The Urban Legends of Hashimoto’s
I wanted to share some of the most common myths and questions I hear about food, the thyroid and Hashimoto’s. Hope this article helps you figure out the optimal diet for you!
As the case often with myths and “urban legends,” many of the these are based on facts that have been misunderstood and twisted.
Myth 1: Goitrogens need to be avoided in Hashimoto’s, so I can’t eat broccoli.
Truth: Those poor cruciferous vegetables! Delicious and healthy vegetables like cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, and cauliflower have gotten a bad rap due to some old nomenclature and outdated patterns in thyroid disease. Goitrogen is a word that was coined in the 1950’s to describe a substance that causes the formation of a goiter, also knows as an enlarged thyroid gland. It’s a very deceiving word and can mean a variety of different things for different substances, ranging from suppressing the release of thyroid hormone to changing the way thyroid hormone gets produced in the body to suppressing the absorption of iodine.
In relation to cruciferous vegetables, they are have been identified as “goitrogenic” because they have the potential to block iodine absorption.
This was a concern in the 1950’s, as then, the primary reason for hypothyroidism was due to iodine deficiency, and any further changes in iodine levels were potentially problematic. However, since public efforts have been made to add iodine to the salt supplies of most industrialized countries, Hashimoto’s has become the primary reason for hypothyroidism, responsible for 90-97% of cases of hypothyroidism in the United States. Iodine deficiency is not widespread in people with Hashimoto’s, and thus eating cruciferous vegetables (unless a person is otherwise sensitive to them) is perfectly healthy for people with Hashimoto’s and should not impact thyroid function. In the case that a person does have hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency, he/she can still enjoy crucifers as long as they are cooked or fermented. Cooking/fermenting will break down the iodine blocking content.
There is one goitrogen that I do always recommend avoiding with Hashimoto’s, and that’s soy. You can read more about the breakdown of the science behind the thyroid and goitrogens.
Myth 2: I do not need to get off gluten, tests said that I was not sensitive
Gluten is a substance found in wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten is a staple of the Standard Western Diet, in America, Europe, and Australia, and it is found in bread, cakes and pastries and most processed foods. People with Hashimoto’s are more likely to have Celiac disease compared to others, and getting off gluten helped some people dually diagnosed with Celiac and Hashimoto’s shed their Hashimoto’s diagnosis (antibodies went into remission, and thyroid function returned to normal). However, it’s not just Celiac disease. My personal and clinical experience have shown that non-Celiac gluten sensitivity is one of the biggest triggers in Hashimoto’s.
Lab testing can be very helpful, especially if you get the right kind of testing, (I’ll be writing about my favorite food sensitivity lab test, soon) but unfortunately testing technology is not perfect. More often than not, false negatives can be seen for common reactive foods like gluten, dairy, and soy. The best test for figuring out if you are sensitive to gluten is doing an elimination diet when you avoid gluten for 2-3 weeks, then try it again to see if you react to it.
In surveying, my clients, 90% of them felt better on a gluten-free diet. Only 10% were diagnosed with celiac disease. Going gluten free can help alleviate many symptoms associated with Hashimoto’s, such as fatigue, hair loss, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, pain, acid reflux, weight gain and many others, as well as can reduce the autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland.
Going gluten free is one of the first things I recommend when you have a thyroid condition, be it Hashimoto’s, hypothyroidism, or Graves’ disease. 88% of people will feel significantly better. If you have a thyroid condition, I suggest you give it a try for just two weeks to see if you feel better (remember, the best test is how you feel). You can always go back to how you were eating if you don’t feel any different. Starting the gluten-free diet can be challenging and many people have setbacks along the way—this is why I developed a quick start guide to help you ease into the transition. Click here to download my Gluten Free Quick Start Guide.
Myth 3: Almonds are a health food. I should eat them every day
In an effort to eat a healthier, nutrient dense diet, many people turn to almonds as a substitute for eating grains. This is because almonds are very tasty and quite versatile, they can be made into Paleo bread, used as a substitute for bread crumbs and can be eaten as snacks. Unfortunately many people can be sensitive to almonds, and in fact, after gluten, dairy and soy, almonds are one of the top reactive foods for people with Hashimoto’s. I often see people develop new food sensitivities because they have not healed their guts (see Myth #7).
You run a greater risk of becoming sensitive to almonds if you eat them over and over again, day after day. If you don’t react to them now, rotate them with other foods, eating them every 3-4 days.
Myth 4: The best source of Selenium is from eating Brazil nuts
Selenium content in Brazil nuts can vary tenfold, depending on where the Brazil nuts were grown. This means that a Brazil nut can contain anywhere from 55 mcg to 550 mcg of Selenium. Unless your Brazil nuts were tested for Selenium content, you might be unknowingly overdosing or under-dosing yourself. Also, many people with Hashimoto’s may be sensitive to nuts!
Selenium Methionine in supplement form, at a dose of 200 mcg has been clinically tested to show a 50% reduction in thyroid antibodies, over the course of three months. Some clinicians may recommend a dose as high as 400 mcg per day. I’ve had great results with Pure Encapsulations brand Selenium.
