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.
I was diagnosed with Hashimotos in February 2014, have gained almost 40lbs since even while dieting and exercising right before my dx with no results. I was in nursing school at the time and the brain fog has gotten so bad, I was hospitalized with stress induced migraines when they r/o TIA. I failed school and am overweight and depressed beyond belief! The brain fog got so bad my scores dropped and I couldn’t pull myself out from under it all. Heartbroken but determined to get on top of this diagnosis and on with my life. Diet suggestions? Anything?
Going gluton free changed my life completely. I also have hashimotos. Its not easy but totally worth it.
Is gluten free diet only will help or do I have to to dairy and eggs ,grain free ,thank u and good luck
I do my best a gluten free. I have very little dairy. I don’t gain but I have energy and can work out
Hey Shannon,
I stated doing no/low carb, no sugar and it has been life changing for me. I’ve lost 30 lbs in the last 2 months. I have never felt better! Basically all I eat is meat and fresh vegetables. I have also started doing yoga and float therapy… life changing. Hope this helps! Good luck, sending good vibes your way!
Hello all i Have been dignosed with hashimotos and i dont know wjere to start i have gain weight im tired all the time and im strugglong to know what i can and cant eat with this. Can anyone help me.
Hi Lynette,
Read Wheat Belly Total Health and follow the guidelines to stay away from corn based and wheat based food. My partner is only one digit away from being hashi free according to her labs by doing this. I did it with her and have never felt better. You can eat lots of fat, eggs, oils, nuts, cheese. It’s actually quite good, and you’ll kick yourself for listening to the government’s guidelines on what to eat this whole time.
Your medication level needs to be correct first start with health oils and eating organic veggies and fruits cause these do not include chemicals too
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism when I was 7 years old. It went into remission though when I entered puberty. Hormone fluctuation can send it into remission. But in October of 2014, I was taking care of my dying grandma and the stress of that situation brought my Hadhimoto’s hypothyroidism back. When I had it when I was little all I had to do was take my one synthroid pill everyday and I was fine. Now I’m living a nightmare. I take armour thyroid and low dose naltroxose along with about 8 different supplements everyday. I can barely go to work and when I’m not at work I’m in bed. I’ve lost half of my hair and gained about 35 lbs. I’m 19 years old and I’ve been living a nightmare for 18 months and no end in sight. I did the elimination diet (no gluten, sugar, dairy, red meat, eggs, nuts, starch, soy or anything artificial) for a month and felt just as bad as I do on my semi-decent diet. I’ve been tested for all the food allergies and I’m not allergic to anything (even gluten) and I never have any digestive issues or stomach pain. But everything I read on hashimotos screams no gluten but I don’t see why I should put in all the effort to make such a big change when I don’t have any allergies or intolerances to it and I didn’t feel any better without it than I do with it. I know a month isn’t a vey long time to go without it but every post I see about people going gluten free say they felt better within a few days? So is it worth it to make the huge change and go gluten free when I didn’t work the first time?
Did you try synthroid again while 19?
From what I’ve been reading even the smallest amount of gluten can cause your immune system to go out of whack for 3-6 months. Therefore, you have not given your body enough time to calm the immune system from attacking your thyroid and hence didn’t feel any different. I’d encourage you to keep up with the gluten free for at least 6 months. I have Hashimotos too and that’s been amazingly helpful
I have not tried the diet yet for mine, but I was told it takes 6 months to heal the gut. So one month is probably not good enough. If that does’ t work, I would still limit intake , but obviously you can have if not a sensitivity. I have never felt good since being diagnosed 13 years ago. So sorry, prayers for all you other Ha
hashimotos people.
Have you tried probiotics, vitamin d and fish oil?
Any specific diet work better?
I am just newly diagnosed with Hashimoto. Been gluten free for 2 years after a do of Celiac. I have read through all the comments and am very thankful I did! I am so confused on eat this/ eat that, don’t eat this or that!
Can anyone simply clarify for me?
I have hashimotos but am asymptomatic. I’m not hypothyroid (yet). Tsh = 2.34. I do have antibodies though. I’m thinking I should still go gluten free, but I feel like it is something I should KNOW that I have to do (not just think it) because 100% gf with no straying will be hard. I’m already 80/20. Would love to hear your thoughts.
