DR. IZABELLA WENTZ, PHARM D

Thyroid Pharmacist

Best Diet for Hashimoto's

The Best Diet For Hashimoto’s

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What is the right diet to heal Hashimoto’s?

I hear this question a lot. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t always straight forward, as nutrition is the only science where multiple answers can be both correct and wrong. One (wo)man’s medicine can be another (wo)man’s poison.

We are all different, and although we may have the same condition, different interventions may be required for each of us to heal. That said, I have learned a lot, through trial and error, on my journey to heal my own body, and have worked with and surveyed thousands of other people with Hashimoto’s who have been able to feel better through dietary changes.

In this article, I’d like to share some of what I’ve learned, including:

  • My personal diet journey
  • How to balance blood sugar by limiting carbs
  • The top six dietary changes I recommend
  • Nutrient-dense healing foods to incorporate in your diet
  • Three Root Cause diet templates to consider

My Personal Diet Journey

I have tried a variety of diets on my Hashimoto’s healing journey. I started by going gluten and dairy free after having food sensitivity tests that showed I reacted to both. My stomach was extremely grateful. My acid reflux disappeared in just 3 days! I no longer had a chronic cough, diarrhea, or bloating, either. Having learned about the connection between food and autoimmune disease, I excitedly re-tested my TPO antibodies. Unfortunately, they had increased. I also became more tired, and my anxiety worsened.

At first, I was surprised, but came to learn that I made the same rookie mistake that people who go gluten free usually do. I replaced my previous junk food with “GFJF” (gluten free junk food), like soy and rice-based gluten free bread, pretzels, dairy free milk, and cookies.

Soy has been linked with autoimmune thyroid disorders, and gluten free junk foods, bread, cereals and soy milk have an incredibly high glycemic index. The blood sugar imbalances from gluten free junk foods promote adrenal dysfunction, which can affect thyroid function.

Eventually, I made a point to remove soy, and I balanced my blood sugar by eating lower glycemic index foods. I felt better, and my thyroid antibodies decreased. But soon, healing plateaued, and I started becoming bloated again.

So I went back to the drawing board and began researching alternative diets. I resonated with the theory behind the GAPS diet, which was comprised of nutrient-dense foods like meats, vegetables, fruit, eggs, and nuts, so I took the plunge. I felt better at first. Almost immediately, I noticed increased muscle tone and energy levels.

But even after several months, I continued to have digestive issues. I had been trying so hard to find the right diet!

Instead of giving up, I decided to follow another diet that removes gluten and dairy, and limits fruit. I started to immediately have positive results. I felt happier. My skin cleared up, my hair became bouncy and shiny again, and I was glowing! Three months after, my TPO antibodies had dropped to the 200 range.

So what wasn’t working for me?

Some of the fruits were causing blood sugar imbalances. I also did additional testing and figured out that I was not digesting protein correctly (especially eggs). I cut them out, added green smoothies to the mix, and started eating raw (but puréed) veggies.

I further refined my diet by doing an elimination diet and had a different type of food sensitivity test to identify additional foods that I may be reacting to without knowing it.

The test showed that I was reactive to some “healthy” foods I occasionally ate: chard, apples, garlic, and strawberries. I decided to “test” the validity of the test and ate a whole bunch of these foods all at once. I noticed more joint pain when I consumed the foods I had tested as sensitive toward.

My takeaway is that it’s important to listen to your own body, instead of relying solely on any one dietary theory. Dietary theories are meant to be a starting point. Your own body will give you further direction.

Which Diet Should You Start With?

If you’ve been eating a Standard American Diet (S.A.D.), consisting of a large quantity of grains, dairy, soy and processed foods, you may be wondering where to start your own dietary journey.

Multiple diets have been reported to reverse Hashimoto’s and other autoimmune conditions, including the Specific Carbohydrate diet, Paleo diet, Autoimmune Paleo diet, low-FODMAPs diet, and Body Ecology diet, as well as gluten, soy, dairy, and iodine free diets.

The connecting thread behind these diverse diets is that they all remove various reactive foods. Most of the diets also include animal proteins, are more nutrient dense than the SAD, and remove processed foods.

What About Vegan and Vegetarian Diets?

While vegan and vegetarian diets have been reported to be extremely helpful with autoimmune and chronic conditions, I have not been able to find reports of people recovering from Hashimoto’s by following a vegan diet. Even devout vegans who are nutritionally conscious still struggle with low body temperatures, hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s.

Some of the reasons that such diets may be problematic in Hashimoto’s are that they can:

  • Exacerbate blood sugar issues
  • Prevent the gut from healing
  • Contribute to nutrient deficiencies that may exacerbate Hashimoto’s

Diet Templates

I consider myself to be diet-agnostic. I try not to form too many attachments to any dogmas, be it diets, herbs, medications or other treatment modalities. My goal is to simply try to find the most successful protocols, and to show my readers what works.

In analyzing the diets that have worked for my clients and readers, I’ve found the following three diets to be especially helpful:

  1. The gluten, dairy and soy free diet
  2. The Paleo diet
  3. The Autoimmune Paleo diet

I’ve further refined these diets to Hashimoto’s by making some adjustments based on clinical experience of what works for most people with Hashimoto’s, including:

  • Balancing blood sugar and limiting the intake of carbohydrates
  • Limiting fish high in mercury levels
  • Limiting foods high in iodine
  • Increasing the intake of protein and good fats
  • Adding nutrient dense foods found to benefit the thyroid
  • Removing personally reactive foods

Balancing Blood Sugar By Limiting the Intake of Carbohydrates

You might be surprised to learn that, while protein, fat and micronutrients are all required by the human body, carbohydrates are not a required nutrient. While (good) fat is required for normal cell function, we can actually survive on little to no carbohydrates in our diets.

Not only are carbs not required, they’re also the greatest contributor to blood sugar imbalances — which up to 50 percent of those with Hashimoto’s may have! These imbalances can contribute to anxiety, weight gain, hair loss, irritability, weakened adrenals, fatigue, and increased thyroid antibodies. Limiting one’s carbohydrate intake and consuming plenty of good fats and proteins instead can help balance blood sugar.

I recommend staying away from processed carbohydrates, as those will cause the greatest blood sugar swings. Stick to natural carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes and berries, but not too many at first. For best results, you may want to limit yourself to 1-2 servings of carbohydrates a day if you’re still in the early stages of your healing journey and are struggling with blood sugar swings. For some of my clients, even too much fruit can throw them off. You will be able to improve your tolerance of carbohydrates as you heal.

Limiting the Intake of Fish High in Mercury Levels

Seafood is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help restore immune balance and reduce inflammation. However, frequently eating fish that is high in mercury can lead to elevated levels of mercury in the body, which can disrupt thyroid function and contribute to our toxicity load.

Some fish, like swordfish and tuna, are higher in mercury than others — so I recommend looking for lower-mercury species like salmon and trout. (Check out the Environmental Working Group’s complete seafood guide.)

You can also get omega-3s from supplements, and you can read more about the fish oil supplements that I recommend.

Limiting Foods High in Iodine

While iodine is essential for thyroid function, excessive amounts can exacerbate Hashimoto’s. Today, with iodized salt being prevalent in most countries, iodine excess is recognized as a risk factor for developing Hashimoto’s! (Read more about the iodine and Hashimoto’s controversy and foods high in iodine.)

In my experience, iodine needs to be dosed appropriately to provide benefit and prevent harm. Some research has shown that a low-iodine diet has been helpful in reducing the autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland and in normalizing thyroid function in people with iodine-induced Hashimoto’s. I’ve found that for most people with Hashimoto’s, a small intake of iodine (150-220 mcg daily) is usually safe and potentially helpful.

Increasing the Intake of Good Fats and Protein

Although we’re finally coming out of the decades we spent fearing fat, there’s still a lingering mindset that keeps us from eating enough of this energy-rich macronutrient. I encourage you not to fear fat; it’s essential for brain function, healthy skin, shiny hair, and cell membrane formation.

