This article is part of a special report on Thyroid Disorders. To see the other articles in this series, click here.
Dr. Kharrazian has written an excellent post over at his blog about the importance of proper diet in the treatment of Hashimoto’s. He covers all the bases: the importance of going gluten-free, why gluten-free isn’t enough for most people, how to identify and address food sensitivities, how to balance blood sugar, and how to deal with the psychological and emotional resistance that may arise when making significant dietary changes.
The main obstacle most Americans face in implementing dietary changes, as Dr. K points out, is their addiction to the idea of a “quick fix”:
Americans are infatuated with pills, thanks to decades of conditioning from the pharmaceutical industry. It doesn’t matter whether they come from the pharmacy or the health food store, we have a cultural fixation with finding that magic bullet. It’s no wonder—making genuine, lasting changes to your health takes hard work and discipline, the two last things you’ll see advertised on commercials during your favorite television show.
As long as this mentality prevails, we’ll continue to suffer from increasing rates of disease and morbidity, and our “disease-care” system will continue to buckle and, eventually, collapse.
Dietary and lifestyle changes aren’t easy, but they’re the key to promoting health and preventing disease. And that’s just as true with Hashimoto’s as it is with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Better supplementation. Fewer supplements.
Close the nutrient gap to feel and perform your best.
A daily stack of supplements designed to meet your most critical needs.
Hi tested positive for Thyroid Antibodies (Hashimoto) in Feb this year (Ab just over 1700). My TSH/T3/T4 in ‘normal’ range however I was not feeling ‘normal’ (tired/low energy/brain fog/ hair loss). Through adopting an Auto-immune Paleo diet and looking at/addressing lifestyle issues I am feeling so much better (tho still not 100% yet) have dropped my Antibodies down to 133 in 8 months. I am now addressing Candida, continuing to work on lifestyle, and hope to have increasing energy and vitality get below the ’40’ next test.
May I ask how you are treating candida.
Do oil of oregano it will have u crap out any thing bad sitting in your body it made my hair stop falling out cleared out the acne on my ass and no more frizzy hair either sleep some improve don’t for get this disease harms the brain too
I was able to lower my TSH from 6.9 to 1.2 by strictly following the low thyroid diet. http://www.lowthyroiddiet.com
I don’t eat the broccoli even though it says you can eat it if cooked. I take my synthroid every other day now 0.5mg and my doctor was ok with that. I am also working out only 30-45 minutes a day/6days a week with heavy weights and cut out all of the running.
My Hashi’s started from doing p90X/Insanity (50-65 min workouts) and 6-8 mile runs 6 days a week. It was hurting my body. I was only eating 1200 calories too. This was pre-gluten and soy free as well. Since easing up on the workouts and changing the diet, I have feel so much better. I lost 67lbs, I no longer have swollen hands, legs and feet. And my face and hand puffiness only comes on occasionally when I eat something I from the “no” list….usually soy.
If I could get more sleep, I think I would be 100% – unfortunately, my life will not allow me to.
Jennifer, I’d like to hear more about your journey and progress. I am trying to find ways to deal with my Hashimoto’s, and your results sound like a dream to me!!
Jennifer.. I would like to chat via email if possible. I am having very similar issues. Thank you!
Hello to all,
My name is Seebe and I have recently been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. This has been extremely hard for me to deal with as I was a very active individual cycling, running marathons, etc. In Nov 2013, I underwent a complete hysterectomy. A few months prior to that surgery, my doctor placed me on bio-identical hormones and Armour thyroid for low thyroid to help with the transition of surgical menopause. From March of 2014 until present, I have experienced extreme body changes internally and externally. I continue to train even though my level has decreased considerably due to low energy. My diet is completely gluten/dairy free. I am now taking Nature-throid instead of Armour. I just want my life back! I have not felt myself for quite sometime and I just need to know there is a positive to all of this. Has anyone lost the weight they have gained? Does anyone feel they have regained their energy? Please whatever advice you can offer is so greatly appreciated!! Thank you.