I’m going to highly recommend 2 books for you to read:
“Grain Brain” by Dr. Perlmutter and “Wheat Belly” by Dr. Davis. These books are very easy reads that discuss how beneficial anti-inflammatory diets are for the body and what kids of ailments can be treated and prevented by diet alone. Proof this works: my partner also has Hashimoto’s (asymptomatic). One year ago her antibodies were in the 300s. Now they are only 36. Cutoff for Hashi is 34. How did she do it? We both established an anti-inflammatory diet which means little to no processed foods, high fat and little carbs/refined sugar. She has stayed away from gluten generally but there is no need to go nuts over the gluten thing unless you have Celiac. We have a 90/10 lifestyle eating like this and it’s actually very tasty. “Against all Grain” cookbook will help you get started; love those recipes in there! If you change your lifestyle eating habits to this way I guarantee that you will NOT miss eating the Standard American Diet and you will feel so much better as a perk-and you will NOT gain weight from healthy fats. It’s important to remember, though, to give yourself some wiggle room and have some sugar or “junk” food occasionally so you don’t feel like you’re deprived. Good luck! It really does work:)
I have been gluten frees once 2014related to dx of celiac. 3 weeks ago, dx with hashimoto. Antibodies are 412. TSH was 10. Any suggestions?
Try an anti-flammatory diet. This means stay away from any food labeled “gluten free” as well; if it has to have a label, then it’s not a real food. Eat high healthy fats (coconut oil melted in my coffee every morning, avocado, olive oil, nuts, cheese, etc.) We both reduced our inflammatory markers greatly by doing this and also taking the following supplements:
Fish Oil: 1000mg/day
Resveratrol: 200mg/day
Turmeric: 500 mg/day
Probiotics: PB8 brand at least 2/day (vitacost.com has these for cheap)
Coconut oil: 1tsp to 1 tbsp a day
Alpha-Lipoic Acid: 600mg/day
VItamin D: 5000 units/day
VItamin B12: 500 mcg/day
It may sound like a lot, but if you’re serious about getting this under control and generally caring for your gut, immune, and brain health these are important. It really worked for my partner, and her TSH has been completely normal. This lifestyle may or may not help your TSH level at this point, but I think it’s worth a try; it’s good for you either way.
That is just how one should be doing
Hi everyone, my daughter was recently diagnosed with hashimotos and her chiropractor suggested the alcat test has any one had this test ,it is a food sensitivity test. Also I have been doing a lot of reading and am blown away about vegetables that you
Think are so good for you ei: egg plant, peppers and potatoes only to find out they are not good if you have an auto immune , they are known as night shades.
I’m thinking that if everyone read Dr. Kharrazian’s book that they would get all the answers they need…I did!
You do a great job of helping us as well, Chris Kresser❤️
Please can someone help me!? Dx’ed Hashi in May 2012 at 40. Gained & gained weight & glucose number climbed in labs until it was borderline high normal. I read & read & decided late June 2015 to go gf. Within 10 days some muscle twitching started hit or miss & mostly at night. I have added b-complex, mag malate to my Vit d I take and still having this. So frustrated because it’s muscle ache (or tendons) & what feels like plantar fasciitis every morning & stiff top of my hands. I never had this. My tsh was 10 when I went to the er for it in October since I started getting numb fingers at night (pinky/ring like ulnar nerve compression). The aches & pains travel but mostly stay in my limbs, hands & feet. Since Oct my thyroid med was raised & I got perfect numbers on my lab last month. Anyone know why a gf diet would trigger such bad muscular/neuro symptoms? Why do I stick to it? I am down 30 lbs when I couldn’t lose one ounce before & my glucose number is perfect now! Yet, these symptoms make me want to eat some gluten to see if that helps at all. I have a neuro appt scheduled but couldn’t get in until Feb. Thanks for reading!
Your body is going through detox, gluten is a poisonous indigestible protein and now that it is leaving your body your nerves are starting to heal, just give it time, after all it didn’t attached itself to your cells in one day, healing takes time.
Gluten is bad for celiacs, but it is not a poisonous indigestible protein.
Megan, I had bad cramping and numbness in my hands as well. I went no carbs, gf, high protein, high fat. My cramping went away. My doc said I needed the fat and protein. Losing weight as well! Have you increased protein?