Myth 5: Raw dairy is fine for Hashimoto’s, it’s only the pasteurized dairy that’s problematic
Proponents of this myth rely on the information that pasteurization process changes the protein structure of dairy proteins, making them more reactive. However, if you’ve already been sensitized to the dairy proteins casein or whey from drinking conventional milk, consuming raw dairy, organic dairy, lactose-free milk, or goat’s milk may still be a problem. Perhaps if you drank raw dairy your whole life, you might not have developed a sensitivity, but in general cow’s milk is difficult to digest for most adults with Hashimoto’s. Goat’s milk is highly cross-reactive as well for those with cow milk sensitivity. Camel milk, however, may be well tolerated by people with Hashimoto’s as the proteins are different enough not to cross-react. Symptoms like nasal congestion, constipation, acid reflux, joint pain and thyroid antibodies can improve by going dairy free. Dairy was a huge trigger for me, now 60% of my clients report felt better on a dairy free diet!
Read more about my acid reflux and dairy story and why you should avoid dairy with Hashimoto’s.
Myth 6: Low carb eating is bad for people with thyroid issues
Some people report feeling tired after starting a protein/fat heavy diet like the Paleo diet, but this is not always due to needing carbohydrates. In fact, some people with autoimmune disease and Hashimoto’s feel amazing on a ketogenic diet (a low carb diet where the body breaks down fats for fuel, instead of relying on carbohydrates).
If you’re feeling tired on a diet that is mostly comprised of fats and proteins, this could be due to low stomach acid, which leads to improper protein digestion. Most people with Hashimoto’s have been found to have low stomach acid/no stomach acid, and this impairs our ability to digest protein foods.
Improper protein digestion may make us tired because digestion takes a lot of energy, and people who are low in stomach acid may find themselves naturally gravitating towards carbohydrates for energy, as carbohydrates do not need as much digestive juice as proteins for proper digestion.
Increased intake of proteins coupled with a lack of carbohydrates may results in feeling more tired as a result of protein being a bigger burden, as well as we may have a harder time getting nutrients for energy from our foods. Try starting your day with a green smoothie (to help along digestion, lowering the burden), increasing your veggie intake and taking the protein digestive enzyme Betaine with Pepsin, before you determine if low carb is a good choice for you or not. Many people have found that taking this supplement helped with fatigue. A guide on how to use Betaine with Pepsin can be found in my Digestion and Depletion book chapter. You can read it for free by when you sign for my newsletter. Other options for increasing stomach acid and improving digestion include hot lemon water or a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water with protein containing meals.
You can read more about additional interventions for overcoming thyroid fatigue.
Myth 7: Diet can heal everything: If I just take out more foods, I will be healed
While some people have had great success through changing their diets, even going into complete remission from Hashimoto’s, this is not always the case. Don’t get me wrong, eating a nutrient dense diet that is free of reactive foods can do wonders, and is one of the first things I recommend, but if you’ve been on a clean diet for 3 months and not seeing results or getting stuck, you likely have an unwanted guest living inside of you and causing inflammation within your gut. This gut infection that is preventing you from healing.
Gut infections lead to intestinal permeability, one of the main triggers of Hashimoto’s.
Most infections require targeted treatments such as herbs, antibiotics, antifungals or antiprotozoal agents to be eradicated. Otherwise, the person can be sensitive to whatever foods he/or she is eating. Be sure to get tested for gut infections ASAP, so you don’t run the risk of losing more foods.
The tests I recommend include the following:
- Bacterial Overgrowth Breath Test-Genova KIT for SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)
- GI Effects Gastrointestinal Function Comprehensive Profile (One-day collection)-METAMETRIX KIT for bacterial/fungal infections
- GI Pathogen Screen with H. pylori Antigen-BioHealth KIT for parasitic infections/H Pylori.
You can view all of the tests I recommend, and I cover them in greater detail in my book, Hashimoto’s The Root Cause.
Read more about non-diet related Hashimoto’s Root Causes.
Hope that this information helps you on your journey!
P.S. Be sure to subscribe to my email list to get a free book chapter, recipes, Thyroid Diet start guide and notifications about upcoming events.
Disclosure: We are a professional review site that receives compensation from the companies whose products we review. We test each product thoroughly and give high marks to only the very best. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own.
Michelle- 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 BOOK
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hi Dr. Wentz,
I am curious about the cruciferous vegetables and the effect of heat on glucosinolates. While I haven’t researched it myself, I have asked a few pharmaceutical researchers and have consistently been told that heat will not break down these compounds. Can you point me in the right direction so I can educate myself and others about this?
Thanks so much!
Rebecca
Rebecca- Here is an article you may find helpful! 🙂
WHAT ARE GOITROGENS AND WHY DO THEY MATTER WITH HASHIMOTO’S?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/what-are-goitrogens-and-do-they-matter-with-hashimotos
Samira- Thank you so much for following this page! I look forward to hearing your progress on this page! Here is an article you may find interesting! 🙂
NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES – SELENIUM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/nutrient-depletions-in-hashimotos-part-i-selenium
Thank you for the information. It’s very helpful to know the truth about these myth as I will better adapt my diet. Two years ago I was diagnosed with sub-clinical Hypothyroid and Hashimoto. I grew up on a salty diet and was wondering if iodine in table salt might have triggered my Hashimoto. I believe other people might have this problem. Could you please comment on excessive iodine and Hashimoto?
