Hashimoto: A silent problem affecting metabolism and energy

Hashimoto is one of those conditions that quietly affects millions of people, often long before they even realize something is wrong.

So what is Hashimoto and how do you know if you have it?

At its core, Hashimoto's is an autoimmune condition. Your own immune system, which is meant to protect you, begins to attack your thyroid gland.

Hakaru Hashimoto was a Japanese physician and surgeon who discovered Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland, in 1912

The thyroid is a small gland in your neck, yet it influences almost every cell in your body. It regulates your energy, your metabolism, your mood, and even your body temperature.

When it begins to malfunction because of autoimmune damage, your body feels the consequences in more ways than you can imagine.

So how do you get it?

There is rarely a single cause. It is usually a combination of genetics and environment. If you have a family history of autoimmune conditions, your risk goes up. Many children are born with it, for example.

Add chronic stress, poor diet, lack of sleep, and exposure to environmental toxins, and the immune system can slowly become dysregulated.

Over time, the body begins to see its own thyroid tissue as a threat. What begins as a subtle imbalance can eventually turn into fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, constipation and dry skin.

Food is one of the biggest levers you have.

Eating whole, unprocessed foods helps bring down inflammation. In particular, look at iron consumption, if you are a woman.

Managing stress through breathwork, meditation, yoga, or time in nature calms the immune system.

Sleep is a powerful healer. When you sleep well, your hormones realign and your immune cells behave differently.

Movement improves blood flow and reduces chronic inflammation, especially gentle strength training and regular walking.

The journey with Hashimoto is not simple. But if you create an environment in which your body can repair, you will reduce the symptoms. Healing is possible. Your job is to make space for it to happen.

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