I went to the neuro and found out I have B6 toxicity. Had to drop all supplements including Kind bars and vitamin water and it’s slowly resolving.
I have developed a very similar problem over the past few years. I was blaming arthritis for the crippling heel pain, numbness, weakness,etc. After losing my job last week because I was no longer able to stand I finally want to the Dr and was diagnosed with neuropathy related to Hoshimotos. I have always suffered from IBS and stomach ulcers but hadn’t tested positive for thyroid disease even after reaching over 300 pounds and galbladder removal, I still was not diagnosed. In my late 30a my thyroid completely failed resulting in hospitalization. I was then diagnosed and it has been a long hard journey. It took a while to get my meds right and 5 years ago an over dose of meds caused me to have several small strokes, but I am now checking my levels more freguently. I went gluten free when the damage to my intestines was not allowing my body to digest dense meat or grain. Now after several years of diet change,it has helped most of my abdominal symptoms to subside I would never go back to eating gluten and other foods known to cause issues with my disorder. The neuropathy is a new challenge associated to Hoshimotos that I was not aware of but I will face it and find the best way to treat it and live as full a life as possible in the process. Diet is key and knowledge is most definitely power.
Megan,
I hope by now you have gotten some answers. I am curious, did the Dr’s consider or rule out sarcoidosis? The type of symptoms you are describing is how my sarcoid manifested so it makes me wonder if perhaps your symptoms are unrelated to the GF diet.
All the pains are from inflimmation u need magnesium
Nights too
Hello,
After suffering from sever fatigue for the past two months I was just diagnosed with Hashimoto’s last week. My doctor has me on a low dose of Levothyroxine (i think that’s how you spell it) because part of my thyroid is still working. I was wondering if anyone has suffered from bladder pain as well? I have been in terrible discomfort since September. Treated 3 times for a UTI but the pain and urgency is still there. I have been to my gynecologist who thinks it’s possibly Interstitial Cystitis. I have an appointment to see a specialist in a few weeks so I don’t know for certain yet. I have read a couple of things online that suggest that there is a possible link between Hashi’s and IC. Can anyone relate?
Hi Lauren, I’ve had IC interstitial cystitis for 10 yrs. and recently diagnosed Hashi 4/15.
I’ve made dietary changes with no change. I eat fruits, veggies, chicken & fish most of the time. I avoid gluten, processed food, sugar, dairy.
I do know my IC gets worse when I’m stressed. I’ll go 5-6 times in one night.
Wish I had answers for you.
I definitely agree that the first step in treating Hashimoto’s is with dietary changes but remember it’s only the first step. Don’t forget to address gut issues, adrenal health, nutrient deficiencies avoidance of endocrine disrupting chemicals.
hi guys i just want to ask what are the signs and symptoms of hashimoto? Thanks
First thing you may notice is insomnia, sensitivity to cold or hot wheather, nervousness and gitteriness, trouble concentrating, feeling overwhelmed, sadness, muscle fatigue, shortness of breath, fast heart beat at times or feeling that your heart skips, dry skin, hair loss, mood swings, bouts of hunger, stomach issues. These symptoms may vary from person to person.
Those symptoms are sure all of mine!
I have all the symptoms and I’m so very frustrated. I don’t know what to do. I will feel normal for about 3 months and then I go down hill. My Doctor up my medication the last visit and it worked for only a few months. Any suggestions.
I have all the symptoms too and also reactive hypoglycemia and panic attacks added to them . Just found out I have hashimoto’s although my thyroid is still functioning normally but will get thyroid disease someday or so the endocrinologist said .. But I do have all those symptoms for years
I was diagnosed with Hoshimoto about years ago. Six years ago I had a nodule that came back ax a possible positive for Herthel thyroid cancer. When they removed my thyroid, it turned out no cancer, just a symptom of Hoshimoto. During surgery it was discovered I only was born with 1/2 a thyroid, so now I have none and am on full replacement Synthroid. My question: Do I still have Hoshimoto without the thyroid gland? If so, I just became aware of the gluten issue today, as my endro has never mentioned it. I will try it if I’m still considered a Hoshimoto patient.
From what I have been told, you will still have Hashimoto’s even without your thyroid as Hashimoto’s is NOT a thyroid condition, it is an autoimmune condition that attacks your thyroid. The issues with the tyroid are just one symptom of Hashimoto’s.
