Hello, I’m Dr. Jennifer Luis, ND. For many years in my naturopathic practice, I’ve guided patients through the complexities of thyroid disorders. But for me, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis isn’t just a condition I treat; it’s a journey I’ve personally navigated. For five years, I delved deep into understanding its root causes within my own body, and I’m grateful to say I am now in remission.
This experience has profoundly shaped not only my health but also how I approach patient care. It has given me a level of empathy and understanding that I believe is invaluable. Today, I want to share a little about my journey, not as a one-size-fits-all solution, but as a message of hope and an insight into the naturopathic principles that guide my approach to helping others with thyroid conditions.
The Early Days: Recognizing the Whispers (and Shouts) of My Body
Like many who are eventually diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, my initial symptoms were somewhat vague and could have been attributed to a busy life – a persistent fatigue that sleep didn’t quite fix, a sense of brain fog that made sharp focus a challenge, and subtle shifts in my overall well-being. As a Naturopathic Doctor, I knew something was off, even if standard lab tests initially seemed “within range.”
The journey of seeking answers can be frustrating. I recognize the challenges of navigating causes and potential treatments for many ailments, and Hashimoto’s is certainly one that requires a thorough, individualized approach.
The Turning Point: Uncovering My Root Causes
For me, “working on the root cause” became my mantra. Naturopathic medicine teaches us to look beyond the diagnosis and ask why the body is out of balance. My own investigation involved looking at:
- Comprehensive Thyroid Testing: Going beyond TSH to understand my full thyroid hormone picture, including T4, T3, Reverse T3, and crucially, thyroid antibodies (TPOAb and TgAb) which confirmed the autoimmune nature.
- Gut Health: The gut-immune connection is so powerful. I explored potential food sensitivities (gluten being a significant one for many with Hashimoto’s including myself), gut lining integrity (“leaky gut”), and microbiome balance. SIBO breath tests and microbiology stool tests were extremely helpful.
- Stress & Adrenal Function: Understanding how my body was responding to stress and supporting my adrenal glands was key. Both saliva and urine testing shedded light.
- Sex hormone balance: Estrogen dominance and symptoms of low progesterone. DUTCH testing revealed the complex web and interplay of my hormones.
- Nutrient Status: Ensuring I had optimal levels of nutrients critical for thyroid function and immune modulation, like selenium, zinc, Vitamin D, and B vitamins.
- Environmental Factors: Considering any potential environmental triggers that could be contributing to immune dysregulation. Testing for heavy metal toxicity, mold illness, Lyme disease and co-infections. Finding mold illness as my deep root cause and treating it enabled my immune system to stop attacking my thyroid. And now I am antibody free!
It was this commitment to looking at the whole picture – metabolism, digestion, blood sugar and insulin balance, sex hormones, cortisol, stress, and potential co-infections – that paved the way for true healing.
My Path to Remission: Key Naturopathic Pillars That Made a Difference
Achieving remission wasn’t about a single magic bullet, but a consistent application of core naturopathic principles tailored to my unique needs:
- Personalized Nutrition: This was foundational. For me, identifying and removing dietary triggers (gluten), focusing on an anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense whole foods diet made a profound impact.
- Targeted Supplementation: Based on testing and symptoms, I used specific nutrients and botanical medicines to support thyroid function, modulate my immune system, heal my gut, and support my adrenals.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Prioritizing restorative sleep, managing stress through mindfulness and appropriate exercise, and reducing my overall toxic load were non-negotiable.
- Thyroid Hormone Support: Using the best pharmaceutical thyroid replacement for my body, in the right doses and changing as needed after regular testing. Understanding how my body was converting thyroid hormones and ensuring I had the right support at the right time was also part of my journey.
This is the “work” I refer to when I say I’ve personally done it. It requires patience, persistence, and a deep partnership with your body and your healthcare provider.
A Message of Hope for You
If you are living with Hashimoto’s, please know that you are not defined by your diagnosis. While it’s a chronic autoimmune condition, it doesn’t mean you can’t live a vibrant, energetic life. By investigating and addressing your unique root causes and supporting your body with the right nourishment and care, significant improvement and even remission are achievable.
My journey with Hashimoto’s has been a powerful lesson in the body’s innate capacity for healing when given the right support. It has solidified my belief in the principles of naturopathic medicine and my dedication to helping others navigate their own complex health challenges.
If my story resonates with you, or if you’re seeking a Naturopathic Doctor in Vancouver who brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to Hashimoto’s care, I invite you to learn more about my approach.
Having helped thousands of people on their health journeys, my own experience with Hashimoto’s continually reinforces my commitment to personalized, holistic care.
How My Journey Shapes My Practice Today
If you are living with Hashimoto’s, please know that you are not defined by your diagnosis. While it’s a chronic autoimmune condition, it doesn’t mean you can’t live a vibrant, energetic life. By investigating and addressing your unique root causes and supporting your body with the right nourishment and care, significant improvement and even remission are achievable.
My journey with Hashimoto’s has been a powerful lesson in the body’s innate capacity for healing when given the right support. It has solidified my belief in the principles of naturopathic medicine and my dedication to helping others navigate their own complex health challenges.
If my story resonates with you, or if you’re seeking a Naturopathic Doctor in Vancouver who brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to Hashimoto’s care, I invite you to learn more about my approach.
Ready to Rewrite Your Thyroid Story?
My personal journey and clinical experience have shown me that thriving with Hashimoto’s is possible. If you’re seeking a compassionate partner and a dedicated root-cause approach to your thyroid wellness, I’m here to help guide you.
