Got Reflux?
I did too. It started with a chronic cough, pain, burning, choking sensation…I tried every over the counter product possible…I saw my primary care doctor, an allergist, a gastroenterologist, an Ear Nose and Throat doctor, and finally had a barium swallow test swallowing a nasty, chalky substances…it showed I had a Sliding Hiatal Hernia with spontaneous reflux.
I drank gallons of milk trying to soothe the burn. I drank bottles of Mylanta, and always had a bottle of antacids nearby. I tried Nexium, Prilosec, Aciphex, Pepcid, and even considered surgery. The acid reflux persisted.
For three freaking years, I slept nearly upright. For three years I avoided red wine, tomato sauces, oranges, and all of the other “acidic” foods I was told to avoid. The acid reflux continued.
I didn’t give up the fight…I went the holistic route…tried to get “adjustments” from a chiropractor to push my “hiatal hernia” back in. Tried yoga to relax more. Tried ginger tea. Cut out caffeine. Took more magnesium. The acid reflux didn’t give…
And then, just when I nearly gave up and thought I would just have to live with it…I made one change to my diet that I thought would never ever make any difference, and there it was, completely gone forever within 3 DAYS of making this change, after 3 YEARS of almost daily suffering, my chronic cough was gone and has never come back! So what was that change? I cut out dairy.
I had been eating it for years without any apparent problems, so I would have never suspected it would be the culprit of my digestive troubles. I had an IgA food intolerance test that showed I was sensitive to it.
Since I cut out dairy, I haven’t had reflux since…(except for the few times I accidentally consumed something that contained dairy).
Will cutting dairy be the change that makes all the difference for you? I don’t know.
But don’t give up. You may be one small change away from feeling well!
That’s what this site is all about….making lifestyle changes for better health. What changes have you made that made a difference in your life?
I wish you all the best in your healing journey!
PS. You can also download a free Thyroid Diet Guide, 10 Thyroid friendly recipes, and the Nutrient Depletions and Digestion chapter for free by going to my Hashimoto’s Gift Page. You will also receive occasional updates about new research, resources, giveaways and helpful information.
For future updates, make sure to follow us on Facebook!
Barbara says
Thyroid Root Cause says
Kim Nord says
Izabella Wentz says
Linda Milam says
Izabella Wentz says
Michelle Owens says
Thank you for your website. More people need to understand this horrible disease. Thanks, Michelle
Izabella Wentz says
Janet says
Izabella Wentz says
Debbie says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Debbie- Thank you so much for sharing! Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people, will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet
Brenda Weidenhammer says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Brenda- Thank you so much for sharing and your support! It means so much to me! Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people, will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet
ashish says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Ashish- Thank you so much for sharing! I think it is great you are empowering yourself to take your health back! Here is an article you may find interesting! 🙂
THE COMMON ROOT CAUSE OF HASHIMOTO’S, HIVES AND IBS
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/the-common-root-cause-of-hashimotos-hives-and-ibs
Sonya says
I had IBS as well, my Dr recommended a pill.
I did my research and then I did the blood allergy test and found out what I was allergic too and then sensitive too. My IBS is gone, naturally.
paula says
Izabella Wentz says
Sapna says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Sapna- Numerous bacterial agents have also been implicated in triggering the
development of Hashimoto’s. These agents include: Yersinia
enterocolitica, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis
(MAP), and H. Pylori. Here are a couple of articles you may find interesting! 🙂
THE COMMON ROOT CAUSE OF HASHIMOTO’S, HIVES AND IBS
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/the-common-root-cause-of-hashimotos-hives-and-ibs
INFECTIONS AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/infections-and-hashimotos
INFECTIONS AS HIDDEN TRIGGERS FOR HASHIMOTO’S
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/infections-as-hidden-triggers-for-hashimotos
Eva says
I need help.
For the past 3 years I have been on Weight Watchers diet.Lost and gained 10 lbs.
Any suggestions for a diet that I could loose ,I need to loose 40 lbs.
Any help is greatly appreciated.Thankyou.
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Eva – thank you for reaching out! I am so sorry you are struggling with this. <3 When it comes to weight gain these are a few things to think about.
1) What was your recent TSH, Free T3 and Free T4? Sometimes when those numbers are on the outskirts of normal, your metabolic rate may still be impaired making it more difficult for you to burn calories. Most people report feeling well with a TSH between 0.5-2
2) What type of medication are you on? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combinations (Armour, Nature-Throid, compounded medications) versus T4 medications (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Tirosint) alone. T4 is a precursor to T3, but some individuals do not convert T4 to T3 properly, and the T3 component is the metabolically active one.
