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Got Hashimoto's hypothyroidism and heartburn? Rethink antacids

No one can be blamed for wanting relief, especially when acid reflux makes it feel like molten lava is shooting up through your esophagus. Antacids can bring quick relief, but their long-term use can also bring lasting problems that could worsen your Hashimoto's hypothyroidism. It’s better to identify and address the underlying causes of acid reflux than simply to squelch the symptoms.

Acid reflux occurs when the contents of the stomach backwash into the esophagus. These contents can include stomach acid, bile, food, or sour liquid. Although the lining of the stomach is designed to handle such an acidic environment, the more delicate tissue of the esophagus is not. As a result, symptoms include indigestion, a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), and tasting regurgitated food or liquid in the back of your mouth.

Many factors can cause acid reflux, including overeating, obesity, or the types of foods you eat. Spicy foods, fried foods, coffee, chocolate, and citrus are frequently cited as triggering acid reflux. When the reflux becomes constant, it’s worth exploring some of the common underlying conditions.

Studies have established a strong link between digestive health and function and autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's hypothyroidism, in which the immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid gland. Acid reflux or heartburn are warning signals that you may suffer from an underlying digestive imbalance. Unless you address the digestive issues that cause acid reflux, it will be difficult to manage your Hashimoto's hypothyroidism.

Possible underlying causes of acid reflux that could be worsening your Hashimoto's hypothyroidism

H. pylori overgrowth: An H. pylori infection occurs in the stomach and is the most common chronic bacterial infection, affecting more than 50 percent of the world’s population. An H. pylori infection may promote acid reflux by decreasing stomach acid. Although acid reflux is associated with too much acidity, the truth is in many cases too little stomach acid causes acid reflux, which I’ll explain in the next paragraph. An H. pylori infection is a common underlying factor to flareups in autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto's hypothyroidism.

Too little stomach acid: Sufficient stomach acid is necessary to break down dietary proteins, ensure absorption of vital nutrients and minerals, and protect the digestive tract from harmful bacteria. It’s believed that low stomach acid, or hypochlorhydria, results in improperly digested food lingering too long in the stomach. Eventually it backwashes into the esophagus, and although the contents are not acidic enough for the stomach, they are too acidic for the delicate esophageal tissue. Factors that cause too little stomach acid include an H. pylori infection, a nutrient-poor diet, stress, and antacid medications.

Gluten: If you eat gluten, it could be a culprit in your acid reflux. One study found chronic acid reflux affected 30 percent of patients with celiac disease compared to less than 5 percent of those not diagnosed with the disease. Another study found almost 40 percent of children with celiac disease suffer from esophagitis, inflammation of the esophagus that causes heartburn.

Studies show a strong connection between gluten intolerance and Hashimoto's hypothyroidism. If you have Hashimoto's hypothyroidism, a strict gluten-free diet can help you manage the underlying immune component of the disease.

Acid reflux usually just one of many digestive symptoms that contribute to Hashimoto's hypothyroidism

Acid reflux is often just one of many digestive symptoms that can result from poor digestion, food intolerances, chronic stress, gut infections, and other factors. In fact, one study showed that participants with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were nearly twice as likely as non IBS participants to suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic, advanced form of acid reflux. Conversely, another study found a majority of participants with GERD also suffered from IBS.

Because most of the immune system resides in the gut, all digestive disorders are evidence that the immune system is imbalanced or in distress. Because Hashimoto's hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease, working to restore digestive health can in turn help restore health and balance to thyroid function.

Although antacids can bring temporarily relief, they may also worsen your acid reflux problem in the long run. Ultimately, antacids reduce stomach acid, hinder digestion, and inhibit nutrient absorption. In addition, antacids are shown to weaken bones and increase the risk of food poisoning.

For natural ways to relieve your acid reflux, please contact my office.

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How To Get Safe Herniated Disc Relief With Chiropractic In Wilmington NC

A herniated disc may have many different symptoms. It can begin with a pain in the back that eventually spreads to the leg. As time passes the condition can cause weakness in the legs and result in abnormal function of one's lower extremities. A Wilmington chiropractor offers help for individuals suffering from a herniated disc.

