Treating Hashimoto's thyroiditis and tinnitus with LDN: San Antonio, TX Integrative Functional Medicine - Yoon Hang Kim MD

A Functional Medicine Approach to Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Tinnitus: Connecting the Dots

When a patient presents with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and tinnitus, the conditions might seem unrelated at first glance. However, a functional medicine perspective reveals potential connections through shared mechanisms like inflammation and immune dysregulation. Drawing from my training with Dr. Andrew Weil and a recent case in my clinic, this blog explores how addressing root causes with functional medicine, including low-dose naltrexone (LDN), can improve outcomes for both conditions.

Understanding Hashimoto’s and Tinnitus

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, and mood changes, driven by immune-mediated inflammation.

Tinnitus, the perception of noise (like ringing) in the ears without an external source, has an often unclear cause but may involve inflammation or irritation of the auditory nerve.

While these conditions appear distinct, inflammation and immune dysregulation can link them. In my clinic, a patient with both conditions experienced remarkable improvement after using LDN, which modulated immune and nervous system function, suggesting a shared inflammatory pathway.

The Case: LDN’s Impact

In this case, a patient with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and tinnitus was treated with LDN, a medication known for normalizing immune function and reducing nervous system inflammation. The results were striking:

• Thyroid Function: LDN improved thyroid function, reducing the need for thyroid medication as the gland began to normalize.

• Tinnitus Relief: Tinnitus symptoms improved by over 90%, likely due to reduced auditory nerve irritation.

This outcome underscores the power of addressing underlying inflammation and immune issues, aligning with functional medicine’s holistic approach.

Functional Medicine: A Holistic Framework

Functional medicine focuses on the whole person—body, mind, and lifestyle—to address the root causes of disease. Here’s how it can be applied to manage Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and potentially related conditions like tinnitus:

1. Comprehensive Assessment

• Thyroid Panel: Test TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, and thyroid antibodies (TPO, TG) to evaluate thyroid function and autoimmune activity.

• Nutritional Deficiencies: Check levels of vitamin D, B12, selenium, iodine, and zinc, which support thyroid and immune health.

• Gut Health: Assess for leaky gut, dysbiosis, or infections, as gut health influences inflammation and immunity.

• Adrenal Function: Evaluate adrenal health, as chronic stress can worsen autoimmune and neurological symptoms.

• Toxins/Heavy Metals: Screen for environmental toxins or heavy metals that may trigger inflammation.

2. Dietary Interventions

• Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Eliminate gluten, dairy, soy, and processed foods to reduce inflammation, benefiting both thyroid and auditory nerve health.

• Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) Diet: A restrictive paleo-based diet to heal the gut and reduce autoimmune triggers.

• Nutrient-Rich Foods: Incorporate selenium (Brazil nuts), zinc (pumpkin seeds), and iodine (seaweed) to support thyroid function and reduce inflammation.

• Gluten-Free Diet: Often recommended due to gluten sensitivity in Hashimoto’s, which may also lower systemic inflammation linked to tinnitus.

3. Gut Health Support

• Probiotics/Prebiotics: Restore gut microbiota balance to regulate immunity and reduce inflammation.

• Digestive Enzymes: Aid digestion and nutrient absorption, addressing malabsorption common in autoimmune conditions.

• Leaky Gut Treatment: Use L-glutamine to repair the intestinal lining, reducing systemic inflammation.

4. Stress Management

• Mind-Body Practices: Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing reduce stress, which exacerbates autoimmune and neurological symptoms.

• Adrenal Support: Use adaptogens like ashwagandha, rhodiola, or holy basil to support adrenal function and mitigate stress-related inflammation.

5. Detoxification

• Toxin Reduction: Minimize exposure to pesticides, BPA, and heavy metals, which can trigger autoimmunity and neuroinflammation.

• Detox Support: Include liver-supportive foods (cruciferous vegetables) and supplements (milk thistle) to enhance detoxification.

6. Targeted Supplementation

• Selenium: Reduces thyroid antibodies and supports thyroid function; may also lower systemic inflammation.

• Vitamin D: Regulates immune function, potentially benefiting both Hashimoto’s and tinnitus.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Anti-inflammatory properties support immune and neurological health.

• Thyroid-Specific Nutrients: Iodine, zinc, and B vitamins, used cautiously under guidance to avoid excess iodine.

• Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN): Modulates immune and nervous system function, as seen in the patient’s improved thyroid function and tinnitus relief.

7. Hormone Replacement Therapy

• Bioidentical Hormones: Natural desiccated thyroid or bioidentical hormones may be considered, with regular monitoring to adjust doses.

• Monitoring: Adjust thyroid medication based on thyroid panel and symptoms, as seen in the patient’s reduced medication needs with LDN.

8. Lifestyle Modifications

• Exercise: Follow CDC guidelines (150 min/week moderate or 75 min/week vigorous activity, plus muscle-strengthening and balance exercises) to improve metabolism and reduce inflammation.

• Sleep: Prioritize quality sleep to mitigate autoimmune and neurological symptoms.

• Community/Support: Engage in supportive communities to reduce social stressors.

9. Personalized Treatment

• Genetic Considerations: Evaluate factors like MTHFR mutations, which affect folate metabolism and may influence treatment efficacy.

• Individualized Approach: Tailor interventions to patient-specific triggers, such as inflammation or stress, linking Hashimoto’s and tinnitus.

Conclusion

The case of a patient with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and tinnitus highlights how functional medicine can uncover connections between seemingly unrelated conditions. By addressing inflammation and immune dysregulation with tools like LDN, dietary changes, gut health support, stress management, and targeted supplementation, both thyroid function and tinnitus improved significantly. This holistic approach—integrating comprehensive assessments, lifestyle modifications, and personalized treatments—offers a powerful framework for managing complex conditions, improving overall health, and enhancing quality of life.

Serving San Antonio TX Integrative Functional Medicine Hashimoto's thyroiditis LDN

Dr. Yoon Hang Kim, MD is a board-certified physician specializing in integrative functional medicine, dedicated to uncovering root causes and providing personalized healing for chronic and complex conditions. He is a recognized expert in Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) for treating neuropathy, brain fog, and fatigue. He offers telemedicine services across multiple states—including Quincy, IL and throughout Illinois, San Antonio TX and all of Texas, Missouri, Florida, and Atlanta as well as the rest of Georgia.

www.directintegrativecare.com

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