The Role of Nutrition on Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) in the United States, affecting up to 14 million people. Autoimmune diseases are a group of chronic illnesses in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues in the body. This results in inflammation and damage to various organs and systems, leading to a wide range of symptoms and complications. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism and other bodily functions. In Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing inflammation and damage. Over time, this can lead to a decrease in thyroid hormone production, resulting in hypothyroidism.
While there is no known cure for Hashimoto's thyroiditis, nutrition can play a vital role in managing the condition and helping reach remission. In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between nutrition and Hashimoto's thyroiditis and discuss some dietary changes that may help manage the symptoms of the condition.
Gluten and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
There is a well-established link between Hashimoto's thyroiditis and gluten intolerance. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. In some people, gluten can trigger an autoimmune response, causing inflammation and damage to the thyroid gland.
Several studies have found a higher prevalence of gluten intolerance in people with Hashimoto's thyroiditis than in the general population. One study found that 34% of people with Hashimoto's thyroiditis also had celiac disease, a severe form of gluten intolerance. Another study found that eliminating gluten from the diet resulted in a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies and improved thyroid function in people with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Therefore, people with Hashimoto's thyroiditis should consider eliminating gluten from their diets. Gluten-containing foods to avoid include:
Wheat-based products, such as bread, pasta, and baked goods
Barley-based products, such as beer
Rye-based products, such as rye bread
Hidden sources of gluten found in salad dressings, marinades, soups, seasonings & condiments
Selenium and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Selenium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in thyroid function. The thyroid gland contains more selenium than any other organ in the body. Selenium is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones and helps protect the thyroid gland from damage caused by free radicals.
Several studies have found that selenium supplementation may improve thyroid function and reduce thyroid antibody levels in people with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In one study, selenium supplementation for six months resulted in a significant reduction in thyroid antibody levels and improved quality of life in people with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Foods rich in selenium include:
Brazil nuts
Seafood, such as tuna, sardines, and shrimp
Meat, such as beef and chicken
Whole grains, such as brown rice and oats
Dairy products, such as milk and yogurt
Iodine and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Iodine is an essential mineral required for the production of thyroid hormones. However, the relationship between iodine and Hashimoto's thyroiditis is complex. In some cases, iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism, which can worsen Hashimoto's thyroiditis symptoms. However, in other cases, excessive iodine intake can trigger autoimmune thyroiditis and worsen thyroid function.
Therefore, it is essential to maintain a balanced intake of iodine. People with Hashimoto's thyroiditis should aim to consume the recommended daily intake of iodine, which is 150 mcg for adults. Foods rich in iodine include:
Seafood, such as seaweed, shrimp, and cod
Dairy products, such as milk and cheese
Eggs
Iodized salt
Vitamin D and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in immune function and bone health. Several studies have found a link between vitamin D deficiency and autoimmune disorders, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Recent research has suggested that vitamin D, a crucial nutrient known for its role in bone health and immune function, may play a role in the development and management of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Several studies have shown that individuals with Hashimoto's thyroiditis tend to have lower levels of vitamin D compared to those without the condition. Additionally, some research has found that optimizing vitamin D levels may help in the management of Hashimoto's thyroiditis and its associated symptoms by:
Immune Modulation: Vitamin D has been shown to have immune-modulating effects, meaning it can help regulate the immune system's response. In Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the immune system attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and damage. Vitamin D may help regulate the immune system's response and reduce inflammation, potentially reducing the severity of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Thyroid Function: Vitamin D has also been shown to play a role in regulating thyroid function. The thyroid gland requires adequate levels of vitamin D to produce and release thyroid hormones. Optimizing vitamin D levels may help support proper thyroid function and hormone production in individuals with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Inflammation Regulation: Chronic inflammation is a hallmark feature of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the thyroid gland. By reducing inflammation, vitamin D may help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, such as fatigue and joint pain.
Antioxidant Effects: Vitamin D has antioxidant properties, which means it can help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals are molecules that can damage cells and contribute to inflammation. By acting as an antioxidant, vitamin D may help protect the thyroid gland from oxidative stress, which has been implicated in the development of autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Healing is possible using food as medicine!