The discs are located between the vertebrae and consist of a fibrous outer ring and a softer center portion. During normal movement the disc is squeezed and reformed to move blood and other fluids through it. If the movement does not occur the outer ring begins to dry and may eventually tear. The tear allows the softer portion of a disc to bulge in a condition often referred to as a herniated disc.

The injured disc may not cause discomfort or pain. However, if the softer tissue begins to press on nerves exiting the spine, the individual may feel pain along with the other symptoms. In addition, the inflammatory reaction further restricts movement and complicates the problem.

When one or more discs in the spine move out of their normal position, the problem is called a subluxation. The subluxation can also cause a bulging disc. The irritation of a nerve can cause symptoms that affect a major portion of one's body.

Early discovery is one key to effective therapy. Years of abuse of a human spine cannot be remedied with one or two therapy sessions. With early discovery, conservative therapy is used to provide a healthier spine. Often patients feel better immediately after the first visit to the chiropractic doctor, although full healing may take a couple of weeks.

When facing spinal issues, including a ruptured disc, patients often find help from a Wilmington chiropractor. Chiropractors offer spinal care without using pain medications or surgery. They attack the problem of back and leg pain at the source.

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Your spouse: The biggest barrier to a gluten-free diet for your Hashimoto's hypothyroidism?

You swore to support each other in sickness and in health, yet when it comes to a gluten-free diet to manage your Hashimoto's hypothyroidism, you may have found your spouse to be your biggest barrier to success.

Spouses complain that eating gluten free is too expensive and too restrictive, they tell you that you’re making a big deal about nothing, or perhaps they simply cannot imagine life without those staples of Western civilization, bread and pasta. Whatever the reason, spouses are often one’s greatest saboteur when it comes to maintaining a gluten-free diet.

However, if you have Hashimoto's hypothyroidism, maintaining a gluten-free diet is vital to managing your condition. A number of studies link gluten intolerance with Hashimoto's and many people have found a gluten-free diet can improve symptoms.

Gluten-eating spouse sabotaging gluten-free diet for you or the kids?

Their transgressions can be maddening. They order pasta with garlic bread in front of your newly gluten-free children, who proceed to cry through the rest of the meal. They dip their knife into your gluten-free mayonnaise after having used it on their whole wheat bread. They don’t read labels, feed the kids something with gluten in it, and then go off to work while you’re left at home to deal with your children’s stomach aches or behavioral outbursts.

Does going gluten free unearth marital issues?

Sometimes a spouse’s stubbornness unearths dormant marital discord that may require attention. Or the new gluten-free dieter must become assertive and demanding for the first time in the relationship, which can rattle spousal dynamics. But given that gluten is linked to not only Hashimoto's hypothyroidism, but also 55 known diseases and many neurological issues, going gluten free is worth the fight.

How to win over your reluctant spouse to a gluten-free lifestyle to support your Hashimoto's protocol

The first spouse to go gluten free is often the wife. The hormonal upheavals of pregnancy and childbirth can trigger Hashimoto's hypothyroidism or other autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, necessitating a gluten-free diet and other changes.

Also, because moms usually spend more time caring for and feeding the children, they are more apt to notice to health issues that require dietary action.

So how does one win over a reluctant spouse to support a gluten-free diet?

How others have gained support from their spouse for a gluten-free diet

Patience, persistence, education, and even the willingness to nag are the ticket, say those who’ve done it.

• “My husband had to see a lab test with positive transglutaminase antibodies [regarded as a celiac marker] and stool IgA antibodies to gluten [a marker for gluten intolerance] to be convinced our child needed to be gluten-free.”
• “I would nag and nag and nag. I would send video via cellphone of one of the kids losing it after eating gluten.”
• “Experiencing the severe sleep deprivation of a breastfeeding baby who was colicky and having that go away when I went gluten free.”
• “He saw how differently I acted and felt on a gluten-free diet, and saw positive changes in our son.”
• “He saw how sick I got when insensitive visitors who insisted on eating gluten contaminated my kitchen and my food.”
• “He saw I was literally unable to move, stand, use my hands, or do anything unassisted for six weeks.”
• “We called a mediator to write up a divorce agreement at the start of a GAPS diet [a stricter, grain-free diet many moms have discovered helps their children who have autism symptoms]. He told me he would leave if I didn’t go back to the way things were. I told him I could not and would not ever go back. Many rough times later, he is eating with us and on his own healing journey. We went from numb, angry, ramen-eating zombies to people who fell in love on a deeper level.”