If the subject has already been covered in a different section of your blog, can you please provide me with the link?
Thank you and please keep writing these wonderful articles! : )
James
James- Thank you so much for following this page! Did you know that if you live in the United States, the UK, Australia, Europe and most developed countries that add iodine to the salt supply and take thyroid medications, there’s a higher probability that you do have Hashimoto’s? Depending on the source, estimates are that between 90-95% of those with hypothyroidism have Hashimoto’s. The thyroid is very sensitive to iodine levels and has been shown to adapt its physiology based on the available levels of iodine. The relationship between iodine intake and occurrence of thyroid disease has been described to have a U-shape distribution; another Goldilocks supplement!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 a whole chapter on the iodine controversy that references numerous studies as well as the work of Abraham and Brownstein.
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hello Dr Isabela Wentz,
i am a beginner on Hashimoto club,
Is 9 months now that i was diagnosed with Hashimoto and this in the age 53 years old.It all started after the dath of my hasband last year.
I broke down and fell in deepest depresion of all my life.This moment killed all of me and changed me in to a ill very ill person.
To this day i lived a life without symptomes ,i was never ill i was very strong and full energy .
This is all gone and here i am reaching out for an answer that can bring me back again.
I hope you have this answer.
Thank you for been there as a hope for the future.
Kristina- 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
Melissa- 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 a whole chapter on the iodine controversy that references numerous studies as well as the work of Abraham and Brownstein.
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Martha- Thyroid tissue can regenerate, but the rate at which it does is not always predictable. Thus, some are able to stop the autoimmune attack on their thyroid and regain normal thyroid function. Others can reduce the dose of medications, and others will need to stay on the medications indefinitely. I’m currently working on some protocols to help with tissue regeneration.
Reversing Hashimoto’s means different things to different people. For some, it means a reduction in symptoms and for others it means a reduction in your antibodies. I had both. Here a few articles that might be helpful for you 🙂
IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECOVER THYROID FUNCTION IN HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidphramacist.com/blog/is-it-possible-to-recover-thyroid-function-in-hashimotos
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY? AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm/
Carol- Here is an article you may find interesting! 🙂
THE FOUR BEST PROBIOTICS FOR HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/the-four-best-probiotics-for-hashimotos
Karen- 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 BOOK
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Edye- Did you know that reactive foods trigger an inflammatory response in the GI tract, leading to malabsorption of nutrients (gluten sensitivity in particular has been implicated in causing a Selenium deficiency, a well known risk factor for Hashimoto’s), and can also produce intestinal permeability whenever they are eaten?
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
Christy- 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 BOOK
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Stacey- Hair loss is a distressing symptom experienced by women with Hashimoto’s. For women, our hair represents our femininity, and losing our hair is a constant reminder that something is off and that we are not well. Have you read these articles?
HAIR LOSS AND YOUR THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hair-loss-and-thyroid
Ashley- Thank you so much for following this page! Do you have Hashimoto’s or a thyroid condition?
Hashimoto’s is a complicated condition with many layers that need to be unraveled. While conventional medicine only looks at each body system as a separate category, and is only concerned with the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone, Hashimoto’s is more than just hypothyroidism. I wanted to pass along these articles that I wrote. I hope they help 🙂
WHERE DO I START WITH HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/where-do-i-start-with-hashimotos/
OVERCOMING HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/overcoming-hashimotos-in-the-new-year/
Victoria- Hair loss is a distressing symptom experienced by women with Hashimoto’s. For women, our hair represents our femininity, and losing our hair is a constant reminder that something is off and that we are not well. Have you read these articles?
HAIR LOSS AND YOUR THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hair-loss-and-thyroid
I was wondering if you would be willing to share what other supplements you are taking daily. I have found myself that Biotin does help with the hair growth. I didn’t know we could take that much.
Thank You
Brandy- Here is an article you may find interesting. Starting a good digestive enzyme helps many people with hair loss.
HASHIMOTO’S AND LOW STOMACH ACID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-and-low-stomach-acid
Cindy- Here is an article you may find interesting! 🙂
IS YOUR MEDICATION GLUTEN FREE?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-your-medication-gluten-free/
Teresa- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. 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 book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Sandra- You may find this article interesting! 🙂
WHICH SUPPLEMENTS ACTUALLY HELP HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-supplements-actually-help-hashimotos
Sandra- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. 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 book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Alisia- The gold standard, or the most accurate test for uncovering reactive foods and individual food sensitivities is actually the Elimination Diet.
It works better than trying a recommended dietary approach (i.e. gluten-free, Paleo, etc.) and even better than food sensitivity testing (which may be helpful in many cases, but may not be affordable for many people). The elimination diet can work as a stand-alone or in symphony with food sensitivity testing.
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. This allows us to tailor the diet to the person, not to the dietary philosophy! Going though 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 you may find interesting! 🙂
ELIMINATION DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/elimination-diet-for-hashimotos
Margie- Do you have Hashimoto’s or a thyroid condition?
