Chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis popularly known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a disease that causes problems in the thyroid gland, which is the butterfly-structured gland situated along the front portion of the neck. The condition was initially recognized by the Japanese physician Hakaru Hashimoto. The autoimmune condition leads to swelling and damage of the thyroid glands and hinders their capability to produce sufficient thyroid hormones. Here’s an overview of the condition’s symptoms, causes, and treatments.

Common symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
The condition is known to display very few or no symptoms in the initial stages. The indications also differ from one person to another. Additionally, when symptoms start to develop, they tend to progress gradually. Goiter is a common symptom of Hashimoto’s disease. It is characterized by an enlargement of the thyroid gland and results in a bulge on the neck. Goiter causes trouble in speaking, breathing, as well as swallowing. Some other common symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease include:

• Feeling cold all the time
• Excessive sleepiness
• Fatigue
• Severe dryness of the skin
• Stiffness along joints and muscle pain
• Irregular menstrual bleeding
• Poor memory
• Weak nails
• Loss of hair
• Sweating
• Increased heart rate
• Anxiety and depression

Furthermore, some patients are known to develop autoimmune problems like rheumatoid arthritis as well as type-1 diabetes along with Hashimoto’s disease.

Causes of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis falls under the category of autoimmune disease. This condition develops when the body’s immune system starts making antibodies that destroy thyroid cells, mistaking them to be a foreign body. This fault by the immune system causes severe inflammation in the thyroid gland, leading to injury and cell death. Furthermore, the reason for the immune system destroying the gland is yet to be ascertained, but several factors may actuate the condition. Some of these trigger factors are:

• Environmental conditions
  Several researchers have pointed out the fact that people who get exposed to radiation or include a high amount of iodine in their meals may suffer from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Additionally, frequent viral infections are known to play a significant part in triggering the condition.
• Genetics
  Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may also occur in people who have a family history of the disease or have family members suffering from other autoimmune conditions.
• Certain treatment options
  The autoimmune condition is even known to get triggered in a few individuals due to certain substances used in some treatment options prescribed for other conditions.

The treatment plan for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is known to have no permanent cure and so the treatment plan aims at managing the symptoms to avoid any kind of complication. The medical practitioner may suggest thyroid hormone replacement therapy. This treatment method aims to provide the hormones which are no longer being produced by the thyroid gland. This helps to maintain an adequate amount of hormones in the body. Furthermore, TSH levels are checked regularly to keep an eye on the thyroid hormone level.

Foods to avoid
Certain foods can aggravate the condition and are best avoided. These include:

• Sweets
  People suffering from Hashimoto’s disease are advised to reduce their intake of sugar and sugar-based products like energy drinks, cookies, and ice creams as it causes the metabolism to slow down. Restricting sugar consumption will lead to improvement in overall health.
• Fried foods
  Indulging in fried foods like French fries, hot dogs, and the like tend to affect one’s hormone levels. So, avoiding such foods can help manage the condition. Additionally, unhealthy fats are known to interfere with the production of thyroid hormone.
• Processed foods
  The symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease may worsen due to the intake of processed foods as these comprise loads of sodium, which is not advisable for people suffering from hypothyroidism. Additionally, high amounts of the mineral elevate the risk of cardiac diseases.
• Soy
  The presence of specific compounds like isoflavones in soy is known to deteriorate the condition. Soy is known to interfere with the absorption of the chemical formulation prescribed to treat the disease.
• Legumes and beans
  Excessive intake of foods like legumes, beans, and vegetables are known to interfere with the treatment plan adopted for hypothyroidism. This is because these are rich in fiber, which affects the overall digestion and absorption of replacement chemical formulations prescribed for managing the condition.
• Pasta and bread
  People with thyroid-related problems are advised to lower their intake of gluten, which is a form of protein present in foods made with rye, barley, and wheat. This is because it may cause trouble in the small intestine and even hinder the absorption of the chemical formulation prescribed for treating the disease.