Understanding Hashimoto’s Through a Functional Medicine Lens

By Elizabeth Andrews, Functional Medicine Practitioner | Greater by Nature

What is Hashimoto’s?

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, gradually reducing its ability to produce thyroid hormones. This often leads to hypothyroidism and symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, cold intolerance, hair thinning, and low mood.

Why Functional Medicine?

Functional medicine goes beyond treating symptoms. It asks why your immune system is attacking your thyroid in the first place and seeks to identify and address the root causes of imbalance in the body—be it gut health, nutrient deficiencies, toxins, or chronic stress.

The Functional Medicine Approach to Hashimoto’s

1. Looking at the Whole Person

Rather than looking at the thyroid in isolation, we explore your full history, lifestyle, and environment. Key questions we ask:

• When did your symptoms begin?

• Was there a triggering event (e.g., infection, trauma, birth)?

• What’s your gut health like?

• How are you sleeping?

• What are your stress levels and coping tools?

  
  

2. Root Cause Testing

We use advanced lab testing to assess:

• Thyroid panel: TSH, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, Thyroid antibodies (TPO & TG)

• Gut health: microbiome balance, parasites, inflammation markers

• Nutrient levels: selenium, zinc, B12, iron, vitamin D, magnesium

• Blood sugar and cortisol: metabolic drivers of fatigue and hormone imbalance

  
  

3. Personalised Nutrition

We build a food plan to:

• Reduce inflammation (often gluten-, dairy-, and soy-free to start)

• Stabilise blood sugar (key for hormonal balance)

• Rebuild gut lining and promote detox

Common healing foods:

• Wild salmon, bone broth, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables (cooked), berries, seeds, fermented foods.

  
  

4. Supporting the Immune System

Hashimoto’s is autoimmune, so immune regulation is key:

• Gut support (probiotics, glutamine, antimicrobial herbs)

• Stress reduction (adaptogens, breathwork, sleep hygiene)

• Targeted supplementation as needed based on test results

  
  

What Makes Greater by Nature Different?

I work closely with clients over time to educate and empower them—not just hand out protocols. Many people I work with have been dismissed for years. Together, we create a roadmap that finally connects the dots.

You’re not lazy. You’re not crazy. Your body is speaking—and I’m here to listen.

Next Steps

• Download our free guide: “Thyroid Checklist”

• Book a free 15-minute discovery call

• Based in Sussex, UK (virtual consults available)