Gastric reflux and thyroid problems related? - Thyroid UK

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Gastric reflux and thyroid problems related?

Lois71 profile image
40 Replies

Since my thyroid was removed I started with something called pathological reflux, since then this has been getting worse, I have taken proton pump inhibitors, pepsane, natural supplements, etc. but they have helped little, I had three endoscopies, Ph meteria, manometry , they told me that I did not have a hiatal hernia large enough to be operated on, my question is if thyroid problems are related to this. Yes, I have Helicobacter pylori but I can't stand the treatment.

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Lois71 profile image
Lois71
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40 Replies
PurpleNails profile image
PurpleNailsAdministrator

What are your FT4 & FT3? In your post 2 months ago they were around 30% of range.

Did you increased your dose? Many are not well until FT4 in top 3rd or range & FT3 over 50%.

What was outcome of PH levels & pressure tests?

Low thyroid often levels causes low stomach acid, was that the case?

Absorption can be affected too, how are your nutrients, folate, ferritin, B12 & vitamin D?

Would also explain Helicobacter pylor, thriving in less acidic environment.

Lois71 profile image
Lois71 in reply toPurpleNails

These are my latest results

[I have removed that image as it contains personal information identifying you]

Please can you crop, or type out results

Lois71 profile image
Lois71 in reply toPurpleNails

These are my recent lab resultsTotal T3. .82. . Ref. .84. - 1.72

Free T3. 4.16. Ref. 2.08- 4.3

Total T4. 7.60. Ref. 4.5- 12.5

Free T4. 1.11. Ref. .89- 1.76

TSH. .57 Ref. .4- 4.0

I am taking 112.5mcg Monday, wednesday and friday an the 100 mcg the rest of te week

Nanaedake profile image
Nanaedake

Can you get a referral to a dietitian? The main thing that's helped me is slowly but vastly increasing fibre so that I no longer eat any processed or 'white' grains. It's taken over a year to get everything on track. Also ensuring plenty of water every day. That might not be good for you. Everyone is different so getting expert advice is best. I wonder uf gut problems are affecting thyroid meds absorption too. So one affects the other.

Lois71 profile image
Lois71 in reply toNanaedake

Thanks for you reply, I am on the process to be diagnosed with cushings too, so I am not sure if this syndrome contributes to get the reflux worsen due to the abdominal inflamation

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply toLois71

High cortisol common when under medicated on inadequate dose Levo

Low stomach acid can be a common hypothyroid issue

Thousands of posts on here about low stomach acid

healthunlocked.com/search/p...

Web links re low stomach acid and reflux and hypothyroidism

nutritionjersey.com/high-or...

stopthethyroidmadness.com/s...

thyroidpharmacist.com/artic...

How to test your stomach acid levels

healthygut.com/articles/3-t...

meraki-nutrition.co.uk/indi...

huffingtonpost.co.uk/laura-...

lispine.com/blog/10-telling...

Useful post and recipe book

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Ppi Like Omeprazole will lower vitamin levels even further

gov.uk/drug-safety-update/p...

webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/ne...

pharmacytimes.com/publicati...

PPI and increased risk T2 diabetes

gut.bmj.com/content/early/2...

Iron Deficiency and PPI

medpagetoday.com/resource-c...

Lois71 profile image
Lois71 in reply toSlowDragon

Thank you. I'll take a look to the links 👍

Lois71 profile image
Lois71 in reply toNanaedake

Did you quit rice aswell?

Nanaedake profile image
Nanaedake in reply toLois71

I have brown rice only. Also, I never reheat it. I don't know if this helps other people. You also have to introduce very slowly with plenty of fluids as the gut has to adjust.

I haven't had helicobactor pylori and I imagine you'd need to clear that up first before getting advice from a dietitian for making dietary changes.

jimh111 profile image
jimh111

In hypothyroidism there is reduced lower oesophageal sphincter pressure which allows acid to travel up. Is your hypothyroidism under medicated?

Lois71 profile image
Lois71 in reply tojimh111

These are my recent lab resultsTotal T3. .82. . Ref. .84. - 1.72

Free T3. 4.16. Ref. 2.08- 4.3

Total T4. 7.60. Ref. 4.5- 12.5

Free T4. 1.11. Ref. .89- 1.76

TSH. .57 Ref. .4- 4.0

I am taking 112.5mcg Monday, wednesday and friday an the 100 mcg the rest of te week

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply toLois71

Was test done as recommended

Recommended that all thyroid blood tests early morning, ideally just before 9am, only drink water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test

This gives highest TSH, lowest FT4 and most consistent results. (Patient to patient tip)

On T3 - day before test split T3 as 2 or 3 smaller doses spread through the day with last dose 8-12 hours before test

FT4: 1.11 pmol/l (Range 0.89 - 1.76)

Ft4 only 25.29% through range

FT3: 4.16 pmol/l (Range 2.08 - 4.3)

Ft3 93.69% through range

You look like you are taking T3 as well as Levo …..or NDT

Lois71 profile image
Lois71 in reply toSlowDragon

I am just taking levo (eutirox) am I overdosed?

