Not surprisingly, if you are struggling with Hashimoto’s I would suggest taking a look at your nutrition first. I believe that many of your symptoms can be alleviated with some dietary changes. Anecdotal evidence indicates the same – the individuals who reported changing their diet in the comments section of my post on Hashimoto’s and gluten definitely have experienced the most symptom relief.
(That’s right, hypothyroidism: we are kicking you in the face!)
So what to change? Well, I can’t promise that these are easy changes, but they are simple. Get ready to cook for yourself because almost nothing in a package can meet these standards!
1. Go Gluten-Free – I have dedicated a post to the science behind why eliminating gluten can bring relief to Hashimoto’s symptoms here. I have also given a step-by-step approach to removing gluten from your diet here. I know it is tough. I know it is everywhere. But, the fundamental concern with Hashimoto’s is to stop the autoimmune attack that is occurring. Removing gluten will help in BIG ways. (And, by removal, I really mean, REMOVAL. Decreasing gluten consumption by 60% is not going to cut it. To stop the body’s autoimmune attack you will need to remove it entirely.)
2. Eliminate Dairy – Dairy does not have as much research behind it as gluten. However, it is a known allergen. It is extremely difficult to digest in its pasteurized form. Dr. Datis Kharrazian, author of Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms When My Lab Tests Are Normal? found that often patients needed to remove dairy along with gluten to see marked improvement. If you aren’t convinced, perhaps reading the Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Dr. McBride or The Paleo Solution by Robb Wolf would give you more conviction that dairy can trigger autoimmune attacks.
3. No Sugar in 2012 – OK, so that is what I am doing this year (see here). Care to join me? I have done enough reading to be convinced that thyroid issues will continue to plague me until I balance my blood sugar fully. Specifically, research has shown that insulin surges can drive tissue destruction in Hashimoto’s patients. (Kharrazian, 97) Of course, it is difficult to quit sugar because it is delicious! And, addictive! And, in everything! That’s why I would suggest that you follow my journey of being sugar-free this year. I hope to share some strategies as I learn them.
There you go! Now that you have nothing to eat, you have the perfect diet for thyroid health. 😉 Obviously, that isn’t true, but I know it can feel that way at first. Perhaps you would want to conquer one of these steps at a time? And, be patient and kind with yourself in the process? I have been making these changes for well over a year. It takes time! It isn’t easy, and it might take awhile to change, but I am convinced it is worth it…
(photo: funnyshirtz.info)
The Crunchy Pickle 
Are you eliminating all sugars (including honey, date, coconut sugar, maple syrup etc) or just cane/beet sugar?
I had an auto immune thyroid disease (Grave’s) but my thyroid has been irradiated. I currently follow WAPF guidelines on raw milk for pregnancy but do you think going dairy free (I’m already gluten free) would help me since I don’t have Hasimoto’s and the damage to my thyroid has already been done.
I think that going dairy free may still be of benefit because you have an autoimmune condition and one often leads to others. If you have stopped your body’s attack on itself, then whatever you are doing is probably working. If however, you have lingering symptoms, going dairy free might be of benefit to you too. You could give it a try for a couple of months to see how you feel…
Let me know if you do! 🙂
I am not being too strict about other forms of sugar for rare occasions like a homemade coconut milk ice cream with maple syrup (say once a week…). I AM being careful about my daily consumption of any of them though because I know that they make me crave more and more.
Hi fellow fighters. I am so happy I have found this blog! I live in EUrope and I was diagnosed with Hashi last July after having the symptoms for the last 3 years, but my doctor blamed the symptoms on stress. Later I saw that my TSH levels were elevated already 2 years ago but as the T3 and T4 were within the normal range, my doctor neglected it. Luckily due to moving I change doctors. And being finally diagnosed seemed to me like a relieve because finally I knew what was wrong. I have just started my discovery journey. I am on 75 mg but the brain fogs still prevail. 😦 Sometimes I feel better, sometimes worse. The endo that I visited gave me the medication and for her the issue was solved. But I know how I feel. I had blood tests done recently and my TSH and T4 and T3 are within the normal range. But my vitamin D level is insufficient. However, I still suffer from a lot of Hashi symptoms.