The key is to eat good fats found in fish, olive and coconut oil, and avocados; and avoid bad (trans) fats, found in baked or fried goods, packaged cookies, certain cereals, and hydrogenated oils. When you eliminate processed foods from your diet, you will essentially have eliminated almost all forms of trans fats. As a bonus, you’ll naturally be getting a more balanced omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio. (You can read more about omega-3 fatty acids here.)

Increasing your intake of good fats with fish will likely also boost your protein intake. People with chronic illnesses actually need more protein in their diet to help support greater cell and tissue repair demands. Protein also acts as the raw fuel to create thyroid hormones and reverse intestinal permeability.

I recommend eating about 1-1.2 grams of protein, per kilogram of body weight, per day (roughly 0.5 grams per pound of body weight).

In addition to getting protein from foods, it may also be helpful to obtain protein from protein powder, such as Rootcology AI Paleo Protein, as people with Hashimoto’s may have trouble extracting protein from the foods they eat. Since it has already been broken down into fine form and separated from other ingredients, protein from powder is generally easier to digest than protein from foods.

Adding Nutrient Dense Healing Foods

Besides removing potentially reactive foods, adding in nutrient-dense foods is key to healing your gut.

Here are some of the foods I have found to be especially beneficial for the thyroid:

  • Green smoothies – These are a really great way to increase our intake of nutritious food without the digestive stress. As they’re chopped up, the food becomes easier to digest, and the nutrients are more readily absorbed. Additionally, they’re a wonderful source of chlorophyll, which has been shown to help support the process of detoxification in the liver, reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, raise iron levels, and even work as a natural deodorant by neutralizing odors.
  • Fermented foods – Fermentation is a process of food preservation that produces probiotics, or “good bacteria,” that can balance intestinal flora. I recommend that you buy fermented foods, like sauerkraut, that require refrigeration, as probiotic bacteria can only survive a couple of weeks at room temperature.
  • Bone broth – Bone broth provides healing collagen and nutrients to support our gut lining and skin. Seventy percent of readers in my 2015 survey found that bone broth helped them feel better.
  • Hot lemon water – Lemon juice can help support the liver’s detoxification pathways; and, thanks to its acidity, it can also increase the absorption of thyroid hormone medications. Most people who start drinking hot lemon water on an empty stomach in the morning in place of caffeinated beverages are surprised by not just how much energy they have, but also how much better they feel overall.
  • Beets – Beets are a good source of phytonutrients, which perform anti-inflammatory and antioxidant duties in the body. Beets are especially good for those with MTHFR gene mutations and elevated homocysteine levels, as their betaine content can help break down homocysteine. I recommend eating 1 to 2 servings of beets a week. However, because they are naturally high in sugar, you’ll want to combine them with a healthy fat or protein source.
  • Cruciferous veggies – Crucifers are healthy for most people with Hashimoto’s, and their glucosinolates help increase detoxification in the liver.
  • Cilantro – Fresh cilantro is a natural chelator, which means it will bind to certain toxins and help excrete them from the body. You can add cilantro to salads, avocados and green juices, and use it as a fresh condiment topper on soups.
  • Fiber – Fiber acts like a sponge as it moves through the digestive process and helps absorb toxins and excess hormones, ultimately supporting their path to excretion. It’s best to get fiber from fruits and vegetables versus supplemental forms, as fiber supplements have been known to aggravate intestinal permeability and SIBO. I suggest gradually adding fibrous foods into your diet if you don’t normally eat a lot of them.
  • Turmeric – The curcumin content in turmeric helps support the gut, liver, and inflammatory pathways, and can be especially helpful if you are experiencing pain.
  • Berries – Berries are an incredible source of phytonutrients that act as antioxidants in the body. Because they are high in fiber, they don’t cause a spike in your blood sugar, as some types of fruit do. Blueberries are a rich source of myo-inositol, a nutrient that has been shown to improve thyroid function and blood sugar. Aim for 1-2 servings of berries daily. It’s best to spread these servings out throughout the day, as I’ve found that too much fruit at one time can cause a spike in blood sugar that may lead to tiredness.

Remove Personally Reactive Foods

It’s important to reiterate that each person needs to assess their individual dietary needs and find the diet that works best for them. For many people, that will involve some level of food sensitivity testing to identify the foods that are reactive for them.

Food sensitivities are governed by the IgA, IgM and IgG branches of the immune system. Reactive foods trigger an inflammatory response in the GI tract, leading to malabsorption of nutrients, and can also produce intestinal permeability whenever they are eaten.

Reactions after consuming them may take as long as hours or even a few days to manifest, and may include acid reflux, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, palpitations, joint pain, anxiety, nerve tingling or headaches.

Most people will see a dramatic reduction in symptoms by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies. An additional subset of people will be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to.

Most Helpful Diet Templates for Hashimoto’s

After making these adjustments, these diets have evolved to become…

  1. The Root Cause Intro Diet
  2. The Root Cause Paleo Diet
  3. The Root Cause Autoimmune Diet

I hope that these diet templates will be a helpful place for you to start. That said, no matter what, it’s important to remember that these dietary protocols don’t need to control your life. They are approaches to healing your body from the effects of Hashimoto’s, but they should be seen as fluid and not fixed; you can try them as they are designed, and then you can let them morph into what works best for your unique body.

The Root Cause Intro Diet

For those wishing to overcome their Hashimoto’s symptoms, I always suggest that going gluten, dairy and soy free is the best place to start. Those three foods tend to be the most problematic for people with thyroid conditions, and removing them can often lead to a significant reduction in symptoms.

To those starting their health journey, I recommend the Root Cause Intro Diet, which focuses on removing the six most commonly reactive substances in those with Hashimoto’s:

  • Gluten
  • Dairy
  • Soy
  • Sugar
  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol

These dietary irritants, when combined with the environmental toxins we are exposed to on an everyday basis, can overburden the body. In people with Hashimoto’s, who may already have impaired detox abilities, this buildup of toxins can impede healing. By following this diet, you will create an internal environment focused on healing and help calm the immune system.

The Root Cause Paleo Diet

To dive a little further, I have found a Paleo-style diet to be the most effective for the majority of people with Hashimoto’s. In fact, 81 percent of my readers said a Paleo-style diet made them feel better!

The historical theory behind the health benefits of a Paleo diet is that the digestive systems of humans have not had sufficient time to adapt to today’s farming practices or to the ingredients and chemicals in modern processed foods. The theory blames the rise in chronic diseases, obesity, and allergies on the agricultural revolution, which added grains and processed foods — as well as toxins — into our diet.

It is estimated that contemporary Western populations get as much as 70 percent of their daily energy intake from foods that were never or rarely consumed by our hunter-gatherer Paleolithic ancestors. These non-Paleo foods include grains, refined sugars, dairy, and highly processed fats.

After eliminating grains and processed foods, a Paleo diet replaces these with nutrient-dense foods: nuts and seeds, vegetables, fruit, and eggs. Meat and fish are also allowed.

I have put my own twist on the Paleo diet, with what I call the Root Cause Paleo Diet. It specifically eliminates the foods that tend to cause the most problems for those with Hashimoto’s, while adding in the nutrients that help the body heal.

The Root Cause Paleo Diet eliminates:

  • Dairy
  • Grains
  • Legumes (except green beans and pea protein)
  • Sugar
  • High iodine foods
  • Caffeine
  • Capsaicin-containing peppers (chili pepper, red chilli flakes, cayenne pepper)

Foods included on the diet are:

The Root Cause Autoimmune Diet

If you are still experiencing symptoms, especially gut-related symptoms, after following the two diets above, my recommendation is to step up to the Root Cause Autoimmune Diet. This diet adds eggs, nightshades, nuts, and seeds, to the list of excluded foods.