Hashimoto’s is a complicated condition with many layers that need to be unraveled. While conventional medicine only looks at each body system as a separate category, and is only concerned with the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone, Hashimoto’s is more than just hypothyroidism. I wanted to pass along these articles that I wrote. I hope they help 🙂
WHERE DO I START WITH HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/where-do-i-start-with-hashimotos/
OVERCOMING HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/overcoming-hashimotos-in-the-new-year/
Jamie- Here are a couple of articles about diet that you may find interesting or helpful.
TAILORING YOUR THYROID DIET
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/tailoring-your-thyroid-diet-to-your-needs
BEST DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/best-diet-for-hashimotos-hypothyroidism
Brooke- Here are a couple of articles you may find interesting! 🙂
WHAT’S CAUSING YOUR LEAKY GUT
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/whats-causing-your-leaky-gut
INFECTIONS AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/infections-and-hashimotos
Rosanne- Thank you so much for your support! Thyroid tissue can regenerate, but the rate at which it does is not always predictable. Thus, some are able to stop the autoimmune attack on their thyroid and regain normal thyroid function. Others can reduce the dose of medications, and others will need to stay on the medications indefinitely. I’m currently working on some protocols to help with tissue regeneration.
Reversing Hashimoto’s means different things to different people. For some, it means a reduction in symptoms and for others it means a reduction in your antibodies. I had both. Here a few articles that might be helpful for you 🙂
IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECOVER THYROID FUNCTION IN HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidphramacist.com/blog/is-it-possible-to-recover-thyroid-function-in-hashimotos
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY? AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm/
Tracy- 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 BOOK
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Miriam- 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 BOOK
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Can people with hashimoto’s and are gluten free benefit from drinking Essiac Tea? I was diagnosed about 2 yrs ago after a yr of pure hell. I finally added for antibodies to be tested and found a Dr who listened. I’m on 100mcg synthroid and even though I exercise and am gluten free I am still having weight and energy issues. Recently I had a bout of my hair falling out but has since stopped. At my worst my hair never fell out. Dr says my numbers are perfect but feel awful. I had maybe a 6 month period of feeling “good” and that was right after I started Synthroid. Now it’s just a constant battle with energy and weight.
Robin- Hair loss is a distressing symptom experienced by women with Hashimoto’s. For women, our hair represents our femininity, and losing our hair is a constant reminder that something is off and that we are not well. Have you read these articles?
HASHIMOTO’S AND GETTING YOUR HAIR BACK
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-and-getting-your-hair-back/
HAIR LOSS AND YOUR THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hair-loss-and-thyroid
Teresa- 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 BOOK
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Margaret – Here is an article you may find interesting! 🙂
WHICH SUPPLEMENTS ACTUALLY HELP HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-supplements-actually-help-hashimotos
Lori- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. 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 book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
id appreciate it…….thank you
Jessica- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. 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 book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Robin- Do you have Hashimoto’s or a thyroid condition?
Hashimoto’s is a complicated condition with many layers that need to be unraveled. While conventional medicine only looks at each body system as a separate category, and is only concerned with the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone, Hashimoto’s is more than just hypothyroidism. I wanted to pass along these articles that I wrote. I hope they help 🙂
WHERE DO I START WITH HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/where-do-i-start-with-hashimotos/
OVERCOMING HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/overcoming-hashimotos-in-the-new-year/
I have had fibromyalgia for several years and have just been diagnosed with Hashimoto. I also have IBS and all the possible symptoms of Fibro. I finally got an appointment to see an endocrinoligist next week. The last 3 months have been horrible with extreme fatigue, occassional ansomnia, hives, dry skin, hairloss, joint pain, etc., etc. I am praying that the specialists i will be seeing will give me advise on supplements and not just rx drugs. I am nervous about trting a whole bunch of different meds and the do nothing but cause other problems. From my research so far I’m hearing that diet and the right suplements can help tremendously. Could u plase share which ones you take. My email is gaduarte20@gmail.com. Thank you and b bkessed!
Gerri- I personally struggled with pain in the form of body aches and stiffness as well as carpal tunnel in both arms in 2010, when I was first diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. It was awful, I had to wear braces on both arms all day and even at night for about 6 months.
I took NSAIDs every day to deal with the pain so I could get through my workday.
I hope these articles help you get started.
PAIN AND HASHIMOTOS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/pain-and-hashimotos
PAIN HASHIMOTOS AND FIBROMYALGIA…
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/pain-hashimotos-and-fibromyalgia/
TURMERIC FOR YOUR THYROID AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/turmeric-for-your-thyroid-and-hashimotos
Tammy- Here is an article you may find interesting! 🙂
WHICH SUPPLEMENTS ACTUALLY HELP HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-supplements-actually-help-hashimotos
Debbie- There are quite a few options for thyroid medications. In my experience, what works for one person may not work for another. If your doctor will not prescribe the medication you are looking for, ask your local pharmacist for doctors in your area who prescribe the medication you are looking to try. Have you read these articles?
