What You Need to Know about Hypothyroidism and Heartburn

This process, called fermentation, produces gas, and as gas builds up in your GI tract, bloating can occur. Have you ever wondered if hypothyroidism could be the cause of your acid reflux? This question often goes unexplored despite the known connection between thyroid function and digestive health. I have found the gut to be one of the most common missing links in helping patients restore healthy thyroid function.

Estrogen’s Role in Thyroid Imbalance

Both of these can be important reflux (and Hashimoto’s) triggers, but for me, the dairy was especially aggravating to the reflux (and carpal tunnel I was also experiencing). Symptoms typically come on after eating, lying down, bending over, or with exercise, especially on a full stomach. Remember, before starting any new supplement, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications. They can guide you on the appropriate dosage and possible interactions.

In fact, your thyroid affects every system in your body and vice-versa. There can be many reasons why someone may experience heartburn, but the most common cause I see is due to low stomach acid. Dr. Wentz has dedicated her career to addressing the root causes of autoimmune thyroid disease, after being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis in 2009. As a patient advocate, researcher, clinician and educator, she is committed to raising awareness on how to overcome autoimmune thyroid disease. I spent so much of my life thinking that my acid reflux would not go away. Doctors recommended everything from raising the head of the bed to prescription reflux medications.

53 On a physical level, the tension we feel in response to anxiety may lead to reflux, constipation, leaky gut, or other digestive issues. Since many people with Hashimoto’s and reflux tend to have low stomach acid, it’s important to focus on supporting stomach acid production, as well as repairing a damaged mucus lining, to get rid of reflux. If you have persistent acid reflux despite getting off the two most common offending foods, you may want to do a food sensitivity test. In my experience, the Alletess 184 IgG Food Sensitivity Panelis highly accurate for identifying the food sensitivities that may trigger acid reflux and even contribute to Hashimoto’s.

Acid Reflux, Stomach Acid and Hypothyroidism

• You should be in a relaxed state focused only on your meal and refrain from reading, texting, watching TV etc.  Alcohol and caffeine in excess further stress the GI tract.
• It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
• They can guide you on the appropriate dosage and possible interactions.
• If you have too much stomach acid, then this may help, but if you actually have low levels, it could make it worse or mask the problem.
• If you are uncertain about your next steps, I recommend reading many of the posts that are linked in this article, to begin peeling back the layers and hone in on your personal root causes.

Whether you have high or low stomach acid issues, you will likely benefit from exploring why exactly, before immediately going to acid suppressing medication. With symptoms of acid reflux, you may also feel very full, sick, bloated or tired after eating. Yes, stomach acid that is allowed to move past the esophageal sphincter (the gatekeeper between your throat and your stomach) causes synthroid bogota the burning sensation. But when you have adequate stomach acid, this sphincter will receive a signal to close and not allow the passage of acid or food to make its way into the throat. Your doctor will use a TSH, or thyroid stimulating hormone, test to determine whether you have hypothyroidism. Although millions of people have hypothyroidism, there are many misconceptions around managing it.

If you are having digestive problems, there is a good chance that it is affecting your thyroid function. Bloating after meals, gas, cramping, loose stools, constipation, burping, heartburn, and inconsistent stool formation can all be signs of a digestive problem. You can begin to see if you have digestive problems by doing an easy test at home. While levothyroxine is the primary treatment for hypothyroidism, there are alternative treatment options available. However, it is important to discuss any alternative treatment options with a healthcare provider to ensure they are safe and effective. Gas and bloating occur in the body when there is excess gas trapped in the digestive system.

• Acid reflux is common with Hashimoto’s, but is curable, and my story is a prime example.
• This enzyme is dependent on optimal nutrition and healthy gut bacteria ratios.
• When our bodies feel “unsafe” due to (perceived) stressors, they tend to react in such a way that promotes the production of cortisol in order to protect us.
• For three years, I avoided red wine, tomato sauces, oranges, and all of the other “acidic” foods I was told to avoid.

This is because food sensitivities are delayed reactions that show up via our digestive tract (vs. symptoms of food allergies that happen almost immediately, such as hives, difficulty breathing, etc.). It may, especially if the underlying cause of your acid reflux is solely low thyroid hormone levels. Often, there may be other factors, such as being overweight, contributing to acid reflux. It may also be helpful to explore alternative therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, or meditation. These practices can help reduce stress and inflammation in the body, which can improve symptoms of both thyroid disorders and digestive issues.

For Providers

Unfortunately, this is true if you use most labs that offer the tests. For three years, I avoided red wine, tomato sauces, oranges, and all of the other “acidic” foods I was told to avoid. Proper nutrition is also a crucial part of our lifestyle and is critical in curbing bloating. After all, people usually feel the most bloated after eating a meal, and often, what’s in your food causes the discomfort. For instance, consuming foods that produce gas — like Brussels sprouts, cabbage, or beans — can worsen bloat.

The “4 R’s” to Repair Gastrointestinal Dysfunction:

This inflammation slows down the digestive process and disrupts the balance of gut bacteria. In turn, GI symptoms appear as gas builds up, resulting in GI discomfort. Some also find elevating their head by adding extra pillows or a wedge helps reduce acid reflux symptoms when sleeping. This condition is quite rare, but people who those with thyroid disease are more likely to have it. You are also more at risk if you’re African-American or of northern European descent.

This connection arises because low thyroid hormone levels can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle responsible for keeping your stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus. Additionally, hypothyroidism slows esophageal motility, prolonging the time food stays in the esophagus and stomach, which increases the likelihood of acid reflux. The condition may also be worsened by thyroid medications, stress, or inflammation caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States.