Many spouses eventually embrace gluten-free diet to support your Hashimoto's hypothyroidism protocol

Given enough time on a gluten-free diet—even if it’s initially against their will—even the most stubborn of spouses may see the light. For instance, when the wife and kids are eating gluten free at home, the husband can get his gluten fixes only when eating out. During such a gradual weaning, some are amazed to find they also suffer from a gluten intolerance. One husband discovered gluten to be a trigger for his canker sores and migraines. The chronic back pain and depression of a spouse magically lifted on a gluten-free diet. Others find they are more energetic and clear-headed. Someone doesn't have to have Hashimoto's hypothyroidism to benefit from a gluten-free diet, and when everyone eats the same diet, it makes managing meals easier.

You, too, may find that your resistant spouse not only becomes more supportive of your Hashimoto's hypothyroidism diet, but also embraces the diet as his or her own.

Got IBS, constipation, or diarrhea? SIBO can worsen Hashimoto's hypothyroidism

Do you meet the criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and can’t find relief? Do you look pregnant thanks to a bloated belly? Are chronic diarrhea or constipation your constant companions? If so, you may be a victim of stubborn gut bacteria, also known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

SIBO can worsen Hashimoto's hypothyroidism

These symptoms also can be worsening your Hashimoto's hypothyroidism, an autoimmune disease that attacks and destroys the thyroid gland. Bacterial gut infections such as SIBO constantly activate the immune system, which can make it difficult to manage autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto's hypothyroidism.

While a long list of symptoms accompany SIBO, its trademark symptoms are a chronically bloated, distended belly; gas, which can cause flatulence, belching, or both; and a tendency toward chronic diarrhea, constipation, or both.

SIBO symptoms

• Excess gas, flatulence, belching
• Abdominal bloating from gas
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Constipation, diarrhea, or both
• Nausea or heartburn
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Multiple food sensitivities
• Leaky gut
• Fatigue
• Malabsorption symptoms (anemia or fatty stools)
• Rosacea
• Neurologic and muscular diseases

How SIBO causes bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea

The entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract contains bacteria, both good and bad. The small intestine contains bacteria different from that of the large intestine. In the case of SIBO, the small intestine contains too much bacteria, and these bacteria more closely resemble the bacteria of the colon. These bacteria consume sugars and carbohydrates, producing large amounts of gas. Not only does this gas cause bloating, belching, and flatulence, it is also behind chronic cases of constipation and diarrhea (depending on the type of gas produced).

SIBO causes leaky gut, a promoter of Hashimoto's hypothyroidism

In addition to producing gas, the bacteria create byproducts that irritate and damage the lining of the GI tract. This damage causes intestinal permeability, or “leaky gut,” a condition in which the lining of the intestine becomes damaged and overly porous, allowing undigested foods, infectious bacteria, and other pathogens into the bloodstream. This creates inflammation in the GI tract and throughout the body. And because the bacteria digest foods normally meant for the intestine to absorb, nutrient deficiencies and malabsorption are common side effects with SIBO.

Leaky gut is a known promoter of autoimmune disease, including Hashimoto's hypothyroidism.

SIBO linked with restless leg syndrome and other neurological conditions

In addition to causing gastric complaints, SIBO is linked with neurological and cognitive symptoms. One of the best known is a condition called restless leg syndrome.

How to manage SIBO to help control Hashimoto's hypothyroidism

Diagnosing SIBO involves a hydrogen breath test, which has the patient ingesting sugar solutions and giving breath samples over a period of several hours. Although experts debate its validity, clinicians report hydrogen breath test results often correspond with symptoms. Standard medical treatment of SIBO, which includes expensive antibiotics, has a good success rate, but patients can relapse if they do not take preventive measures after treatment. Anecdotal reports show success using herbal antibiotics, although there are no published studies. A medical fast using a nutrition drink for two to three weeks shows a good success rate, as it starves the bacteria. But because no eating is allowed during the fast, many find it too challenging a remedy.

