Bloating and thyroid
In general, bloating is a fairly common gastrointestinal symptom and almost everyone experiences it at some point. Bloating is often described as a feeling of fullness, tightness, or swelling in the stomach area. While there are many causes of bloating, here we focus on one cause, which is Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism.
Our body has a complex system that includes several glands, each of which has specific functions. One of these glands is the thyroid gland, which is responsible for the production of thyroid hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones play an important role in regulating body activity, including regulating energy levels, cardiac activity, body heating, as well as digestive processes such as digestion and absorption of food.
In Hashimoto’s disease, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid glands, recognizing them as a threat and attacking them. This attack causes damage and inflammation in the thyroid gland, as a result of which the production of thyroid hormones decreases.
What is flatulence?
Bloating occurs when your digestive tract fills with air or gas, causing a feeling of fullness or tightness in your stomach. Other common symptoms include mild to severe stomach pain or a swollen stomach. You may even notice that you are passing gas or burping more than usual.
Bloating is usually related to a digestive problem, although hormones and underlying medical conditions also play a role. As food passes through your digestive system, the bacteria in your gut break it down. This process, called fermentation, produces gas, and as gas builds up in the digestive tract, bloating may occur.
How does Hashimoto’s cause bloating?
Underproduction of thyroid hormones can have interesting effects on the digestive system. These hormones play an important role in regulating the activity of intestines and digestion. A decrease in the production of thyroid hormones can slow down the digestion and movement of food in the intestines, which leads to bloating, abdominal discomfort, and even other digestive problems.
When the level of these hormones decreases, which happens in Hashimoto’s disease, digestive activity also decreases, and with decreased digestive activity, food may not be fully digested and move improperly through the intestines. This can cause blockages and gas build-up in the intestines, which eventually leads to bloating, a bloated feeling in the abdomen, and the feeling that the abdomen is getting bigger. After the production of thyroid hormones decreases in Hashimoto’s, symptoms such as bloating, abdominal swelling, and other digestive problems such as constipation or indigestion may occur, which some people experience.
What are the solutions to treat bloating of Hashimoto’s disease?
Hashimoto’s treatment may include taking thyroid hormone replacement drugs, which help the body get the thyroid hormones it needs and reduce the symptoms associated with a lack of these hormones. Also, changes in diet and the use of complementary methods can also help in managing symptoms.
The first step in managing bloating in Hashimoto’s disease is to confirm the correct diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Also, changes in diet and lifestyle can help improve symptoms of bloating. Here are five strategies to reduce bloating in Hashimoto’s:
Proper diet:
Food is one of the most effective things that can help improve the bloating of Hashimoto’s disease. Consuming healthy foods with high nutritional value can help. Here are a few that can help with digestive health.
- Having a proper diet
- Chew the food thoroughly while eating for better digestion
- Choosing foods that have less preservatives
Avoiding processed foods, fast foods, sweets and carbonated drinks.
Limiting the consumption of fatty foods, fried foods and heavy sauces
- Increasing high-fiber foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes that help move the intestines better and digest food better.
- Consuming peppermint tea can help you because it contains antioxidant compounds that reduce inflammation and help eliminate excess gas from the intestines. 2-3 cups of pepper tea daily are recommended.
The use of probiotic supplements in the diet can be an effective factor that these substances:
– They contain useful bacteria such as lactobacillus and bifidobacterium.
– They help the intestinal microbial balance.
– They reduce the production of some intestinal gases.
– There are different types in the form of capsules, powder and liquid.
There are other things that can help manage bloating, including:
Betaine HCl:
As mentioned earlier, people with Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism often have low stomach acid. Betaine HCl is a digestive enzyme supplement that can increase stomach acid production and help digest proteins and reduce bloating. However, it is important to consult a professional before starting this supplement, as it may not be suitable for everyone.
Ginger:
Ginger has been used for a long time because of its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. Ginger can help soothe the digestive system, relieve bloating and improve overall digestion. You can take ginger as a supplement or take it as a tea or fresh ginger.