If your loosing your on to much med if your adding in weight u likely need more med strattera I just took off 5 lbs in one month alone
Jennifer
can you tell me do you only eat 1200 calories a day sonce you switch to the gluten free diet i am doing the paleo diet starting to feel better but I am not loosing weight
p.p.s. to the admin of this site:
I’m well aware of the fact that breast cancer and thyroid issues are connected and that my risk of thyroid cancer is high. It’s possible I’m already beyond the point of no return in that regard. I’m a well educated patient who does extensive research on all treatments. If you feel the need/desire to further educate me, please feel free to do so in private, via the email address I’ve given you. Thank you. Robin
Correction: I made reference to SAD in my previous post. I meant the selective carb diet (SCD?).
I went gluten, soy, and dairy-free in May of 2014 because it just “felt like the right thing to do” to lose some weight and to help my body prevent further breast cancers (I’d had three of them over a 14 year time frame). In July of 2014, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Disease. I went off all alcohol, sugar, eggs, dairy, tomatoes and other nightshades, and stayed off gluten, soy, and dairy. By early November 2014, ere’s what happened:
• I had a painful flare-up of candida during a detox to reduce inflammation, so I stepped back from that; and
• I lost my appetite and my ability to sleep, and after 2 days of this, I had a severe anxiety attack that landed me in the hospital for mega-tests, one of which spotted a mass beneath scar tissues in my left breast; and
• I’ve now been diagnosed with a 4th breast cancer in the left breast, which was irradiated 14 years ago.
Based on my experience, I’m not convinced a strict “Paleo” (or similar) elimination diet is right for my body (particularly limiting veggies which help prevent breast cancer … which is recommended by some, even if they’re cooked). I AM convinced that eating foods that don’t agree with you is unwise (I know what they are … my body let’s me know pretty quickly). There are a lot of anecdotal stories of success on the elimination diets (SAD, GAPS, AIP) and if they’ve worked for you, great! For me, I had to step back and take control of my own “rules” about what I eat. I’m 65 years old and have been dealing successfully with my health for a long time. Despite the diagnosis of Hashimoto’s, I didn’t begin to get symptoms until I want on an elimination diet. In other words, I didn’t get any sense of relief. Instead, I got what’s listed above. This posted isn’t to offer a way out of healing yourself. It’s important to give all options a try. But it’s foolish to keep on trying if your body balks, and by that I mean REALLY balks. My body balked at the authoritarian manner in which some prescribe their elimination diet. I tried one of the most popular (AIP). If it had made me feel better, I’d still be on it. The point is: above all, listen to your body and be honest with yourself about what you’re feeling. Then be as responsible with your health as your possibly can be. Good luck to each of you.
I’m curious about your diet. Can you tell me what you eat in a day? I have to be gluten, oat and dairy free, but I’m having trouble figuring out what to eat.
U can do meats veggies and little fruits I hear avoid nuts u can drink nut milks or Cocanut milk instead
Robin:
I just got diagnosed with Hashimoto’s less than a month ago. It’s been a nightmare as I’ve been unable to work for the past 2 months. I’ll do anything to recover; but, I can’t buy in to all these websites recommending special elimination diets and supplements. A lot of these so-called experts are making a pile of money exploiting this disease and taking advantage of the misery and despair experienced by Hashimoto’s sufferers. I sift through the overwhelming amount of on line information with a critical eye and basically, to entertain myself while I’m recovering enough to get back to work.
You need to understand that sometimes it can be very dangerous to mess with the diet and everything you do needs to be carefully studied. If you are ill and decide to go gluten free you need to eat carbs from other sources, but in small amounts because in some cases carbs are also undesirable. I have crohns disease and I successfully cured it with diet. I avoid gluten by all means and I made a list of foods that I can eat and avoid everything else. it took me two years but now I just know by even looking at the food and I’m very disciplined. This is why my MRI shows no traces of disease any more. I carefully studied and made a list of groceries necessary to keep my body healthy and that included all the necessary ingredients.