I definitelly am not giving up. I do not want to feel like this for the rest of my life. My brother has celiac disease, I have never been tested. But I am starting with the diet. I am so happy I stumbled over this blog. It gives me so much hope! Thank you all for sharing your experience! What I have read here makes so much sense! It feels like gettig the pieces for the puzzle to solve.
I have a couple of questions. Did your brain fogs disappear? Did you guys loose weight after being on the GF diet? Did the quality of your hair improve? Thanx in advance.
There are mixed results with losing weight on a GF diet. For most people it depends on their starting point. If they have eaten WHATEVER they want, then going GF might stop inflammation, curb unnecessary food consumption (like processed foods), and cause them to eat more REAL food. Then they would probably lose weight.
If however, the person is already eating quite healthfully, they might not see too much of a change.
I am not sure about the brain fog but I see that Kim has answered that for you. 🙂
Thanks so much for reading! Pass on questions if you have them…
Daniela-
My brain fog and most of my thyroid symptoms went away after I addressed my adrenal issues (which is common in someone with thyroid disease). I found much help and a lot of information on http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com. You may want to check out that website.
Just replied to your sugar question while you were commenting here – I hope you saw it! 🙂
Thanx, Kim, I have ordered that book. Still has not arrived, but I have high hopes. 🙂 I started with the GAPS diet 2 weeks ago, and physically I think I feel ok, just I have these brainfogs that seem to be getting worse. I take it as the die-off symptoms, but I must say it is such a debilitating feeling! The GAPS diet is fine, I am still rather confused though, whether I should leave out things that are not recommended for Hashimoto patients. My husband is so sweet, that he joined me on this diet. And he is very happy with it, he says he has not had so much energy for a long time. I asked about losing weight before – well, since Christmas I have lost 5 kg, which is something like 10 pounds. But honestly, I would swap that achievement for not having the brain fog anytime.
“Now that you have nothing to eat….” HAHAHAHA Yep, that’s just how it feels sometimes! I have been gluten, sugar and dairy free since October when I first read your blog post on gluten and Hashimotos. It wasn’t that hard to do, and incredibly as it may seem, I have stuck to it. I have no idea where the willpower is coming from other than I just don’t want to feel lousy. Do I feel different? Hmmm…no. But during the winter I don’t normally get the fatigue and the debilitating exhaustion – it usually comes around about the end of February and stays until the middle of October. Is this Hashimoto’s? I have no idea. I’ve been tested for adrenal fatigue and vit D deficiency, but I can’t take drugs or supplements for any of it so this is really my only option (hence, the willpower). I’m actually hoping it is because then come February I will see a change!
Sadly and disappointingly, I have NOT lost any weight, but I haven’t gained any either! I still crave sugar and sometimes gluten so I’m not sure about the people who say after a while you stop craving it. I wasn’t craving it before, but now I am! I don’t do any sweeteners – no sugar, honey, maple syrup. I do still eat fruit and dried friut although even in the beginning I limited these options while following the GAPS/Hashimoto’s diet. I am pretty much all grain free too, although I have found I have no reaction to rice and about once a month as a treat I eat it. Last week I ate a potato and had no reaction.
So that’s my update! Thanks for the encouragement, Crunchy Pickle! You got me started. I am hoping I see vast amounts of improvement come spring.
Hey, how did you start your blog?
I have learned to like vegetables and meat.
Thanks for sharing and please let me know how it goes for you this February! I know it is disappointing to not lose weight. I haven’t lost any by being sugar-free or gluten-free either. That’s why I think it is so important to chronicle if the changes are helping the rest of our quality of life, so that the motivation sticks.
If you find you are losing weight in the future, please share what changes you have made. I am sure many (including myself) would love to hear!
Hi!
I just found your blog and I can’t wait to catch up with you and follow on the sugar free. I was diagnosed w/ Hashimotos among other things this past July and started on a program that helped me make some initial changes in rebuilding my adrenals, etc. But I am stuck. I am in the process of switching to a more paleo diet- want to do the GAPS diet- but right now simply trying to get the gluten and sugar out of my life.
