Podcast: How Iron Can Help Resolve Hashimoto's Symptoms

New podcast episode today! If you like to listen, check out the link to the episode, but if you prefer to read, see the transcript below! 😊

Iron. It’s a pretty important nutrient for our bodies. We all know that if we’re iron-deficient we can become anemic — which means we can become fatigued and cold and bruise easily. Not good. But how does iron deficiency affect Hashimoto’s? And can reversing anemia help resolve Hashimoto’s symptoms?

That’s what we’ll talk about today. Resolving iron deficiency is just one part of helping to “cure” Hashimoto’s. There are a lot of other steps — and nutrient deficiencies — you’ll likely have to solve. However, solving iron deficiency can be especially effective in part because some of the the symptoms of anemia and Hashimoto’s overlap. So let’s dive in!

What Is Iron?

To get started, let's talk about an essential mineral that plays a significant role in our overall health - Iron. What is it exactly, how does it impact our bodies, and how can we make sure we're getting enough of it from our diet?

Iron is a crucial mineral that the body needs for numerous biological functions. It is a central component of hemoglobin, the protein in our red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body, and myoglobin, a protein that provides oxygen to muscles. Moreover, iron supports growth, development, cellular functioning, and the synthesis of some hormones and connective tissue.

Now, there are two types of dietary iron: heme and non-heme. Heme iron is found in animal foods that originally contained hemoglobin, such as red meats, fish, and poultry. This form of iron is absorbed more efficiently by our bodies. On the other hand, non-heme iron is found in plant-based foods like grains, beans, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.

Though our bodies can use both types, the absorption of non-heme iron can be influenced by other dietary components. For instance, vitamin C can enhance non-heme iron absorption, while substances like polyphenols or phytates found in some plant foods can inhibit it.

How much iron do we need in our diet? The recommended daily intake varies depending on age, sex, and overall health status. For example, adult men and post-menopausal women generally need about 8mg of iron daily, while menstruating women, due to blood loss, need about 18mg daily. Pregnant women have even higher needs to support the growth and development of the fetus and placenta.

However, iron deficiency can occur if your intake is consistently lower than the amount your body needs, leading to conditions such as iron deficiency anemia. Symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath.

Conversely, it's important to remember that while iron is vital, too much can be harmful, causing conditions like iron overload. This is why it's crucial to balance your iron intake and seek medical advice before starting any supplementation regimen.

So, to sum up, iron is an essential mineral that plays a key role in carrying oxygen in the body, among other important functions. We can get it from both animal and plant sources, and balancing our intake – not too little, but also not too much – is crucial for our health and well-being.

And that's a quick overview of what iron is, how it affects our body, and how we can incorporate it into our diet.

How Does Iron Affect The Thyroid?

Before we delve further into iron's relationship with Hashimoto's, let's take a moment to understand how iron impacts the thyroid. The thyroid, a small gland located in the lower front of your neck, has a vital role in the body. It produces thyroid hormones that regulate many functions, including metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature.

Iron is critical for this thyroid hormone production. Here's why: the process of thyroid hormone synthesis involves several steps and numerous enzymes. One of these steps is the conversion of thyroglobulin – a protein stored in the thyroid gland – into the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). This conversion requires an enzyme called thyroid peroxidase, and the activity of this enzyme is dependent on iron.

When there's an iron deficiency in your body, the functionality of thyroid peroxidase decreases. This can lead to a reduction in the production of thyroid hormones. The resulting imbalance can trigger the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism (a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones), such as fatigue, sensitivity to cold, weight gain, and cognitive issues.

Also, it's worth noting that iron is needed for the conversion of T4 to T3 in our body. T3 is the more active form of thyroid hormone, and this conversion process is crucial for maintaining optimal metabolic function.

