Can thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s) be cured through diet?

2023-04-27T13:26:32+00:00

The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped organ in the neck that makes hormones that control metabolism. Thyroid disease, including an overactive or underactive thyroid, can cause many symptoms and affect other organs in your body. For example, Hashimoto’s condition is an autoimmune condition where antibodies attack the body’s tissues, which can also affect other parts of your body and your thyroid gland. People with Hashimoto’s may find that dietary changes help manage their condition better than medications alone.

Can thyroid disease (Hashimoto's) be cured through diet?

The symptoms of thyroid problems depend on whether the thyroid gland is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism).

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include:

  • Weight loss despite increased appetite
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Nervousness, anxiety, or irritability
  • Tremors or shaking hands
  • Excessive sweating or heat intolerance
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Increased bowel movements
  • Muscle weakness or fatigue
  • Changes in menstrual periods
  • Thinning hair or hair loss
  • Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
  • Bulging eyes or eye irritation (Graves’ ophthalmopathy)

Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include:

  • Fatigue or lethargy
  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
  • Cold intolerance
  • Constipation
  • Dry skin or hair
  • Depression or mood changes
  • Muscle aches or weakness
  • Heavy or irregular menstrual periods
  • Memory problems or brain fog
  • Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)

It’s important to note that other conditions can also cause these symptoms, so it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing any of them.

Can thyroid disease be cured through diet?

Yes, diet can help treat thyroid disease. A healthy diet is especially important for people with hypothyroidism because it helps control symptoms and manage inflammation. In addition to these benefits, a proper diet can also improve the absorption of medications and reduce the risk of complications from thyroid issues.

A healthy diet improves the quality of life by reducing fatigue and improving energy levels–factors that are crucial for anyone suffering from an underactive or overactive thyroid gland!

The best diet for the thyroid

It’s necessary to note that not all foods with goitrogenic effects are harmful to everyone. For example, if your diet has normal iodine levels, the goitrogens in cruciferous vegetables will not affect your thyroid function. However, if you’re deficient in iodine and eat a lot of these foods over time or don’t eat enough seafood (which is high in iodine), it could cause problems for your thyroid gland.

It’s also worth mentioning that some people may be more sensitive than others when it comes to how much they need their thyroids stimulated by external factors like diet or stressors like cold temperatures–but this varies from person to person based on genetic factors as well as lifestyle choices such as exercise habits.

What to eat in moderation

The following foods should be eaten in moderation:

  • Processed foods that are high in refined sugars and saturated fats. These include cakes, cookies, candies, ice cream, and other sweets.
  • Salt. Although sodium is vital for your body to function properly, too much can cause high blood pressure, which may lead to heart attacks or strokes if left untreated over time. In addition to restricting your intake of processed foods (which often contain high amounts of sodium), ensure you’re getting enough potassium-rich foods such as bananas and avocados so that the balance between these two minerals remains optimal for your health!
  • Caffeine from coffee drinks like espresso shots or lattes made with espresso machines at restaurants where baristas use milk instead of water when steaming milk because they believe it produces better foam texture when making cappuccinos/latte macchiatos etc. You can also get caffeine from tea leaves if brewed strong enough. Still, usually less than what’s found in coffee beans, so unless very carefully measured, it will only cause noticeable effects if consumed in large quantities over several hours.

Foods to avoid when you have a thyroid condition

  • Iodine
  • Soy
  • Gluten
  • Sugar and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS)
  • Processed foods that contain any of the above ingredients, trans fats, and hydrogenated oils. These are often found in baked goods like cakes, cookies, pastries, and pies; cereals; sauces like ketchup or barbecue sauce; frozen dinners; boxed soups and macaroni & cheese mixes; many packaged snacks like chips/crisps/crackers that you might find at the grocery store checkout line; lunch meats such as hot dogs or bologna sandwiches on white bread with mayo–you get the idea!
  •  Alcohol is also problematic for those with Hashimoto’s because it can trigger autoimmune flare-ups by inhibiting iodine absorption into cells (and causing hypothyroidism).

Improve your health with dietary changes.

Dietary changes can help with many health issues, including weight loss, mental health problems, and physical illnesses.

For example:

Dietary changes can be used to treat hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s). A diet that eliminates gluten and dairy products has been shown to improve symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease. Gluten is a protein found primarily in grains such as wheat, rye, and barley; it can cause inflammation in the body if you are intolerant. Dairy products contain lactose–a sugar that some people cannot digest properly because their bodies do not produce enough lactase enzyme needed for digestion. This leads to abdominal pain, bloating, or diarrhea when they consume these foods.*

Conclusion

A diet that supports the thyroid is one of the finest ways to manage your condition. Avoiding certain foods and eating others in moderation can improve your health and quality of life with little effort. If you want to learn more about how food impacts your health and how this information can help you manage Hashimoto’s, contact us today