WHICH THYROID MEDICATION IS BEST?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-thyroid-medication-is-best/
TOP 11 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THYROID MEDICATIONS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-11-things-you-need-to-know-about-thyroid-medications/
Donna- 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 BOOK
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Kristen- I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s a whole medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid
WHAT TYPE OF DOCTOR SHOULD YOU SEE IF YOU HAVE HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/what-type-of-doctor-should-you-see-if-you-have-hashimotos
Nhelta- 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 BOOK
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Kim- Here is an article you will find helpful! 🙂
GOING DAIRY FREE TO REVERSE HASHIMOTOS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/going-dairy-free-to-reverse-hashimotos
Gretell- In some,removal of gluten will lead to intestinal healing within three months,
in others, it may take up to two years. Other foods may cross-react with gluten and cause a similar immune response as well as intestinal permeability, and include: dairy products, chocolate, yeast, oats, and coffee. When it comes to weight gain these are a couple of things to think about.
1) What was your recent TSH, Free T3 and Free T4? Sometimes when those numbers are on the outskirts of normal, your metabolic rate may still be impaired making it more difficult for you to burn calories. Most people report feeling well with a TSH between 0.5-2.
2) What type of medication are you on? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combinations (Armour, Nature-Throid, compounded medications) versus T4 medications (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Tirosint) alone. T4 is a precursor to T3, but some individuals do not convert T4 to T3 properly, and the T3 component is the metabolically active one.
3) What type of diet are you eating? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combination vs T4 alone. Some do not convert T4 properly.The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) full of sugar and simple carbohydrates is perfectly designed to cause us to gain weight year after year. Even yogurts that are marketed as “healthy” contain the equivalent of 16 teaspoons of sugar. Divorcing the S.A.D. is often a step that many of us must take to not just lose weight, but to also feel better. Some diets that have been helpful include the Body Ecology Diet, the Paleo Diet, the Virgin Diet, Autoimmune Paleo Diet, GAPS diet, SCD diet, Weston A. Price Diet, or the Mediterranean Diet. You may need to modify these diets to your own individuality.
BEST DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/best-diet-for-hashimotos-hypothyroidism
HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT WITH HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/how-to-lose-weight-with-hashimotos
Judy- In some, removal of gluten will lead to intestinal healing within three months,
in others, it may take up to two years. Other foods may cross-react with gluten and cause a similar immune response as well as intestinal permeability, and include: dairy products, chocolate, yeast, oats, and coffee. Coffee, alcohol, and tea (except for herbal tea) may need to be avoided. Caffeine stimulates ACTH, which in turn stimulates the adrenals and cortisol production.
ARE YOUR ADRENALS SABOTAGING YOUR HEALTH?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/are-your-adrenals-sabotaging-your-health
Debbie- 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 a whole chapter on the iodine controversy that references numerous studies as well as the work of Abraham and Brownstein.
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Kristy- Did you know that if you live in the United States, the UK, Australia, Europe and most developed countries that add iodine to the salt supply and take thyroid medications, there’s a higher probability that you do have Hashimoto’s?Depending on the source, estimates are that between 90-95% of those with hypothyroidism have Hashimoto’s. But most doctors will never tell people that they have Hashimoto’s, or that their own immune system is attacking their thyroid. People are told that their “thyroid is sluggish”, and that these things happen with age and “Just take this pill, you’ll be fine.”
Thyroid tissue can regenerate, but the rate at which it does is not always predictable. Thus, some are able to stop the autoimmune attack on their thyroid and regain normal thyroid function. Others can reduce the dose of medications, and others will need to stay on the medications indefinitely. I’m currently working on some protocols to help with tissue regeneration.
Reversing Hashimoto’s means different things to different people. For some, it means a reduction in symptoms and for others it means a reduction in your antibodies. I had both. Here a few articles that might be helpful for you 🙂
IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECOVER THYROID FUNCTION IN HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidphramacist.com/blog/is-it-possible-to-recover-thyroid-function-in-hashimotos
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY? AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm/
TOFU AND TEMPEH???
Hi Dr Wentz. I am a hashimotos patient and have been adapting a vegan diet. I thought staying away from soy (tofu and tempeh) and gluten (including seitan) should help keep my thyroid health in check. But I’m starting to wonder if the vegan forms of protein in soy like the tofu and tempeh would be harmful since they are considered fermented??? I thought I would just double check with u because I see a lot of vegan recipes including tofu, tempeh, and seitan. Mainly for protein I’ve been using nuts and seeds and protein powder (hemp protein). But it’s starting to become boring and meals seem incomplete. I accidentally became a vegan when I was doing a juice fast. I felt phenomenal! Then I had to take an emergency trip and couldn’t bring my juicer so instead I just ate raw fruits, veggies and nuts. Sometimes I made warm salads but that was the beginning of becoming vegan. I also assume seitan is completely out of the question since it’s pure gluten protein. Just looking to expand options… thank you?
Tris- 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
Amelia- Thank you so much for your support! I know it’s a lot to ask, but if you haven’t already, would you mind leaving a review on Amazon? 🙂
http://www.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Thyroiditis-Lifestyle-Interventions-Treating/dp/0615825796/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8
Trace- 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
Gena- When it comes to weight gain these are a couple of things to think about.