Eggs can be a reactive food for some people with Hashimoto’s, including 48 percent of readers that I surveyed in 2015. Eggs contain the enzyme lysozyme, which has the ability to bond with bacteria and proteins as it moves through the digestive process, collectively forming what’s referred to as a “lysozyme complex”, which can irritate those with leaky gut.

Nightshades contain alkaloids, which are chemical compounds that can be reactive substances in some people. Forty-seven percent of readers found removing nightshades relieved their joint aches, pain, swelling, tingling, and numbness.

While nuts are a highly nutritious source of protein and healthy fats, they can be tough to digest. Additionally, they contain oxalates and phytates, both “anti-nutrients” that can interfere with mineral absorption. In the Root Cause Autoimmune Diet, nuts are excluded, but even if you don’t react to them now and you add them back in later, I recommend rotating them with other foods, eating them every three to four days.

Finally, seeds have the potential to aggravate an already irritated gut, as they tend to resist digestion, and might contribute to symptoms if you have trouble digesting proteins.

To recap, the Root Cause Autoimmune Diet excludes:

  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine
  • Dairy (including butter and ghee, which are allowed in traditional Paleo)
  • Eggs
  • Gluten
  • Grains
  • Hot peppers
  • Legumes
  • Nightshades
  • Nuts
  • Seaweed
  • Seeds
  • Soy
  • Sugar

Foods allowed on this diet include:

  • Fish and shellfish
  • Fruits (all, especially coconut)
  • Meats (all)
  • Oils: avocado, coconut, and olive
  • Vegetables (except nightshades)

The list of included foods may seem short, but in practice it translates to countless options for delicious eating, and you’ll find some of my favorite recipes in my new cookbook!

Beyond Food: Where Do I Go From Here?

If, after removing problematic foods, you still experience symptoms, it may be a sign to start digging for potential other root causes behind your thyroid condition.

You may consider removing toxins, reversing nutrient depletions, addressing gut-related issues with digestive enzymes, treating infections like Candida, Blasto or H. pylori, testing for SIBO, and balancing the adrenals. (I’ll go into further detail about possible root causes of Hashimoto’s in my new cookbook!)

The Takeaway

Limiting one’s intake of carbohydrates, fish high in mercury levels and foods high in iodine — while increasing one’s intake of protein and good fats, adding nutrient dense foods found to benefit Hashimoto’s, and removing personally reactive foods — can make an enormous impact on your health!

While I hope these suggestions help you on your journey to find the right diet for you, know that your journey is YOURS and you need to keep digging until you find what works for you.

If you’re looking for strategies and recipes to help you get started on thyroid-friendly dietary interventions, consider getting a copy of my new cookbook, Hashimoto’s Food Pharmacology: Nutrition Protocols and Healing Recipes to Take Charge of Your Thyroid Health. This is a cookbook and nutrition guide that reveals how food can be used as medicine in the same manner that pharmaceuticals are used to impact our biology, and it’s designed with healing recipes and protocols specifically for people with Hashimoto’s or autoimmune conditions.

The first few chapters will teach you how to support yourself through optimal diet, digestive enzymes and proper nutrients. You’ll also find tools and strategies for success and 125 delicious recipes that will help your body heal.

I hope you find this wealth of information helpful on your health journey!

PS. You can also download a free Thyroid Diet Guide, 10 thyroid-friendly recipes, and the Nutrient Depletions and Digestion chapter of my Root Cause book for free by signing up for my weekly newsletter. You will also receive occasional updates about new research, resources, giveaways and helpful information.

Note: Originally published in February 2015, this article has been revised and updated for accuracy and thoroughness.

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  1. I can attest to the Vegan diet/animal protien link. I was vegetarian for 13 years and then through diet elimination removed dairy from my diet. After that, I went Vegan. During the same time, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. I was working with a Naturopath and we went through pulling every food I had an intolerance to out of my diet. 6 months later, and at this point gluten-free vegan, my levels had stopped improving. I made the difficult decision to give meat a go and see if my levels improved. To my astonishment, within six weeks of eating meat, my levels improved and eventually moved into a good range. My Hashimoto’s went into remission, and today I still have normal anti-body levels.
    Reply

  2. Congratulations on your remission Kristin! Stories like yours inspired me to search for my root cause and will inspire others to do the same! Thank you so much for sharing!
    Reply

  3. Hi Kristin, could you please tell me what else you were eating or avoiding eating during the time your Hashi’s went into remission? And any supplements you were taking/ I know that everyone is different but I too have gone from vegan to meat eating and so far levels are improving. I’m very interested in what else you were or weren’t doing. Thanks for sharing your story!
    Reply

  6. now that you are in remission are you on any thyroid medications, or at any stage were you on medication,
    Regards
    Nerida
    Reply

  7. Check out Andrea Beaman for healing Thyroid. She healed her own Hashimoto’s and works with patients around the world. It’s not only about nutrition ( and yes, proteins, fats and correct cooking processes very important) but also environmental factors, and spiritual and emotional healing as well.
    Reply

  9. I think sometimes it just takes us a while to make certain leaps because we just don’t *want* to! We want the way we choose to eat to work for us, to not make us sick, to not be the reason we’re not getting better. It can take a while to do trial and error, and finally feel like giving change a try is our only choice. I was “mostly” gluten free for the past 4 years, but finally hit a wall with my improvements. I realized that I was just fighting the gluten-free change because it is inconvenient. :-/ Now I’m contemplating removing some other food choices and working on seeing if that makes a difference. Slowly but surely!
    Reply

  13. I am a vegetarian who loves fake meats like gardein chic’n, veggie burgers, fake turkey, baloney, bacon. tofu and veggie cheese. I mostly follow a dairy free diet. I have Hashimotos and was recently diagnosed with pre diabeties. Am I best off going back to eating meat even though I have a love of animals. I don’t think I could live on a plant based diet soley and am very picky when it comes to the vegrtables I eat. Thank you very much. Lisa
    Reply

  15. Hi Flore, have you had your iodine levels tested? My doctor and naturopath held off iodine until my test results came back, and what should, ideally, have been a level of 150 was 37.5. So I’m on iodine but being checked regularly as too much or too little is apparently not good at all. It might be worth seeing if you can find out your levels and go from there.
    Reply

  16. Yes, iodine free! I have Hashimoto’s and I have an intolerance to iodine that manifests in getting blemishes all over if I eat sea vegetables, or even too much iodized salt (which of course I don’t any more). Every Hashimoto’s case is different and this what may help one person aggravates the other.
    Reply

  17. Hi Eva,
    Your blemishes are from detoxing out the bromide, chlorine and fluoride when you take iodine. This is a detox reaction, not a bad thing. It’s helping to rid your body of the poisonous halides that are inhibiting iodine absorption-these halides compete for your iodine receptors and make you deficient in iodine and toxic in the other three. Read The Iodine Crisis by Lynne Farrow for more info
    Reply

  18. Flore-
    My dr believes Iodine DOES help. I see & hear so much out there regarding Iodine, however, she gave me a good book by David Brownstein and iodine.
    Reply

  19. Hi abb beale,
    Only someone who never had skin problems as I do can say that it is not bad thing. Girl, you don’t know what you are talking about. When I have a flare up, I looks terrible, and the blemishes are lingering deep under the skin for months. I can’t afford to look like this because I work with people. Additionally it looks also like the skin “consistency” is changing when I am exposed to these substances, skin is inflamed, looks red and unhealthy, is very sensitive to touch and becomes horny with crusts that are very adherent and also linger for months and don’t want to heal. It actually looks like scleroderma or lichen (when I looked at the pictures on the net), and both these diseases are also considered to be autoimmune in nature. So to summarise, I strongly believe that Iodine in me actually triggers an autoimmune response.
    According to tests, my thyroid is rather faster than slower, but still everything is within the ranges. My TSH ~ 1.3, both T3 and T4 higher than medium, but my thyroid peroxidase is over the roof, TG normal, and even though the thyroid numbers are quite good, I am gaining weight.
    The process of skin problems looks like this:
    – it starts with papules deep under the skin that do not mature
    – initially they are red, but later become crusty (adherent – if removed they bleed)
    – when I touch them they become horny and linger for very long time
    – then I have to go to dermatologist to have them spray with liquid nitrogen
    I have already consulted quite few doctors both conventional and naturopaths, and nobody was able to give me an answer why it is happening, also never found any info on the internet that would address this particular problem.
    Reply

