Everyone experiences stress, and stress can be either beneficial or harmful to your health. Too much stress over a long period, though, may lead to many physical and psychological problems that can harm your quality of life. One such issue is called hypothyroidism – it’s when the thyroid glands in your neck don’t produce enough hormones because they are not functioning correctly. Overactive thyroid and drinking alcohol together can create serious issues.
Hypothyroidism not only can cause stress; it can also be caused by stress. Even the everyday things that most people consider regular or routine can cause an attack of hypothyroidism in susceptible individuals.
Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid condition, which is when your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough of certain vital hormones. Hypothyroidism can cause several health problems, including being overweight, having dry skin, and feeling tired all the time.
When you have hypothyroidism, your body produces an inadequate amount of thyroid hormone. In other words, if you’re suffering from hypothyroidism, your metabolism is running at a low speed. As a result of low metabolism, sufferers will pile on weight; depression; muscle aches and pains; memory loss; and dry skin. Hypothyroidism can also lead to brittle nails, hair loss, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
As with all autoimmune disorders, the medical establishment continues to believe that it is an unproven theory that suggests that specific individuals may be genetically prone to developing autoimmune conditions based on the presence of specific antibodies.
While it is true that researchers and doctors continue to search for a genetic link, there has been no conclusive proof that such a genetic predisposition exists at this time.
As with all immune-based disorders, we believe that hypothyroidism can be triggered by the presence of environmental toxins, which can create an inflammatory response within our bodies. With autoimmune diseases, the onset may be slow and insidious, taking months or years for symptoms to emerge after the initial triggers have been set into motion.
If you know what to look for, though, it is possible to self-diagnose this condition within two years of the initial onset.
The typical mindset is that hypothyroidism strikes older people, causing them to gain weight and feel tired all the time. While this may be true for some sufferers, many young adults are suddenly struck down with this condition, which can be highly debilitating at any age.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
Fatigue and lethargy are the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism. Typically, sufferers report that they feel tired all the time, no matter how much rest they get. Others complain of muscle aches and pains, especially in their lower back, depression, constipation; brittle nails; dry skin; memory loss; and weight gain.
The most common blood test used to diagnose hypothyroidism is called the TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) test, which measures how active your thyroid gland is by checking for levels of TSH in the bloodstream.
Doctors then compare the results against normal ranges, determining an individual’s level of thyroid function. If you have a TSH level of 5 or higher, it is considered hypothyroid.
Because the symptoms of hypothyroidism can be similar to those of other conditions, such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, your doctor may not test for this condition immediately upon hearing that you feel tired all the time.
Instead, he will likely begin to explore other possible conditions that could be causing your fatigue before he finally decides to test for the presence of hypothyroidism.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, ask your doctor to run a TSH test on you, which will determine whether or not you have this common autoimmune disorder. Restoring hormonal balance by taking natural thyroid hormone replacement should resolve all of your symptoms and free you from the tiredness, weight gain, and depression of hypothyroidism.
If you have been experiencing fatigue for more than a few months, weight gain for no apparent reason, or dry skin that has worsened significantly in recent weeks, ask your doctor to test you for hypothyroidism.
Suppose you have any of the symptoms listed above and your TSH levels come back elevated. In that case, experts strongly recommend that you begin taking natural thyroid hormone replacement as soon as possible to restore hormonal balance and reverse the symptoms associated with an underactive thyroid gland.
Medical experts believe that all autoimmune disorders begin in the gut, triggered by exposure to environmental toxins that start a cycle of chronic inflammation in the body.
Chronic inflammation can destroy healthy cells, but it cannot touch diseased cells, meaning that the process creates “sacrificial cells,” which must be removed from circulation by the liver and kidney system.
The more environmental toxins we are exposed to, the greater our body’s inflammatory response, which speeds up the autoimmune response. Because this cycle of inflammation is an immune method for removing diseased cells, it can attack healthy organs once it has removed the diseased ones, causing new autoimmune disorders to emerge even as it treats existing conditions.
Because almost all environmental toxins are absorbed into the body through the gut, supporting digestive health and strengthening the digestive system is vital to anyone with an autoimmune disorder.
Stress and hypothyroidism
Your thyroid and your adrenal glands work in tandem. The adrenal glands, which are found above the kidneys, can tolerate tiny amounts of stress. When you’re stressed out, your adrenals release cortisol, a hormone that improves various bodily processes.
Autoimmune diseases, in which the body attacks its tissue, are the most prevalent thyroid disorders. Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are the two forms.
Graves’ disease causes the thyroid to be overactive, whereas Hashimoto’s disease causes it to be underactive. Stress alone does not cause a thyroid problem, but it may exacerbate it.
