Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease that affects thyroid health, and nutrition can play an important role in managing this condition. The Hashimoto diet refers to an eating plan designed to support thyroid function, reduce inflammation, and improve overall health. Many people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis believe that gluten and other potential allergens can increase thyroid inflammation. Therefore, this diet often involves limiting gluten-containing grains, dairy products, and other potential allergens.
What is Hashimoto’s?
Hashimoto is an autoimmune thyroid disease. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, its full name, is a condition in which the immune system of the thyroid gland attacks its own cells. As a result of this attack, the thyroid gland becomes inflamed and damaged over time. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis often reduces the production of thyroid hormones, which can lead to a condition known as hypothyroidism (underproduction of thyroid hormones).
How to do Hashimoto diet?
Individuals with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can try to support their thyroid health by making certain dietary changes. However, since each individual’s needs are different, the Hashimoto diet requires a personalized approach. Here are the generally recommended dietary strategies for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis:
- Limiting Gluten and Allergens: Gluten may be an allergen that is thought to increase thyroid inflammation. That’s why the Hashimoto diet often involves limiting gluten-containing grains, dairy products, and other potential allergens.
- Anti-Inflammatory Foods: The Hashimoto diet may focus on anti-inflammatory foods to help reduce inflammation. Foods such as salmon, walnuts, olive oil, fruits and vegetables may be included in this category.
- Thyroid-Friendly Minerals and Vitamins: Emphasis can be placed on vitamins that support thyroid health, such as vitamin B12, along with minerals that support thyroid functions, such as iodine, selenium and zinc. Foods that contain these nutrients are especially fish, seafood, seeds and green leafy vegetables.
- Probiotic Foods: Probiotic foods can be consumed to improve intestinal health. Yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables contain probiotic bacteria and may support gut health.
- Low Sugar and Refined Carbs: A diet that is low in sugar and avoids refined carbohydrates can help balance blood sugar and maintain energy levels.
- Food Sensitivity Tests: Some individuals may be sensitive to certain foods. Getting food sensitivity tests can help determine which foods should be avoided.
- Balanced and Various Nutrition: The Hashimoto diet encourages a balanced and varied diet. Adequate intake of different food groups can support overall health.
Since everyone’s body structure and health condition is different, it is important to consult a health professional or nutritionist before following the Hashimoto diet. These specialists can create a personalized nutrition plan that suits the individual’s specific needs and health status.
What should Hashimoto’s patients eat and what should they not eat?
The dietary habits of individuals with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis often require an individualized approach. People with Hashimoto’s can eat the following:
- Salmon, walnuts, olive oil, fruits and vegetables
- Seafood, seaweed, milk and dairy products contain iodine.
- Brazil nuts, turkey, tuna and red lentils
- Pumpkin seeds, red meat, chicken and chickpeas
- Yogurt, kefir, fermented vegetables
Things that Hashimoto patients should not eat:
- Consumption of gluten-containing grains such as wheat, barley and rye should be limited.
- Soy should be limited as it may interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormones.
- Raw brassica vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower may contain high amounts of goitrogens and reduce iodine absorption.
- Excessive intake of iodine can also cause thyroid problems, so iodine supplements should be used carefully.
- High-sugar and refined carbohydrates can cause blood sugar fluctuations.
Because each individual’s needs are different, it is important for Hashimoto’s patients to personalize their nutritional plan and consult a healthcare professional or nutritionist. Additionally, it is important for them to regularly monitor their health and be sensitive to their symptoms.
Which fruits should Hashimoto patients eat?
Individuals with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis should choose fruits that have anti-inflammatory properties and support thyroid health, such as iodine and selenium. However, there are some important factors to consider when consuming fruit in general. Suitable fruit options for Hashimoto patients:
- Strawberry
- Cherry
- Banana
- Pineapple
- Grape
- Kiwi
- Watermelon
- Avocado
Hashimoto’s patients should not overdo it when consuming fruits in general and should be careful to keep their blood sugar balanced. They should also be careful with fruits that contain goitrogens, such as raw brassica vegetables, because such fruits can affect thyroid function.
Why can’t Hashimoto patients lose weight?
The weight loss process of individuals with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may be affected due to their thyroid hormones not working properly. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis often causes hypothyroidism (underproduction of thyroid hormones). Hypothyroidism can lead to slowing of the body’s metabolism, decreased energy levels and weight gain. Hypothyroidism can affect the production and use of energy in the body. In this case, the metabolism decreases and the body spends less energy.
Hypothyroidism can cause fluid imbalances in the body, which can lead to water retention. This condition can cause bloating and weight gain, especially in the legs and other parts of the body. Because metabolism slows and energy levels decrease, hypothyroidism can cause a decrease in muscle mass, making weight loss efforts difficult.
Can Hashimoto patients eat yoghurt?
Yes, individuals with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can generally consume yoghurt. Yogurt can be a healthy source of nutrients and contain many beneficial properties. Some Hashimoto’s patients may have lactose intolerance. In this case, lactose-containing dairy products can be avoided or lactose-free yogurt alternatives may be preferred to relieve symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Yogurt contains probiotic bacteria. These bacteria can support digestive health and improve gut flora. Hashimoto’s patients can improve their intestinal health by consuming yogurt containing probiotics. Iodine is important for the production of thyroid hormones. However, excessive intake of iodine can also cause thyroid problems. Yogurt generally contains low amounts of iodine, but Hashimoto’s patients should pay attention to their diet to control their iodine intake.