    • Eva –

      I have what sounds very similar to your skin condition. I don’t know if it’s psoriasis or eczema or some other condition unique to Hashimoto’s but what you’ve described sounds identical to my condition. While I know every body is different, the moment I notice the beginnings of that first breakout, I immediately start drinking strawberry LEAF tea (not strawberry flavored but actually made from the strawberry leaves). I don’t know what’s in it that helps but I’ll go through a pitcher or two of iced tea in the summer and or a couple pots of it hot in the winter and the blossoms disappear. If I’m too late to catch it (traveling or waiting for an Internet shipment or something), it delimits the months of the breakout down to days or weeks. I have recommended this DIY home remedy to dozens of people – all of whom have reported back, astonished to find it as an easy, affordable “cure” for a lifetime ailment.

      I don’t know if this will help you but it has virtually no risk or downside to trying it – it’s just herb tea (tisane).

      I hope it helps! 😉

      Reply

      • @Heather Hale, where do you purchase your Strawberry Leaf tea? I see many options online, however not sure what site is more reputable than others. Shocking that Amazon didn’t appear to have very solid options either.

        I am having an awful breakout now all over my body, very very itchy. Any advise would be soooo helpful!

        Reply

        • Sharon –

          Google for “strawberry leaf tea.” You can add “dried” or “wild” (or “health benefits” 😉 ) if you like. Its Latin/scientific name is “Fragaria vesca.” Amazon has lots of options (Starwest Botanicals sells dried wild strawberry leaves). You can also make it yourself using fresh strawberry leaves and/or dehydrating them. 😉

          In reading Izabella Wentz’s many great books and blogs, I/m beginning to think it might be Lichen Planus???

          Reply

      • ESanchez Thanks for sharing! I’m very hesitant in recommending iodine in Hashimoto’s. Although iodine serves as fuel for our thyroid and is very important in iodine deficiency hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s is a different mechanism. It’s like pouring gas into an engine that’s on fire… that’s essentially what’s happening in Hashimoto’s thyroid inflammation. Adding iodine to the mix before putting out the fire and fixing the engine may result in further damage to the thyroid. In those with a predisposition to autoimmunity, this has been documented time and time again, in both animal and human studies.

        I have spent 4 years researching this and have seen too many people suffering the consequences of adding iodine too soon. My approach is, let’s fix the engine first (usually a gut issue), and then add the fuel once we know that the engine is no longer on fire. Hope that you will check out my book. I have an entire chapter on the iodine controversy that references numerous studies as well as the work of Abraham and Brownstein. Here are the links to my books:

        Hashimoto’s Protocol
        http://amzn.to/2B5J1mq

        Hashimoto’s Root Cause
        http://amzn.to/2DoeC80

        Reply

    • Check your vitamin d levels with that under the skin acne that hurts. I was getting that and they are virtually non existent when my D 1.25 levels get into normal range.

      Reply

  20. Hi Sue, I’ve also read Dr. Brownstein’s books Overcoming Thyroid Disorders and Iodine, Why We Need It. Even before that I had been taking 4 Iodoral/day for about a year or two. Even before being treated properly for hypothyroidism and Hashimotos. However, in the past 2 years I was being over treated with Armour. My hair has been falling at an alarming rate, nearly bald. I quit seeing my old holistic doctor and got into see another which happens to be in the offices of Dr. Brownstein. They adjusted my Armour and added some extra T4 I needed…but my hair continued to be thin. Barely any eyebrows. Then I got a FB response from Dr, Wentz that those with Hashi should not take iodine. In fact it’s like pouring fuel on the fire. So I stopped taking it. I told my new doc about it and he said lets see what happens. He also has me on other supplements to enhance my uptake of iron and thyroid function. I will say I’m confused about the iodine thing. Think I’ll have him test my levels again next time and see where we are at that point. Bottom line is I’m just beginning to see some slight new hair growth. Whether it’s from stopping the iodine, the major change in my diet, or the supplements…I have no idea. I only pray it continues. Best to you!
    Reply

  21. PLEASE don’t increase iodine for hashimoto’s !!!
    a Natropath put me on hi doses before I was diagnosed – had instant extremely short improvement in energy but actually made me MUCH MUCH WORSE after only 2 weeks
    Reply

  22. Ya. this is very informative.. i m on gluten free diet just since 8 wks n feeling much better.. my brain fog has gone ..i really want to know
    Reply

  23. I went on both Paleo and Ketogenic diets, under the direction of a nutritionist because of my difficulty losing weight with Hashimotos. With both, we found that my body would only allow me to lose so much weight and then I would hit a wall.
    Reply

  24. I have the same problem. I am only able to lose 35lbs then it stops. I just started the Keto diet. Did you ever end up having success with weight loss?
    Reply

  25. I have hypothyroidism but not Hashimotos, at least my antibodies were never up. I have still ended up with Paleo because I feel best on it.
    I also believe that testing for iodine is important. It’s wrong to assume that Hashimotos never needs iodine.
    Reply

  26. I am one Plant Eater who proves this theory wrong. I have had Hashimoto for 25 years. I am a farmer who originally was a meat eater. I ate only lean grass fed meats (I raised them I know). I was also eating clean but my cholesterol went through the roof.
    My Endo and I discussed me going Plant Based about 6 years ago. I agreed. We did a comprehensive elimination diet. I do not suffer from leaky gut like many Hashi patients. Between diet and testing, it was found I have NO food allergies or sensitivities. I reintroduced food. My cholesterol dropped within the first month to levels better than most Americans.
    For 5 years I have eaten clean plant based diet.I had never felt better. Then I got sick a year ago and my Hashimoto went into a full blown attack. I recently did a juice reboot fast like Joe Cross. My Hashimoto is in remission. I no longer take dietary supplements. Eating a raw diet with great food I get all my vitamins and minerals. My body isn’t overstressed with animal proteins so my digestion works great. I went from 3 grains of Armour to 1/2 grain (yes I know it is made from pig but I eat plant based for health not for ethical reasons).
    So I disagree. A plant based diet can work. We are all different. Do you know why it seems Paleo works so well? People stop eating junk food. But they can do that Paleo, vegetarian, vegan, etc. It is called clean eating. But most Americans refuse to give up processed foods. I include vegetarians and some vegans in that statement. Faux meats? Terrible processed foods.
    There is also a misconception that every Hashi patient should give up nightshades, Goitrogens, grains. legumes, soy and gluten. Absolutely not true. Do they cause inflammation in some? Of course, that is why each person should do an elimination diet. Yet AIP does not eliminate meat. How does one know if they are sensitive to it if they never eliminate it?
    I will take my Plant based remission over AIP feel kinda better but not in remission any day.
    Reply

    • I absolutely agree! It’s not the plant food that gives me problems… it’s the fast food, junk food, refined food…dairy etc. I found that the fat I ate was the fat I wore…. learned that from listening to Dr McDougall on YouTube and his website.

