DesBio

Hashimotos Thyroiditis, also known as Chronic Lymphocytic or Autoimmune Thyroid, occurs when the body develops antibodies to the thyroid. This condition impacts 1-4% of Americans, primarily women between the ages of 30 – 50. Common symptoms of Hashimotos include fatigue, weight gain, muscle aches, constipation, depression, and hair loss. While most symptoms are typically that of low thyroid function, a “flare” can cause a hyperthyroid state as the body comes under attack by antibodies. The thyroid gland should be an area of focus when healing these patients. However, the healing the gut and a gluten-free diet can play an important role in the recovery process.

By late 2022, it is estimated that 60% of the world’s population has been infected with the virus that causes the Covid-19 infection. What was originally thought to be a devastating, acute, upper respiratory illness is now potentially emerging as a new persistent infection. The same co-morbidities that predispose patients to Lyme and latent EBV seem to increase the risks of latent covid. As a result, many integrative practitioners believe taking a root cause approach may be of benefit with their long haulers.

Any type of stress or threat, whether on a physical, emotional, or chemical level, can disrupt body function and well-being. Removal of or building tolerance to threats is a core feature of maintaining homeostasis. But what happens when we feel threatened on a cellular level? According to Robert K. Naviaux, MD, PhD, professor of medicine, pediatrics and pathology at University of California San Diego School of Medicine, cells that feel “threatened” and the metabolic changes that ensue are a core factor in the progression of chronic disease (Naviaux R. K., 2020).

According to Robert Block, former president of the American Academy of Pediatrics “Adverse childhood experiences are the single greatest unaddressed public health threat facing our nation today.” For integrative practitioners, this statement can offer valuable insight for supporting more complex patients. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are strongly correlated with risky adult health behavior as well as increased frequency of disease and even premature death. Clinically, patients that feel “stuck” in their healing process, struggle with interpersonal relationships, and/or frequently refer to their childhood could potentially be victims of unresolved childhood trauma .