What Research Reveals About the connection between Psoriasis and Thyroid Disease

 

When Thyroid and Skin Speak the Same Language

If you live with a thyroid condition or psoriasis—or both—you’ve probably felt like your body is speaking in riddles. Fatigue, inflammation, skin flares, mood shifts… it can feel like a game of symptom ping-pong. But a new study published in Medicine (September 2025) offers something rare: clarity.

What Did the Study Find?

Researchers used a method called Mendelian randomization—a way of analyzing genetic data to explore cause-and-effect relationships. Their goal? To determine whether thyroid dysfunction actually causes psoriasis, or vice versa.

Here’s the headline: Thyroid disease may causally increase the risk of developing psoriasis. Specifically, the study found that both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism were associated with a higher likelihood of psoriasis. However, the reverse wasn’t true—psoriasis didn’t appear to cause thyroid disease.

Why Does This Matter?

For years, people with autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s or Graves’ have reported skin issues, including psoriasis. But the medical community often treated these as separate silos. This study suggests they’re more like neighboring houses—connected by shared pathways of inflammation, immune dysregulation, and hormonal shifts.

If you’ve ever felt dismissed when linking your skin flares to your thyroid labs, this research says: you’re not imagining it.

What Can You Do With This Information?

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or a seasoned warrior, here are a few gentle takeaways:

• Track symptoms holistically. If your thyroid levels shift, pay attention to your skin. Flares might not be random.

• Advocate for integrated care. Share this research with your GP, endocrinologist, or dermatologist. It may help them see the bigger picture.

• Support your immune system gently. Anti-inflammatory nutrition, stress reduction, and sleep hygiene aren’t just buzzwords—they’re bridges between systems.

• Validate your experience. You don’t need to prove your body’s complexity. This study does it for you.

A Note for the Autoimmune Community

Living with chronic illness often means piecing together fragments of truth. This research offers a rare mosaic—a glimpse into how your thyroid and skin might be speaking the same language. And more importantly, it affirms what many of you already knew: your symptoms are connected, and your story deserves to be heard in full.

Kaempferol: A Natural Ally for Your Immune System

Living with an autoimmune condition can feel like your body is fighting itself. But what if a natural compound found in everyday foods could help calm that storm? Meet Kaempferol—a plant-based flavonoid with powerful immune-balancing effects.

What Is Kaempferol?

Kaempferol (KMF) is a yellow pigment found in many fruits and vegetables—like apples, strawberries, beans, carrots, and even ginkgo leaves. It’s part of a group called flavonoids, which are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers.

Scientists have discovered that KMF doesn’t just protect cells—it also helps regulate the immune system in smart, flexible ways.

How Kaempferol Supports the Immune System

KMF works like a gentle conductor, helping different immune cells stay in balance. Here’s how:

• T Cells (the decision-makers) KMF helps calm overactive T cells, which are often involved in autoimmune flare-ups. It also encourages a healthier mix of T cell types—reducing inflammation and promoting tolerance.

• Natural Killer Cells (the body’s defenders) KMF boosts their ability to fight cancer and infections. It even improves gut health, which helps these cells work better.

• Dendritic Cells (the messengers) Depending on the situation, KMF can either activate or calm these cells—helping your body respond appropriately to threats without overreacting.

• Neutrophils & Eosinophils (the first responders) KMF reduces their overactivity, which can help with allergic reactions and chronic inflammation.

• Mast Cells (involved in allergies) KMF blocks the release of histamine and other chemicals that trigger allergic symptoms.

• Macrophages (the clean-up crew) KMF encourages a shift from “angry” macrophages to “healing” ones—especially helpful in chronic illness and tissue repair.

Why It Matters for Autoimmune Conditions

Autoimmune diseases often involve a confused or overactive immune system. KMF helps restore balance without shutting the system down completely. It’s like turning down the volume instead of cutting the power.

Researchers believe KMF could be useful in conditions like:

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Psoriasis

• Allergic asthma

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Even cancer-related immune dysfunction

How to Get Kaempferol

You can find KMF in:

• Apples 🍏

• Strawberries 🍓

• Beans 🫘

• Carrots 🥕

• Broccoli 🥦

• Ginkgo leaves 🌿

• Green tea 🍵

While food sources are gentle and safe, supplements may offer higher doses—but always check with a healthcare provider first, especially if you’re on medication or managing multiple conditions.

