Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Best Probiotic For Hashimoto’s

How To Tell If A Probiotic Is Working

Can Probiotics Help With Thyroid & Hashimotos? | Sara Peternell, MNT

1st Take stock of your symptoms

They might be fatigue and depression, or bloating, or joint pain, or constipation, or insomnia, or unstable dose of thyroid medication. Whatever they are, take stock of how often and how severe your symptoms are.

2nd Reevaluate these symptoms after 3-4 weeks of probiotic therapy

Are you improving? If so, keep on the protocol. You are not looking for complete resolution, per se. If so, that is great. But dont expect everything to be fixed completely at the 3-4 week mark. You are looking for a clear trend of improvement. If so, great, we are on the right track. Keep going.

3rd Look for when you hit your peak improvement

Once you peak or plateau, great. This is another milestone. Keep this constant for another four weeks, so your body can integrate and you can lock in this new balance.

After four weeks

Finally Try to gradually find the minimal effective dose

Technically, you dont have to do this but I find less is more with supplements. I like people to cut their dose in half, then reevaluate after 3-4 weeks. If this goes well, try coming off completely.

These are just rough guidelines, this is not that precise so dont stress yourself out. This is a simple process of gradually trying to wean off. If at some point your symptoms return, it means you should stay on the probiotics.

You can try weaning again in a few months. Simple. Dont overcomplicate this.

Here are a few scenarios of what dose weaning might look like.

Why Probiotic Triple Therapy Is So Effective

At the end of the day, you want results. You want a probiotic protocol to reduce or eliminate whatever symptoms you are suffering from. As a doctor, I want this for you also, but I understand that we need to fix the underlying cause of your symptoms. So, instead of using a probiotic that is marketed for your symptom, we go a level deeper and use Probiotic Triple Therapy to ensure we support a balanced healthy gut environment.

This thorough probiotic therapy fixes the underlying cause of your symptoms and thus your symptoms resolve. The symptoms that improve after balancing your gut could be anything from digestive symptoms all the way through mood or metabolism. This probiotic protocol is not a cure all, but gut health is clearly a foundational aspect of wellbeing.

Important reminder, probiotics are not a get out of jail free card for an unhealthy diet and lifestyle. These both must be in place to see optimal response to any probiotic regime.

Hashimoto Diet: Overview Foods Supplements And Tips

2 ).

Research shows that diet and lifestyle modifications may drastically improve symptoms, in addition to standard medication. Every person with Hashimotos disease responds differently to treatment, which is why an individualized approach for this condition is so important .

This article explains the diet and lifestyle modifications most likely to benefit those with Hashimotos disease.

1 ).

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland that sits at the base of your neck. It secretes hormones that affect nearly every organ system, including your heart, lungs, skeleton, and digestive and central nervous systems. It also controls metabolism and growth (

Eventually, damage to this gland leads to insufficient thyroid hormone production.

summary

6 ).

Whats more, research suggests that inflammation may be a driving factor behind the wide range of Hashimotos symptoms. Inflammation is often tied to diet .

Diet and lifestyle modifications are likewise key to reducing your risk of other ailments, as people with Hashimotos disease have a higher risk of developing autoimmune conditions, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes .

Research shows that cutting out certain foods, taking supplements, and making lifestyle changes may significantly improve symptoms and quality of life.

Plus, these changes may help reduce inflammation, slow or prevent thyroid damage caused by elevated thyroid antibodies, and manage body weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

Read Also: Best Probiotic Supplement For Acne

Supplements That Can Balance Immunity

Selenium

Selenium is an essential nutrient for proper thyroid function. Individuals who have a selenium deficiency can experience decreased activity of GPXs, which can lead to oxidative damage. This oxidative damage has been linked to impaired thyroid activity. Also, low selenium concentration in the body can cause autoimmune processes in the thyroid gland4.

Additionally, one study revealed that selenium supplementation can even improve the efficacy of levothyroxine

Glutathione is another substance that is needed to maintain a properly functioning thyroid gland. It is also essential in the treatment of autoimmune conditions. Stress and an unhealthy diet can contribute to low levels of glutathione. Since this substance is produced by the body, various supplements and dietary changes can boost your levels, which helps support thyroid hormone production.

Turmeric

Most commonly known as a spice with strong anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is one of the most powerful supplements for hypothyroidism. It addresses underlying autoimmune disease by regulating immune system function, reducing autoimmune activity, detoxifying the body, and protecting the gut. Therefore, supplementing with turmeric is an absolute must for those with autoimmune hypothyroidism.

Supplements That Can Increase Energy Naturally

Methylated B vitamins

Having a deficiency in certain types of B vitamins has been linked to the development of hypothyroidism. Rather than taking a random brand of B vitamins, it is important for those with hypothyroidism to choose methylated B vitamins. Why? In order for B vitamins to work as effective supplements for hypothyroidism, your body needs to be able to fully utilize the vitamins. Because many individuals are unable to metabolize standard B vitamins, active B vitamins should be your top choice.

