The Gut Thyroid Connection Nikolas Hedberg, DC, DABCI, DACBN

They should be used cautiously, though, due to their potential interference with thyroid medication absorption. Lifestyle changes, such as eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods, and losing weight, can also alleviate symptoms. For individuals with persistent acid reflux or GERD, addressing thyroid health alongside targeted dietary and medical interventions may offer effective relief. Acid reflux, commonly characterized by symptoms such as heartburn, chest discomfort, and indigestion, can sometimes be linked to hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid condition. Hypothyroidism impacts various bodily functions, including digestion, potentially worsening your acid reflux symptoms.

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You can do this easily from the comfort of your home using Paloma’s at-home testing kit while working closely with your healthcare provider to ensure you are on the correct thyroid replacement medication dosage. And remember, if you feel your bloating worsens with thyroid medications, tell your provider. One of the common symptoms of hypothyroidism, including Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, is fluid retention (edema). This occurs because thyroid hormones play a role in regulating the balance of fluids in the body. When thyroid hormone levels are low, it can lead to increased capillary permeability and reduced kidney function, resulting in the accumulation of fluids in tissues.

• Several supplements may help relieve bloating and improve digestion for individuals with Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism.
• Foods high in fiber, such as beans and vegetables, can cause gas and bloating in some individuals.
• She is a member of the MindBodyGreen Collective and a faculty member for the American Academy of Anti Aging Medicine.
• By replenishing the thyroid hormones in the body, levothyroxine helps regulate metabolism and reduces the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Taking levothyroxine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating, can help reduce the risk of digestive issues. However, taking levothyroxine with certain medications or supplements, such as calcium or iron supplements, can interfere with its absorption and increase the risk of digestive symptoms. Additionally, certain medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), lactose intolerance, and celiac disease can also cause gas and bloating. In IBS, the muscles in the digestive tract may contract too much or too little, leading to gas and bloating. Lactose intolerance occurs when the body cannot properly digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products, leading to gas and bloating. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, leading to inflammation and gas in the digestive system.

Common Side Effects of Levothyroxine

And many find it hard to lose weight even after starting on thyroid hormone replacement medications. Weight loss reduces acid reflux symptoms by decreasing the pressure on the LES, allowing it to open and close properly. Consider consulting with a Paloma Health nutritionist or a local trainer to help you with your weight loss journey.

Does Synthroid Cause Bloating Or Swelling?

Give yourself and your stomach enough time between your last meal of the day and bedtime. This break will allow your stomach to empty and help decrease the likelihood of acid reflux when you lie down. In addition, low thyroid hormone levels can also affect how your LES works. Sometimes, the LES relaxes when it shouldn’t, or the strength of the LES weakens.

The Hashimoto’s and Acid Reflux Connection

This can lead to discomfort, pain, and a feeling of fullness in the abdomen. Gas can be produced in the stomach or small intestine through the digestion of certain foods or the fermentation of undigested carbohydrates by gut bacteria. But it’s very important to address your gut completely if you have digestion issues or complaints. This includes your diet, Candida, any increased gut permeability, food sensitivities and infections (such as H-Pylori and SIBO).

IgE tests look for anaphylactic-type allergies, like those a person would have to bees or peanuts, not for gut-mediated reactions. Gut-mediated sensitivities are IgG-type food reactions, so you will need an IgG test (IgE and IgG are different branches of the immune system). I saw my primary care doctor, an allergist, a gastroenterologist, and an ear, nose, and throat doctor.

Below are synthroid europe two types of elimination diets recommended for those with Hashimoto’s. In this free download, you’ll get a five-day meal plan that includes a grocery list and recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, two snack options, plus dessert.

Her work has been featured in the New York Post, Forbes, Cosmopolitan, Huffington Post, Bustle, The Guardian, Sports Illustrated, Elle, and ABC News. In addition, antibodies to intrinsic factor may also be present, resulting in pernicious anemia. My hope is that this article has given you solution-driven tips on how to eliminate the painful, annoying, and persistent symptoms of acid reflux, and uncover the actual root cause(s). Acid reflux is a common symptom of Hashimoto’s and is often caused by food sensitivities and H. Over the years, I’ve also had lots of people who have had IgG tests done that did not correlate to their symptoms. Some practitioners out there claim that food sensitivity tests are unreliable and worthless.

Checking for iodine deficiency and restoring any low levels may also improve stomach acid production as well. It’s not wise to guess if you have low iodine levels, as supplementing it when you don’t need it, can make your hypothyroid situation worse and it can be dangerous, especially for those with Hashimoto’s. If you’ve been experiencing heartburn, I encourage you to meet with a Naturopathic Physician or Functional Medicine Practitioner to understand the root cause of your symptoms. It may be as simple as correcting low stomach acid production or a symptom of a more serious underlying condition. Synthroid is a man-made hormone, identical to the hormone made by the thyroid gland and has the same effect on the body.