Final Thoughts

Kaempferol isn’t a magic cure, but it’s a promising tool in the autoimmune toolkit. It supports your body’s natural wisdom—helping your immune system respond with more clarity and less chaos.

If you’re exploring gentle, plant-based ways to support your health, Kaempferol might be worth a closer look.

You can read the full scientific review .

Guided imagery for kids with chronic illness or sensory sensitivities

Guided imagery can be especially powerful for children who feel overwhelmed by medical procedures, pain, or emotional stress. It gives them a sense of agency and comfort, even when their bodies feel out of control.

Guided imagery can be a beautiful, empowering tool for children—especially those navigating pain, anxiety, or sensory overwhelm. Here’s a gentle overview tailored for kids and the adults who support them:

Guided Imagery for Kids: A Gentle Introduction

What is it?

Guided imagery is like storytelling for the body and mind. Children are invited to imagine calming scenes—like floating on a cloud, walking through a magical forest, or cuddling with a friendly animal—to help their bodies relax and their minds feel safe.

Why is it helpful?

• Pain relief: Helps kids shift focus away from discomfort (e.g., muscle aches, headaches, or growing pains)

• Emotional regulation: Eases anxiety, sadness, or overstimulation

• Confidence building: Encourages self-esteem through affirming imagery and phrases

• Sleep support: Creates a soothing bedtime routine that helps kids wind down

How can kids practice it?

• Audio recordings: Gentle voice-led meditations with music

• Parent-led scripts: Read aloud calming stories or visualizations

• Self-guided imagination: Encourage kids to “build” their own safe place in their mind

You can explore nearly 50 free child-friendly scripts on Green Child Magazine—including favorites like The Sleepy Seahorse, Peaceful Butterfly, and The Thankful Turtle.

Sample Script Snippet

“You’re walking through a quiet forest. The leaves whisper gently as you pass. A wise turtle greets you and offers a glowing stone that makes your body feel warm and strong…”

 

Smart Nanoparticles: A Gentle Revolution in Autoimmune Care

For many of us living with autoimmune conditions, treatment often feels like a balancing act between relief and risk. Steroids, biologics, and immunosuppressants can help calm the storm — but they also come with side effects that leave us vulnerable, foggy, or just plain exhausted. What if there were a way to quiet the immune system’s overreaction without silencing its wisdom?

Enter: next-generation nanoparticles (NPs) — tiny, adaptable carriers that may reshape how autoimmune diseases are treated.

What Are Nanoparticles, and Why Do They Matter?

Nanoparticles are microscopic delivery vehicles designed to carry medications, immune modulators, or even genetic material directly to the cells that need them. Think of them as precision-guided messengers, able to bypass healthy tissue and focus only on the areas causing trouble.

For autoimmune conditions, this means:

• Targeted relief without widespread immune suppression

• Lower toxicity, especially for those sensitive to medications

• Customizable treatments based on your unique immune profile

Personalized Medicine Meets Autoimmune Complexity

Autoimmune diseases are rarely one-size-fits-all. What works for one person with lupus or rheumatoid arthritis might worsen symptoms for another. Nanoparticles can be engineered to respond to specific markers in your body — allowing for therapies that are as unique as your condition.

This is especially promising for people who:

• Haven’t responded to conventional treatments

• Experience severe side effects from current medications

• Need immune support without compromising safety

Why This Offers Hope — Not Just Hype

While much of the current research focuses on cancer, scientists are increasingly exploring how NPs can help modulate immune responses in autoimmune diseases. Early studies suggest they could:

• Deliver anti-inflammatory agents directly to inflamed tissues

• Reprogram immune cells to stop attacking healthy tissue

• Reduce the need for high-dose systemic drugs

It’s not a cure-all, and it’s not available everywhere yet — but it’s a gentle revolution in how we think about healing.

What This Means for Our Community

As advocates, patients, and caregivers, we deserve treatments that honor our complexity. Nanoparticle therapy represents a shift from blunt-force suppression to intelligent, compassionate intervention. It’s science catching up to what we’ve always known: our bodies are nuanced, and our care should be too.

