid health. The connection between the Epstein-Barr virus and thyroid health occurs during stage three of the virus.

If you remember, stage three is when the virus has decided which organ or organs it wants to call home, but it can also leave its organ of choice and begin attacking other organs or even your thyroid when your immune system is out of control dealing with the virus.

The Epstein-Barr virus can actually cause Hashimoto’s disease as once the virus is in your thyroid, it can kill thyroid cells. Now, remember when I said that the Epstein-Barr virus is incredibly smart? Well here’s just another example, while your immune system would normally be able to ward off an infection like this the EBV is very smart in the sense that it can confuse the immune system due to neurotoxins it can create which can literally throw your immune system for a loop. This can make it very difficult for your immune system to number one, find the virus that may be hiding out in your thyroid, and number two go after it.

This virus specifically goes after the thyroid as a way to disrupt the endocrine system as a way to get closer to affecting the nervous system which generally occurs in stage four of the virus.

As awful as this virus sounds, there are things that you can do to support your body and keep the virus at bay if it is something you have been infected with which is what I am going to talk about next.

Steps you can Take Today

There are several steps you can take to tackle EBV and improve your health naturally.

Work with a Functional Health Practitioner

The first step you need to take if you suspect Epstein-Barr virus is to work with a Functional Medicine Practitioner, such as myself, who understands how EBV works. If you suspect this is something affecting you, you can contact me here for an initial consultation to talk about an individualized approach to getting to the bottom of your health concerns.

On top of working with a skilled Functional Medicine Practitioner, there are other steps you can take to support your body.

Eat an Anti-Inflammatory Diet with Healing Foods

Remove inflammatory foods from your diet, such as refined sugar, refined oil, artificial ingredients, junk food, deep-fried food, and processed foods. Eat plenty of anti-inflammatory foods, including greens, vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices, healthy fats, such as avocados, coconut oil, and organic ghee, and clean protein, such as pasture-raised beef, grass-fed poultry and eggs, and wild-caught fish. Add anti-inflammatory foods with antimicrobial properties, such as garlic, parsley, coconut oil, cilantro, and curcumin to your diet.

Reduce Stress

Make sure to reduce stress and learn to handle stress better. Reduce stressful situation and contact with people who bring you down. Spend time with uplifting, supportive people, and doing things you love. Practice stress-reducing strategies, including meditation, breathwork, gratitude, journaling, coloring, regular exercise, time in nature, grounding, healing baths, and ‘me-time’. Work with a therapist or a life coach to address emotional difficulties and learn stress reduction strategies if needed.

Get Enough Sleep

Make sure to sleep 7 to 8 hours a nigh. Support your circadian rhythms by going to bed and waking up around the same time. Develop a relaxing evening routine and avoid electronics, food, sugar, and caffeine in the evening. Create a peaceful sanctuary in your bedroom with a comfortable bed, bedding, and pillows, a salt lamp, calming essential oils, your favorite books, dark curtains, and anything else that makes you feel calm.

Try a 30-Day Thyroid Reset

As you’ve learned, there is a strong connection between EBV and thyroid issues. If you have thyroid imbalances or thyroid disease, I recommend reading and following the recommendations in my book, The 30-Day Thyroid Reset Plan: Disarming the 7 Hidden Triggers That are Keeping You Sick. This plan will help you to address underlying causes of your thyroid issues including EBV infections, repair your thyroids, and improve your overall health. You will learn everything you need to know about thyroid disease. I offer a 30-day plan to improve your health and my favorite thyroid-friendly recipes to nourish your body with delicious meals.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to thyroid health issues, especially autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto’s disease, there are a variety of things that can trigger an autoimmune response. One of the many triggers includes chronic infections such as the Epstein-Barr virus. Understanding the connection between the Epstein-Barr virus and thyroid health is key to uncovering the root causes of your thyroid condition and creating the right recovery plan. I recommend that you work with a functional health practitioner and follow my tips to overcome EBV and thyroid issues naturally.

If you are dealing with symptoms of EBV, thyroid issues, or other health issues, I invite you to schedule a consultation with me. I can help to identify the root cause of your condition and recommend a personalized treatment plan to repair your body and regain your health and well-being. Schedule your consultation here.

If you are not ready to make an appointment but would like more information? Try my new book, The 30-Day Thyroid Reset Plan ,where I walk you through a step-by-step plan to support your thyroid as much possible..

 

Resources

Medical Medium. What’s Potentially at the Root of Medical Mysteries

Epstein Barr Virus Infection. EMedicineHealth.

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by Peter Saydak

What is Leaky Gut?

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What is leaky gut? This is a question I often get asked as this condition is something that more people want to learn about. Leaky gut syndrome has developed into a widespread condition that affects many people today. More and more people are developing gut permeability due to diet, stress, medications, infections, and even bacterial imbalances.

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about leaky gut so that you can take your health into your own hands if you suspect that this is something impacting your health today.

So, let’s get started and talk about what leaky gut syndrome is and the initial fast facts you will want to know.

