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Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: What Causes It?

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Natural Treatment Albuquerque

Why Does Your Immune System Attack Your Thyroid?

Understanding Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that plays a huge role in our health. It produces hormones that control metabolism, energy levels, heart rate, digestion, and even mood. However, when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid, it can lead to autoimmune thyroid disorders. The most common of these is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which can cause hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid). Another autoimmune condition, Graves’ disease, leads to hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid).

Functional medicine looks at why these conditions develop instead of just treating symptoms. Instead of simply prescribing thyroid medication, functional medicine practitioners work to find the root causes of thyroid dysfunction and help patients heal from the inside out.

 

What is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, also called chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Over time, this damage reduces the gland’s ability to produce hormones, leading to hypothyroidism.

Common Symptoms of Hashimoto’s:

  • Fatigue

  • Weight gain

  • Brain fog

  • Depression and anxiety

  • Hair thinning

  • Dry skin

  • Sensitivity to cold

  • Joint and muscle pain

  • Constipation

  • Puffy face

  • Slow heart rate

While conventional medicine often treats Hashimoto’s with thyroid hormone replacement, functional medicine seeks to identify why the immune system is attacking the thyroid in the first place. Addressing the underlying causes can help manage, and sometimes even reverse, Hashimoto’s symptoms.

 

Why Do Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders Develop?

From a functional medicine standpoint, autoimmune conditions develop due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. These include:

1. Genetics

Some people have genes that make them more prone to autoimmune diseases. However, genetics alone do not cause Hashimoto’s—other factors must trigger the disease.

2. Leaky Gut (Intestinal Permeability)

A healthy gut lining keeps harmful substances out of the bloodstream. When the gut becomes “leaky,” toxins, undigested food particles, and bacteria enter the bloodstream, triggering the immune system. This can lead to chronic inflammation and autoimmune reactions, including attacks on the thyroid.

3. Chronic Infections

Viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus, and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) have been linked to autoimmune diseases, including Hashimoto’s.

4. Nutrient Deficiencies

Certain nutrients are critical for thyroid function and immune balance. Deficiencies in these nutrients can contribute to Hashimoto’s:

  • Vitamin D – Important for immune regulation

  • Selenium – Reduces thyroid antibodies and inflammation

  • Zinc – Supports thyroid hormone production

  • Iron – Essential for thyroid hormone conversion

  • Magnesium – Helps regulate inflammation

5. Toxins and Heavy Metals

Toxins like pesticides, plastics, heavy metals (mercury, lead, arsenic), and fluoride can interfere with thyroid function. Exposure to these environmental toxins may contribute to autoimmune thyroid disease.

6. Chronic Stress and Adrenal Dysfunction

Stress triggers the release of cortisol, which in high amounts can suppress the immune system and damage the gut lining. Chronic stress also affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to hormonal imbalances that impact thyroid function.

7. Food Sensitivities (Especially Gluten and Dairy)

Gluten and dairy are common triggers for inflammation and immune system overactivity in people with Hashimoto’s. Some studies suggest that gluten mimics thyroid tissue, causing the immune system to attack the thyroid.

 

Functional Medicine Approach to Healing Hashimoto’s

Functional medicine doesn’t just mask symptoms with medication—it identifies and corrects root causes. This holistic approach can reduce inflammation, restore gut health, balance hormones, and regulate the immune system.

1. Optimizing Nutrition

  • Eliminate gluten and dairy – These are common triggers for Hashimoto’s.

  • Increase anti-inflammatory foods – Leafy greens, berries, turmeric, and wild-caught fish.

  • Support gut health – Bone broth, fermented foods, and probiotics help heal the gut lining.

  • Avoid processed foods – Reduce sugar, refined carbs, and processed oils.

2. Heal the Gut

  • Test for leaky gut and treat with probiotics, digestive enzymes, and L-glutamine.

  • Remove gut infections like H. pylori or yeast overgrowth if present.

3. Support Thyroid Nutrients

  • Selenium (Brazil nuts, seafood)

  • Zinc (pumpkin seeds, grass-fed beef)

  • Vitamin D (sun exposure, fatty fish, supplementation if needed)

  • Iodine (only if not autoimmune-sensitive)

4. Reduce Stress and Support the Adrenals

  • Mindfulness, meditation, and yoga help lower stress.

  • Adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola support the HPA axis.

5. Detox from Toxins

  • Filter water to remove fluoride and chlorine.

  • Reduce exposure to plastics, pesticides, and heavy metals.

6. Balance Hormones

  • Address high estrogen levels, which can worsen thyroid dysfunction.

  • Support progesterone and cortisol balance through lifestyle and nutrition.

 

Take the Next Step with Functional Medicine Coaching

If you’re struggling with Hashimoto’s or another autoimmune thyroid disorder, you don’t have to go through it alone. Shannon at Intentional Wellness can help you address the root causes of your thyroid condition and guide you toward healing.

Sign up today for personalized functional medicine coaching and take control of your thyroid health!

 
References
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Further Reading: Autoimmune Disease

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