My healthy diet habit:
Juicing every day with more or less organic ingredients – one liter of slowly pressed juice from spinach, cucumber, carrot, parsley, celery, apple, salad, orange, blueberries, ginger, grapes and beats
Coconut, proso millet poppies, almond milk, acai, cranberry, chia and goji berries meal for breakfast
Salmon and fish (steamed in wok) for lunch
Asparagus, fresh goat cheese
Coconut organic virgin oil for baking (chicken breasts are amazing with it)
Wraps from brown rice flour, avocado and vegetables
Curry
Curcuma
Eggs
Lentils
Wild rice
Mango
Papaya
Maca root
Cumin and hemp oil
Fresh ginger tea
My favorite meal:
Chicken breasts with soy cooking cream, king bolete mushrooms and truffles serving with rice pasta
And this is me my junk food treat 🙂
Rice tortilla pizza with goat cheese and grinded mushrooms
Gluten free rice flour (Schar) pancakes with goat milk and St. Dalfour raspberry jam
Mein fun rice noodles when I’m out
Milk and dairy products, alcohol, spicy food, tomatoes, sugars, beans, cabbage, broccoli, red meat, junk food, gluten avoid at all cost.
It is amazing how food can heal the body. There are things on your list I miss so much, but avoiding them had healed me and reduced my inflammation. It’s worth it!
I’m just beginning to research Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis because my husband has recently been diagnosed with this condition. We are in our early 60’s and he has been successfully (20 yrs.) managing Multiple Sclerosis with diet and exercise … now this!
Two years ago we began the Eat to Live diet by Dr. Joel Fuhrman. Since it’s basically a ‘beans & greens’ diet, I’ve begun to wonder if this is the right path for him… he is worse, now. Does anyone have input to give regarding this??
Hi Dorothy, I have been eating an excellent diet (organic every thing) for years but was just diagnosed with Hashi’s last month. My dr. has taken me off all dairy, eggs, nuts, legumes & beans, sugar, soy, gluten and all grains (the last four I didn’t eat anyway) but he says that we have to attend to the inflammation first and “put the fire out”. We will eventually test to see if we can add items back. I think it would help if he saw someone who understands the inflammation component to Hashi’s as well as the digestive/malnutrition side of this disease.
Vicky,
What do you eat then? Im assuming its more meat and veggies? I am very interested in knowing your diet plan because I have yet to find a doctor to help me so Im trying different things on my diet to see what makes me feel better. I have extreme inflammation.
Thank you.
Hi Stefanie,
What Vicky is doing is called an elimination diet. See a holistic nutritionist. We are specifically trained in food and all issues associated with inflammation, elimination diets, etc. Even Naturopathic Doctors don’t have the same kind of training in food that a holistic nutritionist will have. Find a good nutritionist or you can check out my website, I work with people long distance as well. Livinggreennutrition.com
Jaclyn
Can i know whose your doctor and where is he located inwish i could find one i been searching for years
Dr Jason Pickel in Overland Park, KS.
Make sure he’s eating fish it’s needed too he can eat nearly all protein no soy at all on hear lots of complex carbs are great too I do all non diary milk put no diary products at all for me
Chris is right, the diet is the # 1 priority with Hashimotos. I’m way more concerned with those who drink alcohol regularly, or those who eat poultry or animal protein often containing antibiotics – and who THEN point the finger at…gluten! Folks, seriously, if you are going to try and be ‘gluten-free’, first get rid of the main junk out of your diet. Cow’s milk, alcohol, commercially raised animal proteins and foods like this. A gluten free diet is the icing on the cake, not the cake’s foundation. I’ve seen plenty of auto-immune hypothyroid patients who are fine on gluten, and these are generally the ones who pay particular care to the quality of their proteins, drinks, as well as their vegetable and alternative grain intakes.
I understand that gluten is the new evil for many, perhaps, without cause, but I am surprized that a professional in your field would make that sort of remark. I’ve tried (and many others, I am sure) to be “fine” on gluten, with none of the other evils you’ve mentioned in my diet – and for me, and many, gluten in THE key. Do you really think people would want to remove it if it wasn’t the case for them as well? Contrary to your post – if I remove it completely, over time, I seem to be able to do just fine with some dairy, etc. It does seem strange that is seems be such a problem these days, but it DOES seem to be proving to be a huge issue.