      Reply

  27. Dear Lita,
    Thank you for sharing your experience. I was a meat eater until about 4 years ago when I went vegetarian, than vegan. I have always been a healthy eater as I grew up in a family where we had access to organic/ fresh food and we never got into eating processed food. So my change from eating meat to going vegan did not involve removing ‘junk food’ as I never really had it. I was also never into sodas or drinks made with artificial additives etc.
    My diet until last year was mainly vegan, with a lot of veggie/fruit juicing and many times raw. Without any diary, of course and no sugar at all.
    However, after a couple of years to becoming vegan, I had my antibodies tested (I knew I suffered from Hashimoto’s) and they were much higher 🙁 They went from about 270 in total in 2010, to about 900 in total in 2013. I was also severely unwell with brain fog, memory impairment, no energy to do things and a miscarriage at the end of it all.
    After a thorough consideration of pros and cons of eating meat and fish, I went back to introducing fish mainly and some meat in my diet, whilst I cut out gluten and grains in general (mainly paleo, with some exceptions sometimes – e.g. honey).
    Only after 2 months, my antibodies dropped to about 200 in total, which impressed me a lot. I had purchased Dr. Wentz’s book and used her guidance in taking some of the daily supplements, including hydrochloric acid.
    I was feeling really good until I started eating some beans/ grains. Even if I was gluten-free, I noticed how my health deteriorated quickly, with antibodies up again in the 300s. I am now back being paleo and have decided to give it a go for at least one year whilst testing regularly.
    Bottom line – everyone is different and we have to find what works for each one of us.
    Thank you,
    Reply

  28. Thanks for this. Very encouraging. How do you get your healthy proteins? I eat tofu and quorn products. Are these what you mean?
    Reply

  29. Lita,
    Some people are better off eating a Mediterranean style diet while others thrive on animal protien. Eat Right For Your Type is a book I highly recommend for fiNing the foods most beneficial for you based on your blood type. You can get more specific by trying the Genotype Diet that goes beyond blood type and focuses on what’s best you as an individual. I’ve found great success with these two diets and didn’t have so much trial and error to worry with. As a type O Gatherer I can eat most red meats and fish but need to avoid most grains and dairy. The diet I’d much more specific than that, but that’s ki d of an overview. I’ve lost 33 lbs in just over 3 months and feel SO much better. I go in June for a check up and will see how these changes have helped my Hashimotos.
    Reply

    • Hi Melissa – I found your post on Dr Wentz’s website regarding Eating Right for your Blood Type and Hashimoto’s. I know that you made this post in 2015, but I’m curious how your test results have been since you’ve been following the blood type diet? I have Hashimoto’s and am considering this same diet.

      Reply

      • Deanna – While the blood type diet seems to be a logical and rational way of eating, there is no scientific basis to support it. The blood type diet has been investigated and proven to be groundless by numerous researchers. The foods that suits each person are very individual, but in general, the less processed your food is, the better it is for you. I hope this helps. <3
        COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT DIET AND THYROID
        https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/common-questions-about-diet-and-thyroid

        ttp://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/best-diet-for-hashimotos-hypothyroidism

        Reply

  30. I am 56 years old, and up until this last Winter ate meat. I have gone vegan. I could say my flesh-eating diet contributed to my getting Hashimoto’s! There is no proof either way.
    Reply

  31. I am confused. My doctor told me Hashimotos was a genetic marker that meant I carry this gene. He also said I need to stay on Levothyroxine forever. I rejected his statement. I am breastfeeding still and when I am finished I plan on going off the medication.
    Reply

  32. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s over 2 years ago. Just recently started taking Naturethroid which is helping. However the real help for me was RAW milk. Yeah…RAW milk. I discovered I had bone loss in my jaw and was not accepting the fact that my body did not need dairy. Pasteurized/homogenized dairy was poison to me. I did not drink/eat dairy for 1 year. Then on advice of a naturopath I consumed RAW dairy from a small farm in New Hampshire. 100% grassfed Jersey cow milk. I have been drinking this milk for 2 months and my BM have gone from 7 to 2 per day. That was enough evidence for me. I was disappointed in all the advice of cutting out dairy but I can tell you that RAW Dairy Milk is not the same stuff you find in your supermarket. The pasteurized/homogenized milk is definitely not a healthy food but the stuff that comes right from the cow and not into the lab is the real deal. I am waiting a few months to see if my antibodies drop but truth be told: Death begins in the colon. So I am definitely seeing improvement with this milk and grass fed beef also. Good health to all.
    Reply

  34. I am doing this with my naturapath. But mine is eggs and meat in the morning then a ratio of 20% meat to 80% veggies for lunch and dinner but meat and eggs with every meal. First took a Standard Food test to see which foods I was reacting to and eliminated them. My health has improved 85% I went from adrenal fatigue and 95 pounds with sever SIBO to 106 pounds improved anemia,fatigue, BP is up as is my moods and I rest better.
    Reply

  35. I have an underactive thyroid, but I am allergic to iodine since I was a child – topical, I come out in a rash and when I have MRIs, or anything else containing iodine going into my body, I go into convulsions. I have been a vegetarian for 32 years, but have started eating fish about 4 times a month. I have tried to go back to meat, but it leaves a rotted food taste in my mouth. What else can I do to bring up my thyroid levels up. I am on thyroxine.
    Reply

  36. I am also not a big meat eater, and to have enough protein in my diet I make myself protein shakes, or protein pancakes. You may use protein derived from milk if you are not allergic to dairy, or soy protein which I actually prefer using, but it has to be organic and fermented.
    Reply

  37. Hi Everyone,
    Is there away to test for foods instead of an elimination diet? I ready to make the next leap to get the last few sensitivities out of my system.
    Thank you
    Reply

  39. The Cyrex Array Lab tests (3 & 4) test for gluten sensitivity and gluten cross-reactivity with most gluten-free grains as well as dairy. I’d recommend starting there. I was eating many gluten-free grains that showed up as a problem and I didn’t realize it.
    Reply

  40. I have followed a gluten-free diet for many years and I drank RAW milk, thoroughly enjoying every glass. However, because I had a few symptoms, I asked my doctor to run the Cyrex Array 4 because I suspected the milk. Sure enough, I am sensitive to all aspects of dairy! Since stopping milk, I no longer suffer with waking up in the middle of the night unable to fall asleep. Please get tested!
    Reply

  42. I have Hashimoto and all this different diet stuff is interesting but what can I do since I’m allgeic to fish, nuts, seeds,caffeine, and a lot of spices, and I rarely eat bread so someone like me with a lot of food allergies what can I do diet wise
    Reply

  43. Hi Jaime. I can relate. I am sensitive to wheat, gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, overt fats, most animal products, many spices, garbanzo beans, sesame seeds, some nuts, and on. The down side is, I have to make all of my own food, but the plus side is, I’ve learned how to be very creative in the kitchen! Fresh, organic lemon and lime with apple cider vinegar are a wonderful base for a veggie or meat based marinade (you can add whatever spices you are able to tolerate to taste.) I also add this to salads in place of traditional dressing. If you can tolerate peppers, I like to buy jalepeno or other mildly spicy peppers and add that to soups and smoothies for flavor. You can make fruit smoothies without nuts (if you can eat seeds, those are wonderful in smoothies) and there are thousands of recipes online for a variety of flavor and nutrition. Be patient with yourself during this process, and as open minded as possible. I made a zucchini blueberry smoothie the other morning and it was amazing, but I never would have thought to put those two things together in the past! Have fun experimenting and exploring, and let me know if you want any more tips. Rachel
    Reply

  44. I have been completely gluten free for months. At first it was great. Now i am gaining weight and i mean a lot of weight. I was almost 200lb before i thyroid was crazy high and i couldn’t keep any food or water down. I got down to 89lbs. Now i am at 160lbs. I gained about 20lbs the last 3 months. I eat gluten free . I do not eat much at all of any gf free processed foods. I stick to fresh fruits and vegetables and meat. So i do not understand whats wrong. Also many days i still don’t feel right. My best days are when i eat fish and have a gatorade together.
    Another issue i have is my doctor has been wanting me to do hormone treatment like Progesterone but i didn’t react well to this. Then he has me on testosterone but Inc will not cover since i am not a cancer patient. How do i explain to Inc company that getting all this in order is the only way my Hashimotos disease will be corrected?
    Reply