3) What type of diet are you eating? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combination vs T4 alone. Some do not convert T4 properly. The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) full of sugar and simple carbohydrates is perfectly designed to cause us to gain weight year after year. Even yogurts that are marketed as "healthy" contain the equivalent of 16 teaspoons of sugar. Divorcing the S.A.D. is often a step that many of us must take to not just lose weight, but to also feel better. Some diets that have been helpful include the Body Ecology Diet, the Paleo Diet, the Virgin Diet, Autoimmune Paleo Diet, GAPS diet, SCD diet, Weston A. Price Diet, or the Mediterranean Diet. You may need to modify these diets to your own individuality.
BEST DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/best-diet-for-hashimotos-hypothyroidism
HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT WITH HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/how-to-lose-weight-with-hashimotos
Paula says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Paula- Thank you so much for your support! Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people, will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet
Jenny says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Jenny- Thank you so much for sharing! I look forward to hearing more of your progress on this page!! Make sure to take the book slow, take notes, highlight, and establish a baseline when making changes. 🙂
Robin White says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Robin- thank you so much for your support! I know it’s a lot to ask, but if you haven’t already, would you mind leaving a review on Amazon? 🙂
http://www.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Thyroiditis-Lifestyle-Interventions-Treating/dp/0615825796/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8
Shannon says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Shannon- While changing your diet is a really important first step that will greatly help many of you, if you do not see a complete remission of your condition within 3-6 months, I encourage you to dig deeper. Changing my diet was a really important step in my healing journey, but it was just the beginning. Here is an article you may find interesting! 🙂
6 DIFFERENT ROOT CAUSES
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/6-different-hashimotos-root-causes
Lori says
whisperingsage says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
whisperingsage- Thank you so much for sharing! I look forward to hearing your progress on this page! Here is an article you may find interesting as well! 🙂
10 MOST HELPFUL DIY INTERVENTIONS FOR HASHIMOTO’S
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/10-most-helpful-diy-interventions-for-hashimotosaccording-to-my-clients
ksusha says
I’ve purchased your book a couple of weeks ago, and now I am trying to implement all those advices that you give.
I am gluten free and dairy free for a month already, and it seems like me energy improved a little. However. My main problem for today is my digestion. I often burp, feel bloated and have a strange kind of reflux. It rarely burns, but I sometimes feel like food is stuck in my esophagus or like it gets back to it after eating. With diet interventions it has already become better, but a bit larger meals make me feel worse. I would really like to hear your suggestions. Can this feeling of something in my throat be caused by reflux, and what should I try to resolve it? Please, I would really appreciate your help.
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Ksusha- Make sure to take the book slow, take notes, highlight, and establish a baseline when making changes. While changing your diet is a really important first step that will greatly help many of you, if you do not see a complete remission of your condition within 3-6 months, I encourage you to dig deeper. Changing my diet was a really important step in my healing journey, but it was just the beginning. Here is an article you may find interesting! 🙂
6 DIFFERENT ROOT CAUSES
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/6-different-hashimotos-root-causes
Jen says
Bren says
Thanks so much for your book and your help!
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Bren- Thank you so much for sharing! I can’t make any direct medical recommendations to any single person for legal reasons. I would highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s a whole medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid
CLINICIAN DATABASE
http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117
Amy Hickok says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Amy- People with Hashimoto’s may experience BOTH hypothyroid and hyperthyroid symptoms because as the thyroid cells are destroyed, stored hormones are released into the circulation causing a toxic level of thyroid hormone in the body, also known as thyrotoxicosis or Hashitoxicosis. Eventually, the stored thyroid may become depleted and due to thyroid cell damage, the person is no longer able to produce enough hormones. At this time, hypothyroidism develops.
THE MANY FACES OF HASHIMOTO’S
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/symptoms-of-impaired-thyroid-function
Amy says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Amy- Thank you so much for your support. I’m looking forward to hearing your progress on this page. Make sure to take the book slow, take notes, highlight, and establish a baseline when making changes. Here is an article you may find interesting as well! 🙂
WHAT ARE GOITROGENS AND WHY DO THEY MATTER WITH HASHIMOTO’S?