SlowDragon profile image
SlowDragonAdministrator in reply toLois71

Seems an odd result

Ft4 is very low but Ft3 high

On just levothyroxine its normally the other way around

Retest again in another 6 weeks

Last dose Levo 24 hours before test

Stills profile image
Stills in reply tojimh111

What does id mean in this context please

Beads profile image
Beads in reply toStills

acid, the ‘c’ is missing.

Stills profile image
Stills in reply toStills

Thank you. I’m not yet diagnosed but have symptoms, gastric issues and a long term autoimmune condition of rheumatoid ilk, so I’m learning about thyroid issues here . So much terminology to tasks on board, thanks again.

Anthea55 profile image
Anthea55

You may find this link about low stomach acid useful.

drmyhill.co.uk/wiki/Hypochl...

Lois71 profile image
Lois71

Thank you so much

BonnieG123 profile image
BonnieG123 in reply toLois71

You’re welcome! Merry Christmas!

BonnieG123 profile image
BonnieG123

Hi, Lois. I have a hiatal hernia for about 30 years or more and an underactive thyroid. I’ve never heard of any correlation between them. I also occasionally get acid reflux and I take Pepcid at bedtime when I do. Usually within a week it resolves itself. I also have been told not to take it all the time. I try to stay away from foods I know will bother me. Best wishes for a resolution for you.

Lois71 profile image
Lois71 in reply toBonnieG123

Thanks so much

BlueKeith profile image
BlueKeith

I've had acid reflux , IBS, GERD for 20 years until they put me on levothyroxine and now I have an iron stomach. Mine definitely was thyroid related.

Bristolians2 profile image
Bristolians2

I have just been reading how the thyroid aids the production of lactase in the intestines. Maybe switch to raw dairy as it will contain lactase naturally. To fight h pylori try manuka honey, mastic gum and slippery elm powder. If you must use something for reflux choose milk of magnesia.

Lois71 profile image
Lois71 in reply toBristolians2

Thanks for your reply and advice😊

Wantie profile image
Wantie in reply toBristolians2

Hi, I don't want to butt in on this thread its just that I would really like to read any of the material you have found about thryroid/lactase/intestines. All the best Lois71 and thanks in advance, Bristolians2.

Bristolians2 profile image
Bristolians2 in reply toWantie

I literally just read it-but it's a random sentence in the article. I think there are some truths in what Mercola has to say. Maybe buy lactase enzymes?

Text
helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator in reply toBristolians2

Raw dairy pretty much does not contain lactase.

Things like the bacteria used to produce yogurt do break down lactose. But if they were present and sufficiently active, you would find raw milk having a poor shelf life - turning into yogurt even before using the milk!

Bristolians2 profile image
Bristolians2 in reply tohelvella

I guess it contains what is needed for it to be digested and absorbed and this plus some vitamins are destroyed by heat.

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator in reply toBristolians2

The whole point bout our digestive systems is that we produce what is necessary to digest the foods we eat.

Rather than the foods themselves containing enzymes.

Exceptions occur for fermented foods but, in most cases, those are bacterial in origin and not intrinsic to the original substance.

Ellie-Louise profile image
Ellie-Louise

Mastic Gum is said to kill Helicobacter Pylori.

It certainly helped my insides some years ago.

Batty1 profile image
Batty1 in reply toEllie-Louise

Really is it actually a gum?

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator in reply toBatty1

Wiki article gives a decent intro.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masti...

The rest of the internet has millions of hits - pretty much all of which are in some way trying to sell it or at least sound interesting so you visit their site, see the ads, maybe buy anything from them.

Ellie-Louise profile image
Ellie-Louise in reply toBatty1

You can get capsules or it comes in grains that you chew, then they stick together like gum. Those are good for plaque.

Lois71 profile image
Lois71 in reply toEllie-Louise

I 'll get it asap thank you

Batty1 profile image
Batty1

Helicobacter pylori this is your answer and problem…. My sister suffers terribly with this because her old doctor refused to treat it and now she has so many problems because of it …. Most recent scope in her stomach revealed blood red lining and wavy stomach lining instead of smooth… now must be monitored for stomach cancer…. She has heartburn attacks (her words) no matter what she eats…. Horrible

Lois71 profile image
Lois71 in reply toBatty1

Actually, I supposedly have Helicobacter but I have not been able to tolerate the treatment since my stomach, duodenum and esophagus are very upset. In fact, I was in the hospital for four days for drug gastritis (antibiotics for another reason), helicobacter treatment is very aggressive.

Batty1 profile image
Batty1 in reply toLois71

No suggestions but Helicobacter pylori is a monster.

Stills profile image
Stills

Thank you, will do and deleted

Buxon profile image
Buxon

I have underactive thyroid, sliding hernia and gastric problem. I too was treated for H pylori bacteria. The treatment of several anti biotics was absolutely awful. Eventually, I was admitted to hospital. Fortunately, the H pylori has not returned. I am prescribed Esomeprazole for gastric problem and Levothyroxine for thyroid. Best wishes.

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