  46. I had a total thyroidectomy March 13, 2015 secondary to a benign Hurthle Cell Tumor currently on 200mcg of synthroid. And awaiting to see if my levels are high enough in 3 more weeks. Would you recommend paleo or auto immune paleo?
    Reply

    • I had a total thyroidectomy August 29, 2017, for papillary and follicular thyroid cancer. My Levothyroxine was bumped up to 137 mcg from 125. I have NO energy! And it’s horrible. I’ve been on Levothyroxine and have had weight issues since my total hysterectomy 18 years ago. My endocrinologist doesn’t want to even try Armour. I’m currently talking to an Alternative Medicine / Traditional Medicine pharmacist about detoxing myself from my regular drugs (Cymbalta, Adderall for starters) to help me start feeling better. I literally go to work and come home and go to bed. I sleep with a C-Pap machine (as a result of A-fib) & feel like I get enough hours of sleep (8-10 hours). I don’t wake up refreshed. I’m a nurse and I can barely function; I’m extremely depressed. I don’t want to go to my PCP’s office and be offered another pill to “band-aid” my complaints/symptoms. I’m trying to get off sugar and eat a plant based diet. It’s a struggle for now, but hopefully will be a routine soon. Any suggestions!!

      Reply

      • Reba – thank you for reaching out. Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically, is ‘dead,’ or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to re-balance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.

        Hashimoto’s Root Cause
        http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

        Hashimoto’s Protocol
        thyroidpharmacist.com/protocol

        Reply

  47. Google search Whole 40. The name of the book is it starts with food. Isn’t that a great name? They describe the autoimmune protocol for paleo. I too was a vegetarian / vegan for 12 years and I’m out eating animals even though I love them!
    Reply

  48. Eva hello, the skin ailments you describe I also suffer , but only when I eat gluten. About twice a year When I fall off of the gluten free wagon it takes months to recover . From tasting my homemade stuffing at thanksgiving it will take me into after New Years to heal. My daughter had experienced similar problems for years and I kept trying to get her to try eliminating gluten . Once she finally did her problems disappeared . I have had hashimoto for almost 20 years and it has been a battle , but I can honestly say diet seems to go a long way !! Just One girls opinion
    Reply

  49. Hi Eva, I too have had eruptions on my face when I started on iodine. It was all around my eyes, my nose and my mouth. It was red and developed crusts, was unsightly, embarrassing and hard to cover up with makeup. I tried everything to clear it to no avail. Then I thought it might be a candida flareup caused by the detoxing effects of iodine. I tried putting nascent iodine directly onto the red patches on my face (starting with a small test area). I put it on at night (to prevent the brown staining being visible during the day)and being very careful around my eyes. It started to clear immediately. Within a week the redness was completely gone.
    Reply

  50. Anne, I believe what you stated is true, I think iodine will work for hypothryoidism but not for Hashimotos. These two situations must be treated different. From what I have researched iodine and iodine rich foods can be very detrimental to Hashimotos. I’m just starting to learn this stuff myself. I have had Hashimotos for years but recently have seen a big decline in my health. This past week I had a horrible experience with hyperthyroidism (caused by more damage to my thyroid gland), thought I was dying. My resting heart rate was about 140, I couldn’t sleep, my skin was hot and I had extreme muscle fatigue, headaches and blurred vision. I’m reading this book right now http://www.thryoidpharmacist.com/gift which I find very helpful.
    Reply

  51. I have read with ketogenics in some people (ie. people with hypothyroid and hashimotos) that you should cycle off keto regime and eat higher carbs for a day, not like tons of carbs but just increase to 100 grams,something like every 4 days..sorry but i can’t remember where I read this but you can probably find something like this online..it might help.
    Reply

  52. I have hoshimotos and am wondering if Himalayan pink salt is ok. It has many minerals…iodine being one of them. I also eat sea vegetables thinking it’s good for my thyroid. I have read that iodine is good if you take selenium or if you aren’t dificient in it. Any thoughts?
    Reply

  53. I tested negative for antibodies (no numbers) when I finally got my GP to order blood work. TSH 1.8, T3 Total 57.6 (LOW), T3 Free 2.4 (LOW), T4 Free 1.25 (mid range) at this time I was only on T4 (Levo) for years. Asked to add T3 (cytomel) and he agreed to a trial. Took 5mcg/daily along with my 88mcg Levo. Next blood work showed TSH 0.1 (!) VERY LOW but all the T3 numbers came up into range. He said to take the T3 5 days a week instead. Blood work shows TSH at 0.103 (!) and T3 numbers slightly lower. I am backing off the T3 (3 days a week) but wonder about the T4. I am gaining weight, losing hair, suffering from afternoon fatigue, etc. Symptoms are not getting better. Don’t know what to do. Eat mostly Paleo but eat very little and drink 2 glasses of wine at night to help me relax and sleep. Suspect Cortisol/Adrenal issues. Also, GI issues. Can’t afford a functional medicine practitioner and they are few and far between in my area.
    Reply

  54. Kathy hello, so sad to say … It may be the wine . I had two glasses of wine weekend and gained 10 lbs. at first I thought that it had to be water weight or something, but no ! It took me two months to lose that ten pounds. The next time I had two glasses of wine I gained 10 lbs , again ! That 10 turned into 60 lbs in two months ! And the battle wages on …. Lol
    Reply

  56. Would like to know about iodine. Is it good or bad? I’ve been eating sea vegetables and using pink himalayan salt which is suppose to be a good source of iodine.
    Reply

  57. I’m going to a Functional Medicine doctor this next week. I hope she will be able to lead me in the right direction. I’ve had Hashimotos for several years but never really knew what it was because it was never explained to me. I began reading Izabella Wentz FB and have became more enlightened, bought her book and signed up for her newsletter. It’s upsetting to learn everything that go wrong with you. I’ve really suffered lately with inflammation, had my gallbladder taken out in December, my scalp about 3 weeks ago was red and on fire, fatigue, brain fog, WEIGHT will not come off. I’m exhausted by the time I get off work. I could go on and on. Reading her stuff I realize most all that is wrong with me is all related to this. I pray I get some creditable guidance.
    Reply

  58. I just turned 20, and I’ve had problems with hypothyroidism pretty much all my life. When I was 7, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s because it seemed the most likely cause, due to my bone age being around 2 1/2, and the fact that I had 13 ear infections in my second year of life, although my antibody levels weren’t checked to confirm the diagnosis until recently. In addition, I’ve also recently had some trouble with a severe iron deficiency causing anemia. I don’t remember what units of measurement it was in, but apparently my iron was supposed to be 100, and mine was only 6. Fortunately, two IV iron treatments later, that problem has been resolved, for now. Sadly that didn’t resolve my recent trouble with Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia. The Cardiologist said inflammation could be the problem. After reading about the connection between gluten and autoimmune trouble, I’ll be going gluten-free on January 1st, 2017. Hopefully that helps, because I’m a fairly picky, although still very healthy (I only drink water, and I love cooked broccoli & brusselsprouts) eater, and I really don’t want to have to cut anything else out – having to cut out dairy would make me sad, bc it’s in most things I eat, to some degree or another. I just recently ordered Dr. Wentz’ Root Cause book on Amazon. I learned a lot from just the free first chapter, and, after more than 12 years of knowing I have Hashimoto’s, it’s pretty hard for me to find info I’m not already familiar with. I’m excited to see what else I can learn from Dr. Wentz.

    Reply

    • Anna- Thank you so much for your support. I’m looking forward to hearing your progress on this page. Make sure to take the book slow, take notes, highlight, and establish a baseline when making changes. Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people, will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.

      FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos

      AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet

      Reply

  59. I was diagnosed with Hashimotos and I went on a Low carb High fat diet ( quite the opposite of the posting) and my numbers are withing perfect & my disease is in check currently. I think being a healthy weight is the biggest factor, not the diet. But that is just my opinion. My blood work, MRI CT scan and all all checks are within the “perfect” range. I am not saying it will work for everyone, but it worked for me.
    Down 45 pounds currently & within 5 pounds of my “healthy” weight according to my physician.

    Reply

    • Denise- Thank you so much for sharing! You may also be interested in checking out the Root Cause Recipe Portal. It is full of autoimmune paleo and paleo recipes. You’re able to organize weekly shopping lists, meal planning, etc. Hope you check it out.

      http://rootcauserecipes.com/

      Reply

  60. I followed a no gluten, no dairy, no sugar, no soy, no processed, no other glutens like uncooked green veg, no iceberg lettuce, no corn, no grain/legumes and drank only pure filtered water and I am a vegetarian who eats fish and after 3 months my T3 and T4 went into the normal range and my antibodies halved. You don’t have to eat meat to recover from Hashimotos.

    Reply

    • Marie – thank you for following this page, and I’m happy to hear that you are doing so well. 🙂

      Recovering from adrenal fatigue and hypothyroidism when following a vegetarian diet is very challenging, as vegetarian diets are often carbohydrate heavy.

      Vegetarian sources of protein such as legumes (beans), dairy, grains, soy and some seeds may be incompatible with trying to heal a leaky gut, which is almost always present with Hashimoto’s. Pea protein is an alternative that may be easier to digest and is less likely to cause food sensitivities (I use NOW Foods brand).

      Eggs, some seeds, and nuts would be the preferred sources of protein for vegetarians. However, some people with Hashimoto’s may be intolerant to those as well, especially in the early stages of starting a healing diet.

      Being a vegan is even more challenging, and nuts and seeds would be the go-to source of protein, which are usually too difficult to digest for many at the beginning of their thyroid healing journeys.

      While vegan and vegetarian diets have been reported to be extremely helpful with autoimmune and chronic conditions, I have not been able to find reports of people recovering from Hashimoto’s by following a vegan diet. Even devout vegans who are nutritionally conscious still struggle with low body temperatures, hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s.

      Additionally, many former vegans have reported improved symptoms of Hashimoto’s following transitioning to a Paleo diet. Based on this, I believe that animal proteins must play an important role in building back the health of people with Hashimoto’s.

      That said, while meats and fats are important for healing, eating them exclusively will produce an acidic environment in the body; hindering healing, and thus the diet should be balanced with plenty of nutrient rich vegetables (suggested ratio may be 20% meat/80% veggie).

      Additionally, vegan and raw vegan diets can be extremely helpful for cleansing and detoxifying, especially for those with persistent protein digestion issues. A vegan diet can be followed for a few days to a few weeks and may help the body detoxify. B12 and iron or ferritin supplements should be utilized at this time to prevent deficiency.

      AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet

      Reply

  61. I never liked the thought of eating animals and used to be a vegetarian when I was a kid, into my late teens. I’m pointing this out to let people know I completely empathize with vegetarian and vegan ideologies. At this time, I had anti tpo antibodies but not hypothyroidism. I introduced poultry and tuna back into my diet, as well as soy protein, when I took up weight lifting in my late teens. The soy protein was in the form of those Boca Burgers. I ate a ton of them and had no problems with my thyroid. I stopped eating them when I stopped weight lifting at around 22, but kept the poultry in my diet. When I was in my late 20’s, I moved to the city, and also happened to have a thyroid panel shortly thereafter which came back fine (I had a new doctor because of the move, and hadn’t had my thyroid checked for a while, so she checked it). It came back fine. After a few months in the city, I got this somewhat deluded idea that I was going to eat a super healthy vegetarian diet (admittedly I consumed a lot of iodized salt at the time…I didn’t know this was bad for people with anti tpo antibodies), and a few months later, my thyroid function crashed. I don’t know if the onset of the hypothyrodism had anything to do with the high iodized salt intake, or my super healthy vegetarian diet, or if it was caused by pollutants in the city, or some white dental fillings I had placed, or just genetics. But I do know one thing….

    Every time I get that somewhat deluded idea to eat super healthy, cut back on animal proteins, increase dairy proteins, nuts, and vegetables like spinach in my diet, dark chocolate, and cut back on sugar, my thyroid function takes another dive, and more recently, my other hormones as well.

    I suspect I’m having an auto immune reaction to plant foods or iodine…or iodine in non-grain plant foods? I’m not exactly sure but I promise you if I were to start snacking on tree nuts, my thyroid function would crash again. I would love to eat a vegetarian diet but it seems to be making me sick and I’ve had to come to terms with what’s conventionally healthy isn’t healthy for me.

    The best diet for me seems to be one with a little more bread (white), a little more sugar, a moderate amount of cooked vegetables (ironically I seem to be able to eat large amounts of cooked broccoli, a known goitergen, with no problem). White rice, brown rice, and pastas, a little bit of fruit, and and a little bit of poultry. I seem to be ok with green lentils but not barely. I’m not sure what role, if any dairy plays. But I find I really need to limit green vegetables other than broccoli, and avoid tree nuts and very dark chocolate.

    Reply

    • Me – I’m very hesitant in recommending iodine in Hashimoto’s. Although iodine serves as fuel for our thyroid and is very important in iodine deficiency hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s is a different mechanism. It’s like pouring gas into an engine that’s on fire… that’s essentially what’s happening in Hashi’s, thyroid inflammation, and adding iodine to the mix before putting out the fire and fixing the engine may result in further damage to the thyroid. In those with a predisposition to autoimmunity, this has been documented time and time again, animal and human studies. I have spent 4 years researching this and have seen too many people suffering the consequences of adding iodine too soon. My approach is, let’s fix the engine first (usually a gut issue), and then add the fuel once we know that the engine is no longer on fire. Hope that you will check out my book. I have an entire chapter on the iodine controversy that references numerous studies as well as the work of Abraham and Brownstein.

      AMAZON
      Hashimoto’s Root Cause
      http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

      Goitrogens in general are not an issue for people with Hashimoto’s, because thyroid function in Hashimoto’s is affected by an autoimmune attack not from insufficient iodine. Unless you know you are deficient in iodine through testing, there is little reason why goitrogenic foods should affect you, because iodine deficiency is not a feature of Hashimoto’s. You should still be aware of your own personal sensitivities.

      GOITROGENS
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/what-are-goitrogens-and-do-they-matter-with-hashimotos

      This article will give you some insight into how dairy may be affecting you:

      GOING DAIRY FREE TO REVERSE HASHIMOTO’S
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/going-dairy-free-to-reverse-hashimotos

      Reply

  62. I forgot to add, it would make sense that plant foods are a trigger for autoimmune hypothyroidism, because most allergies are plant related.

    Reply

  63. Hello.

    Was there any research done on gluten free vegan diet? After all, you mention that gluten free has a better effect than vegan? What about gluten free vegan?

    I believe Dr Ritamarie Loscalzo has great results with this kind of diet.

    I have been researching also the work of Dr Valter Longo who is claiming that the diet that makes the body think it is fasting and hence stimulates the creation of new stem cells and the body’s regeneration is very low in protein which is difficult to achieve on a meat diet.

    Also some other sources claim that protein in diet should be very limited if you want to achieve long term health.

    I would like your wiev on that topic.

    Reply

    • Natasa – Thank you for your question! I would be really interested to see any research papers on this subject. While it is true that everyone if different and some people may benefit from a lower protein diet, recovering from adrenal fatigue and hypothyroidism when following a vegetarian diet is very challenging, as vegetarian diets are often carbohydrate heavy.

      Vegetarian sources of protein such as legumes (beans), dairy, grains, soy and some seeds may be incompatible with trying to heal a leaky gut, which is almost always present with Hashimoto’s. Pea protein is an alternative that may be easier to digest and is less likely to cause food sensitivities (I use NOW Foods brand).