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/what-are-goitrogens-and-do-they-matter-with-hashimotos
Johnette says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Johnette – I look forward to hearing your progress on this page! You may be interested in checking out the Root Cause Recipe Portal. It is full of autoimmune paleo and paleo recipes. You’re able to organize weekly shopping lists, meal planning, etc. Hope you check it out.
http://rootcauserecipes.com/
Emine Djemal says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Emine- Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people, will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet
Jen says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Jen- Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people, will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet
Carol Kloes says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Carol- Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people, will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet
Kathy says
What does acid reflux have to do with hormone balance in menopause?
Thanks for all you are doing. Your work is stunning!
carol says
Anne, Norway says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Anne- Thank you so much for sharing! You may be interested in checking out the Root Cause Recipe Portal. It is full of autoimmune paleo and paleo recipes. You’re able to organize weekly shopping lists, meal planning, etc. Hope you check it out.
http://rootcauserecipes.com/
Dennis Hineichsen says
Lynette says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Lynette- More bad news… goat’s milk and sheep’s milk proteins are also very similar to cow’s milk proteins and have about a 60-75% cross-reactivity, meaning that 60-75% of people sensitive to cow casein will also react to goat/sheep casein. Once a person becomes sensitized to the casein protein, they will react to all dairy across the board, possibly with the exception of camel milk. Here is an article you may find interesting! 🙂
GOING DAIRY FREE TO REVERSE HASHIMOTOS
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/going-dairy-free-to-reverse-hashimotos
Sarah catterall says
Melissa says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Melissa- Do you have Hashimoto’s or a thyroid condition?
Hashimoto’s is a complicated condition with many layers that need to be unraveled. While conventional medicine only looks at each body system as a separate category, and is only concerned with the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone, Hashimoto’s is more than just hypothyroidism. I wanted to pass along these articles that I wrote. I hope they help 🙂
WHERE DO I START WITH HASHIMOTO’S
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/where-do-i-start-with-hashimotos/
OVERCOMING HASHIMOTO’S
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/overcoming-hashimotos-in-the-new-year/
Cindy K says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Cindy- Thank you so much for your support. I’m looking forward to hearing your progress on this page. Make sure to take the book slow, take notes, highlight, and establish a baseline when making changes. 🙂
cis says
cis says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
CIS- Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people, will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet
lia says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Lia- Here is an article you may find interesting! 🙂
THE FOUR BEST PROBIOTICS FOR HASHIMOTO’S
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/the-four-best-probiotics-for-hashimotos
Netdao says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Netdao- Thyroid tissue can regenerate, but the rate at which it does is not always predictable. Thus, some are able to stop the autoimmune attack on their thyroid and regain normal thyroid function. Others can reduce the dose of medications, and others will need to stay on the medications indefinitely. I’m currently working on some protocols to help with tissue regeneration.
Reversing Hashimoto’s means different things to different people. For some, it means a reduction in symptoms and for others it means a reduction in your antibodies. I had both. Here a few articles that might be helpful for you 🙂
IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECOVER THYROID FUNCTION IN HASHIMOTO’S
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/is-it-possible-to-recover-thyroid-function-in-hashimotos
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY? AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm/
HASHIMOTO’S SELF CARE, GETTING AND STAYING IN REMISSION
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/hashimotos-self-care
Sonia says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Sonia- I’m looking forward to hearing your progress on this page. Make sure to take the book slow, take notes, highlight, and establish a baseline when making changes.
There are quite a few options for thyroid medications. In my experience, what works for one person may not work for another. If your doctor will not prescribe the medication you are looking for, ask your local pharmacist for doctors in your area who prescribe the medication you are looking to try. Have you read these articles?
WHICH THYROID MEDICATION IS BEST?
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/which-thyroid-medication-is-best/
TOP 11 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THYROID MEDICATIONS
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/top-11-things-you-need-to-know-about-thyroid-medications/
Debbie says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Debbie- Here are a couple of articles you may find interesting! 🙂
INFECTIONS AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/infections-and-hashimotos
INFECTIONS AS HIDDEN TRIGGERS FOR HASHIMOTO’S
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/infections-as-hidden-triggers-for-hashimotos
Kymberly says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Kymberly- These are the recommended labs from my book, page 32.