Correct
I was diagnosed after having my son (gaining 85 pounds). I feel awful and could lose 1 lb. aside from the fact I felt like I had mono and my joints were frozen along with debilitating muscle fatigue. It was to the point I was on a walk and had to stop a half mile away from my house to sit down. I was afraid I couldn’t get home. It was awful!
I now had baby number 2 and same thing is happening again. Not quite as bad because I’m on 190mcg of synthroid. This is the worst!
Any suggestions of a functional med that specializes in this that is located in Charlotte, NC???
This a partial list and resource for finding functional medicine doctors who have studied with Dr. Kharrazian. I have taken his thyroid seminar and do believe you can get some help with this condition. If you can’t get a practitioner nearby you can make some phone consultations. They will probably direct you to a place to get a full thyroid blood panel and can interpret your results and make suggestions.
http://thyroidbook.com/practitioner-locator/
You can also pick up a copy of Dr Kharrazian’s book.
“why do i still have thyroid symptoms? when my lab tests are normal” at amazon
Hope that helps.
Sounds like Hepatitis C
I see Dr. Rolband in Charlotte NC. He has been treating me for over two years. My lab work always falls within the normal range.
my daughter has just been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s she is 17. I’ve been in the low normal range for years with several symptoms of a thyroid disorder. How did you get a doctor to discuss this with you when your labs were within the normal range? When I have addressed this my doctors, they look at me like I am crazy, but I know my body and I know what I am feeling and with my daughters recent diagnosis I have no doubt it has some genetic component.
Did you ever find a doctor in Charlotte?? I live in Cary, NC and can’t find an endocrine doctor to help. I’ve been told to take vitamin D and that’s it. So frustrating!
I have hashimoto and I’m estrogen dominant. Looking to help myself naturally.
Did you ever find a doctor in Charlotte?? I live in Cary, NC and can’t find an endocrine doctor to help. I’ve been told to take vitamin D and that’s it. So frustrating!
I have hashimoto and I’m estrogen dominant. Looking to help myself naturally.
Marie,
I believe I’m having the same exact issue as you. I’ve been on DIM and Indole3Carbinol to help with estrogen dominance and also taking a natural thyroid glandular powder and going dairy and gluten free with occasional grain free. I’m still having roller coaster moments and heavy periods. I was thinking about trying progesterone cream on top of everything. I went to endo and antibodies positive but thyroid levels normal but symptoms definitely there! I’m trying to do this all on my own. What have you been trying?
I have Hashimotos and from what I have read, it seems that the adrenal hormones, the reproductive hormones, and the thyroid have a symbiotic relationship….if that’s the correct term… I read that the hormonal fluctuations that occur during perimenopause will aggravate your Hashimotos. Definitely have your hormones tested. Once, my testosterone was very low while all others were low also and years later, my progesterone was the lowest. I have been using bio identical progesterone cream compounded by a pharmacist and it has helped me a lot! Definitely go with bio identical over oral if your labs indicate you need to add something. Helps me tremendously with sugar and carb cravings, heavy or long periods, the condition of my skin and hair and most of all mental focus. If I run out, after about a week, I forget why I walked into a room, lose things, etc. We’re all different (those of us with Hashimotos). Some of us are TH1 dominated and some Th2. From all that I have read about Hashimotos, it is a complex thing…..this autoimmune disorder we have. There are so many different things that make it worse. It seems to affect us all quite differently. Practice self awareness and pay attention to your body. Keep a journal of what you’re eating, drinking, supplements your taking and record symptoms during that time, such as your mental, physical energy and emotional state, digestive weirdness, sleep or anything else you notice a change in for the better or worse and you will hopefully notice a link. I have had some luck with googling my symptoms and tracing them to deficiencies, which lab tests later confirmed. What works for some makes others of us worse. Get lots of rest, the exercise that works for you, and manage your stress levels for sure because stress wreaks serious havoc on the body, mind, and soul. Meditation and the understanding I’ve gained through the teachings of various spiritual thought leaders ( basically letting go of the fear that drives those thoughts and feelings we all would rather not feel and changing the way I view things such as loss, problems, failures, etc.) Has been life-changing for me! I wish you and anyone reading this all the best in going forward!
hi Rachael,
I just now saw your message. I’ve been taking DIM and I think it’s helped my hair loss. I keep gaining weight no matter what I eat. I will be seeing a new endocrine doctor this year. Hopefully this doctor will do better than just mailing me a letter and telling me to take vitamin D.