      Eggs, some seeds, and nuts would be the preferred sources of protein for vegetarians. However, some people with Hashimoto’s may be intolerant to those as well, especially in the early stages of starting a healing diet.

      Being a vegan is even more challenging, and nuts and seeds would be the go-to source of protein, which are usually too difficult to digest for many in the beginning of their thyroid healing journeys.

      While vegan and vegetarian diets have been reported to be extremely helpful with autoimmune and chronic conditions, I have not been able to find reports of people recovering from Hashimoto’s by following a vegan diet. Even devout vegans who are nutritionally conscious still struggle with low body temperatures, hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s.

      Additionally, many former vegans have reported improved symptoms of Hashimoto’s following transitioning to a Paleo diet. Based on this, I believe that animal proteins must play an important role in building back the health of people with Hashimoto’s.

      That said, while meats and fats are important for healing, eating them exclusively will produce an acidic environment in the body; hindering healing, and thus the diet should be balanced with plenty of nutrient rich vegetables (suggested ratio may be 20% meat/80% veggie).

      Additionally, vegan and raw vegan diets can be extremely helpful for cleansing and detoxifying, especially for those with persistent protein digestion issues. A vegan diet can be followed for a few days to a few weeks and may help the body detoxify. B12 and iron or ferritin supplements should be utilized at this time to prevent deficiency.

      AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet

      Reply

  64. Hi dr Wentz,
    I’ve seen that halving my bread flour with 1/2 part (arowroot+green banana+coconut flours) diminished my TPO antibodies by half, so this means it’s working.. probably if I cut al lgrains my antibodies might decrease.

    But I have a big question on this: if thyroid antibodies don’t get created while under a grain free diet, doesn’t it mean that good antibodies to bacteria, viruses or fungus are also not created ? Doesn’t this mean that the overall immunity will decrease and let us exposed to viruses and even a common flu will affect us in a bigger manner? It seems to me that in a way a grain free diet will act just like immuno suppresant drugs but without the side effects..

    Please tell me if my reasoning is wrong.

    Thank you,
    Ionela H.

    Reply

  65. Isabella, I’m curious as to whether you are gluten free our grain free, and if you eat legumes or not.

    Reply

  66. I am so frustrated. I have been gluten, dairy, sugar, alcohol and no chocolate/nuts/caffeine/squash/fruit (low arginine to keep viruses at bay), no coconut anything, no additives of any kind and no microcrystalline cellulose [in95% of all premade gluten free options and supplements] since Oct ’18. I do not eat pork or red meat and after 4years of vegetarian then some fish returned to chicken out of curiousity and frankly, desperation.

    And I don’t feel better.

    I’m on the smallest dose possible of pure T3 and T4 Compounded in olive oil after having side effects with every thyroid medication out there – and yes that includes 3 different versions of NDT.

    So yes my TSH is slowly coming back to normal (I think its a useless marker compared to free t3/t4) and my TPO dropped from over 452 to 410, but I still feel absolutely yuck. I can only tolerate meds 1 every 4 days because the side effects are so bad. On the day I do my medication im completely wiped out to the point of not being able to leave home. I have no energy, cannot think straight, drop things, have drug induced asthma/s.o.b. and on it goes with a growing list of iatrogenic symptoms. And the worst is that since starting T-4 (Synthroid) I have had nonstop HSV-2 outbreaks and prodromal symptoms.

    Whats left?

    Please help , even kind words of a response is something.

    Reply

    • Tanya – thank you so much for reaching out and sharing your journey with me. I am so sorry to hear you are struggling with all of this! I understand how frustrating it can be. Hashimoto’s often is a combination of food sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies, adrenal issues, gut issues as well as an impaired ability to get rid of toxins. Any of those things would prevent a person from getting better.

      Hashimoto’s is very much an individual condition. While there are root cause commonalities, each person will have their own or in some cases, more than one root cause. You will have to start with the simplest modifications, by removing triggers, followed by repairing the other broken systems to restore equilibrium, allowing the body to rebuild itself. You will need to dig down to why the immune system is imbalanced in the first place and this will tell you how you begin to finally feel better, reduce your thyroid antibodies and even take your condition into remission.

      You will have to create your own health timeline. Look back at your overall history as far back as you can remember. Look for infections, periods of severe stress, the use of medications (especially antibiotics, antacids, and oral contraceptives), accidents, and exposure to toxins. These are events that may have contributed to Hashimoto’s. Once you do, you will know what types of changes you need to implement to make yourself feel better.

      If you need further support, please check out the list of lab tests inside the “Testing” chapter of my book, Hashimoto’s Root Cause. I also offers a 12-week program, Hashimoto’s Self Management Program. I hope this helps!

      BUILDING YOUR OWN HEALTH TIMELINE
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/sample-health-timeline/

      Hashimoto’s Self-Management Program
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/enroll-in-hashimotos-self-management/

      Reply

  67. My 9 year old daughter was just diagnosed with hashimotos 3 weeks. Her main symptoms were fatigue and some tummy issues. She is on a low dosage on synthroid and will gradually up her dosage. I wasn’t provided with much info and have been doing research on my own. I am wondering who and how should I go about getting her tested for food triggers/allergies of food. We have eliminated soy and gradually removing gluten. I didn’t realize diary was another food trigger. There is very little information on children. Does your book apply to children and any suggestions? I’ve even considered hostil/natural doctors?

    Reply

    • Adriana – thank you so much for reaching out and sharing your daughter’s journey. My heart goes out to you both. <3 For children, teens, (and adults), I always recommend starting with the diet. Are they gluten, dairy, corn and soy free? Are they eating a nutrient dense diet with fermented foods?

      Implementing those changes can help many symptoms. For example, some cases of anemia can be helped by eating liver, others may resolve by going gluten free. Acid reflux is often caused by food sensitivities. Most of the interventions recommended in my book can be done with children, with the exception of the dosing of supplements. I do suggest that you work with a functional medicine doctor that is familiar in working with children (I only works with adults). I hope this helps!

      FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID

      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid

      CLINICIAN DATABASE
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/database-recommended-clinicians/

      FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
      https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117

      The gold standard or the most accurate test for uncovering reactive foods and individual food sensitivities is actually the elimination diet. In contrast to other diets that simply exclude common problematic foods, an elimination diet is done to determine what particular food intolerances the individual may have. An elimination period of at least 2-3 months is a good starting place, but you may want to continue if you feel that you still have more healing to do. Then you can try a new food every 4 days and monitor yourself for reactions. Going through an elimination diet will help you figure out your own individual food triggers and your specific response to each trigger food. Here is an article I hope you find interesting!

      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/elimination-diet-for-hashimotos

      Reply

  68. Thanks for all the helpful information! I have Hashimoto and have been on ‘lax a day’ daily for the last month, as prescribed for digestive issues . Is it toxic and can be adding to my increasing TSH and antibodies levels?

    Reply

    • Oonya – you are very welcome! <3 As a pharmacist, I can tell you that many supplements are ineffective, and some are even downright unsafe. The truth is that most supplement companies do not undergo the same scrutiny and testing that pharmaceutical products do. This is because many of the tests required of pharmaceutical companies are voluntary for supplement companies and most companies do not take the extra steps to test their products to ensure safety and purity. I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet. This is why I always list food sources in the book and on the blog, for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals. and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s. However, some may require or prefer supplements. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
      I do have a full supplements chapter in my books. Have you checked them out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and any of these books will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation. Here are the links

      Hashimoto’s Root Cause:
      http://amzn.to/2DoeC80

      Hashimoto’s Protocol (this is my latest book):
      http://amzn.to/2B5J1mq

      Reply

  69. I have read your book and watched the videos. I have now found out my daughter who is 8 yrs old now has Hypothyroid. I have tried to get her to eat some of these suggestions but it is really hard for kids. Do you have some simple ideas for breakfast & lunch that could be kid friendly? thanks!

    Reply

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