RECOMMENDED THYROID FUNCTION TESTS
TSH
TPO Antibodies
Thyroglobulin Antibodies
Free T4
Free T3
Reverse T3 (Optional)
Have you read my book, Hashimoto’s The Root Cause? Here’s the link in case you’re interested.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

HOW TO GET ACCURATE LAB TESTING WHEN TAKING MEDICATIONS
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/how-to-get-accurate-lab-tests-when-taking-thyroid-medications
Laura says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Laura- Numerous bacterial agents have also been implicated in triggering the
development of Hashimoto’s. These agents include: Yersinia
enterocolitica, Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis
(MAP), and H. Pylori. Here are a couple of articles you may find interesting! 🙂
INFECTIONS AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/infections-and-hashimotos
INFECTIONS AS HIDDEN TRIGGERS FOR HASHIMOTO’S
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/infections-as-hidden-triggers-for-hashimotos
Daina says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Daina- I look forward to hearing your progress on this page! Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people, will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet
Donna says
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Donna- Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people, will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet
Claudia Marley says
I had Nissan multiplication done October 7, 2016, sliding hiatal hernia, then lost weight, then problems with thyroid afterwards.
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Claudia – thank you so much for following this page. Here is some information you may find interesting.
Three things MUST be present in order for autoimmunity to occur…
1. Genetic predisposition
2. Environmental triggers
3. Intestinal permeability (leaky gut)
Developing autoimmunity is like a three-legged stool, all of these factors must be present for autoimmunity to occur! When you remove one of these, you can prevent or stop autoimmune disease. While we can’t change genes, if we know the trigger, we can remove it and we can heal the gut.
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm/
IS HASHIMOTO’S HYPOTHYROIDISM GENETIC
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/is-hashimotos-genetic
Ange says
Hi Dr Izabella,
I am so happy I found you. Watched the Documentary- all 9 episodes and got invaluable information. Thank you for the effort you put in to great it and put together so much information we all around the world can use in our daily battles with Hashimotto. I just wanted to hear your opinion whether you have guiding points for me in regards with water retention, but let me fill you in on my story so you have more information to go on.
I was diagnosed back in 1998, straight after giving birth to my child. Since then I have been on L-Thyroxin and have had fluctuations in the levels, but never really took much notice as I considered it new norm for me until 2010. I am not sure what or why happened, but one day I was feeling down, with flu like symptoms, but didn’t have flu. And around mid day, it was getting so intense, I was thinking of taking the rest of the day off. When suddenly it felt like something in me snapped, broke. It was followed by relief. I ignored it as being busy and trying to meet the ends, one cant afford not to work, put it in the back of my mind. Until couple of weeks later, one morning I just couldn’t get to work, fell asleep on the bus, couldn’t concentrate at work, and eventually left for the day. I am not sure how I got home- I as again asleep on the bus home which is 20 mins, then when I got in my car to continue my journey..nearly crashed several times. When I got home at 10am I barely managed to call my husband to say I am home, and fell asleep, deep one too. He had troubles waking me up to go and see the GP, I was asleep while waiting at doctor’s, then at home I slept for another 24 hrs non stop. Since then, I am not the same person. I couldn’t last 8 hrs on the job, had brain fog, couldn’t walk 20 steps without panting like asthmatic, and I am not. Got myself really sick with cold/flu and started coughing terrible, sleeping almost upright, nearly choked to death one night in bed, and still I needed more than 12 hrs sleep to be able to make it through 9 hrs day..Thats when I was hit the hardest. I started retaining water, which blew out of proportion, I was double my size- everywhere, my feet were like balloons, hurting and stretching the skin to max, my face was like the moon, I couldn’t fit in any clothing, couldn’t walk, and to date no one has been able to tell my why. I have been on google, searching and have tried a lot of things, but my legs are still full of water, and expand as the day progresses. I can not wear shoes at all, only flip flops, all seasons. My weight has almost doubled and there is no way shifting it and I have tried everything. My new GP has done all sorts of tests and 90% of my readings show withing the norm, the only thing he found is I have too high reverse T3, for which he prescribed slow release T3, even upped the dose to 20 mg a day with 100 mg of L thyroxin, and still, the T3 buggers are still at the end of the bracket over 500 I mean. He is now treating me for SIBO but whether it helps or not, I am not sure. I don’t even know why I got hashimotto in the first place, the only thing I know is we were close enough to Ukraine geographically when Chernobil strike, but whether or not this was the trigger I don’t know. No one in my extended family has it, which is annoying :). I am now gluten free, dairy free, take magnesium, and heaps of other things, have more energy and was able to start biking daily, but do have my relapses from time to time and the water retention though not as severe is still persistent.
Appreciate your time and looking forward to reading your material and getting myself more educated so I can take better care of myself, since the doctors haven’t been much help.
many thanks
Kind regards
Ange
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Ange – thank you for following this page and for sharing your story; my heart goes out to you. <3
Please, understand that due to liability issues, I am unable to answer specific medical questions.