I have had 3 blood tests in march, April & May each time the thyroid antibodies in my blood were through the roof ranging from 2,700 – 5,200. I have a regular GP who treats me with bio identical hormones and a holistic doc for other health issues. My regular regular GP noticed the antibodies so we have been playing with T3 & T4 from a compound pharmacy which costs me a fortune. I was feeling so ill recently with a multitude of symptoms including depression, uncontrollable crying, weight gain, exhaustion that my holistic doctor insisted I see him on a Sunday over Memorial weekend (thats someone who really cares about someones health to me) My regular doctor couldn’t even call me. After testing me he took me off the T3 completely and I’m taking 1 of my T4 compounded. He put me on GTA, DHEA, Hypothalmax, a herb he mixes for hormones, HCG spray, Adrenal Max, and another mixture to kill yeast. I can not tell you the difference I felt in 24 hrs. I have been on his program for a week the weight has stabilized but I haven’t lost any. He suggested I stay away from Gluten so i’m working on it. I am like so many of you Its hard to find something to eat especially on the run. I’m allergic to Soy and corn. Any other help here would be appreciated. I have figured I have Hashi but none has mentioned it. I learnt about it by reading an article from Molly Simms ( the actress/model) I’ll look forward to your comments.
Your doctor sounds amazing!!! Could you please share with me his contact info? I will travel anywhere to see such a great doctor. Thanks!!!
I HAVE NOW BEEN GLUTEN FREE FOR 11 MONTHS NOW…I SEE A BIG IMPROVEMENT IN THE ACHES AND PAIN BROUGHT ON BY HASHIMOTO’S…LOST ALL THE BLOAT THAT GLUTEN BROUGHT ON…SWELLING WENT AWAY FROM MY KNEES WHERE IT HURT TO GO DOWN THE STAIRS…MENIERE’S SYMPTHOMS OF DIZZINESS WENT AWAY IN THE MORNINGS UNLESS THE DAY BEFORE I ACCIDENTALLY ATE GLUTEN BECAUSE OF SOME FANCY NAME IN INGREDIENTS THEY GAVE IT….HIGH SUGAR FRUITS BOTHER ME MORE THAN EVER AND ACCIDENTALLY EATING MEAT OR POULTRY THAT WAS GRAIN FED AFFECTS ME IMMEDIATELY WITH EITHER TACHYCARDIA FOR A FEW MINUTES OR ASTHMA ATTACK…FOOD IS NOT WHAT IT USED TO BE …I AM TRYING HARD TO BE TOTALLY GLUTEN FREE BUT HAVE TO CARRY A DICTIONARY AT ALL TIMES OR GOOGLE TO ACCESS ALL THE NAMES THEY USE FOR GLUTEN OR CORN OR OTHER POISONS IN OUR FOOD…I KEEP TRYING!!!!
Sharon,
You mentioned a Meniere’s disease feeling. I have been battling some constant dizziness for a full month after I had this crazy attack thing that felt like what they say happens when you have Meniere’s disease. Is what you’re describing a normal occurrence with Hypothyroidism?
You should have your Vitamin B levels checked
OK…..does anyone know the answer to how much exercise is enough without developing Hashimoto’s or making it worse…..The new news marathon runners developing Hashimoto’s from overexercising…I know that is how mine developed from running 6-8 miles every other day and playing tennis 3 hrs a day with only a 1200 calorie diet….could not understand then how I could be gaining weight{body thought I was starving I guess and started saving calories} and at the same time period went into extra early menopause…
I ran 3 marathons after my Hashi’s diagnosis. I had no idea I was further damaging my body. The fatigue and pain was unbearable. I don’t run anymore. I walk briskly, do Ashtanga Yoga, and some weights. Low Calorie diets are dangerous especially if you are exercising for hours a day. It will definitely lower your metabolism. So definitely eat a lot more food! And read some of Matt Stone’s ebooks on metabolism.
hello! can you tell me why exercising or marathons will damage your body if you have hashi?
This is sooo interesting… I think we should have a website where Hashi people list things that they think may have caused this disease like: I ran 6 miles per day or I took ibuprofen everyday for 30 years or whatever, then we can see patterns of what helped to cause this disease… very interesting. thanks!
I think I have always had a gluten intolerance that eventually led to Hashis. I started having extreme fatigue in ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. I started having extreme GI issues in my late teens, early 20’s and was diagnosed then with IBS. Continued to eat whatever the heck I wanted, also drank and did other things to my body…late 20’s…got sober, BAM. Thyroid went crazy. Diagnosed with hypo. had first baby, diagnosed with hashi’s. had second baby, changed the way I ate, went gluten free…still battling but better. Gluten played a major role in the decline of my health. I know it.
