Sore Throats in Thyroid and Autoimmune Patients

Liz Chau

Guest Author

Name: Liz Schau
Website: www.DearThyroid.org
Email: LizSchau@gmail.com
Twitter: @lejeal

Sore throats and other oral complications can typically affect those with poor endocrine health (as most prominently noted by Dr. Joseph Mercola), though we often don’t associate the two. Especially for patients with thyroid disease, and/or autoimmune thyroid disease. chronic infections of the mouth and sore throats can cause lots of pain and discomfort. Unfortunately, this isn’t on the list of “acceptable” symptoms, and can often get overlooked by doctors and health care professional. In order to alleviate or ease such throat pain and soreness, many patients turn to natural methods of treatment.

Many times a sore throat in a person with a compromised immune system, especially one in a person with thyroid disease and/or autoimmunity can indicate an underlying systemic candida infection. In this case, eliminating refined sugars, starches, possible food allergens, and chlorinated/fluoridated water (ie. tap water), as well as emphasizing fresh, raw (preferably organic) vegetables in one’s diet is integral for overcoming the infection. It’s important to remember that everything we eat has an affect on the flora in the oral cavity and a diet high in processed foods and refined sugars inevitably cause the “bad” bacteria to multiply out of control (it’s one reason your dentist tells you to avoid sugar).

Other methods thyroid patients use that they claim have helped to alleviate soreness in the throat include sea salt gargles, ginger slices steeped in hot water, raw garlic, hot tea (with a squeeze of citrus), ice packs, plenty of fluids so the mouth doesn’t dry out, and vitamin C. No matter which means of treatment one chooses, it’s important that the oral complications of thyroid disease not be overlooked.

About the Author

Liz Schau is a health writer whose focus is in nutrition, as well as natural and green living. She is the resident GreenGirl for hangPROUD.com, as well as a columnist for DearThyroid.org on which she writes “How To Kick Your Thyroid’s Ass”: an irreverent guide to better thyroid health. Liz is also a gluten-free guide for Examiner.com.