First discovered by Dr. Hakaru Hashimoto in 1912, this health condition is one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism, or abnormally low thyroid hormones, in the United States. Essentially, this condition is caused by the inflammation of the thyroid gland. It is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks the thyroid gland, "thinking" that it's foreign tissue. Your thyroid gland is immensely important to your body as it makes and stores hormones that help regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and the rate at which food is converted in to energy. Basically, your thyroid is part of what makes every cell in your body work at its best.

While the underlying cause of the autoimmune disease is unknown, Hashimotos thyroiditis tends to run in families and has also been linked to other autoimmune conditions, such as celiac disease or Type 1 diabetes.

What are the Symptoms of Hashimotos Thyroiditis?

In many cases, Hashimotos thyroiditis manifests itself like any other thyroid conditions. Some people have very mild to no symptoms at all, however, over time, generally the symptoms intensify. Common symptoms of Hashimoto's thyroiditis include:

• Fatigue
• Depression
• Some weight gain
• An intolerance to cold or drop in body temperature
• Dry hair and skin
• Muscle cramps
• Constipation
• Aches and pains
• Swelling of the legs
• Puffiness around the eyes

Like many autoimmune conditions, Hashimotos thyroiditis can affect each person differently, so it's best to consult with your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms or are at a higher risk of this condition based upon your family and medical history.

Treating Hashimotos Thyroiditis

When diagnosed properly, the resulting hypothyroidism that Hashimoto's Thyroiditis causes can be treated with thyroid hormone replacement. However, for some people, another option is to care for the autoimmune condition through gastrointestinal therapy that focuses on keeping the intestinal barrier healthy. OVitaminPro.com carries a supplement called Biothroid-B that's designed to support your thyroid systems. Don’t forget glutathione support (BetterGenix NAC).

As always, when dealing with any medical condition involving your immune system or digestive system, it's best to consult with your doctor as he or she will be able to properly diagnose any health problem should symptoms arise.