Adaptogenic herbs

Adaptogenic herbs have been shown to balance the production of thyroid hormones. In addition to Ashwagandha, two other common adaptogenic herbs that can be used as supplements for hypothyroidism include maca and rhodiola.

Supplements That Improve A Leaky Gut

Betaine HCL

It is common for people with thyroid issues to have lower than normal stomach acid. This prevents an individual from fully breaking down food, which can lead to leaky gut syndrome. Betaine HCL helps ensure proper stomach acid production, which aids in the absorption of nutrients like B vitamins and other minerals.

L-glutamine

Glutamine is known as the most important substance for healthy intestinal cells. It is an essential amino acid for repairing tissues , and for preventing leaky gut syndrome. Using L-glutamine supplementation has been proven to have immunomodulatory, anticatabolic/anabolic, and gastrointestinal mucosal-protective actions.

When the body is under stress, it relies on glutamine to help meet its extra energy needs. Supplemental L-glutamine can deliver much-needed energy to the body when trying to overcome the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

MSM and Quercetin

As mentioned already, chronic inflammation and leaky gut syndrome are often associated with autoimmune hypothyroidism. MSM and Quercetin are anti-inflammatory substances that can reduce both of these conditions. Quercetin can also provide direct anti-inflammatory action by stabilizing intestinal mast cells, which can improve tissue health through its antioxidant functions.

Mucin

Mucin is a glycoprotein, which is normally secreted by the intestinal epithelial cells. It can serve to coat the intestinal lining and to neutralize intestinal antigens, along with sIgA. This reduces any inflammation and tissue damage caused by food allergies, intestinal infection, or dysbiosis.

Low light laser therapy and hypothyroidism

Aside from the top supplements for hypothyroidism, low light laser therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for the condition6. Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis patients who received LLLT in one study experienced an overall improvement in thyroid function. They also experienced a reduction in thyroid antiperoxidase antibody levels, and an increase in the thyroid parenchymal echogenicity as assessed by B-mode ultrasound7.

What is even more impressive is that LLLT could reduce inflammation in CAT patients, and possibly reduce the presence of thyroid antibodies, with no side effects.

The preliminary results of this study also indicated that as a result of the improved thyroid function, patients experienced a decreased need for levothyroxine, a reduction in TPOAb levels, and an increase in parenchymal echogenicity.

Another study that examined the link between LLLT and thyroid function also found that LLLT promotes reduced TPOAb-mediated autoimmunity, and increases thyroid echogenicity in patients with CAT hypothyroidism8.

Iodine Deficiency And Hypothyroidism

The Best Probiotics for Hashimoto

So, according to medical studies, an iodine deficiency causes thyroid disorders such as goitre, hypothyroidism and delayed growth and intellectual development.

In the early 2000s iodine deficiency affected around 2 billion people worldwide. However, in many countries iodine has been added to the salt to help solve the problem.

However, recent research in the US suggests that iodine deficiency is reemerging.

Likewise in Europe, Lazarus in a 2014study on Iodine Status in Europe states:-

A significant part of the population in Europe is mildly deficient in iodine an increase in dietary iodine consumption by 50-100 g/day would be beneficial, with minimal or no adverse consequences.

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What Are The Most Common Conventional Treatments For Hypothyroidism

Although there is no real cure for the condition, there are many ways that it can be successfully managed. The most popular conventional treatment for hypothyroidism is a medication known as levothyroxine. This is a synthetic version of the T4 hormone. Since the body interprets the medication as the real hormone, symptoms are often quickly alleviated. However, when used with specific supplements for hypothyroidism, there is often less of a need for this medication.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome Ibs

Probiotics have been shown helpful for the symptoms of IBS, which include constipation, loose stools, diarrhea, abdominal pain and gas.

Proof

Two meta-analyses have shown probiotics to be an effective treatment for IBS, with no side effects. A multi-strain mixture containing a blend of predominantly lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains is best .Reminder: A meta-analysis is a summary of clinical trials, and is the highest level of scientific evidence.

When reporting

Two meta-analyses have shown probiotics to be an effective treatment for IBS

What does this mean?

  • It means that over 1,100 patients were tracked in order to assess how effective probiotics were for IBS. The subjects were given either probiotics or placebo, thus guarding against the placebo effect.
  • After a number of weeks a follow up analysis of the subjects symptoms were conducted and there was clearly and consistently more benefit documented in those using probiotics than in those on placebo.

This is huge.

This is the type of high quality data you as the healthcare consumer needs.

  • Using high quality data greatly increases the likelihood you will experience the same benefit noted in the study.
  • Low quality data have an extremely LOW likelihood you will experience the desired result.
  • Constipation, diarrhea and or loose stools
  • Abdominal pain
  • Food Intolerance
  • Fatigue and Difficulty Sleeping

Also Check: Do Probiotics Make You Poop

Getting A Handle On What Is Affecting Your Gastrointestinal Health Is Key If You Have A Thyroid Disorder

The human gut microbiome.

