For a long time, the link between the health of our gut and our thyroid was not widely discussed. Of course, those of us in the field of functional and integrative medicine have recognized this connection for decades. However, a growing body of evidence suggests there's a strong connection, often called the thyroid-gut axis. One of the key players in this relationship may be a condition known as "leaky gut."

A recent study delved into this connection, specifically investigating how intestinal health and gut bacteria might be related to Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT).

The Study: What Researchers Investigated

Researchers recruited two groups of people to participate in the study:

• Hypothyroid Group: 40 patients, aged 23 to 82, who had been diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (autoimmune thyroid condition)and were experiencing an underactive thyroid.
• Control Group: 53 healthy individuals, aged 18 to 79, with no history of thyroid or digestive issues.

To ensure the results were not influenced by other factors, participants were not taking certain medications (like anti-inflammatories or antibiotics) and did not have a history of serious digestive diseases. The researchers collected blood and stool samples and had everyone fill out a questionnaire about their eating habits.

‍What They Found: The Leaky Gut Connection

The study's findings strongly supported the link between gut health and Hashimoto's:

• Evidence of Leaky Gut: Patients with Hashimoto's had significantly higher levels of a protein called zonulin in their blood. Zonulin is a key marker for increased intestinal permeability, which is commonly referred to as leaky gut. This condition occurs when the lining of the intestines becomes more permeable, allowing substances to "leak" into the bloodstream that shouldn't.
• Imbalanced Gut Bacteria: The gut bacteria of the Hashimoto's patients were also different from the control group. They had a notable increase in a type of bacteria called Bacteroides and a decrease in Bifidobacterium, a beneficial type of bacteria often found in a healthy gut.
• Dietary Link: The researchers found an interesting association between diet and gut bacteria. In the Hashimoto's patients, there was a link between eating more animal-derived protein and having higher levels of Bacteroides species.

‍What This Means for You

This research suggests that leaky gut and an imbalance in the gut's bacteria are not just isolated issues but may be directly connected to Hashimoto's. The findings highlight the importance of the gut microbiome in autoimmune conditions and open the door for a more holistic approach to managing symptoms. It suggests that a person's diet and overall gut health could be a factor in the development or progression of Hashimoto's. This is why I often have patients complete stool tests and other tests that identify microbiome balance and if leaky gut is occurring. Changes in diet and the correct supplements can heal leaky gut which then also supports effective treatment for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and hypothyroidism.

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