Can Hypothyroidism Cause Acid Reflux?

Pylori (the bacteria that may lead to ulcers), bloating, reflux, and upset stomach. 30 Generally, people see symptom resolution of reflux in days, but a full 60-day course is used to clear out non-resistant H. I’ve seen a strong connection between reflux and Hashimoto’s, and the two share many similar possible root causes, including food sensitivities, gut infections, and nutrient depletions. Consuming a food you have a sensitivity or intolerance to can lead to inflammation in your GI tract.

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It replaces the amount of hormone the thyroid is unable to or can no longer make, helping to restore your thyroid hormone levels to the range they need to be. The main conventional approach for treating acid reflux is to suppress the symptom by using medication to suppress stomach acid. Proton pump inhibitors like Prilosec, and H2 receptor blockers like Pepcid, are two that I was personally taking with limited help, when I discovered the real cause of my symptoms.

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An imbalance in the bacteria ratio (of good vs. bad) in the GI tract (dysbiosis) can lead to low thyroid function. This explains why so many patients with thyroid hormone imbalance also have digestive problems but normal thyroid blood chemistry panels. In addition to the above prevention strategies, it is important to note that certain medications and supplements can interact with levothyroxine and cause digestive issues.

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It is made as and when you eat, but many hypothyroid patients have stomach acid issues. High or low stomach acid can lead to GORD, GERD, acid reflux, heartburn, indigestion, difficulty swallowing, chest pain/discomfort, coughing and even hoarseness. This website provides health, wellness, fitness, and nutritional information for informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, medication, or supplement.

Bloating occurs when your gastrointestinal (GI) tract fills with air or gas, causing feelings of fullness or tightness in your stomach. Other common gastrointestinal symptoms include mild to severe stomach pain or a stomach that appears swollen. Additionally, individuals with hypothyroidism may experience stress and anxiety related to their condition, which can also exacerbate acid reflux. Poor dietary choices and food sensitivities are another big factor both of which create inflammation that damages your GI tract. Sugar and processed carbohydrates are like fast food to your gut bacteria which causes them to grow out of balance.

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Recommendations that included magnesium, ginger, bone broth, and raising the head of my bed did not work. Lo and behold, the test revealed that I was sensitive to a whole host of new and different foods, including ginger, chicken, and salmon. For proper thyroid function, your body must convert T4 into the more active T3 and 20% of this happens in your intestines. In order for this conversion to happen, healthy colonies of beneficial bacteria must be present inthe GI tract.

It is important to note that levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating, to ensure proper absorption. Additionally, it is important to take levothyroxine at the same time every day to maintain consistent hormone levels in the body. It is also recommended to avoid taking other medications or supplements within four hours of taking levothyroxine, as they can interfere with its absorption and effectiveness. This web site offers health, wellness, fitness and nutritional information and is provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional.

In my book Adrenal Transformation Protocol, I talk extensively about how sending safety signals to the body is so important for healing.
Acid reflux is also known as heartburn, indigestion, or simply reflux.
In fact, the prescribing information for most levothyroxine products state to have your TSH levels checked after 8-12 weeks if you switch between manufacturers of levothyroxine.
These symptoms are believed to be caused by the way levothyroxine affects the absorption of nutrients in the body.

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Remember that some antacids and PPIs can interfere with the absorption of thyroid medications. (Liquid forms of levothyroxine, like Tirosint, are generally recommended for patients who regularly take these medications.) Generally, OTC medications are taken just as needed for heartburn symptoms. They are not recommended for daily use without your healthcare provider’s supervision. Make sure to check with your healthcare provider before starting any OTC antacid. There is also evidence to suggest that there may be a connection between acid reflux and hypothyroidism when it’s caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the autoimmune disease that causes hypothyroidism. One theory is that the inflammation caused by Hashimoto’s disease can impact the function of the esophagus and stomach, leading to acid reflux.

But these were just “band-aid” solutions and did not get to the root cause of my reflux! Then I realized that along with adjusting my diet, I also needed to do more to address stress. Diagnostic Solutions’ GI-MAP stool test can help identify gut infections like H. The test can also clue us into various enzyme deficiencies and histamine-producing microbes that could be driving up histamine levels. The conventional medicine approach focuses on using breath tests (which only catch severe infections), while stool antigen tests for H. Pylori tend to be the most sensitive type of test, finding even low-grade infections.

Be sure to follow-up with your doctor consistently so you can be monitored for side effects. You also want your thyroid levels or TSH levels tested excess synthroid on a consistent basis to be sure your Synthroid is working as intended. Lastly, it is important to be aware that symptoms of hyperthyroidism include cardiac (i.e heart) problems. One of the most common symptoms of heart failure is swelling, especially in the lower extremities. If you are experiencing swelling in the lower extremities, it is important to see your doctor immediately.