How I Healed My Hashimoto's and Transformed My Life

Simple changes to thrive with autoimmune disease

Hi all!

Just popping in with a bonus post this month to address the many questions I got following my post about my chronic disease. Normally, you can expect 2 posts a month, one free and one paywalled. This month, you get both posts free, plus this bonus post because I really do want to share this information and help others who may be suffering like I was.

Merry Christmas, y’all!

How I Healed My Hashimoto's

After my previous post detailing my struggle with Hashimoto’s, many of you reached out to share similar stories and ask questions about how I’ve managed to minimize my symptoms. I am not a doctor, just an ordinary mother and patient who has an inordinate affinity for medical research. There is something deeply redeeming in sharing the wisdom that has grown out of my own suffering, and I am grateful to now be in a position to share that with others.

While my antibodies remain high and I still experience occasional joint pain and minor symptoms, I now wake up every day feeling alive in ways I once thought were no longer on the table for me.

I know firsthand how isolating and debilitating it can feel to live with chronic symptoms. I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and struggling to find answers. Sharing what I’ve learned is my way of giving back and helping others improve their quality of life. Many of these changes apply not just to Hashimoto's but to other autoimmune diseases as well. (It’s also worth noting that many symptoms of autoimmune issues, such as fatigue, brain fog, and mood changes, are often misdiagnosed as anxiety or depression.)

If this resonates with you or someone you love, please share this post!

This post outlines what I’ve discovered so far. If you’re interested in going deeper, I highly recommend the work of Dr. Amy Myers (this book in particular saved me a critical point in my suffering), Dr. Izabella Wentz, and Dr. Mark Hyman. Their books and free resources have been invaluable on my path.

Get the Right Labs

One crucial step for anyone experiencing these symptoms is to get a full thyroid panel. Many doctors only test TSH and sometimes T4, but they often overlook antibodies or T3 levels. It’s possible to have symptoms and a subclinical autoimmune attack for years before your TSH levels are affected. Comprehensive testing can make all the difference in understanding and addressing the root cause of your symptoms.

Optimizing Medications and Supplements

One of the first steps I took was to work closely with my healthcare provider to optimize my medications. For Hashimoto's, this often involves finding the right balance of T4 and T3 thyroid hormones. Often a more natural desiccated thyroid can be helpful (it contains much more than T4), but this wasn’t the solution for me. At times, when my dose was too high, I experienced frightening symptoms of hyperthyroid aka Grave’s Disease. It took many adjustments (especially because the dose tends to increase during pregnancy and go down postpartum), but dialing in these medications has been critical for my energy levels and overall well-being. Even when I was technically “in range,” according to blood results, I still had fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, and fistfuls of hair falling out. I now take both levothyroxine (T4) and Cytomel (T3) to be not just in “normal” range, but in a range that is optimal for me, and I feel much better as a result.

Supplements have also played a big role. Here are some of the key players:

• Selenium: Eating one Brazil nut a day provides a natural source of this vital nutrient for thyroid health. Trader Joe’s has a good option with no nasty seed oils.

• Vitamin D3 and K2: These work together to support immune function and calcium balance. I like the liquid version from Raw Revelations* which is formulated from lichen rather than sheep’s wool like most D options out there.

• Magnesium: This mineral supports over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle and nerve function, and helps me sleep better. (There are different versions with different bioavailability, etc. Magnesium glycinate has been helpful for me.)

• Optimal Prenatal by Seeking Health: This multivitamin is intense. At 8 pills a day, it covers many bases for me, including a pre-methylated B. I have the gene mutation MTHFR which means that for my body, a more bioavailable form is best. (If you’re taking B vitamins, check the label for cyanocobalamin, which is the synthetic form. Our bodies break this down into multiple ingredients, including cyanide! Look for methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin instead. And beware the nondairy milk aisle! These are notorious for including the toxic synthetic version of vitamin B.) It also has selenium if you want to skip your brazil nut.

Remember, supplements aren’t one-size-fits-all. Working with a practitioner to test for nutrient deficiencies will help you determine exactly what your body needs.

*None of the links in this post are affiliate links. These products are simply what has been working for me.

Exploring Infections

Underlying infections can act as triggers or perpetuators of autoimmune conditions. Candida overgrowth, H. pylori, and even Guillain-Barré syndrome are some of the infections worth investigating if you’re dealing with chronic symptoms. Functional medicine practitioners can help test for and treat these issues.

Optimizing Diet

Diet is foundational for managing Hashimoto's. My first step was eliminating seed oils, processed foods, and refined sugars. Honestly, this a basic nutritional guideline that every single person should adopt to protect their health. For autoimmune conditions specifically, I’ve found the following dietary changes indispensable:

• Gluten-Free: Gluten is a known trigger for many with Hashimoto’s. This can be related to Celiac or independent of it, known as non-Celiac gluten sensitivity. (This is related to leaky gut, which is a whole other rabbit hole).

• Dairy-Free: Dairy exacerbates inflammation, and often in cases of leaky gut, the body mistakes dairy proteins for gluten and reacts with similar ferocity.

