Nataliia Sanzo: 0:00

Welcome to today's episode of Hashimoto's Nutrition Rx. I'm your host, natalia Sanzo, a registered dietitian specializing in Hashimoto's hypothyroidism. In today's episode, we're diving deep into a topic that is close to my heart and essential for anyone living with Hashimoto's. The topic is probiotics. Probiotics can play a pivotal role in supporting various aspects of health, from gut integrity to immune function. But not all probiotics are created equal, and you have to pick a specific probiotic for your specific concern. That's exactly what I'm going to help you do today. For your convenience, I will list all the probiotics I'm talking about today in the show notes. Before we dive into specifics of how different probiotics can benefit various aspects of health, let's take a moment to understand why gut health is so crucial, especially in the context of Hashimoto's.

Nataliia Sanzo: 1:00

Our gut is often referred to as a second brain, and for good reason. It houses an extensive network of neurons and produces more than 90% of the body's serotonin, a critical neurotransmitter for mood regulation. But beyond its role in mental health, the gut is a central hub for our immune system. In fact, around 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, making it a key player in regulating immune responses. For people with Hashimoto's and autoimmune thyroid disorder, maintaining a healthy gut is paramount. Here's why. First, immune regulations. The gut microbiome, a diverse community of bacteria, viruses and fungi, plays a significant role in modulating the immune system. A balanced microbiome helps the immune system distinguish between harmful invaders and the body's own tissue. In Hashimoto's, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, supporting a healthy gut can help reduce an autoimmune activity and inflammation.

Nataliia Sanzo: 2:11

The second reason why we talk about gut health and Hashimoto is the connection between leaky gut, or increased intestinal permeability, and autoimmune triggers. A compromised gut barrier, often referred to as leaky gut, can allow undigested food particles, toxins and pathogens to enter the bloodstream, eventually causing full-body systemic inflammation. Probiotics can help strengthen the gut lining, reducing permeability and the likelihood of these triggers. The third reason we always talk about gut health in Hashimoto's is because of nutrient absorption. The gut is where nutrient absorption happens. For those of us living with Hashimoto's, deficiencies in essential nutrients like selenium, zinc and vitamin D can worsen symptoms and thyroid function. A healthy gut ensures that these nutrients are properly absorbed, supporting thyroid health and energy levels. Fourth reason why we talk about gut health and Hashimoto's is because of hormone balance. The gut microbiome also influences the metabolism and balance of hormones, including estrogen. Hormonal imbalances are common in Hashimoto's, and a healthy gut can help regulate these hormones, potentially alleviating symptoms like mood swings, weight gain and menstrual irregularities.

Nataliia Sanzo: 3:38

Reason number five we talk about gut health and Hashimoto's is in context of inflammation and oxidative stress. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are common issues in those of us with Hashimoto's, contributing to tissue damage and worsening symptoms. A balanced gut microbiome can produce anti-inflammatory compounds, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress throughout the body. In essence, the health of gut is intricately linked to the immune system, hormonal balance and overall well-being. For those of us with Hashimoto's, a focus on gut health isn't just a good idea. It's a critical component of managing the condition and improving quality of life. This is where probiotics come into play, offering a natural way to support and enhance gut health, ultimately leading to better overall health.

Nataliia Sanzo: 4:36

In the next few minutes, we will talk about specific probiotics for overall gut health and microbiome balance. If you're looking to improve gut health and support a healthy microbiome, one brand that stands out in this area is Seed Seed Probiotics. S-e-e-d offers a unique blend of prebiotics and probiotics designed to promote a diverse and healthy gut microbiome. By the way, you can get 50% off your first order with my unique link See the show notes below. Their formulation includes specific strains like Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillum plantarium. These strains are not just popular buzzwords. They play a significant role in strengthening the gut barrier and supporting overall gut health. The inclusion of prebiotics like pomegranate and chaga mushroom extract is another game changer. Prebiotics are essentially food for the beneficial bacteria in your gut, helping them thrive and colonize more effectively. For those with Hashimoto's, maintaining a healthy gut can reduce inflammation and improve immune regulation, making seed an excellent choice for foundational gut support.

Nataliia Sanzo: 5:53

Next, let's talk about specific probiotics for gut healing. Many of us with Hashimoto's struggle with issues like leaky gut, where the lining of the intestines become permeable, allowing toxins and undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream. This can trigger autoimmune reactions and worsen symptoms stream. This can trigger autoimmune reactions and worsen symptoms. For gut healing, I highly recommend Pure Encapsulation Probiotics 50B for Billion. These high-potency probiotics contain 50 billions CFU per capsule, which includes strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium lactis. These strains have been extensively studied for their gut healing properties. They can help restore gut flora balance, reduce intestinal permeability and support digestion. Healing the gut is crucial for reducing autoimmune triggers and improving nutrient absorption. When your gut is healthy, your body is better equipped to absorb essential nutrients like vitamin D, iron and selenium, all of which are vital for thyroid health and overall well-being.