In people with Hashimoto's disease, managing iron levels becomes even more important. Lower iron levels can exacerbate the already disrupted thyroid hormone synthesis, leading to a further worsening of symptoms. Therefore, ensuring that your iron intake is sufficient could play a key role in managing your thyroid health and overall well-being.

However, as always, we recommend working closely with your healthcare provider when considering changes to your diet or supplementation regimen.

How Do We Become Iron-Deficient?

What are the causes and how does it manifest in our bodies?

Iron deficiency is a common nutritional shortfall that occurs when the body's iron stores are depleted and a sufficient amount of iron is not replenished through diet. It's a state that can eventually lead to iron deficiency anemia, a condition where the body doesn't have enough iron to produce the necessary hemoglobin for red blood cells, thereby hindering oxygen transport throughout the body.

So, what causes this deficiency? Several factors can lead us to become iron deficient:

Insufficient Iron Intake: One of the most common causes of iron deficiency is not consuming enough iron-rich foods. As discussed earlier, these include meats, fish, poultry for heme iron, and plant-based foods like grains, beans, and leafy green vegetables for non-heme iron.
Poor Iron Absorption: Even with adequate dietary intake, some individuals may struggle to absorb enough iron due to conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract, such as Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or surgeries like gastric bypass.
Increased Iron Needs: Certain life stages or conditions require more iron. For example, pregnant women need significantly more iron to support the developing fetus. Additionally, rapid growth during adolescence increases iron needs.
Blood Loss: Iron deficiency can occur as a result of blood loss. This could be due to heavy menstrual periods, frequent blood donation, regular use of some over-the-counter pain relievers that can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, or conditions like peptic ulcers and hemorrhoids.
Certain Medications: Some medications can interfere with iron absorption, such as those used to reduce stomach acid.

Iron deficiency usually develops over time if your body doesn't receive enough iron from the foods you eat. The symptoms are often subtle at first but can worsen as the deficiency becomes more severe. They may include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, cold hands and feet, brittle nails, and an increased susceptibility to infections due to an impaired immune function.

If you suspect that you may be iron deficient, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Remember, maintaining an optimal balance of iron is a key part of overall health and wellness. If you're concerned about your iron levels, don't hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for advice."

And that, my friends, gives us a clear understanding of how one can become iron deficient and why it's vital to maintain adequate levels of this essential mineral.

How Does Resolving Iron Deficiency Help Resolve Hashimoto’s Symptoms?

Next, let’s dive deeper into the connection between iron deficiency and Hashimoto's disease. More specifically, we'll explore how addressing iron deficiency can help alleviate the symptoms associated with Hashimoto's.

As we've mentioned before, iron plays a vital role in the production of thyroid hormones. When there is a deficiency in iron, the thyroid may not produce enough of these hormones, which can exacerbate the symptoms of Hashimoto's disease.

Iron deficiency and Hashimoto's have overlapping symptoms like fatigue, cold intolerance, cognitive impairments, and weight gain. An iron deficiency can make these symptoms more severe, causing a significant impact on your quality of life. By resolving your iron deficiency, you can improve these symptoms and boost your overall well-being.

Here's the significant part: research indicates that individuals with Hashimoto's are often at an increased risk of iron deficiency due to chronic inflammation. This inflammation can interfere with iron absorption and metabolism. Thus, when you manage your iron deficiency, you're also managing a critical aspect of your Hashimoto's disease.

Ways To Resolve Iron Deficiency

What's the action plan to resolve iron deficiency and consequently alleviate Hashimoto's symptoms?

