This week we’ve partnered with Tracey Grant, a registered dietitian with a holistic approach to wellness. Back in 2014 Tracey was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease, an autoimmune condition that affects the thyroid gland.
Hashimoto’s Disease occurs when the immune system creates antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. This leads to inflammation and often, an underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism. There is still a lot we don’t know about Hashimoto’s Disease and why the immune system attacks the body in this way. Some doctors believe a virus or bacterial infection may trigger the response, while genetics also play a role.
Older women are more likely to develop Hashimoto’s Disease, but it can affect men and women of all ages, even children. Symptoms are wide ranging and often subtle at first. According to the American Thyroid Association, up to 60% of people with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition, and many with Hashimoto’s are never told that they have it.
Signs to watch out for are increased fatigue, sensitivity to cold, constipation, pale, dry skin, a puffy face, brittle nails, hair loss, enlargement of the tongue, unexplained weight gain, muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness, joint pain and stiffness, muscle weakness, excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding, depression and memory lapses. Of course, many of these symptoms could be harmless, but if you recognize a few on this list, it may be worth having a simple blood test to rule out hypothyroidism. To evaluate for Hashimoto’s specifically, be sure to ask for the TPO and TgAB antibodies as well. Treatment typically involves the use of thyroid hormone replacement therapy, but balancing the correct dose is not always straightforward.
Tracey believes a more holistic approach to treating the condition will produce better results. By addressing the root cause that triggered the autoimmunity in the first place, the body is able to truly heal. Her treatment focuses on a nutrient dense diet that removes common food sensitivities and allergens. She also offers advice and support to help people reduce their exposure to toxins, like those found in personal care products, water, common household products and the air we breathe. This is why she advocates the use of the Austin Air HealthMate Plus to effectively remove airborne chemicals and toxins. By reducing toxic load, the body is better able to manage inflammation and focus on healing.
Tracey also believes that having a supportive community and an empowered mindset can be a tremendous asset in the recovery process. To foster this, she has created the ‘Healing Hashimoto’s Course’, which helps people to fully understand their autoimmune disease, heal from the root causes of Hashimoto’s, and get back to living their life!
If you’d like to sign up to the next ‘Healing Hashimoto’s Course’, you can do that here.