Slowing your body’s metabolism is one way that stress affects the thyroid, and this is yet another connection between stress and weight gain. Thyroid hormones T3 and T4 decrease when thyroid function slows during stress.
T3 syndrome occurs when the level of T3 in your body is too high for a long time. The conversion of T4 to T3 may be hampered, resulting in an increased amount of reverse T3.
Hypothyroidism, in addition to insulin resistance and blood sugar imbalances, is associated with numerous other health problems. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are reduced as a consequence of increased glucocorticoids.
For optimal thyroid function, there must be an equilibrium between stress hormones and cortisol levels. If the delicate balance is upset, your thyroid symptoms may become worse.
Lab tests are unable consistently to show the correct picture of how you’re feeling, and prescription drugs can’t always keep up with the fluctuations that stress causes. Chronic stress can harm your body for years before lab tests reveal a problem.
While it’s true that hypothyroidism is usually easy to diagnose, you may still experience symptoms such as tiredness or weight gain. When both are hypothyroid symptoms, this long-term stress might manifest as sadness or worry.
Dry Skin Treatment
Stress is a natural response to specific events and circumstances. A stressor can be anything from a bump on the car to losing a job or going through marriage problems. Stress occurs when we perceive that something threatens our safety, security, or well-being.
The stress develops in response to either external pressures (for instance, a deadline at work) or internal forces (such as the desire to do well in something). When stress becomes too much for us to handle, it can develop certain illnesses, including dermatitis.
Dermatitis Symptoms
Symptoms of dry skin can be mild or severe, depending on the condition. The symptoms include itching and inflammation, along with flaky, scaly, and red skin. Dry skin can also cause cracking and bleeding around the joints and sometimes even oozing blisters.
This is commonly seen in eczema, which is a chronic skin condition. If your skin is dehydrated and itchy, you can soothe and moisturize the area with a good body lotion or ointment.
Severe symptoms of dermatitis include –
• Skin sores
• Swelling of the face, hands, feet, ankles, and wrists
• Itching all over the body
• Thickened or scaly skin
There are also some cases where the dermatitis is due to a lack of vitamins and minerals in the body. One such mineral is iron, which plays a vital role in the formation of red blood cells.
Without iron, you cannot form healthy blood cells that can help transport oxygen throughout your body, and this results in poor oxygenation of the skin cells, which can cause dermatitis.
Dermatitis – Underactive Thyroid Hives
An underactive thyroid is a condition that affects your metabolism if not treated with the proper thyroid hormone treatment. The thyroid gland regulates the rate at which the body breaks things down and makes new ones.
An underactive thyroid occurs when you do not have enough of a thyroid hormone. It can also be called hypothyroidism, which is the opposite of hyperthyroidism, a condition where you have too much thyroid hormone in your system.
Either condition is still a manifestation of problems in your thyroid gland and abnormal thyroid levels.
What Happens When You Don’t Treat Dry Skin?
Dry skin can develop into dermatitis. Also, lack of treatment can lead to an infection called impetigo. This is a bacterial infection that causes rashes and sores as well as itching and burning sensations.
There are several causes for dry skin, such as –
• Skin changes due to aging
• Dry climates
• Wintertime
• Sunburns
• Medicines such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications.
There are also some cases where the dermatitis is due to a lack of vitamins and minerals in the body. One such mineral is iron, which plays a vital role in the formation of red blood cells. Without iron, you cannot form healthy blood cells that can help transport oxygen throughout your body, and this results in poor oxygenation of the skin cells, which can cause dermatitis.
Dermatitis Treatment for Autoimmune Disease
Treatment for dermatitis will vary by the type of condition, as well as your symptoms. You can find a treatment that is right for you through a process known as a diagnosis.
Your doctor may perform an exam and ask questions about your medical history, including any family history of skin conditions or allergies. This information helps the doctor see if you have a particular form of dermatitis.
Dermatitis is usually treated with creams that you apply to your skin or oral medications, depending on the type and severity of the condition. If you have a mild case, over-the-counter remedies may be enough for relief.
However, if your symptoms are severe it is important to see a dermatologist. Even if the symptoms appear to be mild, you may need prescription medication and different treatment methods.
Here are some tips to help you prevent dry skin from occurring or getting worse:
• Keep your skin moist by using lotion every day
• Eat foods that contain Omega 3 fatty acids. Good sources of Omega3s include some types of fish, such as salmon and sardines.
• Avoid hot showers or baths for long periods of time
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home during dry winter months
• Wear loose-fitting, natural fiber clothing that allows your skin to breathe. Some good options are cotton, silk, or polyester.
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home during dry winter months
If you still think that your dermatitis might be a food allergy, it is best that you see an allergist because this diagnosis will require specific testing.