I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s a whole medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid
WHAT TYPE OF DOCTOR SHOULD YOU SEE IF YOU HAVE HASHIMOTO’S
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/what-type-of-doctor-should-you-see-if-you-have-hashimotos
10 THINGS I WISH MY ENDOCRINOLOGIST WOULD HAVE TOLD ME
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/10-things-i-wish-my-endocrinologist-would-have-told-me
CLINICIAN DATABASE
http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117
Coralie says
Hi Dr. Izabella
I’m into my fourth week of the hashimoto’s protocol.
I was diagnosed with sliding hernia and “silent” reflux and a small nodule in my gallbladder. I had reflux for many years and about 6 years ago I quit smoking and took a turn in changing my life to live healthily. My reflux was in remission for many years after with the occasional bout. Since starting the protocol it came back with a vengeance. I”m working on what my trigger is, I’m thinking it was the heavy introduction of meat and nuts as I didn’t have much of these before. It has settled since I cut my meat consumption down (I was having too much) and a lot of my other symptoms have gone.
I’m feeling great, I never thought I could live without dairy, funnily enough I don’t even miss it.
I’m grateful I came across your book, it’s put me in the right direction to keep improving my overall health.
Thank you
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Coralie – thank you for following this page and for your support.
Here are a few articles related to diet that hopefully help you get started.
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
DAIRY AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/got-hashimotos-you-may-want-to-reconsider-dairy
GOING DAIRY FREE TO REVERSE HASHIMOTOS
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/going-dairy-free-to-reverse-hashimotos
TAILORING YOUR THYROID DIET
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/tailoring-your-thyroid-diet-to-your-needs
Lola says
I don’t have any digestive issues other than burps and gas and those do seem accessive. I didn’t used to have as much of them before I started suffering with Hashimoto’s 4 years ago.
I just started the protocol after reading the book and have one question. The first 2 weeks you’re supposed to cut out sugar among other things but then a recipe in the book calls for maple syrup. Also fruits and vegetables seem to be allowed.
So what kind of sugar is allowed and what kind isn’t? Almond milk contains some sugar, is it ok to consume it? Is honey ok?
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Lola – thank you for following this page, and for your support!
Here are a few articles related to diet that hopefully help you get started.
BLOOD SUGAR IMBALANCES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/blood-sugar-imbalances-and-hashimotos
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
TAILORING YOUR THYROID DIET
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/tailoring-your-thyroid-diet-to-your-needs
BEST DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/best-diet-for-hashimotos-hypothyroidism
Cindy says
I was diagnosed with hashimito and hustle hernia. But I have enlarged thyroid glands with lumps and not sure why. It’s affecting my swallowing at times. When I yawn, my jaw locks. Anyone same?
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Cindy – thank you for reaching out. Nodules and goiters are often the result of toxicity and/or the autoimmune process. So, doing interventions to reduce the autoimmune attack on the thyroid, and toxicity, can be helpful to reduce them. Here is an article you may find helpful.
THYROID NODULES
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/hashimotos-and-thyroid-nodules/
Bev says
I have “silent” reflux…I don’t react to any food….so how can I determine what hurts…and what helps…..I have about 5 thyroid nodules…2 large….3 small…..I’ve never been diagnosed with hashimoto’s
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Bev – thank you for reaching out and sharing. <3 I am so sorry you are struggling with all of this. Nodules and goiters are often the result of toxicity and/or the autoimmune process. So, doing interventions to reduce the autoimmune attack on the thyroid, and toxicity, can be helpful to reduce them. There aren’t too many tell-tale signs of low stomach acid, other than perhaps feeling full and tired after meals as well as experiencing acid reflux like symptoms. Nonetheless, low stomach acid is very common in Hashimoto’s. Signs and symptoms that would lead me to believe that a person with Hashimoto’s had low stomach acid include: acid reflux symptom (this condition that is conventionally treated with acid suppressants can actually be caused by low stomach acid), low B12, ferritin, or iron levels, fatigue despite thyroid medications and constipation/diarrhea. Here are some articles that might be helpful as well.
ENZYMES
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/using-enzymes-to-overcome-hashimotos/
THYROID NODULES
https://bruno-michael-wentz.dev01.rmkr.net/articles/hashimotos-and-thyroid-nodules/
Laura says
What about ghee?
Dr. Izabella Wentz says
Laura – While the process of making ghee (clarified butter) is touted for removing casein proteins, there is a small chance that some casein proteins may remain. As such, I personally avoid ghee altogether. I’ve found that avoiding even butter and ghee leads to improved outcomes for most people.