Fast Facts

Leaky Gut Syndrome occurs when large particles of food or bacteria leak into the bloodstream through cell membranes that have become permeable over time due to stress, dietary or hormonal imbalance, medicinal side effects, or exposure to infection.

Many patients experience a near-allergic response to these irritants, resulting in gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, food sensitivity, gas, abnormal bowel movements and systemic inflammation. However, eczema, muscle aches, joint pain, depression, brain fog and fatigue can also be symptomatic of a Leaky Gut when gastrointestinal symptoms are not present.

If left unmanaged, a Leaky Gut can lead to autoimmune diseases like Type 1 Diabetes* and Hashimoto’s Disease.

How Does Leaky Gut Progress?

Leaky gut is a condition that progresses in stages. Leaky gut generally starts out with some type of gastrointestinal inflammation followed by a food intolerance, which can trigger an immune system reaction and then eventually autoimmunity.

Leaky Gut Symptoms

Many people may associate leaky gut with just gut related issues. However, various symptoms can pop up as this condition affects the entire body. Here are some of the most common leaky gut symptoms:

• Various food sensitives
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Bloating
• Weight gain
• Skin problems
• Joint pain
• Thyroid issues
• Anxiety & depression

As you can see, leaky gut symptoms are not only isolated to the digestive system. When this condition is present in the body, it has the potential to impact more than one area which is why you may be suffering from so many different symptoms that don’t seem to be related to one another.

Your brain, skin, thyroid, joints, adrenals, sinuses, and colon can all be affected by leaky gut.

One of the main symptoms I see patients with leaky gut suffer from is anxiety or depression. There is a huge link between leaky gut and how it affects the brain as the gut and brain are intricately connected. It’s so important to heal your gut if you suffer from any type of psychological disorder. Removing things like gluten and dairy from the diet have shown to be very successful for those who suffer from conditions such as anxiety and depression and is, of course, a very important step in controlling leaky gut syndrome.

What Causes a Leaky Gut?

If you think you have a Leaky Gut, evaluate your exposure to the following potential culprits:

• Dietary: Alcohol, gluten, sugar, processed food and casein. Lectins in food can be particularly problematic. Lectins are proteins found in some grains, sugar, as well as conventional dairy products. These lectins can damage your gut and lead to leaky gut over time. In nature, they act as a protective barrier for plants, however, in the body, they aren’t so helpful. Lectins can attach to the digestive lining and thus cause significant inflammation. You will want to watch out for foods such as wheat, and soy as they contain large amounts of lectins.
• Infections: Bacterial overgrowth, yeast overgrowth, parasites and H. pylori
• Medications: Antibiotics, antacids, corticosteroids
• Stress: Increased cortisol
• Hormonal: Decreased thyroid hormones and sex hormones such as estrodial, progesterone and testosterone
• Autoimmune disease & Inflammation: Autoimmune disease and intestinal inflammation are also known contributors.
• Bacterial imbalances can also cause leaky gut: Dysbiosis which is an imbalance in gut flora can be a major cause of leaky gut. This is an imbalance between the healthy as well as the pathogenic bacteria in the gut, and it can be caused by antibiotics or a poor diet that lacks probiotic rich foods.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis can be difficult and must include testing from an experienced functional medicine practitioner. A functional medicine practitioner has the ability to offer specific leaky gut testing that modern day medical physicians may not offer.

Some of the testing options for leaky gut include:

• Zonulin or Lactulose Tests 

  The zonulin test is very useful because zonulin is what controls how large the openings between your gut lining as well as your bloodstream are. It’s normal to have some small openings as this helps to transport the nutrients that your body needs. However, if the openings are too large, it opens the opportunity for harmful toxins to get into the bloodstream. Zonulin levels often rise due to things like gluten, candida, or other GI infections. This particular leaky gut test will be able to tell us what your specific zonulin levels are which is a very useful tool in determining if leaky gut is something affecting you.

• Food Intolerance Test 

  Another common test I use when testing for leaky gut is a food intolerance test. If leaky gut is suspected, it is very important to determine what food sensitivities may be present as well. This is because most people who suffer from leaky gut will wind up with food sensitivities as the result of this condition, and not addressing these at their source will make recovering from leaky gut very difficult, and it can even make the condition worse. One of the reasons why most people with leaky gut develop food sensitivities is because when toxins sneak into the bloodstream through those permeable junctions, the immune system responds to this foreign invader. Your body will then produce a large amount of antibodies as a way to try to defend the body from the particles that should not have been able to seep into the bloodstream. The immune system will then react each time you consume this food. Some of the most common immune triggers include gluten as well as dairy when dealing with leaky gut. This is true even if your body use to be able to tolerate these foods. Once leaky gut it present, there is a good chance that your body will react to these inflammatory foods.

• Stool Tests 

  Sool tests are another important piece to the puzzle. Stool testing can uncover many different things that standard blood tests may not be able to uncover. They are very telling when it comes to the health of your digestive system. A stool test can take a look at bacterial levels as well as other markers such as the overall health of your intestines and any inflammation that may be present. These tests are also very helpful in uncovering potential infections of the gut such as parasites, yeast, and other bacterial infections that can all cause leaky gut or make the condition worse.