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet and Gut and Psychology Diet, which are widely touted online, also aim to starve the bacteria by eliminating foods the bacteria need to survive: all grains, most legumes, all sugars and sweeteners excluding honey, and starchy vegetables. Both diets require strict adherence for a full year after the resolution of symptoms. In real terms, this could mean being on the diet for up to four years.

The good thing about these two diets is that they are virtually identical to diets used to manage autoimmune disease and chronic inflammation, and can thus address far more than SIBO. The autoimmune diet for Hashimoto's hypothyroidism diet also will help with SIBO.

For more information, visit www.siboinfo.com.

Wilmington NC Back Pain Relief Done Naturally Through Chiropractic Therapy

Back pain does not have to be something that is crippling you when you have it. Going to a Wilmington chiropractor will allow you to get relief from your pain without having to rely on medications. Here are some ways this service can benefit you when you need to have effective pain control.

Chiropractic care is a safe and natural way of getting rid of pain by using the latest technologies to target the problem areas. Massage and nerve manipulation is also used to alleviate all kinds of pain in every area of the body. Back pain can be debilitating and made worse by taking pills that cloud your mind and slow your body down.

You should never be afraid to ask questions that pertain to your health and wellbeing, and your chiropractic team will be more than happy to answer them for you. Most of the things they will use to ease your pain can be scary. Getting a full understanding of how they work will make you feel better.

Talking to people who have taken advantage of these services is a good way to determine if they will be a good fit for you, too. They can tell you about their experiences and what to expect when you go for the first time. Word of mouth is a great reference tool.

It is important to keep up with your chiropractic care once you start it. Keeping your appointments will ensure that you are getting the best care possible. You can even help yourself when you are at home by doing exercises that will strengthen your muscles and relieve your pain.

Going to a Wilmington chiropractor can provide you with many ways to get rid of your back pain safely and effectively. Be sure to ask questions that will help you to understand what is going on with your body and the ways you can start feeling better. You do not have rely on medications to ease your pain.

Wilmington NC Chiropractic Care Helps Relieve Back Pain Safely

Many people will start to develop back issues during the course of their lifetimes. Upwards of 80 percent of people in some nations will have troubles and this is a very common reason some call in sick to work and go to see a doctor. The most common causes are strained muscles and ligaments due to lifting objects that are too heavy or lifting them wrongly. A Wilmington chiropractor can help relieve back pain safely for these sufferers.

There are a few other things that an cause people to have a problem. A person can rupture a disc along the spine. One can develop arthritis and sciatica that causes constant pain. Other common causes are osteoporosis, that makes vertebrae very fragile, and an unnatural curvature of the spine can create issues.

Sufferers will often undergo a magnetic resonance imaging or computerized tomography scans to properly see what is wrong. These will show a good view of the soft tissue that makes up nerves and muscles. Other times a regular x ray will let a practitioner know what the problem is.

A chiropractor focuses their attentions on joints, bones, and muscles issues. They are primarily concerned with how irregularities along the skeletal area affects the symptoms that are bothering someone. They are trained in techniques that can bring relief without the use of medications and surgeries that some people may be wary of using.

The chiropractic techniques relies on massaging and touching areas that are sore. They often try to move skeletal parts around to get them back into a place where one can feel relief. For many people, they normally do not need any other type of assistance.

Many people suffer from debilitating back pain. There are some who will go see a Wilmington chiropractor to get help. These professionals try to manipulate muscles and bones to relieve the problems their clients are experiencing.

Positive thinking helpful in coping with, but perhaps not "curing," Hashimoto's

When chronic Hashimoto's hypothyroidism has you feeling like crud, few things are more insulting than someone telling you to “keep your chin up” or “think positive.” Such advice sounds like a brush-off from someone who has no idea what it is to struggle with fatigue, depression, weight gain, hair loss, and other frightening, life-altering symptoms.

Today, an estimated 27 million Americans suffer from a thyroid disease. Of those with hypothyroidism, about 90 percent have Hashimoto's, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid gland.