1) What was your recent TSH, Free T3 and Free T4? Sometimes when those numbers are on the outskirts of normal, your metabolic rate may still be impaired making it more difficult for you to burn calories. Most people report feeling well with a TSH between 0.5-2.
2) What type of medication are you on? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combinations (Armour, Nature-Throid, compounded medications) versus T4 medications (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Tirosint) alone. T4 is a precursor to T3, but some individuals do not convert T4 to T3 properly, and the T3 component is the metabolically active one.
3) What type of diet are you eating? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combination vs T4 alone. Some do not convert T4 properly.The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) full of sugar and simple carbohydrates is perfectly designed to cause us to gain weight year after year. Even yogurts that are marketed as “healthy” contain the equivalent of 16 teaspoons of sugar. Divorcing the S.A.D. is often a step that many of us must take to not just lose weight, but to also feel better. Some diets that have been helpful include the Body Ecology Diet, the Paleo Diet, the Virgin Diet, Autoimmune Paleo Diet, GAPS diet, SCD diet, Weston A. Price Diet, or the Mediterranean Diet. You may need to modify these diets to your own individuality.
BEST DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/best-diet-for-hashimotos-hypothyroidism
HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT WITH HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/how-to-lose-weight-with-hashimotos
Amanda- Instead of Almond milk there is also Coconut milk! 🙂
GOING DAIRY FREE TO REVERSE HASHIMOTOS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/going-dairy-free-to-reverse-hashimotos
Tracey- Thanks so much for your feedback! 🙂
Marie- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. 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 book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Psm- Do you have Hashimoto’s or a thyroid condition?
Hashimoto’s is a complicated condition with many layers that need to be unraveled. While conventional medicine only looks at each body system as a separate category, and is only concerned with the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone, Hashimoto’s is more than just hypothyroidism. I wanted to pass along these articles that I wrote. I hope they help 🙂
WHERE DO I START WITH HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/where-do-i-start-with-hashimotos/
OVERCOMING HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/overcoming-hashimotos-in-the-new-year/
Dona- Thyroid tissue can regenerate, but the rate at which it does is not always predictable. Thus, some are able to stop the autoimmune attack on their thyroid and regain normal thyroid function. Others can reduce the dose of medications, and others will need to stay on the medications indefinitely. I’m currently working on some protocols to help with tissue regeneration.
Reversing Hashimoto’s means different things to different people. For some, it means a reduction in symptoms and for others it means a reduction in your antibodies. I had both. Here a few articles that might be helpful for you 🙂
IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECOVER THYROID FUNCTION IN HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidphramacist.com/blog/is-it-possible-to-recover-thyroid-function-in-hashimotos
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY? AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm/
Amy- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. 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 book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Pat- Here is an article you may find interesting! 🙂
HAIR LOSS AND YOUR THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hair-loss-and-thyroid
Elizabeth- Do you have Hashimoto’s or a thyroid condition?
Hashimoto’s is a complicated condition with many layers that need to be unraveled. While conventional medicine only looks at each body system as a separate category, and is only concerned with the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone, Hashimoto’s is more than just hypothyroidism. I wanted to pass along these articles that I wrote. I hope they help 🙂
WHERE DO I START WITH HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/where-do-i-start-with-hashimotos/
OVERCOMING HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/overcoming-hashimotos-in-the-new-year/
Kimbly- Here is an article you may find interesting! 🙂
AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet
Isabella, I hope you do address the information cited by Paul Jaminet about Neu5gc and hasmimoto’s. He is a brilliant scientist and his article about this is convincing.
Mary – Thank you for highlighting this issue. I’ll add it to my list of potential future articles ♥
Laurie- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. 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 book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Shelley- 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 a whole chapter on the iodine controversy that references numerous studies as well as the work of Abraham and Brownstein.
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Pam- thank you for your support. It is available in digital format here:
HASHIMOTO’S ROOT CAUSE BOOK:
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/book/
Anita- Hair loss is a distressing symptom experienced by women with Hashimoto’s. For women, our hair represents our femininity, and losing our hair is a constant reminder that something is off and that we are not well. Have you read these articles?
HAIR LOSS AND YOUR THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hair-loss-and-thyroid
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, but not Hashimoto, because my antiTPO values are good. Should I go gluten-free and dairy free in this case, too? I am not autoimmun patient, that is sure. Thank You!
Anna- The gold standard, or the most accurate test for uncovering reactive foods and individual food sensitivities is actually the Elimination Diet.
It works better than trying a recommended dietary approach (i.e. gluten-free, Paleo, etc.) and even better than food sensitivity testing (which may be helpful in many cases, but may not be affordable for many people). The elimination diet can work as a stand-alone or in symphony with food sensitivity testing.
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. This allows us to tailor the diet to the person, not to the dietary philosophy! Going though 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 you may find helpful! 🙂
ELIMINATION DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/elimination-diet-for-hashimotos
Hello,
First of all thank you so much for all the research you do so that we in the Hashimotos community can live healthier lives. I, for one, am so grateful. Izabella I was wondering if you know anything about Juice Plus which is a vegetable juice capsule containing a number of (but not exclusively) goitogenic foods. Do you think it would be safe for someone like me with both Hashimots and Lyme disease?
I don’t want to put you on the spot but a caution or go ahead would really help me. Thank you so much Izabella.