SOURCE 

SLE and the Gut Microbiome: Why What’s Inside Matters

Living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) means navigating a complex and often unpredictable illness. But what if part of the puzzle lies not just in your immune system—but in your gut?

A recent review titled “To look forward is to look within” explores how the gut microbiome—the trillions of bacteria living in your digestive tract—might play a role in SLE symptoms, flares, and even treatment response. Here's what patients need to know.

What Is the Gut Microbiome?

Your gut is home to a diverse community of microbes that help digest food, support immunity, and keep inflammation in check. When this balance is disrupted—a state called dysbiosis—it can affect your whole body, including your immune system.

What Did the Study Find?

Researchers reviewed multiple studies on adults with SLE and found consistent patterns:

• Less diversity: People with SLE tend to have fewer types of gut bacteria.

• Imbalance: A lower ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (two major bacterial groups) was common.

• Overgrowth of certain bacteria: Some bacteria, like Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, and Ruminococcus gnavus, were more abundant in SLE patients.

• Leaky gut: Dysbiosis may increase gut permeability, allowing substances to enter the bloodstream that trigger immune responses.

• Link to symptoms: Changes in the microbiome were associated with disease activity, flares, kidney involvement (lupus nephritis), and other symptoms.

How Do Treatments Affect the Gut?

Medications like hydroxychloroquine and corticosteroids—commonly used in SLE—can also influence gut bacteria. While they help manage symptoms, they may shift the microbiome in ways we’re still learning about.

What About Gut-Friendly Therapies?

Early research suggests that:

• Dietary changes may help rebalance the microbiome.

• Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT)—transferring healthy gut bacteria from a donor—shows promise, though it's still experimental.

What Does This Mean for You?

While we’re not yet at the point of prescribing probiotics or FMT as standard SLE care, this research highlights a powerful truth: your gut health matters. It’s part of the bigger picture of how SLE develops, flares, and responds to treatment.

Looking Ahead

The gut microbiome won’t replace your current treatment plan—but it may become part of it. As science evolves, we may see more personalized approaches that include nutrition, microbiome support, and immune regulation.

For now, talk to your healthcare team about any gut symptoms you’re experiencing. And remember: your body is complex, wise, and worthy of care—from the inside out.

READ REVIEW

Common Causes of Morning Nausea when living with autoimmune disease

 

1. Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

Overnight fasting can cause your blood sugar to drop, especially if you didn’t eat much the night before. This can trigger nausea, shakiness, or lightheadedness upon waking.

2. Dehydration

Even mild dehydration can lead to nausea. If you’re not drinking enough water during the day—or losing fluids overnight through sweating or medications—you might wake up queasy.

3. Acid Reflux or GERD

Lying flat can allow stomach acid to creep upward, especially if you ate late or have reflux. This can cause nausea, a sour taste, or burning in the throat.

4. Stress or Anxiety

Morning dread, anticipatory stress, or chronic anxiety can manifest physically. The vagus nerve, which connects your gut and brain, plays a role in this gut-brain loop.

5. Medication Side Effects

Some medications (especially painkillers, antidepressants, or supplements like iron) can cause nausea if taken on an empty stomach or before bed.

6. Sleep Disruption or Fatigue

Poor sleep quality or abrupt waking (like from an alarm) can trigger nausea. Your body may still be in a stress response mode when you wake.

What You Can Try

• Eat a small snack before bed (e.g., a banana or a few crackers) to stabilize blood sugar.

• Hydrate first thing in the morning—a glass of water with a pinch of salt or lemon can help.

• Elevate your head while sleeping to reduce reflux.

• Track your medications and consider timing or food pairing.

• Practice gentle morning routines—slow breathing, stretching, or quiet time before rushing into the day.

If this persists or worsens, it’s worth checking in with a GP or integrative practitioner. They may explore thyroid function, gut health, or hormonal shifts—especially if you’re navigating chronic illness or fatigue.

Thyroid Disease and Depression: What New Research Reveals About Their Connection

If you live with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD), you might have also experienced symptoms of depression. You're not alone—and now, science is uncovering why these two conditions often go hand in hand.

