Air Quality and Hashimoto’s

With recent environmental disasters in the news, air quality and its impact on health is a hot topic.

While air quality poses more serious problems to those with respiratory issues, it has a definite link to Hashimoto’s. Let’s discuss the link and how you can protect yourself.

Quick Hashimoto’s Overview

To review, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its own thyroid due to an immune reaction. Reducing the autoimmune response involves reducing immune responses in the body.

Important ways of doing this is avoiding allergens (i.e. gluten, dairy, soy) and reducing stress (a major trigger for immune reaction). In either case, the immune system is overactive and not working properly.

Air Quality and Hashimoto’s

Pollution has been linked to altered thyroid function – including Hashimoto’s in several studies. These studies examined the link between common pollutants and thyroid function levels, such as TSH, T4, and T3.

Wildfires have not been studied specifically with Hashimoto’s or thyroid function. However, studies have shown that chemicals released from wildfires are associated with altered immune function. While the link between thyroid function or the Hashimoto’s autoimmune reaction are not direct, wildfire smoke is linked to immune system in general.

When To Be Concerned

Taking care of your body when it comes to Hashimoto’s or any disease is important. You should always take steps to breathe the healthiest air possible for your overall health. The effects of pollution and wildfires can have lasting effects.

While wildfires might not be a direct concern, it’s important to protect yourself and your immune system — especially since it is compromised. Use tools such as air IQ to determine the air quality in your area — whether from smoke or other pollutants. You owe it to yourself to keep your immune system and overall health as healthy as possible.

Steps You Can Take

Use tools such as Air IQ to check out the air quality in your area - whether because of wildfires or other pollutants. From there, you can take steps, such as wearing a proper mask, avoiding outdoor exercise, or running an air purifier.

Air quality is just one aspect of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Everyone experiences the disease in a different way and has their own personal path for healing. Would you like help identifying your steps to take for healing — and finding the behavioral changes that will not only start but remain successfully committed to your healing lifestyle?