Are you in Cary or NC?
Hi Rachel.
I know it’s been awhile. I’ve tried DIM and I don’t see any changes. Then I read online that it’s bad to take. I don’t know which way to go. I’ve been buying organic fruits and veggies and grass fed beef etc.. I just feel like nothing is working. I’ve been taking supplements, only drinking spring water. Now I’m afraid to even drink spring water out of bpa free bottles. I’ve got to find a doctor that can help. It seems like foods that are helpful for the thyroid are harmful for estrogen dominance…I just don’t know.
I went to an endocrine in Raleigh and she actually did an ultrasound on my thyroid and told me I have nodules on my left side and that I do have hashimoto, but then she told me she doesn’t understand estrogen dominance and that doctors are making up problems so they have something to treat…I just about fell out of my chair. The doctor that diagnosed me with estrogen dominance is in Raleigh, he’s an internist and doesn’t accept my insurance, so I may just have to go in debt if I can’t find anyone else.
Have you had any success?
I am so thankful to have found this. I have just been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s and my primary complaint is exhaustion. I can’t believe the lack of information available. This has been very helpful. I did not even realize that gluten free could make things a little better. Reading all the comments have helped tremendously.
Consider doing an autoimmune protocol diet- it helps conservancy.
Hello,
I am reaching out because I’m really overwhelmed and can’t find clear answers online.
I recently found out through an ultrasound that the right side of my thyroid shows signs of disease but all of my blood tests (including antibodies) are normal. They said it could be the very beginning of Hashimoto’s.
I have decided to try going gluten free, however I am terrified by everything I’m reading and I’m not sure just how careful I have to be. I also have OCD so that is making me completely paranoid about cross-contamination but I’m not sure to what level I need to be. For example, if I go to chipotle do I need to tell them to put on new gloves before they touch my to-go bowl? Should I avoid eating out at restaurants altogether? I am terrified of the idea that microscopic particles of gluten are damaging my thyroid and I don’t even know it because I don’t have overly obvious symptoms.
Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.
Best,
Rebecca
Hi Rebecca
Yes there is a lot of alarming information out there. And there are a lot of celiacs who don’t even go to the lengths you are going to (weather they should or not is another discussion :>). There is more to getting hashi than what you eat, but an important component. From what I understand removing gluten from your diet is a sensible move to make, but I don’t think you have to anxst over it (I have high thyroid antibodies and chose to do this). There are also lifestyle factors which are important eg managing stress and taking good care of yourself. Given you level of concern, I would recommend that you work with a functional health practitioner or a reputable health coach who can help you check in with the overall balance of your lifestyle and food. Wishing you all the best and a reversal of symptoms x
How you doing I have no issue just eating better and I work out every day now and feel great
Don’t go to Chipotles. The main issue is processed food and chemicals/additives.
New to this site, I was just recently diagnosed with Hasimotos Thyroiditis, and told to go on Gluten free diet. I feel like crap (sorry) I am on (just switched) 50 mg of Synthyroid daily and my Endo says my lab test says that is enough. My TPO is 294 and am frustrated as I still feel very sick but don’t know what to do?
I too struggled until I went from Synthroid the Endo was prescribing to another provider and Armour. That along w dietary changes to include avoidance of gluten have made a world of difference. Many educated opinions out there, keep searching until you find the right one for you. There is hope, and a wonderful quality of life living with “”Hoshi”!
Pig thyroid which is what Armour is gives both t4 and t3
Synthroid is only T4 alone if your on Armour is likely cause u can not convert on your own I’m on Armour my self
Rebecca, I can promise you that the level of stress you are putting on yourself over gluten particles from cross contamination is far more damaging to your thyroid than eating a gluten loaded bagel. Relax! Remember that you are not dealing with a terminal disease. Hashimoto’s is not a death sentence. And if your antibodies are not sky high right now, you have plenty of time to figure things out. I have had Hashimoto’s and a Goiter for 15 years with Antibodies in the 1500’s and I still occasionally consume gluten (mostly organic/non-gmo forms). I don’t have an allergy or even a sensitivity to it, so if I had those I might decide to do things differently. But an occasional piece of normal bread makes me happy and gives me the ability to live in the world. When I was in Paris a few years ago for my 40th Birthday I ate crepes and french baguettes and it made me feel so free and happy! If I had been GF I would not have enjoyed that vacation at all. So try to think long term and what will give you the least amount of stress 🙂 Keep a food and exercise log from time to time so you can see what is working/not working. Hashimoto’s is different for everyone.
