John Myers
Some people suffer undetected from Hashimoto’s, the chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland. We’ll tell you how to recognize the symptoms and which nutritional tips – such as avoiding gluten and reducing iodine – you should follow with Hashimoto.
What exactly is Hashimoto?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease. The immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland and damages its tissues. This in turn leads to chronic inflammation. In the long term, this leads to an underactive thyroid gland, and too few thyroid hormones are produced. Hashimoto’s symptoms are often confused with other disorders. At the beginning of the disease, an overactive thyroid gland can occur, accompanied by weight loss, nervousness, tremors, diarrhea, sweating, and palpitations. Later, Hashimoto’s becomes hypoactive and other symptoms emerge, such as fatigue, high sensitivity to cold, or depressed moods.
Does Hashimoto have a special diet?
If you cook healthily, Hashimoto’s symptoms may be relieved. For example, include selenium-rich foods such as salmon, mushrooms, Brazil nuts, or asparagus in your “Hashimoto recipes” – selenium contributes to normal thyroid function. Secondary plant substances contained in cocoa, cinnamon, ginger, pepper, or turmeric can also have a soothing effect. For general immune support, some sufferers resort to a diet that contains alkaline foods and anti-inflammatory foods such as vegetables, fruit, and salads in any form. In any case, if you suffer from Hashimoto’s disease, you should coordinate your diet plan with your doctor. A vegan diet may also be the way to go for some. And: If you eat consciously, you can lose weight despite Hashimoto, because the disease often leads to weight gain.
What about gluten and iodine at Hashimoto’s?
There are also unfavorable foods at Hashimoto’s. Gluten, for example, can damage the intestinal mucosa and make it more permeable in the event of an intolerance. The immune system mobilizes and produces antibodies that also work against the tissue of the thyroid gland. Hashimoto patients are therefore often advised to avoid foods containing gluten. Another tip is to limit your iodine intake. Iodine as the cause of this thyroid disease has not yet been fully proven, but thyroid function is further impaired in the case of disease.
By the way: Women who are expecting a child and suffer from Hashimoto’s should pay particular attention to their diet during pregnancy.
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