Why A Gluten Free Diet Is A Must For Hashimoto's
Welcome to Thyroid Warriors new Surviving Hashimoto's Thyroiditis blog. The purpose of our blog is to provide helpful information and tools for thyroid sufferers to optimize their health and break free of the chains of thyroid disease. Our first post will focus on why a gluten free diet can be beneficial for those suffering with hashimoto's.
A little bit of background, what exactly is hashimoto's thyroiditis? According to the American Thyroid Association, "The term “Thyroiditis” refers to inflammation of the thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States." Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disorder that wreaks havoc on every system of the body. The thyroid gland loses the ability to function properly. If you have hashimoto's you are most likely familiar with the fatigue, bloating, brain fog, weight gain, hair loss, constipation, temperature intolerances, dry skin, brittle nails, hormonal imbalances, neck swelling and mood disturbances that come from an impaired thyroid. Put simply, every cell in the body depends on the thyroid. If it it not functioning properly, then neither are you!
So what can be done? Medication is typically the first line of attack. However, there are other avenues suffers can take to help fight the symptoms. Gluten free diets have received quite a bit of traction in the last decade. The diet is labeled a fad by most, but those with celiac disease have been cutting out gluten from their diets long before the food industry began stocking shelves with a bounty of gluten free options.It is important to note that being gluten free does not mean you have celiac disease. In her 2020 article, "Gluten and Autoimmune Thyroiditis" Jennifer Lutz said, "The inflammatory state experienced with gluten consumption is called non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition, whereas NCGS is a chronic, functional digestive disorder, triggered by eating gluten-containing foods."
If you suffer from hashimoto's and are ready to take the plunge and find out if gluten is a trigger of inflammation for you, the best way to start a gluten free diet is to commit to a full 30 day elimination diet. The body needs time to reset and heal, and this takes time. 30 days is recommended to allow for that healing.
Beginning a gluten free diet can be daunting, but it is entirely doable. There are many resources available today including recipes for all your favorite foods! Take inventory of your pantry and toss out all gluten containing foods. Gluten is the protein found in wheat, barley and rye. But, gluten can be sneaky, it is not simply in breads, crackers and baked goods. Pay attention to labels even if labeled "gluten free".
Best of luck on your journey to healing, perhaps a gluten free diet is the answer for you!
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Thanks for your post Jennie! I enjoyed learning about Hashimoto's, the symptoms of Hashimoto's and some remedies for those who have the disease. It is incredible learning about all that the thyroid does for our bodies. Fatigue, bloating, weight gain, brain fog, hair loss, constipation, temperature intolerances, dry skin, neck swelling, mood disturbances, and brittle nails are some of the symptoms. It can be hard to have this disease. I learned that almost every cell of the body depends on the thyroid. I learned that it has been proven that gluten has help patients with Hashimoto's disease. Committing to 30 days can allow for healing and adapting to the new diet. It is important to pay attention to labels on foods even if it says "gluten free". What a eye-opening blog! Thank you!
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