What Is Hashimoto's?
9. Prevention
Because Hashimoto’s disease can be inherited, it is important to know your family’s medical history. One study found that having a close relative with the condition makes people nine times more likely to develop it themselves. However, having a genetic predisposition to an illness does not guarantee that it will manifest. There are many lifestyle choices people can make to minimize their risks.
Avoiding cigarette smoke and other sources of cyanide is extremely important. Other substances that adversely affect the thyroid are excess dietary iodine, radioactive materials, bisphenol-A, antiovulatory birth control medications, and chemicals released from non-stick cookware. Deficiencies of vitamin D3 and selenium are associated with increased risk, so some nutritionists recommend supplementing with these nutrients.
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