Believe it or not, the very first thing that you need to do to heal from an autoimmune disease isn’t change your diet, do a detox, or pay for expensive testing. Some of these things might come later, but I’m a big advocate of doing something else first. It’s also not trying to figure out what the triggers are, though that too will be an important step in your journey.

The very first thing you need to do heal is to decide to. It’s that simple.

Mast cells are immune cells found in tissues like the skin, lungs, and gut, particularly in areas exposed to the outside world. They’re part of the body’s first line of defence, responding to things like allergens or infections. These cells store chemicals such as histamine, cytokines, and prostaglandins, which they release when triggered. This release helps create inflammation, recruit other immune cells to the site of a threat, and even aid in tissue repair. While this process protects the body, it’s also what causes the symptoms of allergic reactions like swelling, itching, and redness.

It’s true that there is no medical cure for hypothyroidism. No pill will give you back your energy and zest for life. However, it’s important to understand that hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s are lifestyle diseases. The things that cause them are the everyday decisions that you make. Undoing them relies on understanding the cause underpinning your condition. Many factors can contribute (these are the five pillars of Ecological Nutrition), but at the end of the day, it all comes down to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction (which you can read more about here). Reducing oxidative stress and getting your mitochondria working the way they should is the key unlocking health and wellbeing.

Here are the most common symptoms:

• Fatigue

• Skin rashes, eczema, or hives

• Joint pain and swelling

• Hormonal imbalances and irregular periods in women

• Digestive issues, including bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation

• Food intolerances and allergies

• Chemical sensitivities

• Anxiety and/or depression

Far from being mysterious, there is a very clear link between autoimmune disease and mental health: the autonomic nervous system. The state of your autonomic nervous system reflects both the state of your mental heath and how your immune system is functioning.