Managing Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: a Holistic Approach

By Dr. Daniela Steyn

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is one of the most common autoimmune thyroid conditions. At Wellness MD, we take a whole‑person approach that blends medical care with lifestyle medicine to help you understand your diagnosis and support your long‑term health.

What Is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system targets the thyroid gland. Over time, this can reduce thyroid hormone production, affecting metabolism, energy, digestion, temperature regulation, and mood.

Common symptoms include fatigue, weight changes, cold intolerance, hair loss, brain fog, constipation, and mood changes.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves a combination of symptoms, physical examination, and bloodwork. Thyroid testing often includes:

• TSH

• Free T4 and Free T3

• Anti TPO and Anti TG antibodies

• Additional markers such as vitamin D, B12, iron studies, and inflammatory markers

A diagnosis is made by integrating lab results with clinical findings.

Medical Management

Thyroid hormone replacement is commonly used when thyroid hormone levels are low. Treatment plans are individualized and monitored by a healthcare professional.

• Thyroid hormone replacement is often adjusted based on body weight, symptoms, and bloodwork.

• When cardiovascular conditions are present, we use a more cautious approach and adjust doses gradually.

Nutrition and Supplements

Selenium

Selenium may help reduce thyroid antibodies and support healthy thyroid function. Some studies show enhanced effects when selenium is combined with myo‑inositol.

Myo‑Inositol

Myo‑inositol is known for its potential role in supporting thyroid hormone signalling and immune balance. We often prescribe it in combination with selenium.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays an important role in immune regulation. Low vitamin D levels are common in autoimmune conditions, and improving vitamin D status support a healthier immune response. We typically recommend 2000iu daily po in the winter and 1000iu daily po in the Summer (some individuals needs more). We monitor bloodwork when we prescribed higher doses.

Follow Up and Monitoring

Managing Hashimoto’s is an ongoing process. Follow-up include:

• Regular thyroid bloodwork

• Monitoring symptoms and energy levels

• Reviewing nutrition, stress, sleep, and lifestyle factors

• Adjusting treatment plans as needed

Consistency and long‑term support make a meaningful difference.

Lifestyle Medicine at Wellness MD

Lifestyle medicine is a core part of our approach. We focus on:

Identifying and Reducing Triggers

Common triggers include gluten, dairy, processed foods, environmental toxins, chronic stress, and chronic infections. A personalized elimination approach helps identify which factors affect your symptoms. Many of our clients benefit from gut microbiome testing and allergen testing.

Healing the Gut

Gut health plays a central role in immune balance. Strategies often include probiotics, fermented foods, fibre, hydration, and reducing inflammatory foods.

Supporting the Immune System

Nutrient-dense foods, stress reduction, movement, and restorative sleep all support a balanced immune response. Our Certified Nutritionists will support you and personalize your plan.

Balancing Hormones and Detoxification

Stress management, gentle movement, meditation, pilates, and supporting natural detoxification pathways can help reduce autoimmune flare-ups. Our Health Coaches have received additional training to guideand support you on your journey.

Customizing Diet and Lifestyle

Many individuals explore Anti-Inflammatory or Autoimmune Paleo-inspired approaches, focusing on whole foods, nutrient density, and reducing inflammatory triggers.

Stress Management

Chronic stress is a major driver of autoimmune activity. We help patients build sustainable stress-management practices, including mindfulness, breathwork, gentle movement, time in nature, and emotional support strategies.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

At Wellness MD Oakville, we support you with a collaborative, whole‑person team that includes:

• Medical Doctors

• Naturopathic Doctors - Book now with Dr. Stephanie Matte

• Certified Nutritionists

• Health Coaches - Book now with Jessica Pozo

• Psychotherapists - Book now with Stephanie Tenhaeff

  
  

We walk with you through every step of your Hashimoto’s journey, helping you understand your body, build sustainable habits, and feel empowered in your health.

References

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3. Thyroiditis. Pearce EN, Farwell AP, Braverman LE. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2003;348(26):2646-55. doi:10.1056/NEJMra021194.

4. Thyroiditis: Evaluation and Treatment. Martinez Quintero B, Yazbeck C, Sweeney LB. American Family Physician. 2021;104(6):609-617.

5. Chronic Autoimmune Thyroiditis. Dayan CM, Daniels GH. The New England Journal of Medicine. 1996;335(2):99-107. doi:10.1056/NEJM199607113350206.

6. Precision Medicine in Autoimmune Thyroiditis and Hypothyroidism. Ferrari SM, Ragusa F, Elia G, et al. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2021;12:750380. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.750380.

7. Role of Selenium and Myo-Inositol Supplementation on Autoimmune Thyroiditis Progression. Pace C, Tumino D, Russo M, et al. Endocrine Journal. 2020;67(11):1093-1098. doi:10.1507/endocrj.EJ20-0062.

8. Metabolic Characteristics of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Patients and the Role of Microelements and Diet in the Disease Management-an Overview. Mikulska AA, Karaźniewicz-Łada M, Filipowicz D, Ruchała M, Główka FK. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2022;23(12):6580. doi:10.3390/ijms23126580.