My problem: I might do great the whole day but my cravings at night are horrible and I usually always give in. I am 33 and live alone. I try lots of things- tea, going out to see friends (which usually ends up in having alcohol which doesn’t help!), a project, exercise, whatever. How are you people making it through? where do you find the willpower? The sugar cravings end up kicking in a different voice in my head and soon enough I’m driving to whole foods for these sweet little vegan gluten free (but not sugar free!!) cupcakes. Bad. then it starts that down crash from there of craving other carbs.
Yesterday I started looking into the “mood cure” thing of the trace minerals missing that might be affecting and I happen to actually have some (I have been trying to heal myself in various ways through alternative/ natural health for years- and on the surface my friends/ family think I’m healthy bc I’m only about 10 lbs heavier than being “fit” and I run a lot- but that has been a result of me pushing my adrenals past their ability) Anyway- I need to get over this hurdle of the initial quitting of these things.
Barriers- no night time support (I’m single), I support myself and I’m a therapist so I need to have a clear mind at work and can’t take it off, etc etc.
Of all of the wonderful blogs and stories I’ve been finding- not a lot have talked about what you actually do to make yourself get through the hard parts? How? And how do you fight a sugar craving in the moment? That is definitely a nasty little contender to deal with….
Thank you!!
p.s.
I know that was long- but also if anyone had other easy simple cooking meat tips- I have been a vegetarian for 12 years and the only thing I’ve managed to make so far is a whole chicken in the crockpot and eating some tunafish!
Elizabeth, welcome in my shoes! your story sounds rather similar to mine. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto in July 2011 after struggling with the symptoms for a long time. I am 33 as well.
I think for me (not that I am totally compliant, sometimes I cave too!) I had to decide that it was worth it to feel better. Even if it meant avoiding certain foods indefinitely. It was a decision that took a long time in coming for me. Each person is different, some never decide to change. You certainly sound like you are well on your way to making a complete break with those foods. 🙂
On a practical level, do you eat enough fat? When I don’t, I get lots of cravings. Just a thought!
Hey Nicole,
It’s so interesting that you are dealing with these things and making the decisions you are. In the past two years, I have actually started out on the same journey. I found out that I had hypothyroidism and then a few months later decided to go Gluten Free because of it. I was skeptical about it for some time, but Going Gluten free has helped me tremendously. I honestly used to not know what it felt like to ever feel full because I always needed the sick feeling in my stomach to go away. But, I now know what it feels to be satisfied which has helped me with my overall health. I still have to be mindful of what I eat, but it’s a tremendous difference. I have not done away with dairy or sugar, but I have reduced the dairy. In addition to all this vinyasa Yoga has helped me increase my energy and feel better as well.
Thanks for sharing your story! Anna
Anna –
Thanks for reading! It is nice to see you here. 🙂 I would love to hear more details since you have spent some time in the trenches of recovery. If you ever think of tips, please feel free to post them here. I am always looking for new and great ideas!
Hi Elizabeth – I know how you feel! In many ways being single makes it easier to change your eating habits. I can’t imagine trying to be gluten, sugar and dairy free with a husband and kids eating it in front of me. My willpower comes from desperation. As I think I said above, pills aren’t working for me and only make me feel worse (drugs, herbs, supplements, doesn’t matter). And I will refuse drugs for as long as I can so finally finding a theory that is based on diet makes me very happy.
I was also a vegetarian, then not, then trying to be, then a doctors said “you need protein”. I’d so much rather not eat animals! I guess this disease drops our blood sugar levels and we can go into a insulin resistance mode. Your cravings probably have to do with your blood sugar levels. Get Kharrazian’s book and his website is http://www.DrKNews.com. I was told to eat protein at least every two hours throughout the day and a little bit before bed: boiled egg, almond butter…
Having to eat protein every two hours was a difficult transition. Planning meals was an adjustment. Being hungry and then scarfing down a pound of hamburger was expensive, then I leveled off and didn’t need so much protein. For years I obviously relied on gluten/grain fillers to make a meal filling. Now I eat a little meat or protein with every meal, lots of veggies, as much as I can get down. I realized how much I really hate veggies! Who would have thought? But when they aren’t mixed with a yummy grain or gluten-made sauce, no dairy (butter!), they aren’t so exciting. Slowly I am adjusting and finding ways to eat them so they are tolerable. I’m sometimes bored with meat too, but I found some ways to cook meat that I’m liking. It’s definitely an adjustment. I do find it’s when I haven’t eaten my protein for more than two hours I crave the sugar and the gluten. Blood sugar level drops. If I’ve just ate, I don’t care about the sugar. I still kinda want it, but my hunger is satisfied so I know it’s just comfort sweets I want. It’s when I wait to eat, and wait, and wait, then I’m dying for sugar.
