In understanding the impact of Hashimoto’s disease on your immune system, we need to appreciate that Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition, which indeed, leads to the weakening of the immune system. To put it simply, an autoimmune condition prompts your immune system to flare up, triggering an immune response.
Specifically, let’s delve into Hashimoto’s and its triggers, one of the most renowned being gluten exposure. Gluten bears a striking resemblance to your thyroid tissue, a phenomenon known as molecular mimicry. When gluten is consumed, the immune system reacts by launching an attack, leading to an immune response. This response, when repeated over time, results in a constant state of flare-up, stressing and weakening your immune system.
Interestingly, individuals with Hashimoto’s usually experience multiple triggers, which range from food sensitivities to Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). Furthermore, inflammatory proteins within the intestines and other factors can trigger both immune and inflammatory responses. This constant triggering, combined with the relentless onslaught on the thyroid, puts a considerable strain on the immune system.
The ideal state for an immune system is balance. However, in Hashimoto’s patients, their immune system is persistently taxed, leading to exhaustion. Consider it like a factory running 24/7 with no breaks, eventually, the machinery starts to wear down, and its efficiency drops. This scenario mirrors what happens with the immune system.
To further illustrate this, consider secretory IgA, antibodies specific to the linings of your intestines, esophagus, and nasal passage – areas that comprise the majority of your immune system. In autoimmune patients, especially those with Hashimoto’s, these IgA levels are typically low due to the constant battering of the immune system.
The current medical response to this issue involves administering steroids, which help dampen inflammation, providing a temporary reprieve for the overtaxed immune system. However, this solution isn’t sustainable in the long run as the continued strain can lead to further weakening of the immune system.
What’s more, we’ve identified at least 42 known triggers for Hashimoto’s. Each exposure to these triggers demands a response from the immune system, leading to its gradual wear and tear over time. This constant bombardment on the immune system can indeed make Hashimoto’s patients more susceptible to common illnesses such as flus and colds.
Moreover, these triggers are relentless, occurring in our everyday routines – from the food we eat to the amount of sleep we get. Overworking, insomnia, and food sensitivities are all common triggers that continue to stress the immune system. Over time, this leads to fatigue and increased vulnerability to other sicknesses and diseases.
In conclusion, Hashimoto’s does have a significant negative effect on your immune system. The persistent triggering and immune response ultimately lead to a weakened immune system, increasing susceptibility to other diseases and infections. Thus, it’s crucial to manage these triggers effectively to maintain a healthier immune balance and improve overall well-being.
Note: The above article was auto generated off the transcript of the above video. Because of this there may be some errors.