I have hashis and nodules that have been growing for 8 years and now need to be tested. The nodules grew more this last year then before. I thought I was doing the right thing by juicing everyday, kale, spinach etc and I even started to make sauerkraut, cabbage of course. I was so tiered of feeling tiered, depressed and not being able to focus. But actually I wasn’t feeling better. Then I came across some info that said no gluten, soy, and KALE, SPINACH and CABBAGE, is this for real?! I also read women taking thyroid meds increases risk of breast cancer by 50 percent, I’m suppose to have my third biopsy for that to. I wish I know what to believe.
Di Check out the Thyroid sessions that are currently being offered by Sean Croxton. I watched Chris Kresser’s interview and also Dr Tom O’Bryan. Both answer your questions with both sound evidence and clinical experience.
http://thethyroidsessions.com/
Thanks so much for taking the time to respond. I was able to listen to them earlier this week and I hope other people do to.
Does anyone with Hoshimotos Disease also have migraines with aura. My thyroid was high in my last appointment but the dr said it wasn’t a concern and leaving there would help lose weight. I gained 25 pounds after having my second child. I have had migraines throughout my life since puberty but only maybe 1 or 2 a year. I’ve had 9 in the last 4 months
Yes. I just learned I have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and I’ve had migraines with aura since I had my first child sixty-four years ago. I have other type headaches now too.
Seizures do that too strattera fixed mine Turns out my delta wave was to high from past X hubby assault now can sleep more nights too
“Eat to live, not live to eat.”
People need to STOP complaining about what they can and can’t eat. Most of the world lives in poverty and don’t have access to 1/10000000th of the food we have in this country. I have learned sooo much about food and am actually glad I have Hashi’s because at least I’m no longer in a fog about the CRAP we eat in this country. It always amuses me that we spend $1000.00 on a t.v. that cost $50 to make and will be obsolete in two/three years and then we complain about how much healthy food costs to fuel the body we will need for 80+ years. Our priorities in this country are so out of whack. We are turning into a country of Augustus’ (think Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.) One day we are just going to explode from the crap we are eating just because it tastes good.
YES. Thank you!!
I have been gluten free for a year now…all my knee problems and aches and pain and BLOAT have gone away….I didn’t know I had I B S because the Dr said it was from meds…that is gone also…but ….what stresses me is not being able to eat chicken or eggs out because you cannot depend on the chicken being grain free…I have found out I cannot even eat chicken fed vegetarian diets.. that means they are eating grains and it hits me with severe sinus problems or racing heart…bought the wrong eggs and had them yesterday and my ears are still plugged…when accidently consumed it does bother me more but I know I have to be more careful and realize its not me as much as they are feeding the cows and chicken what they should not be eating just to fatten them up…. II think Corn should be considered as bad as wheat!…. our food supply isn’t what it used to be!!…Frankenfoods For sure…
This is so true!
I agree 100 percent!
Hello,
I am 9 weeks pregnant and my first set of blood tests show that I have a high level of anitbody peroxidase. It should be less than 60 and my level came out as 75. The endocrinologist I saw today prescribed Levoxyl (25 mcg) daily. I REALLY don’t want to have to take this medication and am trying to find alternative methods of treating this problem naturally. Any recommendations? Thank you.
Hi…I guess you would be in your 2nd trimester still, seeing that you made this post in April. I hope things are working out for you. I was on Levothyroxine (synthroid) with both my pregnancies, and I have 2 healthy kids. It is important for thyroid levels to be managed during pregnancy, and thyroid hormone replacement is not harmful to the developing babies. It would be more harmful not to take medication if needed. I hope you have found the best solution during your pregnancy. It’s quite a miracle how the babies are protected though, so just know that I am living proof, and my precious children are also living proof, that someone with a thyroid disorder (I have Hashimoto’s) can have healthy pregnancies and babies!! 🙂
Check the little girl often. Her eyes look like she could become hypothyroid.
Jennifer,
I have Hashimotos since 2007. I took levothyroxine during pregnancy. And unfortunately I am still taking it.
Are you still taking your meds? I saw a new doctor the other day and she recommended to go on Paleo diet .
Anyone tried?