Simple recipes I’ve come to like:
Baked whole chicken with olive oil and fresh herbs
“Thai” chicken: with coconut milk, peppers, onions, garlic, broccoli, green beans, jalapenos, and gobs of basil
“Taco” hamburger with peppers, onions, garlic, fresh oregano, cumin, dried chili peppers (stay aways from mixed spices like chili powder – it has gluten in it as an anti-caking agent!)
What else…oh, fish, fish, fish for the omegas and fish oils. I bake it sometimes with lemon. Any kind of fish as long as it’s wild caught. Not supposed to do shellfish, though. Watch the tuna – they pack it in gluten for taste!
Every now and then I do eggs, but if you start with the GAPS diet (on Dr. K’s website) it says stay away from them as they are hard to digest. I mix peppers, onions, garlic in the eggs to give it more veggies or put boiled eggs on zucchini dollars. 🙂 trying to be creative.
Also if you have problems sleeping, or wake up in the night – that is blood sugar dropping, too, which is why you should have a bit of protein at night.
Stay away from the alcohol – that’ll really screw with your blood sugar! In most cases, it’s high in sugar.
Hope this helps. As you traverse this path, any tips or discoveries you want to share I’d appreciate!
Thanks for sharing all these great tips, Candace! You are a wealth of information. 🙂 I agree with all that you listed above, except that I believe that eggs are fine on GAPS as long as you are not in the intro stage. She is a bit picky about the way that they are cooked (gently fried preferred over scrambled) but she has people give them a try after the first few days on the intro diet. Just thought that might be helpful information since eggs are such a nice and inexpensive protein source…
You are doing a great job! Stay strong!!
Yeah, I think there are some variations on the GAPS diet. Of course, I picked the most restrictive one (I must be doing some kind of penitents for my sins…) that’s on Dr. K’s website which is specifically for Hashimoto’s theories. I felt this was best since eggs are such a common allergen. I’m glad they don’t give me grief, but I find I do better if mixed with other things. If I eat them plain, like boiled, I can feel queasy.
Hi crunchy pickle! I just found your site and I am so grateful! I was just diagnosed with Hashi’s this month and have been going through a roller coaster ride emotionally. That coupled with 5 month old twins and a toddler has had me about to pull out my hair! lol. I too am eliminating gluten and dairy because i know they are not good for people with hashi’s. I also just found out through a blood test that I am allergic to both anyways. I think going sugar free is awesome too, and can only help. I curious, have your TPOab decreased at all since being gluten free? Also, I have done a lot of research on doctors who have actually CURED their own hashi’s and other peoples and I wanted to give you some links. Have you read these?:
http://www.blumcenterforhealth.com/dr-susan-blum-my-story/
http://drhyman.com/autoimmune-disease-stop-your-body-from-attacking-itself-80/
Thanks for the info crunchy pickle! I too was diagnosed with Hashi’s last year although I am still in denial. 🙂 Initially the Dr. I went to did the test for TSH, only because I was complaining that my hair was falling out. (My regular Dr. was out on maternity leave.) He immediately threw a prescription for synthroid my way and said basically that I would need to take it for the rest of my life. That was completely unacceptable to me. I have always been healthy and NEVER needed medication including over the counter. Anyway, thankfully I got back with my regular Dr. and she has been very willing to work with me in my health quest. I think she may think I’m crazy, but I too believe that what we choose to put in our bodies really makes a difference.