Autoimmune Thyroid Disease -Itchy Skin
Autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) occurs when the immune system mistakes healthy thyroid cells as foreign invaders and attacks them. AITD is also known as Hashimoto’s disease, named after the doctor who first recognized it over 100 years ago.
Symptoms of autoimmune thyroid disease usually start slowly. The most common symptoms are fatigue, weight gain or loss, hair loss, dry skin and constipation.
The treatment protocol for autoimmune thyroid disease aims to lower inflammation in the body. This is done by avoiding inflammatory foods like sugar, refined grains (white flour), conventional dairy (pasteurized milk) and hydrogenated oils. Also suggested are supplementation with Omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants and/or probiotics.
Stress management techniques
Making some simple modifications in your everyday routine can benefit your general stress levels and your thyroid health.
Make sure to eat your fruits and vegetables!
A nutritious, well-balanced diet is different for each person. In general, aim to eat three well-balanced meals each day rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein. A decent breakfast should be eaten first thing in the morning, although low in sugar but high in protein and fiber.
Reducing alcohol, caffeine, and sugar in your diet can help you feel more energized.
Take the time to consider how you eat. Make sure to take the time to sit down and enjoy a meal, which will help your body process food better. While this may seem difficult in today’s fast-paced world.
Consider the benefits of vitamins.
You may want to consider taking thyroid-supporting vitamins and minerals daily. An iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism. Consider adding additional essential vitamins and minerals, such as:
- These minerals include selenium, zinc, iron, copper, vitamins A, B complex, C, and E.
Before taking these pills, consult with your doctor.
Get enough sleep
With hypothyroidism, obtaining enough rest at night may be difficult, and stress makes getting a good night’s sleep more challenging.
However, setting goals for a good night’s sleep can significantly impact your thyroid condition.
Limit technology use in the hours before bed. Slowing down before you sleep allows your adrenal glands to decrease your stress reaction and relax.
Relax
Taking some time to reflect or meditate may assist the body in relaxing. As a result of this, stress levels decrease, and thyroid damage is reduced.
There are a variety of methods to unwind. Making crafts for some individuals helps to relax their bodies. Deep breathing exercises, yoga, or simply being outside are enough for other people.
You can’t prevent all stress from your life. Still, you may help your body balance its overall health and thyroid by eating nutritious food, taking vitamins and minerals supplements, sleeping well, and using some relaxation methods.
What You Need to Know About Supplements and Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases
Thyroid diseases, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer, are quite prevalent. Up to 7% of the population in the United States has hypothyroidism, a condition in which your thyroid isn’t producing enough thyroid hormones.
Thyroid diseases are treated with drugs like thyroid hormone replacement, surgery, and other treatments such as radiation therapy for thyroid cancer, depending on the kind of disease.
Dietary strategies, such as supplements and diet changes, including eating more vegetables and limiting dairy products, may be used to help treat some thyroid diseases in addition to usual treatments.
However, some supplements may do more harm than good when it comes to thyroid health.
Should you use thyroid hormone supplements?
There’s no doubt that getting enough proper nutrients is critical for keeping your thyroid in good shape, and there’s also no doubt that nutritional shortages can cause thyroid problems.
Though there’s no need for individuals who don’t have thyroid issues and follow a well-balanced, nutritious diet to take thyroid-specific supplements, they may benefit those with specific medical problems. In reality, certain thyroid health supplements advertised to people wanting to boost their health may be hazardous.
Thyroid hormone is often included in many thyroid medications. Many thyroid supplements contain high amounts of iodine and may consist of thyroid hormones, which can have adverse side effects and cause problems in people with healthy thyroid function (11Trusted Source).
According to a recent review, the majority of thyroid supplements contain measurable amounts of T3 and T4. Some of the items studied had more T3 and T4 than the amounts typically prescribed to individuals with hypothyroidism (11Trusted Source).
Taking supplements that affect thyroid hormones and thyroid hormone levels can lead to higher levels of these hormones in the blood, which can produce symptoms of hyperthyroidism and lead to serious health problems (12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source, 14Trusted Source).
Furthermore, taking excessive amounts of iodine from supplements might cause hypothyroidism in susceptible people (12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source, 14Trusted Source).
The Takeaway on Autoimmune Disease and Itchy Skin:
There are other causes that can cause dry skin especially for people with autoimmune disease or a problematic thyroid gland. Be sure to consult your physician before choosing a treatment plan. There are certain prescription treatments that may be needed for severe cases of dermatitis or chronic hives in relation to your thyroid hormone levels.
Talk with your doctor about all the possible treatments for this condition so you’ll feel better soon!