I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism which was then diagnosed as Hashimoto’s. My T3 and T4 have always been normal, my TSH is high (but fluctuates) and antibodies are high. I DO NOT want to take Synthroid, I never feel right on it and I’ve been up and down the dosage scale.
From everything I’m gathering going Paleo or as least gluten free and dairy free could be the ticket. Also when I’m tested with high tsh and antibodies its always at a time when the stress in my life is peaking.
I don’t have any of the symptoms of hashi or hypo but weight gain (which could just be not correct diet, lack of exercise and just the natural process of aging, I’m 47)
I guess what I’m looking for is what to do when…your tsh and antibodies are high, t3 and t4 are normal and the only symptom you suffer from is weight gain. Very disappointed when my last two doctors told me concerning the weight gain…to join weight watchers and my current one who told me diet has nothing to do with tsh and antibody numbers and that I just need to stay on synthroid. Any info would be great…thanks
I can not take Synthroid either. I feel like a cat trying to scratch out of my body. It is horrible actually. I was switched to armour thyroid and it is much better with no side effects.
Hello John.
In 2003 I had a weight of 128 lbs, which was completely normal. I’d always been a tiny female that was super active, into many sports, rock climbing, biking, working out daily, full time job, two young children, eating a lot of various fruits and vegetables daily, with poultry and occasional red meat.
In 2004 my weight increased to 145 lbs. (more than I had weighed at full term for either of my pregnancies), no change in diet, no change in hobbies or habits. I went to my GP, who in turn sent me to so called specialist. The specialist nagged me constantly about working out, eating healthier and eat less. I argued my diet was mainly fruit and veggies, I didn’t eat fried foods at all, didn’t consume alcohol at all and I ate one meal a day (which I had been doing since public school). I asked him how I could eat healthier and eat less with the diet I was already doing. He just replied that I had to reduce how much I ate and go on a diet. QUACK is all I could say.
In late 2005, during a physical, my GP was concerned about my massive weight gain, by this time I had sky-rocketed to 187 lbs, was exhausted, and my blood pressure was dangerously low. He asked about the specialist, I told him about the issue, he said that…well I won’t repeat it. He sent me for a complete blood panel, called me with urgency to get in to him immediately. He was panicked with how far out my levels were (suppose to be no higher than 5 but mine were 48). It’s been 9 years since being diagnosed with Hashi’s and hypo and I’ve only passed 5-6 blood tests. I did lose a lot of weight about two years ago, this is when I passed 3 tests in a row, my weight went down to 149 lbs. Now I battle again, haven’t passed a test in over a year, I go for blood work every 6 weeks now because it won’t level out, and my weight is back up to 171 lbs with all the symptoms. It’s completely frustrating.
I work 10-14 hour days, so it’s been hard to keep an exercise regiment lately, that is the only thing that has changed, otherwise I still eat a ton of fruit and veggies with some meat and no fried foods or alcohol.
From what I read here and on other websites, there are some veggies that I consume a fair amount of that I should avoid (cauliflower/broccoli/spinach are my favourites), plus I consume a lot of dairy every day. So I think I will try reducing them to see how things go and eliminate the gluten from my diet (breads/crackers I eat). Plus I need to reduce my work hours and get back to exercising, even though my job has me walking a lot during the day, it’s likely not enough.
One thing I have noticed, almost every time my synthroid meds. have been upped, I have had some stabilization in my weight and energy levels after a few weeks, but it just never seems to last.
I feel your frustration John. There is so much information out there with different suggestions and every doctor will tell you something different. Let’s hope science catches up on this autoimmune disease and finds something for us that really works.
I’m 49 it’s part of low thyroid and menopause sounds crazy after a month on ADHD med I took off 5 lbs already and sleeping better too and less stiffness and less nerve pains too
4 months ago I was told I had Hashimoto’s with an TPO/AB of 106. My TSH levels, along with my t3/t4, were normal. I have been strictly gluten free for 4 months and I feel so much better!!! For the first time in years my body is digesting food the way it should. Along the way I have discovered other foods that are difficult for me to tolerate, such as almonds, dairy, sugary foods, etc. I have been on a strict paleo diet for three months. The only symptom I have had still lingering was a strange nummular type headache that would come and go. I decided to give up eggs ,something I had been eating everyday, to see if it changed anything. I haven’t had a headache since. I’m hoping my system will calm down so I can enjoy some of the foods I’m missing. Gluten is out forever, there’s no way I’m going back, but I really miss almonds and eggs!
