Hashimoto's and medicinal mushrooms - natural treatment options

Many of you have probably heard of Hashimoto's or may even be affected yourself. But what exactly is behind this autoimmune disease? We asked Dr. Dorothea Leinung, a holistic physician and expert on Hashimoto's. In this article, you'll learn about the background and options for natural treatment.

What is Hashimoto's?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a disease of the thyroid gland. It usually begins with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), which then progresses to an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and is accompanied by the following symptoms:

 

• Sleep disorders
• Altered heart rhythms / cardiac arrhythmias
• Blood pressure fluctuations (lower blood pressure is more common in Hashimoto's thyroiditis)
• Exhaustion, fatigue
• sensitivity to cold
• irritability
• nervousness
• Problems with weight loss
• Indigestion, constipation
• Diarrhea
• Stomach problems
• Menstrual irregularities
• unfulfilled desire to have children

Causes of Hashimoto's

In this autoimmune disease, a malfunctioning immune system attacks the body's own tissue, in this case, the thyroid gland. This results in a usually painless inflammation that gradually destroys the thyroid tissue. Consequently, the thyroid gland is progressively unable to produce more and more thyroid hormones, which manifests itself in the typical symptoms of hypothyroidism (fatigue, difficulty concentrating, digestive problems, etc.).

Approximately 5-10% of the population is affected by Hashimoto's thyroiditis, making it one of the most prevalent autoimmune diseases. Women are nine times more likely to be affected than men. Diagnosis typically occurs between the ages of 30 and 50. A familial predisposition is typical for this disease, with genetic mutations being a possible cause. Other factors also contribute to the development and progression of the disease, including stress, infections and viral diseases, smoking, toxins, and excess iodine. Patients with Hashimoto's often also have other autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease, anemia, Addison's disease, or type 1 diabetes.

 

diagnosis

If thyroid disease is suspected, it is advisable to consult a doctor who will conduct a thorough medical history and physical examination. A blood test is necessary to check thyroid parameters. The hormones T3 and T4, as well as TSH and thyroid antibodies, play a significant role in this. A thyroid ultrasound (sonography) should always be part of the examination to assess the size, structure, and tissue pattern of the organ.

Treatment options

 

Traditional treatment options

If the progressive tissue destruction during the course of the disease leads to a reduced production of thyroid hormones, it is necessary to replace them with artificial ones. Various preparations are used for this purpose. Most often, a T4 preparation is prescribed, which is converted in the body to the hormonally active form of T3. 

 

Nutrition for Hashimoto's

"Let the food be our medicine." With the right diet, those affected can greatly influence the course of their illness and even play a significant role in remission. Omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, iron, and B vitamins are just some of the important nutrients to mention here.  Another important factor is gut health, which plays a major role in the regeneration process. A balanced microbiome and a gut-friendly diet help to restore balance to the gut.

Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties. They are found in high-quality oils (e.g., flaxseed oil), fatty fish (salmon, herring), and nuts and seeds (flaxseeds, chia seeds; walnuts are not recommended for people with Hashimoto's). The quality of the food choices is crucial. The trace element selenium , found in Brazil nuts, cabbage, and eggs, has an antioxidant effect.

Processed foods, gluten-containing foods, sugar, high-carbohydrate foods, convenience foods, alcohol, soft drinks and wheat products should be avoided, as they can trigger inflammatory processes in the body and worsen Hashimoto's. 

Medicinal mushrooms and Hashimoto's - natural relief?

In the treatment of autoimmune diseases, medicinal mushrooms can make a crucial difference. They have positive effects on the organs, support detoxification, and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, medicinal mushrooms can promote inner balance and thus reduce stress levels, which can have a positive impact on well-being and symptoms.

Cordyceps is the star ingredient in this natural treatment method and beneficial dietary supplement for Hashimoto's disease. It has positive effects on regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels and supports the thyroid and adrenal glands. This can lead to increased energy production in the mitochondria, which can improve mood, reduce fatigue, and optimize performance.

For support in managing Hashimoto's disease, the medicinal mushrooms Reishi , Chaga , and Shiitake are particularly suitable. Generally speaking, these can influence the reduction of Hashimoto's symptoms and therefore represent a very useful addition to an optimized dietary change.

Have you checked out our recipes yet? Here you'll find helpful recipe ideas that make it easy and delicious to integrate medicinal mushrooms into your everyday life.

It's important to note that medicinal mushrooms are not edible mushrooms. They are therefore usually sold in capsule or powder form. At smaints, we've made it our mission to bring medicinal mushrooms into people's everyday lives in a way that is easy to understand, effective, tasty, and of the highest quality – and they don't just have positive effects for Hashimoto's! If you'd like to learn more about medicinal mushrooms in general, feel free to browse our website. We particularly recommend this article: Click here.

 

Conclusion

There are now many holistic approaches to positively influence the course of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. We hope this article has given you a brief overview and some inspiration. Here's a short summary:

• If you suspect you have Hashimoto's disease: Seek medical help and undergo a thorough examination.
• Seek medical care (regular monitoring of blood values ​​and thyroid function)
• Adjust your diet
• Pay attention to ensuring an optimal intake of micronutrients.
• Eliminate toxic foods & cosmetics
• Medicinal mushrooms as a very useful support in autoimmune diseases
• Implement a holistic, healthy lifestyle
• daily exercise

Should you have any further questions regarding our smaints products when used for Hashimoto's, feel free to write to us or share your experiences.

We would also like to thank Dr. Dorothea Leinung for her valuable input on this article. Dorothea is a holistic physician and an expert on Hashimoto's disease. You can learn more about Hashimoto's on her website and Instagram channel . She also offers excellent holistic mentoring for those affected.

By the way, there's also an exciting podcast episode by Dorothea on Spotify:

Click on this link and have a listen.