A new study looked at the genetic link between AITD and major depressive disorder (MDD), and the results are eye-opening.

What Did the Study Find?

Researchers used large-scale genetic data to explore whether thyroid disease and depression are connected at the DNA level. Here's what they discovered:

• There is a genetic link between thyroid disease and depression. People with certain genes may be more likely to develop both conditions.

• Some genetic markers are shared between the two diseases. These markers weren’t linked to thyroid disease or depression on their own—but they were when both conditions were present together.

• Depression may increase the risk of thyroid disease. The study found evidence suggesting that depression could play a causal role in triggering autoimmune thyroid disease.

 Key Takeaways for Patients

• Mental health matters. If you have thyroid disease and struggle with depression, it's not just in your head—your genes may be playing a role.

• Treating depression may help your thyroid. While more research is needed, managing your mental health could support your overall well-being, including your thyroid.

• Talk to your doctor. If you're experiencing symptoms of depression—like low mood, fatigue, or trouble concentrating—bring it up during your thyroid check-ups.

Final Thoughts

This research is a reminder that our bodies and minds are deeply connected. If you’re living with thyroid disease, paying attention to your emotional health is just as important as managing your hormone levels. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that help is available—and you deserve it.

READ FULL RESEARCH REPORT

Updates on MS Treatments: Balancing Effectiveness and Safety

 

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) often means making big decisions about treatment. Over the past few decades, powerful immune-suppressing medicines have changed the outlook for many people with MS. These therapies can reduce relapses, slow down disability, and prevent new brain and spinal cord lesions from forming.

But while these medicines can be highly effective, they also come with risks. Doctors and patients must carefully weigh the benefits against possible long-term side effects like infections or even certain cancers.

Types of Immunosuppressant Treatments

There are both older and newer medicines used in MS treatment:

• Older drugs such as azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, and mitoxantrone are effective but can be harder on the body. They have been linked to risks like bone marrow suppression, liver problems, and in some cases, cancers such as leukemia or bladder tumors.

• Newer drugs include cladribine, alemtuzumab, and anti-CD20 therapies (rituximab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, ublituximab). These are generally more targeted in the way they work but still require careful monitoring.

What to Know About Each:

• Cladribine – Taken as a short course, it lowers certain immune cells and can control MS activity. It has a relatively manageable safety profile but still requires regular check-ups for infections and cancer risk.

• Alemtuzumab – A strong treatment that can lead to long-term remission for some people. However, it carries risks of developing new autoimmune conditions (like thyroid disease or low platelets) and rare heart issues, so very close follow-up is needed.

• Anti-CD20 therapies (rituximab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, ublituximab) – These drugs are effective at reducing relapses and MRI activity. Risks include infections, reactivation of hepatitis B, and possible links to cancer with long-term use.

Why Monitoring Matters

Even though these treatments are powerful, no therapy is without risks. Doctors usually recommend:

• Careful screening before starting treatment (such as infection checks, cancer screenings, and blood tests).

• Regular monitoring during treatment to pick up side effects early.

• Individualized care, meaning the treatment chosen depends on your type of MS, health history, and how active your disease is.

Looking Ahead

Research is ongoing to find better ways to predict who will respond best to certain therapies and who may be at higher risk of side effects. With the right selection and monitoring, many people can achieve strong, long-term control of their MS while minimizing risks.

---

Takeaway: Immunosuppressant therapies—both old and new—play an important role in treating MS. They can be life-changing for people with aggressive disease, but they require careful medical oversight to keep patients safe in the long run.

Sources:

"Updates on immunosuppressant safety and malignancy risk in patients with multiple sclerosis"

• A cohort study from Palermo, Italy, of 531 MS patients treated with older immunosuppressants (azathioprine, mitoxantrone, cyclophosphamide) found a dramatically higher cancer risk—adjusted hazard ratio of 11.05 compared to untreated MS patients or the general population BioMed Central+1.

• A broader review highlighted that the duration and dose of immunosuppressant exposure, rather than any specific agent, drive increased malignancy risk in MS patients SpringerLink.

2. Cladribine (Newer Immune Reconstitution Therapy)

• A recent expert narrative review concluded that although initial trials showed a slight imbalance in cancer cases, long-term data indicate that cladribine’s malignancy risk is similar to background levels and other disease-modifying therapies SpringerLink+1.