Kind regards,
Barb Hyde
Barbara – I’m hesitant to say what you should do … based on liability. If something were to happen to you I could lose my license.
I do highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s an entire medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid
WHAT TYPE OF DOCTOR SHOULD YOU SEE IF YOU HAVE HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/what-type-of-doctor-should-you-see-if-you-have-hashimotos
10 THINGS I WISH MY ENDOCRINOLOGIST WOULD HAVE TOLD ME
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/10-things-i-wish-my-endocrinologist-would-have-told-me
CLINICIAN DATABASE
http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117
Hi Dr Izabella,
I am eagerly waiting for your new book, which will be releasing in March !!
I read your last book, few months back, and have started with my journey of lifestyle interventions like going Gluten, Soy, Dairy, Corn and Nuts free. I have also started taking selenium supplements and other vitamin supplements like Vitamin B12, zinc, iron, cod liver capsules and adaptogens (ashwagandha & licorice).
Fatigue and body aches which I used to have every morning have completely gone. I have now more energy and my brain fog has also vanished, in just four month of following these interventions
However what I find surprising is that my TPO antibodies have increased from 300 to more than 1000 !? I am really surprised…after doing so much of hard work. My TSH seems to have reduced a little bit (around 7 now).
Could you please throw some light, on where could I be going wrong as I am really working hard and such results are really demotivating !
Thanks.
Mona – I applaud you for taking the initiative to turn your health around! 🙂
Please, understand that due to liability issues, I am unable to answer specific medical questions.
I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s a whole medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid
WHAT TYPE OF DOCTOR SHOULD YOU SEE IF YOU HAVE HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/what-type-of-doctor-should-you-see-if-you-have-hashimotos
10 THINGS I WISH MY ENDOCRINOLOGIST WOULD HAVE TOLD ME
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/10-things-i-wish-my-endocrinologist-would-have-told-me
CLINICIAN DATABASE
http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117
Hello Dr Izabella,
I am from India; I was diagnosed with Hashimoto 3 months back with TSH at 58 and TPO antibodies 1300 and the endocrinologist straight away suggested me to be on Eltoxin 50 which I was very reluctant to start as I am keen on knowing what is wrong with my immune system and I wanted to get the root cause but the trouble is I don’t see doctors having such good knowledge as I found in your articles. I then turned up towards a Ayurveda and though the doctor started medicine but she advised me to start eltroxin which may eventually be removed as well as my TSH was quite high. So I am now on Ayurvedic medicines and Eltroxin but alongside I am also looking to create the right diet plan for me which I can follow to eat what is right and will help and avoid anything that may harm but I am not reaching anywhere. Some sites says avoid X item and other site mentions that same X item can be taken and am very much confused. I don’t folllow any specific diets and eat most of the things, with my breakfast consisting of egg and breakfast cereals and in other meals I have wheat and rice and pulses but I know that is not enough and I might be eating things which may be harming me, Some sites also mentions eggs should not be taken so I am very unsure and concerned. Kindly advise.
Thanks,
Farhan
Farhan – thank you for following this page and for sharing. Here are a few articles related to diet that hopefully help you get started.
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
TAILORING YOUR THYROID DIET
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/tailoring-your-thyroid-diet-to-your-needs
BEST DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/best-diet-for-hashimotos-hypothyroidism
Thanks a lot for sharing these.
Hello Dr. Izabella,
Can people with Hashimoto’s eat corn? I always see gluten free on items made with corn.
Selina – thank you for following this page.
It depends on the person and their individualized food sensitivities. Some people go into remission just gluten free, others may have to go as far as autoimmune paleo. The most common triggers in Hashimoto’s are nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, intestinal permeability (leaky gut), stress, an impaired ability to get rid of toxins and in some cases, infections. Optimizing your health starts with food. Figuring out which foods nourish you, and which ones cause you harm is the single most important thing you can learn in your health journey.
I’ve found that recognizing and eliminating reactive foods can be a life-changer for most people with Hashimoto’s.
Reactive foods trigger an inflammatory response in the GI tract, leading to malabsorption of nutrients (gluten sensitivity, in particular, has been implicated in causing a Selenium deficiency, a well-known risk factor for Hashimoto’s), and can also produce intestinal permeability whenever they are eaten.
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!
BEST DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/best-diet-for-hashimotos-hypothyroidism
TAILORING YOUR THYROID DIET
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/tailoring-your-thyroid-diet-to-your-needs
Dear Dr Wentz, I wanted to ask you, as a general consideration: If someone with Hashimoto’s and already on a gluten free diet were to accidentally ingest gluten once, would we have a rise in antibodies so significant as to threaten his thyroid or throw his values out of balance?
Dr Izabella, I haven reading many of your articles and have been able to reduce my thyroid antibodies by half. However I cannot take betain as I suffered with terrible pains and burning sensations in my stomach. Then I read your article that you shouldn’t take betain if you have gastritis which I do. Also I have an absorption issue and am deficient in many vitamins and minerals. I don’t absorb fats. As a consequence of being on the paelo diet, even though I felt better, I lost a LOT of weight so had to start eating more carbohydrates to gain and stabilise my weight. How can I increase my absorption especially of proteins and fats?
