INTEGRATIVNI PRISTUP U LIJEČENJU HASHIMOTOVE BOLESTI

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a chronic autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid gland which most commonly occurs in the middle-aged and elderly women, being considered the most common autoimmune disease and one of the most common endocrine disorders in general. Most often HT presents with symptoms of hypothyroidism such as fatigue, dry skin, constipation, muscle cramps and increased sensitivity to coldness. Very often it occurs together with other AI diseases, which is known as polyautoimmunity. Such an association is explained by increased immunosensitivity in patients with micronutrient deficiency and the presence of autoantibodies against various tissues. In the initial phase of treatment it is important to replace the deficient thyroid hormones with levothyroxine. Furthermore, the therapeutic approach should be upgraded with all necessary supplements: selenium, zinc, iodine, probiotics, vitamin D, vitamins B, omega 3, etc. The patients have to be motivated to change their lifestyle through dietary modifications and encouraged to follow the anti-inflammatory and gluten-free diet, representing the most important part of the therapeutic approach . Moreover, it is necessary to insist in developing patient’s ability to achieve better control of the disease and reduction of symptoms. It is recommended to use multiple directions in the psychological approach to achieve motivation and desire to change that will possibly lead to significant improvement, if not the complete healing from Hashimoto’s disease.