Dietary changes. First, consider dietary changes. Incorporating more iron-rich foods like lean meats, poultry, fish, and fortified grains into your diet can help. Plant-based foods like spinach, lentils, and fortified cereals are also good sources of iron.
Supplementation. However, if dietary changes are not sufficient or you have issues absorbing iron, iron supplementation might be the next step. But remember, it's crucial to always take iron supplements under medical supervision, as excessive iron can lead to toxicity.
Iron infusion. This is for extreme situations, but you can get an iron infusion to help resolve anemia fast. Sometimes iron supplements won’t be enough if you are extremely deficient — and if your digestive system is not absorbing it. However, there are steps you can take to help enhance you digestive absorption.
Enhance absorption. Aside from increasing your iron levels, consider actions that enhance your iron absorption. This could include consuming vitamin C-rich foods, which enhance iron absorption, alongside your iron-rich meals. It's also essential to manage any gastrointestinal issues that might be hindering iron absorption.

Resolving iron deficiency is not a cure for Hashimoto's, but it's a significant part of managing the symptoms and improving your quality of life. It's one part of the multifaceted approach needed to manage this complex autoimmune disorder.

My Favorite High-Quality Iron Supplements

Which supplements are my favorite? The key is to find ones that are allergen-free, high-quality, and aren’t too rough on the stomach. I’ll include a few links below to my favorite brands. I’m not sponsored by them by FYI they are Amazon affiliate links to help support this work.

My favorite overall brand of supplements is Pure Encapsulations. They have high-quality, allergen-free supplements that are both recommended by doctors and available on Amazon. Score! These are two of the best iron supplements they offer in my opinion:

Opti-Ferrin C. This product includes vitamin C for better absorption. It’s not too hard on the stomach, either. But it is still an iron supplement that can cause stomach pain, so I would take it with food.
Liquid Iron. Taking iron in liquid form can help with absorption and be easier on the stomach. However, taking it in liquid form is not for everyone because it’s a bit messier. It’s up to you!
Blood Builder. This brand can be found at Whole Foods and it’s the first brand I found that basically did not hurt my stomach at all. I didn’t even need to take it with food. And I think it was pretty effective.

There are a lot of high-quality iron brands out there, so these are just suggestions! It’s important to find the supplement that works the best for you. And of course, make sure you’re working with a healthcare professional to ensure your supplementation is being effective — and more importantly that you’re not overdosing.

Learn More!

Want to learn more about how iron — and other nutrients — can help resolve Hashimoto’s symptoms? Check out my book, “I Have Hashimoto’s, Now What?” It’s full of information of how to navigate Hashimoto’s from finding a good doctor, managing chronic stress, making effective dietary changes, and — of course — resolving nutrient deficiencies.

Reviews of the book are saying “It’s an easy read and very informative”, and “It’s empowering me to take better charge of my health.”

Again, the book is called “I Have Hashimoto’s, Now What?” You can find a link to the book in the show notes or you can search for it on Amazon.

My Book, I Have Hashimoto’s, Now What? https://amzn.to/45bnUgS

My Favorite Iron Supplements

My Favorite Overall Supplements

Let’s Stay Connected!

Sources

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Erdogan, M., Kösenli, A., Ganidagli, S., & Kulaksizoglu, M. (2012). Characteristics of anemia in subclinical and overt hypothyroid patients. Endocrine Journal, 59(3), 213-220. DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.EJ11-0255
Hershko, C., & Skikne, B. (2009). Pathogenesis and management of iron deficiency anemia: emerging role of celiac disease, helicobacter pylori, and autoimmune gastritis. Seminars in Hematology, 46(4), 339-350. DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2009.06.001
Stoffel, N. U., Cercamondi, C. I., Brittenham, G., Zeder, C., Geurts-Moespot, A. J., Swinkels, D. W., ... & Zimmermann, M. B. (2017). Iron absorption from oral iron supplements given on consecutive versus alternate days and as single morning doses versus twice-daily split dosing in iron-depleted women: two open-label, randomised controlled trials. The Lancet Haematology, 4(11), e524-e533. DOI: 10.1016/S2352-3026(17)30182-5
Lopez, A., Cacoub, P., Macdougall, I. C., & Peyrin-Biroulet, L. (2016). Iron deficiency anaemia. The Lancet, 387(10021), 907-916. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(15)60865-0