Nataliia Sanzo: 7:03

Now I will cover specific probiotics for mood and mental health. Did you know that our gut and brain are in constant communication? This connection can significantly impact our mood and mental health. For those of us dealing with Hashimoto's, managing stress and mood swings is a big part of the journey. One product that stands out in this category is Garden of Life Mood Plus Probiotics. This supplement contains strains like Lactobacillus halviticus and Bifidobacterium longum, specifically marketed for supporting emotional well-being and reducing stress. These strains can influence the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, often referred to as a happy hormone. Another excellent choice is the Align Digestive Support Supplement. It includes Bifidobacterium longum, which is known for its gut-brain health benefits, including mood support and digestive balance. And let's not forget about Nature's Bounty Probiotics, gx, which also includes strains known for gut health and mood support, helping to manage occasional stress and anxiety.

Nataliia Sanzo: 8:18

Okay, next segment is, for ladies only specific probiotics for vaginal health. Hormonal imbalances in Hashimoto's can sometimes lead to issues like yeast infection or bacteria vaginosis or bacterial vaginosis. Maintaining a healthy vaginal flora is key to preventing these issues, and probiotics can be incredibly helpful here. One of my top recommendations is Renew Life Women's Vaginal Probiotics. It contains targeted strains like lactobacillus roteri and lactobacillus rhamnosus, which are excellent for supporting vaginal and urinary tract health. These strains help maintain an acidic environment in the vagina, which can prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Another great option is Jara Formula Femdophilus. This probiotic is specifically designed for women's health, featuring Lactobacillus romnus and Lactobacillus roteri. These strains are clinically proven to maintain a healthy vaginal flora and prevent infections. And for a more comprehensive approach, consider Lovebug Probiotics. This product focuses on balancing vaginal flora and supporting digestive health, making it a fantastic alternative all-in-one option.

Nataliia Sanzo: 9:31

Next up, let's talk about specific probiotics for hair health. Hair loss can be a frustrating symptom of Hashimoto's, often linked to nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances and stress. Probiotics can indirectly support health hair by improving gut health and nutrient absorption. One of my favorite brands for this is Nutrafol. Nutrafol offers a range of hair growth supplements, including the Nutrafol Women's Balance and Nutrafol's Man's Formula. These supplements include a blend of probiotics and target hair growth for within by addressing factors like stress, hormones and nutrient absorption. But you have to be very careful if you have Hashimoto's hypothyroidism. Nutrafol has a very high dose of iodine, so take this supplement every other day to avoid overdosing on supplemental iodine, which can make hair loss even worse. Another great option when it comes to probiotics for hair loss is Hairfinity Healthy Hair Vitamins. These vitamins include probiotics, among other ingredients, which help improve gut health and enhance the absorption of essential nutrients like biotin and vitamin D, both critical for hair growth. Lastly, Advanced Trichology Nutrivive Hair Growth Serum includes a probiotics blend that marketing to support scalp health and promote hair growth by balancing the scalp microbiome and reducing inflammation.

Nataliia Sanzo: 11:07

Finally, let's talk about specific probiotics for skin health. Our skin is often a reflection of what's happening inside our bodies. For those with Hashimoto's, skin, issues like dryness, eczema and acne can be very common. Probiotics can help by supporting a healthy skin barrier and reducing inflammation. One of the best products in this category is Garden of Life Doctor Formulated Probiotics for Skin. This supplement includes a blend of 29 probiotic strains, such as lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium lactis, known for their potential benefits in promoting a healthy skin barrier. Another excellent option is Love Wellness Good to Glow. While primarily marketed as a supplement for overall skin health, it contains probiotics like lactobacillus acidophilus, which can help improve skin clarity and hydration by supporting gut health. And if you're looking for more general probiotics that also benefits the skin. Consider Aura Organic Trust your Gut. This supplement includes strains like lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidobacterium lactis, which can help balance skin microbiome and reduce acne and other issues linked to unhealthy gut.

Nataliia Sanzo: 12:27

And that wraps up today's deep dive into the world of probiotics and how they can significantly benefit those of us with Hashimoto's. From gut health to mental well-being, skin clarity and hair vitality, the right probiotics can make a world of difference in your health journey. Remember, everyone's body is unique, so it's essential to find the right combination of probiotics that works for you. Always consult with your healthcare professional, dietitian, before starting any new supplements, especially if you have chronic condition like Hashimoto's. Guys, thank you so much for tuning in to Hashimoto's Nutrition Rx. If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review and share it with others who might benefit. Your support means the world to me and helps me continue to bring you valuable content. Until next time, take care of yourself and stay nourished.