You might try eggs from grass fed chickens. If they are fed grains, you might still have symptoms from eating gluten. Same goes with meat.
I now have Hashimoto’s and I think gluten-free is just depressing. I have been hypothyroid for 17 years, but now the antibodies are attacking the thyroid…with the stress filled society we live in ya think??? Yes, I am following it, but it is very basic food because I don’t have a grand salary to make it all tasty and yummy, and I don’t have 5 bucks for a loaf of sawdust flavored GF bread. I still don’t find any concrete evidence GF is the way to go, but that will just bring on a stream of flames from all the docs, would be docs, and alternative docs…so let me just say this. The most depressing part of GF is that it isn’t like a weight loss diet where once in awhile you can have the “offending” foods (if indeed they are offending), you must give them up forever. Medicine and science and even dietitians are constantly changing the rules and finding out things they thought were problematic no longer are and vice versa. I am giving it a year…if I don’t see any noticeable improvement, the vans of gluten are coming back to my residence. Also, I am NOT giving up Diet Coke…Never. YES! I know all the studies and all the “data”, blah, blah, blah, and while the gluten must go, the Diet Coke is staying. Have a good day!
Another thing, I love how everyone always recommends things to me that are “very good” but they don’t tell me they are $$$$$$. A pint of coconut ice cream for 6.50 (I did splurge on that one and it tasted like paste), so I got my money back for that. HOWEVER, Almond milk is my new friend. Love it. Very sad to give up Greek yogurt, but hey, ya gotta be GF!
Hi Howard, I’m not going to comment on the cause of your “depression” but I do agree that actual real food can be expensive. But rice is no more expensive than wheat and its so easy to cook. That’s just off the top of my head. What I’m most concerned about is that you think that “Greek yoghurt” has gluten in it. It doesn’t. So that’s one less thing to be sad about.
Yes! Some yogurts have gluten, they get them thickened with gluten!!! Eating whole foods is the healthiest! Think: your grandmother and grand grandmother styles and east European countries style of foods from small towns!!!! Many foods have hidden gluten even mustard!!!!
Have been dealing with these symptoms for 20 years. The depression and brain fog completely clear up on a raw food vegan diet in a matter of a few days. I did a 10 day juice fast and every symptom cleared with the exception of some lingering fatigue. If your depression is bad, go raw. Check out Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead on Netflix. It could potentially change your life.
Chris, it strikes me that this is a very strange forum for you to be posting this. Either you are not aware yourself or you are a troll… Hard to tell. Nevermind, I wonder whether Chris Kresser will even respond to your post. I’m Australian and I’m aware of the video you are talking about. It’s a far cry from the evidence based, intelligent nutritional information that Chris Kresser shares about health on his website and in his book…
I have to agree with Chris on his point regarding juicing. Not only do I have Hoshimotos I also have severe RA. I go through bouts of being a devout juicer and when I do ALL symptoms go away with out meds. As soon as I fall off the wagon all symptoms come back. My issue with juicing is that it is time consuming. My husband travels every week and I’m at home with my 4ry old working a high stress 60+ hr a week job. I just don’t have the time to stay with it.
I have hashimotos and have been doing Paleo for several months- completely changed my lifestyle! My levels evened out…and i have been feeling a ton better! This month i was very sad when my blood work came back with a low Free T3 . I don’t feel bad. But we are trying to get pregnant so i know these levels need to be solid. My doc is suggesting i go on Nature-Throid. Any suggestions are much appreciated!! i feel frustrated. Not really wanting to go on meds, but will especially if it will help me to get pregnant!
I have hashimotos and went gluten free. After 6 months, my T3 plummeted as well 🙁 I have reduced my synthroid and will get more blood work in a couple of weeks.
make sure you get treated primarily according to symptoms, which is more important than labs.
How is your FT4 and your rT3?
You may have some cellular resistance perhaps because of a nutritional deficiency, or because of prolonged stress (beware of hidden stress) If you have an open minded doctor, you should try to get a complete hormonal (saliva tests are more accurate usually) & nutritional panel including tissue minerals.
Cheers!
Niko