• Vitamin & Mineral Deficiency Testing 

  These tests are very useful when uncovering leaky gut as having a vitamin or mineral deficiency is a tell-tale sign that your body is not absorbing what it should be. This can point to leaky gut. A deficiency can occur if there is damage to the gut microvilli in the case of leaky gut. I like to test for these deficiencies as another way to help diagnose this condition.

Treatment Options

Due to the variety of symptoms that result from lifestyle and physiological factors, this condition, its severity, and course of treatment vary from individual to individual. A skilled clinician can evaluate and identify what is going on in your gut and put you on a specific protocol to heal your body.

Regiments may include removing grains, sugar, GMO’s, non grass-fed meat and dairy from your diet. Replace them with foods with healing properties such as bone broths, fermented vegetables, and coconut products. Supplements like glutamine, digestive enzymes and probiotics can also aid in the repair of this condition.

Prognosis

For best results, it is important to try to identify all possible irritants for your Leaky Gut individually. Once a course of treatment is in place, many patients see improvement in four to six months. For those with Leaky Gut caused by autoimmune deficiencies, long-term lifestyle changes may be in order.

Steps you can Take Today

If you believe that you may be suffering from leaky gut, there are some steps that you can take today to start your road to recovery.

1. Get the Proper Testing

   Getting the proper testing such as a zonulin, food sensitivity, stool, or vitamin and mineral deficiency test would be one of the first steps in taking control of your health. The sooner these tests are done, the better the outcome will be. If you are interested in setting up an appointment to start your healing journey, click here. 

2. Make Dietary Changes

   Start by removing gluten, dairy, and sugar from your diet and see how you feel. If you suspect that there are other foods that your body is reacting to, try removing those foods too and see how your body responds. Keep in mind that it may take a little while to feel better after removing a reactive food so give it a couple of weeks.

3. Enjoy Gut Healing Foods

   While there are some foods that you will need to remove from your diet, there are also some foods that you may want to consider adding into your diet. Things like bone broth, fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut, and kimchi, and coconut oil are excellent for anyone suffering from leaky gut. Try adding some of these foods into your diet and removing processed and artificial foods.

4. Try Probiotics

   A diet that lacks healthy probiotic rich foods can cause digestive health issues. Probiotics work to help support the healthy bacteria in the gut while keeping the pathogenic bacteria at bay. You can boost the probiotic rich foods in your diet by enjoying things like sauerkraut, and kimchi, but you can also try adding a probiotic supplement to your routine. Just be sure that you are getting a high-quality probiotic. I recommend Mega SporeBiotics and Prescript-Assist.

5. Reduce Stress

   Since stress can trigger leaky gut, try your best to limit the amount of stress in your life. While certain amounts of stress are inevitable it’s important to practice some form of stress reduction daily such as yoga, exercise, or meditation.

6. Work with a Functional Medicine Practitioner

   Working with a functional medicine practitioner will allow you to work together to get to the bottom of what is going on. Together, you can explore if an infection is present, what food sensitivities are present, and any other trigger for leaky gut. If you do have leaky gut, an individualized healing plan can be put into place that will work best for you and your body.

Leaky gut can cause debilitating symptoms and not dealing with this condition at its source can make things worse over time. The great news is that there are healing protocols that can be taken to heal the gut so that you can recover and start to feel better as soon as possible.

If you are suffering from weight gain, fatigue, hair loss and more, click here to schedule a phone call with me, so I can find out where you’ve been, where you want to get to, and how I can help you get there.

I know exactly where you are because I’ve been there myself…I remember being so tired that I could barely function. I gained 30 pounds out of nowhere and had a severe case of brain fog. I also started to get severe anxiety and panic attacks. I was driven and motivated…until I wasn’t. I didn’t know what was happening to me. All I wanted was to get my life back…

Finally, I learned about functional medicine and found a practitioner that I hoped could help me. They ran specialized tests that were far different than I had ever had before. When I got the results back, it turned out I had candida, parasites, high cortisol, the Epstein Bar Virus and many food intolerances. I also had an issue with my thyroid that no one found before because they were using the conventional medicine lab ranges which are way too broad….which I now know is one of the leading causes of hypothyroid misdiagnosis.

I went through treatment of all of these things and it completely changed my life.  I immediately lost the 30 pounds I had gained plus more, I had a lot more energy, and my brain fog was gone. I felt amazing and knew that I wanted to help people find the underlying causes of their symptoms and disease.

Resources:

*Vaarala O, Atkinson MA, Neu J (2008) ‘The “Perfect Storm” for Type 1 Diabetes The Complex Interplay Between Intestinal Microbiota, Gut Permeability, and Mucosal Immunity’, Diabetes Journal, (57)10(2555-2562).

Dr. Axe. What Kind of Leaky Gut Test Should you Take?

Dr. Axe. 4 Steps to Heal a Leaky Gut and Autoimmune Disease

 

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by Peter Saydak