• Soy-Free: Soy can interfere with thyroid function, and because subsidized soybean oil is ubiquitous in our food system, many of us end up eating soy daily without realizing it.

Once this became a habit for me, I transitioned to a paleo diet, which excludes all grains (not just gluten) and legumes in addition to dairy and soy. This was the necessary change to recover my ability to function and reduce joint pain and bloating. If you’re just starting, consider making one change at a time and building from there.

Eliminating Toxins

Our environment is filled with potential toxins, and reducing exposure has been another cornerstone of my healing journey. Here’s what I’ve focused on:

• Water: A reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter is essential. I was shocked when I looked at my local water report and discovered high levels of arsenic and uranium. One city I looked at even failed to include the levels in their annual report! Additionally, these reports do not include pesticides, herbicides, and estrogens from birth control pills, so even if your report is clear, your body stands to benefit from a high-quality filter (not the one that comes with your fridge!)

• Cleaning and Personal Care Products: Switching to non-toxic, “crunchy” products has been a big step. I avoid parabens, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals. Even paraffin and soy candles can release toxins. Opt for beeswax varieties scented with essential oils.

• Heavy Metals: Testing for heavy metals and detoxing when necessary can also be helpful. This is a more advanced step, but it’s worth considering if you’re still experiencing symptoms despite other efforts.

Avoiding toxins is not about achieving perfection. The last thing you need is to pile on the stress about potential poisons lurking in your cabinets! Our bodies are incredible at detoxification. The essential factor here is avoiding overwhelming our physical capabilities to filter the inevitable toxins we encounter through daily living. Think of your body as a glass; it has a limited capacity. As the toxins flow in, we need to be able to clear them fast enough to keep the glass from overflowing.

Maximizing Sleep Quality and Reducing Stress

Sleep and stress are deeply interconnected with autoimmune health. For me, stress is one of the biggest triggers of flares. I’ve implemented a few strategies to help manage these aspects:

• Sleep: I’ve prioritized a consistent bedtime, blackout curtains, and a calming pre-sleep routine. I also get natural light first thing in the morning to rest my circadian rhythm and regulate my cortisol levels.

• Stress Reduction: Meditation, journaling, and spending time in nature have all been shown to reduce the body’s inflammatory markers. I have said no to many opportunities and obligations in order to maintain peace and balance. The more I address my symptoms, the more resilience I notice when adding things back in.

• A Note on Exercise: Intentional exercise has also been key in managing stress. I had to stop exercising entirely for a year to calm my body and reduce inflammation—and shockingly, after years of doing everything “right,” I lost 30 pounds without trying during this time. Now, I focus on daily walks and incorporate weight training, yoga, or stretching a few times a week. I’ve given up running, Peloton, and HIIT workouts because they were too stressful for my system (though they’re excellent options for those without Hashimoto’s).

Therapies I Haven't Tried Yet

There are still many therapies I haven’t explored but find intriguing. For example, peptides show promise in modulating immune responses and promoting healing. Thymosin-alpha 1 modulates the immune system and has been shown to reduce thyroid antibodies, and BPC-157 is an incredible gut-healing peptide that may seal up leaky gut, reducing symptoms by eliminating the particles that sneak through and flareup the immune system. There is even anecdotal evidence that micro-doses of GLP-1s like tirzepatide reducing thyroid antibody levels, according to Dr. Craig Konniver, PA McCall McPherson, and naturopath Dr. Tina Moore.

Infrared saunas are another tool I’ve heard amazing things about for reducing inflammation and aiding detoxification. And while grounding might sound a bit “woo-woo,” it actually has a solid scientific basis, with research suggesting it can reduce inflammation and improve autoimmune symptoms by balancing the body’s electrical charge. These are areas I am still investigating to potentially incorporate into my routine.

Final Thoughts

Healing has been a long road, and not as straightforward as I would have imagined. I still have high antibodies and occasional symptoms, but I have made so much progress. I have reached a level of more than acceptable functioning, of waking up with joy and gratitude and having the energy to homeschool my kids, care for our home, and even return to this work that I love.

If you are struggling, suffering, so tired and in so much physical and emotional pain that you can’t imagine making even the simplest of these changes, I hear you. I want you to know that there is hope for your full healing.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start small. Swap out one cleaning product, cut back on processed foods, or add a magnesium supplement to your routine. Every step you take matters. At the end of these posts, I usually include one “health swap.” If you subscribe to receive emails just twice a month, by the end of a year, you will have made 24 transformative changes at a reasonable and affordable pace to transform your health!

Healing from Hashimoto's or any autoimmune condition isn’t easy, but it’s possible. By the grace of God, I wake up every day with more energy and joy than I ever thought I’d have again, and I believe you can too. Let’s keep learning and growing together.

I’d love to hear your story and what has worked (or hasn’t) for you. May God redeem your suffering and bless you with healing!

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Web: www.snstephenson.com
Books: Mama Prays | Reclaiming Motherhood from a Culture Gone Mad