Ways to Reduce Inflammation & Detox with Hashimoto's

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a condition caused by inflammation of the thyroid gland. It is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body inappropriately attacks the thyroid gland - as if it was foreign tissue and in turn the body creates inflammation to survive the attack. The same as when we get inflammation when our immune system is fighting a cold or virus.  One symptom that many Hashimoto's patients deal with is increased inflammation in the body. It will cause stubborn weight gain, brain fog, fatigue, depression and achy joints. One of the key components of healing Hashimoto’s is addressing inflammation in the body.

Here are seven ways to reduce inflammation and detox your body so that you can begin to regain control of your health:

1. Infrared Sauna

An infrared sauna is a type of sauna that uses light to create heat. This type of sauna is sometimes called a far-infrared sauna -"far" describes where the infrared waves fall on the light spectrum. A traditional sauna uses heat to warm the air, which in turn warms your body. An infrared sauna heats your body directly without warming the air around you. I go 1x week when I’m feeling really inflamed or 2x a month for maintenance. It’s an amazing detoxifier and helps with stubborn weight loss.

2. Hof Breathing Exercises and Cold Showers

The breath work helps a lot with autoimmunity and the cold showers help to decrease inflammation and promote weight loss.
 

3. Epsom salt baths

An Epsom salt bath may provide pain relief and reduce swelling in people living with certain types of inflammatory conditions. It helps to detoxify and draw out excess water.
 

4. Dry brushing to stimulate lymph nodes

The course bristles on the brush stimulate the pores and open them up. It will help the body to move waste out and detoxify, the skin is our largest organ so it’s important to help it facilitate detoxification. 
 

5. Acupuncture

One well-researched effect of acupuncture is reducing inflammation throughout the body. Acupuncture stimulates chemicals that reduce swelling and quiet unwanted immune responses and allergic reactions.
 

6. Rebounding for lymphatic drainage on a mini trampoline

Gentle bouncing on a mini trampoline for at least 10 to 15 minutes will stimulate your lymphatic system, says Ellen Kamhi in her book, “Alternative Medicine Magazine's Definitive Guide to Weight Loss.” The rapid changes in gravity cause your lymphatic channels to expand, thus enhancing lymphatic circulation. I bought a small, foldable trampoline from amazon 10 years ago and use it to jump for 5-10 minutes in the morning.
 

7. Cryotherapy

Cold therapy is also known as cryotherapy. It works by reducing blood flow to a particular area, which can significantly reduce inflammation and swelling. I’ve found this very helpful for reducing inflammation, but if you can’t find a place near you, cold showers are an option too.