I began by reading Crazy Sexy Diet by Kris Carr. She is so motivational and included a 21 day cleanse that is supposed to be pretty much gluten, dairy,sugar and meat free. I liked the principals that her book was about and after reading how she had changed the course of her cancer by changing her diet I figured I should try. I then went off of the hormones and had my Mirena IUD removed. I figured that those added hormones couldn’t be helping me. Then I did the cleanse. I felt awesome and had the added benefit of dropping 10 pounds. After that I slowly went back to fairly normal eating but I was more cognizant of what I put in my mouth. That was in October 2011. I have had my TSH tested twice since then and have remained at a “normal” level although I have recently noticed that my hair is falling again.. Darnit!! So now I am going to go gluten free in hopes that it will help me. I also just read a good book my Dr. Alexander Haskell N.D, called Hope for Hashimoto’s. His theories are similar to Dr. K’s. He doesn’t feel that Hashi’s is a disease simply a deficiency of something in your system. He also says that “Hashimotos is not the cause of thyroid inflammation, it is the result…”.
I’ll let you know how my quest goes. I refuse to be one to just calmly take my synthroid and go away!! 🙂
Thanks for the blog and sorry for the long comment.
I love long comments – don’t worry! It already sounds like you have been on a bit of a journey. I hope that you find some clear answers and are able to see some of your symptoms alleviated. Let me know!
SO, after 2 weeks Gluten free, I went back to the Doctor and my blood work was better than it had been while on synthroid!! My TSH was perfect and my TPO, antibodies that show I have Hashi’s, were half of what they had been when last tested a year ago. My Doctor was shocked to say the least. Since she thought I was crazy to not want to just take a pill everyday for the rest of my life. 🙂
As for symptoms, I feel great! No more hair loss. I have also been taking of course a great multi-vitamin and a daily dose of Selenium but so far so good!
Just wanted to send ya an update. Thanks for your blog and the great info!!
That is phenomenal! So glad to hear it!
Becky – watch the selenium intake. Can be very detrimental.
I keep hearing that eating one brazil nut a day is sufficient for selenium intake w/o the risk factors of over-supplementation.
Have you been tested for adrenal fatigue? Adrenal fatigue can actually cause a thyroid problem. I found out I have Hashimoto’s last December and have unsuccessfully been trying correct it through diet (I’m on the Whole30). I’m seeing a holistic MD this week to get tested for adrenal fatigue and get treatment for that as that has to happen before a thyroid treatment can help.
http://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/articles/the-link-between-adrenal-fatigue-thyroid-conditions/
I haven’t but I have strongly considered it. Please share your results!
I had an appointment with a new doctor today, and he told me to stop eating gluten, dairy and watch my sugar intake, he also gave me a lot of supplements and some fluconazole to clear up yeast. Is this going to make me feel better if I follow thru with all these things. It seems impossible…
Hi there,
Thanx a lot for posting so many infos.I’m a hashimoto patient from past few yrs.and learned about be gluten free,dairy free and sugar free.But still would like to know that “pure green coffee bean extract is still safe to take it? pls let me know.It will be really really beneficial info again for hashimoto patients.
thanx once again
look forward to hear from you-Ruth
I have Hashi’s and am now hearing about the gluten link and realize I need to go gluten free. In understanding that there is no “cheating” as gluten can affect your system for 6 months, I find this to be a daunting task. How do you give up so many things you love permanently. I have tried gluten free breads and pasta and don’t really care for them. Any suggestions on how to accomplish would be appreciated. I’m not sure how to do this especially after a life of indulging in the wrong things i.e. desserts, bread, pasta etc.
Barb
I have a post on this with my views – http://www.thecrunchypickle.com/2011/10/12/going-gluten-free-what-will-it-be-like/. I hope it helps! Hang in there! It seems tough at first but gets easier and easier as time goes by.
I have hashimotos. I am 46years old and am anemic too. Going gfcf, sugar free, soy free, sugar free, corn free has helped as also supplementing with vitamins A, C, E, selenium, zinc, biotin (helps with hair loss) ,magnesium. I have lost weight of 18 pounds gradually over the last year. My brain fog is almost gone. But I am unable to exercise much yet. If I do, my muscles cramp and tighten.
Sl