Many thyroid sufferers also struggle with other autoimmune diseases or health conditions doctors treat with little more than a psych consult or antidepressants: fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, Lyme disease, and irritable bowel syndrome are among these.

Positive thinking can help you cope with Hashimoto's hypothyroidism

The research regarding positive thinking during illness is mixed. But it does suggest while positive thinking can’t guarantee a cure, it can help you better cope with your Hashimoto's hypothyroidism and comply with your treatment plan.

A study published in early 2012 showed subjects with chronic disease who thought of something that made them feel good each morning and who used self-affirmation techniques when encountering obstacles exercised more and were better about complying with their treatment plan. Older studies show patients with a positive spiritual belief system suffer from less depression and are better able to handle their medical situation.

Don’t pressure yourself to be positive

Conversely, some studies show no correlation between positive thinking and health outcomes, such as in the case of cancer survival rates. If anything, the pressure to “be positive,” which has become trendy in some circles, can be stressful or make one feel like a failure if the illness progresses or doesn't improve.

Taking action to lower stress can increase positivity

The truth is, Hashimoto's hypothyroidism can be difficult and involve emotional lows. And while stifling emotions to appear positive is unlikely to be helpful, plenty of evidence shows lowering stress with a positive outlook improves overall health and well-being. The same techniques that lower stress can also foster a more positive attitude, hence improving your resilience in the face of Hashimoto's hypothyroidism.

If anything, coping better is more about positive doing than positive thinking. Adopting a few small and seemingly meaningless strategies can add up to significant gains in well-being.

For instance, in the study mentioned earlier, researchers asked participants to think of something that made them feel better—a sunny beach or a proud moment—upon waking each morning and when experiencing a setback. Participating in a spiritual, religious, or philosophical practice has been shown to help many, and social connections improve the odds of survival by 50 percent. Although Crossfit or Zumba may not be in the cards for someone struggling with fatigue from Hashimoto's hypothyroidism, research nevertheless shows exercise relieves anxiety. Exercise can be as gentle as a half-hour walk several times a week or some time in the pool.

Look at brain chemical or thyroid imbalances to boost positivity

Also, when you have been struggling with Hashimoto's hypothyroidism, other health factors, such as poor brain neurotransmitter activity, may also play a role in depression, anxiety, and a generally negative outlook. In these cases, natural remedies for symptom relief may be appropriate. Ask my office for suggestions.

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How A Wilmington NC Chiropractor Alleviates Headaches Naturally With Chiropractic

Headaches that occur more often than just occasionally can be frustrating and even debilitating to those who suffer from them. Most doctors will prescribe painkillers to address this issue, however this does not deal with the underlying cause of the pain. A Wilmington chiropractor will be able to first determine the type of headache and will then use natural therapy to relieve the pain.

Different factors can contribute to the development of headaches, the most common of these are; muscle tension, constricted blood vessels, and sinus congestion. The first two of these respond best to chiropractic therapy. Most headaches can be classified as either tension, migraine, or cervicogenic (pain which originates in the neck).

The chiropractor will ask the patient a number of questions pertaining to their headaches, as well as examine him or her physically. Having an understanding of the nature of pain is necessary in order to choose the best therapeutic approach. A personalized course of therapy will be planned once the cause of the condition is clear.

Tension headaches usually develop due to stress, which causes tension in the muscles of the shoulders, neck, and head. The chiropractor will most likely use a combination of massage and spinal adjustments to relieve this built-up tension. Massage soothes and relaxes stiff muscles, and improves blood flow; adjustments can correct affected nerves in the spinal column, together these techniques can work to prevent the pain from returning.

Migraines are severe, intense headaches which are often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. They can be triggered by various factors and can be incapacitating when they come on. They are believed to be caused by restricted vascular flow which can be improved considerably by manipulations of the spine, particularly in the neck region.

While adjustments are most commonly used by practitioners to help reduce the incidence of headache, they may also recommend lifestyle changes and possibly some stretching exercises to maintain good spinal health. Most patients who undergo chiropractic care for relief of headaches experience a considerable improvement over those who strictly rely on medications. A Wilmington chiropractor will be able to offer these patients the help they need without using potentially dangerous drugs with unpleasant side effects.