Vivian – thank you for following this page. Here is an article you might find helpful.
HASHIMOTO’S AND LOW STOMACH ACID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-and-low-stomach-acid
Dear Dr. Izabella Wentz,
I came across your website as I have been trying to dig out the reason behind my costochondritis which i have had for the past eight months without finding any major cause. I was wondering if you have ever heard of anybody with Hashimoto’s or any other thyroid disorders with costochondritis, only to find out that the only reason for it was the thyroid disorder. I’ve been doing all the tests and nothing is really showing up on my tests (TSH, T4, T3, antibodies, TPO, Ag) but somehow I have all the symptoms of Hashimoto… I’ve done an ultrasound and they’ve found a massive nodule (which is non-cancerous). Otherwise, my other symptoms include:
1) heart palpitation and heart rate sitting at higher rate than my normal (56bpm used to be my normal and now it seats between 75 and 80bpm!!!!)
2) chronic fatigue (since forever)
3) hormonal imbalance which has resulted in super heavy and irregular periods
4) excessive sweating at night
5) heart burn –> this one is new!!!
6) headaches
7) cold hands and feet all the time
8) and of course my chest inflammation (Costochondritis), which is killing me because I can’t exercise too much (i used to do a lot of exercise before)
but nothing shows on my tests! my TSH is between 1 and 2, no anti-bodies detected, T3 and T4 okay range…. just the massive nodule and all the horrible symptoms.
Is it possible to have Hashimoto and virtually nothing showing up in blood tests? and could my costochondritis be related?
I’ve just ordered your book and will go through it religiously even if i don’t have Hashimoto… I just want my heart and my chest to be normal again.
many thanks,
Yas
Yas – thank you for your support! I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s an entire medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid
CLINICIAN DATABASE
http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117
Hi! I am a TB Meningitis survivor and had focal seizures thereafter. That’s when I started drinking coffee after taking my anti-seizure medications in the morning because I need to stay up for my classes. And just last year, when my dosage was almost doubled, I needed to consume at least 2-3 cups a day. Then a month after, I noticed that I feel rather weak and had significant weight gain, plus falling hair. When I consulted my endocrinologist, I was found to have been suffering from Hashimoto’s disease and was given Levothyroxine. I was just wondering if this was because of my increased coffee consumption? And why am I still gaining weight until now? Thank you
An Lina – thank you for reaching out. When it comes to weight gain these are a few things to think about.
1) What was your recent TSH, Free T3 and Free T4? Sometimes when those numbers are on the outskirts of normal, your metabolic rate may still be impaired making it more difficult for you to burn calories. Most people report feeling well with a TSH between 0.5-2
2) What type of medication are you on? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combinations (Armour, Nature-Throid, compounded medications) versus T4 medications (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Tirosint) alone. T4 is a precursor to T3, but some individuals do not convert T4 to T3 properly, and the T3 component is the metabolically active one.
3) What type of diet are you eating? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combination vs T4 alone. Some do not convert T4 properly.The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) full of sugar and simple carbohydrates is perfectly designed to cause us to gain weight year after year. Even yogurts that are marketed as “healthy” contain the equivalent of 16 teaspoons of sugar. Divorcing the S.A.D. is often a step that many of us must take to not just lose weight, but to also feel better. Some diets that have been helpful include the Body Ecology Diet, the Paleo Diet, the Virgin Diet, Autoimmune Paleo Diet, GAPS diet, SCD diet, Weston A. Price Diet, or the Mediterranean Diet. You may need to modify these diets to your own individuality.
BEST DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
http://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/best-diet-for-hashimotos-hypothyroidism
HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT WITH HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/how-to-lose-weight-with-hashimotos
Here is an article you might find helpful as well.
CONTROVERSY COFFEE AND YOUR THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/controversy-coffee-bad-thyroid-myths-truths/
I have purchased your books. Followed the diet. Bought the supplements. Worked with functional doctor and continue to suffer. Recently discovered that I am over-medicated on dessicated thyroid hormone. I have done stool testing, blood tests and been on strict diets. I also have Celiac disease which has not been a problem since cutting all grains out but have lingering gut issues.
It has been 5 years of suffering and now that I am flat broke after buying all the supplements and testing…wondering if I just give up the fight. I’m beginning to believe that only the RICH and WEALTHY get well.
Functional doctors are not in network and that’s the biggest drain on your wallet. My first visit was $700 and follow-ups $200 a pop. This does not include any testing or supplements. Emotionally drained..physically drained..bank account drained!!
April – thank you for following this page. When I was first diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, I felt so alone. My doctor didn’t think it was a big deal, and none of my friends or co-workers had it. It wasn’t until I started to research online that I found others who were going through the same thing.
A couple of years after my diagnosis, I found Hashimoto’s 411, a closed Facebook group run by Alice Berry McDonnell. This group is amazing! It is comprised of an army of highly motivated, smart, supportive women and men (now 45,000+ strong), and each of them sharing ideas of what worked for them, things they were planning to try, and offering support to one another. The comfort I received from knowing that there were others going through the same challenges as I, was enormous. Here is the link to this group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/hashimotos411/