[baileyslp]

in reply to: The thyroid and gluten #1061154

Hi Erica,
I wanted to direct you to Dr K’s website. Dr K mainly works with Hashimotos, but has had good success in treating his patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases. One of the key components to his treatments are having his patients follow a 100% gluten free diet. I have GD, Hashimotos, and am very sensitive to gluten (although not celiac). I went GF prior to my diagnosis and have maintained the diet without too much struggle (although it can take a while to get used to and some time to adjust/learn what you can and cannot eat). I went into remission about 4-5 months after being diagnosed and continued to be in remission until I accidently consumed gluten. Although I can not say with 100% certainty that the gluten caused my flair up (although I am 99% sure, as is my doctor), it did cause me to become very sick and inflamed, and the return of my hyper symptoms occurred shortly after I consumed the gluten. I do not think a GF diet will benefit everyone, but I think it can really help some out there. Anyway, maybe Dr K’s website (he also has a book) can help you with your gluten questions. Best of luck and take care,
Bailey

[baileyslp]

in reply to: Acupuncture/Chinese Herbs #1062641

Hi guys,
I just wanted to chime in on this discussion since I’ve had some experience w/ western medicine as well as chinese herbs and acupuncture in treating my Grave’s Disease. When I was initially diagnosed w/ Graves Disease my TSH was so low they couldn’t read it and my T3 and T4 levels were very high. I had most of the typical Grave’s symptoms, worst of which was the tachycardia (resting rate was up to 140/minute), anxiety, weight loss and shaking. When I finally got in to see the endo she was shocked that I hadn’t been hospitalized. I began taking methimazole and propanolol, as well as some herbal supplements given to me by my acupuncturist and naturopathic physician. I was on my western meds for about 4 months b/c the tachycardia was so bad. I had a huge dip in my TSH after a few months and actually went hypo. After that I went off all western herbs (we tapered my dosage, so it was gradual).

I continue to get my blood work done regularly and am on my herbal supports, which have really helped me a lot. I went off my herbs for a while as well, but then my TSH dipped and my T3/T4 elevated again, so I got back on my herbs (and are normal again). I receive acupuncture treatments regularly. My endo was completely shocked at how quickly my body responded to the medicine and herbs- she thought I would be on the medicine for about two years before trying to get off of them b/c I was ‘so hyper’. The first endo I saw told me not to even attempt remission b/c of my thyroid levels (I promptly got another doctor).

I agree that acupuncture and herbs may not be for everyone, but I do think it is a good option and I know there is some positive research out there on treating hyperthyroid w/ acupuncture/herbs. I’m still recovering from the Graves and have to watch myself to make sure I don’t overdo it, but overall I know I’ve been helped by the herbs/acupuncture. I would recommend others to look into it if you’re uncomfortable with western medicine or surgeries, but you do need to make sure that you see someone who is licensed and knows what they’re doing.

Hope this helps. I feel really fortunate that I found the acupuncturist and naturopath that I did and wish you all the best of luck on this difficult journey!
Bailey

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