Thank you so much for your response! I tend to wayyy over-analyze things when I’m anxious so I know I should just do the best I can and not worry quite so much. I appreciate the comforting response : )
Rebecca. I have the same feelings as you, I get overly anxious and worry but I have decided from reading everything that to feel healthy again going gluten free is the answer. Eat veggies , fruit, and fish and meats. No sugar. We can do this together ok. I’m also going to see a counsellor to help me with the anxiety I get with worrying about this Hashimotos hypothyroidism that I have. Hugs to you.
Would like to chat with you about Hashimotos and share info!
I would like to chat with someone about Hashimoto, I was diagnosed in May of 2014 and had my thyroid removed due to it was basically not functioning any longer. I have had to quit my job, I hurt all over and very emotional and depressed with no energy. I am on 150mcg of Tirosint and still feel this way. My endo has never mentioned a special diet, any thoughts would be helpful.
I’m sorry but that reply was irresponsible. Ple with Hashimoto’s suffer to a greater degree. DON’T eat gluten if your doctor told you not to. To say, “I eat bread, because it makes me feel good.” That’s like saying, “I think kids get autism from a measles vaccine”. I’m a third generation Hashimoto individual with siblings who also suffer. I was diagnosed many years ago and have found that illness which may take the majority of ple to recover from take me twice as long. This is an auto immune disease and it effects the immune system. I also have celiac which is very common among ple with Hashimoto’s. Both are genetic. Trust me – if you want to eat bread, try one of the vast number of GF bread options there. Or, get a bread machine and make your own. My motto is when in doubt do without. This is not an allergy where you take a pill if you have a reaction. Think more carefully responder before you say to someone “Yeah, eat wheat you’ll be fine.” Every body is different. Err on the side of caution and be safe.
Jill, please scroll up and read Rebecca’s post. She never said her doctor told her to go gluten free OR that she is allergic or sensitive to gluten. Her antibodies are not elevated and she doesn’t even know that she definitely has Hashi’s! Your response is making a whole lot of assumptions. Rebecca is a smart woman. I’m confident that she can make the right decisions for herself and there’s no need for her to be in any sort of panic.
I’m definitely planning on being 100% gluten free, I’ve thoroughly cleaned my kitchen, gotten new utensils etc. I just need to know if, since I don’t have celiac, I need to be as anxious as I am about cross contamination. Because I don’t have a strong reaction that I know of to gluten and my blood tests are normal (I was only diagnosed with Hashimoto’s via an ultrasound and family history) can I stop being so absolutely terrified about eating at a restaurant or will unknown particles of gluten be causing me terrible harm?
Rebecca – I was diagnosed with Hashi’s in July. I had already been gluten free for years and find it really does help. I do not have celiac but have a sensitivity to gluten. I personally don’t worry about cross contamination. I have friends who have celiac and don’t either. It all depends on how sensitive a person is to gluten. My friend and nutritionist told me not to worry about trace amounts which is usually all you would get from cross contamination. Hope that helps. Try not to panic. There is sooo much information out there, good and bad, that it’s hard not to panic and feel overwhelmed. Good luck!
Thank you so much! That helps a lot to hear. Thank goodness for blogs like this : )
Rebecca – you only have to worry about cross contamination if you are diagnosed as a celiac. Stop Worrying please. I have been diagnosed with celiac disease and if you had that you would know about, I lost a stone and half in one month because I ate a flour based sauce and was always anaemic. so NO do not worry about a crumb your making a diet choice . If you gave up chocolate would you worry about a crumb of it ,,no. So stop worrying and start to move forward xx
Vaccaines are linked to autism and low glutamine levels
Thanks That’s is some info to pass along.
I like the idea of a journal. I think I will start one.