• An independent meta-analysis found that cladribine did not increase malignancy risk compared with other DMTs MSARD Journal.

• Long-term integrated safety data (up to 8 years) confirm a favorable safety profile, with no emerging safety signals over time ScienceDirect+1.

• A systematic review and meta-analysis reported malignancy occurrence in only ~0.4% of cladribine-treated patients—a reassuringly low rate SpringerLink.

• Regulatory and approval history, along with comparative malignancy risk data, are also discussed in sources like the Wikipedia summary for cladribine Wikipedia.

3. Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibodies (Ocrelizumab, Rituximab, etc.)

• Ocrelizumab’s safety profile includes increased infections, hepatitis B reactivation, and signs of higher malignancy incidence, specifically more breast cancer cases in clinical trials compared to placebo or other treatments Wikipedia.

• (Additional sources may cover rituximab and ofatumumab, but aren't explicitly cited here—let me know if you'd like those added.)

4. General Safety, Monitoring, and Mechanistic Context

• A review in Neurotherapeutics notes that MS differs from other autoimmune diseases in baseline cancer risk, but managing safety remains critical given immunosuppressants’ inherent risks neurotherapeuticsjournal.org.

• A comprehensive overview of MS immunosuppressants outlines potential complications—from infections to malignancy—and examines individualized risk-benefit balances SAGE Journals.

• An immunology-focused review warns that while immunosuppression controls MS inflammation, the immune system plays a key role in preventing cancer, raising concerns about DMT-induced changes Frontiers.

Practical Steps for Managing an Autoimmune Disease

Living with any autoimmune disease, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes or Sjogren's Disease, requires proactive management to maintain your health and quality of life. Below are general steps to help you navigate your condition effectively:

1. Stay Informed About Your Condition and Research
   Keep yourself updated on your autoimmune disease and emerging treatments, such as regulatory T cell (Treg) therapies, through reputable sources. Join patient advocacy groups like the Lupus Foundation of America, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, or Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation for reliable information and support. Discuss potential clinical trials or new therapies with your healthcare provider to explore future treatment options.

2. Communicate Regularly with Your Healthcare Team
   Schedule regular check-ins with your doctor (e.g., rheumatologist, endocrinologist, or other specialists) to monitor your condition and discuss new symptoms, treatment adjustments, or emerging research like Treg-based therapies. Ask specific questions about how new findings might apply to your disease and whether they could impact your treatment plan in the future.

3. Adhere to Your Prescribed Treatment Plan
   Follow your doctor’s recommendations for medications, such as immunosuppressants, anti-inflammatories, or biologics, to manage symptoms and prevent flares. Report any side effects promptly and don’t skip doses, as consistency is key to controlling disease activity.

4. Adopt an Anti-Inflammatory Lifestyle
   If appropriate for your condition, consider an anti-inflammatory diet (e.g., Mediterranean-style, rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil or fish). Consult a dietitian to ensure it suits your needs, as dietary triggers vary (e.g., gluten for celiac disease). Incorporate low-impact exercise like walking or yoga to support joint health and reduce stress, but avoid overexertion, which can trigger flares.

5. Manage Stress and Mental Health
   Chronic illness can impact mental health, increasing risks of anxiety or depression. Practice stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or gentle stretching. Consider connecting with a therapist or support group to share experiences and coping strategies with others who understand your challenges.

6. Monitor Symptoms and Track Triggers
   Keep a journal to track symptoms, flares, and potential triggers (e.g., stress, foods, or weather changes). Share this with your doctor to identify patterns and adjust your management plan. Being proactive about recognizing early warning signs can help prevent severe flares.

7. Build a Support Network
   Surround yourself with supportive family, friends, or community groups who understand your condition. Online or in-person support groups for your specific autoimmune disease can provide emotional support and practical tips for daily living.

By following these steps, you can take control of your health, stay informed about advancements like Treg-based therapies, and work closely with your healthcare team to manage your autoimmune disease effectively. Always consult your doctor before making changes to your treatment or lifestyle.

Specific help for:

Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis

ACR Guidelines for living with Rheumatoid Arthritis 

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