If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from acid reflux, you may be wondering if your thyroid problems are to blame. While there is no definitive answer, there is much evidence linking the two conditions.
While there are many potential causes of acid reflux, one possibility you may not have considered is a thyroid disorder. In this article, we will explore the relationship between thyroiditis and acid reflux and discuss how to get relief from this troublesome condition. Keep reading to learn more!
Table of Contents
What is Acid reflux, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, GERD?
Acid reflux (or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, GERD) occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. This backflow of acid can irritate the esophagus lining, causing a burning sensation in the chest or throat. Acid reflux is a common condition that can cause symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
Some people with acid reflux may also experience a sour taste in their mouth or hoarseness. Acid reflux is most commonly triggered by certain foods and drinks, such as spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and fatty foods.
Other potential triggers include smoking, pregnancy, obesity, and lying down after eating. There are several treatments for acid reflux, including lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery.
Making lifestyle changes, such as drinking less water before the meal, avoiding trigger foods, and eating smaller meals, can often help to reduce symptoms.
Symptoms of Acid Reflux
Medications used to treat acid reflux include antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. Surgery is usually only recommended for people who do not respond to other treatments (according to mainstream medical advice).
However, those medications and treatments do not address the root cause of acid reflux. While antacids and other medications can provide short-term relief; they do not address the root cause of the problem. These medications can actually make the problem worse by further weakening the esophageal sphincter and increasing stomach acid pH.
Instead, they are designed to alleviate symptoms temporarily. People who take them will likely have to continue taking them indefinitely. While this is profitable for the medical industry, it is not ideal for patients.
Side effects and consequences of Acid Reflux medications:
- Small intestine bacterial overgrowth
- Yeast infections
- hip fractures
- hair loss
- chronic inflammation of the stomach
- destruction of skeletal muscle
- acid reflux (yes, the medication to treat acid reflux might cause acid reflux too!)
Fortunately, there are alternative treatments that can address the root cause of acid reflux. These treatments may not be as profitable for the medical industry, but they are much more effective in the long run…
What is Gastroparesis?
Gastroparesis, which is more serious, affects normal stomach muscle function. Gastroparesis is a condition that causes nausea, heartburn, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness very quickly after eating. Because the stomach cannot contract normally, gastroparesis is also known as “stomach paralysis”. This means the stomach can’t properly break down food to send to the small intestine. People with gastroparesis often experience weight loss because they cannot absorb nutrients and calories from food.
Is There a Thyroid and Acid Reflux Connection? One secret your doctor might not tell you…
An imbalance in thyroid hormone levels, especially low T3 levels, can cause various problems, including acid reflux. The cause of Acid Reflux is not “too much acid” It’s because the lower esophageal sphincter muscle is too weak. Why it’s too week? Because of your low T3 [1]!
It is known that hypothyroidism can cause acid reflux symptoms. Research suggests that patients suffering from Hashimoto’s often also have autoimmune gastritis. They might need to take a higher dose of Levothyroxine (a common replacement medication for thyroid hormone) or, even better, Natural Desiccated Thyroid or synthetic liothyronine (T3) to lower their thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and increase T3 levels to a sufficient level.
While there’s no definitive proof that the thyroid is responsible for acid reflux, it remains a significant contributing factor. Call it the main suspect!
The thyroid and hypothyroidism and how they influence the digestive system
When most people think of the thyroid, they think of metabolism. And one of the thyroid’s main functions is to regulate the body’s metabolic rate. But the thyroid does much more than that. Every system in your body is affected by the thyroid. That’s why an imbalance in thyroid function can cause such a wide range of symptoms.
For those with hypothyroidism, poor digestion is a common problem. The low levels of stomach acid and digestive enzymes produced by the thyroid gland can make it difficult to break down food and absorb nutrients properly.
This not only leads to digestive issues but it can also cause a deficiency of thyroid hormones. Fortunately, treatment with the T3 hormone can help regulate stomach acid production and improve nutrient absorption. By resolving the underlying cause of the problem, T3 hormone therapy can help break the cycle of poor digestion and hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism and hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid)
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces insufficient levels of hormones. These hormones are important in regulating many systems, including metabolism and digestion. One of the digestive problems that can be caused by hypothyroidism is known as hypochlorhydria, or low stomach acid levels. This condition can lead to various problems, including indigestion, heartburn, and an increased risk of bacterial infections.
3 Triggers of Acid Reflux:
1. Smoking
Smoking is a known risk factor for developing acid reflux. Smoking can lead to GERD by irritating the lining of the esophagus, and by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter muscle. This increases the risk for acid reflux and can make it harder to treat.
2. Large meals and late-night snacking
The digestive process begins with the ingestion of food, which is chewed and mixed with saliva in the mouth. The food then passes down the esophagus and into the stomach, where it is further broken down by gastric juices. If the stomach is overloaded with food, or if the valve at the entrance to the stomach (the pyloric sphincter) is weak, the food can flow back up the esophagus and cause acid reflux.
3. Trigger foods
Trigger foods are those that are more likely to cause acid reflux. The reason these foods are problematic is that they relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which is the muscle that separates the stomach and esophagus. When this muscle is lax, stomach acid can flow back up into the esophagus, causing the burning sensation known as heartburn.
Common trigger foods include fatty and fried foods, chocolate, caffeine, citrus fruits and juices, and spicy foods.
How You Can Decrease the Effects of Acid Reflux
1. Avoid trigger foods such as caffeine, spicy dishes, mint, and citrus fruits.
2. Eat smaller meals more often throughout the day instead of large meals three times a day. This can help to keep your stomach from becoming overly full, which can lead to reflux.
3. One of the most important things to remember is to avoid drinking a lot of water 30 minutes before or during your meals. This is because water can dilute stomach acid, making it more difficult for your body to digest food properly.
4. Try drinking 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (with a small quantity of water) before each meal. This will help to balance the pH levels in your stomach.
5. Finally, prop up your head with pillows when you sleep to prevent stomach acid from rising into your throat. By following these simple tips, you can help to decrease the frequency and severity of your acid reflux episodes.
You need Optimal Thyroid Levels to not suffer from acid reflux
Optimal thyroid hormone replacement medication dose can often resolve the issue of acid reflux, as well as other issues such as fatigue and weight gain. In some cases, natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) or synthetic T3 may be required to achieve optimal results.
In conclusion, acid reflux is a problem that can be caused by many things, but thyroid levels are one factor that can play a role. If you have acid reflux, it is important to work with your doctor to ensure your thyroid levels are in the optimal range.
This may help improve your symptoms and allow you to live a healthier life. Have you ever tried T3 hormone therapy to help with your acid reflux? Write in the comments!