Many doctors believe that the key to a healthy thyroid doesnt stop at medications to balance hormones rather, a more holistic approach is necessary. That means also reducing possible sources of inflammation and ensuring a healthy gut. Heres what you should know, especially if youre taking thyroid medication but still suffer from symptoms such as weight gain, brain fog, body pain, or fatigue.

Optibac For Travelling Abroad

Best Probiotics for Thyroid – GUT PROBLEMS CAUSING THYROID PROBLEMS?

While this is specifically a travel product, we love it because it contains the three broad strains and is formulated for the purpose of preventing travellers diarrhea.

We know that diarrhea doesnt only happen when travelling many people suffer from it regularly or even daily, and the culprit is often a compromised flora makeup in the gut.

Saccharomyces boulardii is commonly found in anti-diarrhea or travel probiotics, along with the strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus, which this product also contains. While this isnt a broad spectrum probiotic we still think many people would benefit from it, especially if youre looking for probiotics for IBS or diarrhea. Using this alone or even adding it to a current probiotic supplementation stack could help with restoring regular bowel movements and general digestive comfort overall.

Each capsule contains 4 strains over 5 billion CFUs, all shelf stable.

Optibac is also a very reputable brand which were happy to recommend.

  • Skin and autoimmune issues
  • Allergies

The gut influences many other parts of the body, especially immunity, so the chance your microbiome is part of the problem is always possible. .

Also Check: What Is The Benefit Of Taking A Probiotic

Gut Microbiota Triggers Hashimotos

Mori et al report that the intestinal mucosa constantly comes across numerous antigens derived from commensal organisms, food, and occasional pathogens.

Our immune system works to balance between tolerance against commensal bacteria, dietary antigens, and protective reactions against harmful pathogens in order to maintain homeostasis.

Indigenous bacteria in our gut contribute to the formation of barrier against invasive pathogens. At the same time, products of the bacterial fermentation of undigested fibers in the intestine inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines. Any kind of dysbiosis, microbial imbalance, disturbs the finely tuned immune balance and could lead to the development of autoimmune disorders.

Disrupted mucosal barrier allows exposure of submucosal immune cells to bacterial and dietary antigens, thus causing an unfavorable immune activation and formation of autoimmune diseases. Changes such as increased intestinal permeability, intraepithelial lymphocyte infiltration have been found in patients with type 1 diabetes, but they have been also observed in Hashimotos thyroiditis patients.

February 2018 issue of the journal Thyroid published a study conducted by Zhao F. et al. What makes this study important is the fact it is the very first research to investigate the relationship between Hashimotos and gut microbiota directly.

Bacteriodetes are usually gram-negative bacteria.

Probiotics Are Not A Substitute For Medical Advice

Yes, probiotics can improve a number of symptoms and conditions. No, they are not a cure-all and are no substitute for necessary medical care. Speak with your doctor regarding how probiotics could be integrated into your current treatment.

Also, remember that not all doctors are knowledgeable about probiotics. If your doctor isnt aware of the research presented in this article, then consider obtaining a second opinion.

Recommended Reading: Infant Probiotic Drops With Vitamin D

Intestinal Imbalances: Sibo Leaky Gut Fungus H Pylori & Infection

Certain circles on the internet claim you should not take probiotics for SIBO because in SIBO you already have too much bacteria. However, looking at the research,

we CLEARLY see probiotics help with SIBO

and may even be effective as a stand-alone treatment.

We also have evidence showing that some probiotics are as effective as antifungal drugs in treating fungi and that probiotics are as effective as antiparasitic medications in treating parasites. The antibacterial effect of probiotics can help to reduce bacterial overgrowths, correct imbalances, and clear infections.

Proof

Probiotics have been shown to be effective in treating SIBO , both in improving symptoms and in improving lab values. The clinical trials here were even summarized in a meta-analysis, concluding that probiotics are an effective therapy for SIBO. One study found probiotics to be more effective when compared directly to the antibiotic metronidazole.

Two types of probiotics have been shown effective for SIBO. One, a blend of lactobacillus & Bifidobacterium strains . Two, a probiotic containing bacillus strains, aka soil-based probiotics . More evidence supports a blend of Lactobacillus and bifidobacterium.

Data from 18 clinical trials were summarized in a meta-analysis, which concluded that probiotics are an effective treatment for SIBO. Specifically:

A wide variety of probiotic strains were used in these clinical trials, however all of them fall into Category 1 or Category 3.

Best Probiotic For Hashimotos

Shop Dr. Westin Childs Thyroid Supplements

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Are Probiotics Right For You

In the past, Ive spoken about gut health and its importance in managing inflammation in our bodies. For us living with Hashimotos, the importance of achieving this balance is even more imperative. One of the simplest ways of contributing to our microbiome is in the form of probiotics. Do you wonder if youre taking the right amount, or if the probiotic of your choice is working properly? Ill help you demystify whats inside those capsules and fermented foods by taking a closer look at how probiotics work in our bodies, and when they are necessary.

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