Thanks
Candace
I had the same issue until my endo switched me to nature thorid made of pig hormones . It’s not really for people with hashimotos but it’s worked wonders for me. I use ti go without my synthroid because it didn’t work but if I go 1 day without thus I can tell big time. Hope this hepls
Hi I have been diagnose with Hashimoto on January 1st, my TPO test result are 389 High and my TSH 6.160 High. Can someone educate me I am already on Levoxyl (25 mcg) daily. What are the things I need to know, change in my daily life.
From a single mother.
2 years ago I was running 5k+, 2-3 times a week. I also played an extreme, high contact sport 2-3 times a week. I was very healthy and active. My symptoms began with knee and hip pain, I attributed it to running too much. Then came the fatigue, and brain fog and weight gain. The latest symptoms to appear were daily headaches and vomiting, accompanied by acute pain in my left abdomen, right below my rib cage. It put me in the ER at one point, Dr said it was a ruptured cyst. This was a year ago. I might add, I had a terrible stressful job that also attributed to my decline.
8 months ago I pressed my Osteopath Dr. to test me again, because besides anemia, everything kept testing normal. She ran an autoimmune panel and found antibodies, indicating Hashimotos. My Grandma has graves, my Aunt has hashis. So it makes sense. She put me on a gluten, soy and dairy free diet, and after about a month, I started the AIP diet, and was so diligent on being adherent. Headstrong and determined to get back to my active lifestyle.
8 months later, I had a complete relapse, right in line with financial and other health problems. She retested and my levels had increased. Every symptom returned including some weight gain which was odd since all I was eating was meat and veggies, with a few carbs. The diet is not working as planned. I definitely felt better for a period of time, but am crushed that I still have a cycle of relapse.
I think stress and diet are key factors. They work in tandem together. I have not started a medication regime…should I push for it? What am I missing?
All you need to do is address your stress levels. thats the crux of the problem. I have been there. You may think you can’t change things and that life has its stresses but you are more in control of your life than u realise. Be proactive and sort thise things that stress you. Finances, job, people. Make some changes. Then most importantly change your attitude. Things are not actually stressful, it’s our minds that make it so. Meditation, more sleep, more fun, more vitamins and minerals, more chatting to friends, more friends, deleting toxic people out of your life, laugh at everything. Make life a joy rather than a serious chore and don’t alliw your mind to worry. Anxiety eats away at health.
thank you
Great advice about stress…I am having a hard time getting rid of mine. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Make sure you take medication. I take natural stuff prescribed by my naturalpathic doctor. It’s called thyroid substance and 2 kelp pills. My thyroid is slowly improving. Good luck.
I’ve been told by my Dr I’m “at risk” for Hashi because my TSH is “normal”. My antibodies were at 25, outside the range but clearly low compared to so many posts I’ve read. And my TSH is 3.2 (though I’ve read higher than 1 or 2 can cause issues). I need advice, I have fatigue, my hair is falling out, and sleep poorly. Are my numbers possibly the cause and I do have Hashimoto’s? Should I be proactive and change my diet to prevent further damage? Is my situation worthy of medication? Help!
Listen to your gut and do what you think you should do. Everyone’s situation with Hashi’s is different. Trust that you can figure out what’s best for you. My only advice is to keep a food/sleep/exercise journal so you can see for yourself what is working and not working.
You may have candida which can also give you those symptoms and can be a trigger for hashimotos. You can do a smile salvia test to see if you have got it. Not sure if Chris refers to it anywhere, if not go check out Christa Orecchio at the whole journey. Best
You need 0.8-2 is normal range
I have Hashimoto’s & am taking synthroid for last 15 yrs & isn’t working & I found an M.D./N.D.. My question is should I see him for only the thyroid issue (as clearing this up will correct many other issues associated with thyroid like hair loss, can’t lose weight even on weight watchers, foggy memory, insomnia) or should I see him as my primary doctor? The cost is high & not covered by insurance. Just trying to decide what way to go. If I see him for one issue and later take him on as primary the cost is much higher versus having him be primary at the start. Any advice would be helpful.
Before you pay for a visit with any ND, I would ask him/her to provide information on the number of patients they have helped who had Thyroid Disease or Hashimoto’s and what their plan of treatment looks like. They will do a free consult with you to go over this info and you should consult with 3 or 4 of them so that you can make the best choice for yourself.
When I witched from synthroid to armour, it changed my life My doc said people with Hashimoto’s need T3 and T4. Synthroid does not have that.