Basic Questions About Nutrition In Hashimoto's Thyroiditis?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease in which a combination of various factors of the external and internal environment causes activation of autoimmunity and destruction of the thyroid gland. The causes of Hashimoto's thyroiditis are genetic pre-exposure, impaired intestinal microflora, infections, poor diet, stressful lifestyle and more.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is manifested by unpleasant symptoms such as depression, depression, lack of strength and motivation, increased appetite, increased drowsiness, hair loss, joint pain, constipation. Although the symptoms are extremely unpleasant, they can be managed through a combination of synthetic hormone intake, lifestyle changes, proper diet, stress control and sleep hygiene.

There are several dietary rules that would significantly improve thyroid function, reduce autoimmunity, the chronic inflammatory response, and bring the process into remission.

Should I stop gluten?

Gluten is a combination of two proteins, gliadin and glutenin, which are found in cereals such as wheat, millet, oats, rye, barley, and others. It would be logical to eliminate gluten only in patients suffering from celiac disease or the so-called. gluten enteropathy, in which the intake of gluten-containing foods causes atrophy of the small intestinal forks and destruction of the small intestinal mucosa. But is that really so?

In addition to gluten enteropathy, a reaction to gluten also develops in people suffering from gluten allergy and gluten intolerance. These conditions are different and are based on a different pathophysiological mechanism. While in gluten enteropathy the reaction to gluten intake is autoimmune, in gluten allergy the reaction is defined as a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction - IgE antibodies are formed, a large amount of histamine is released, resulting in rashes, redness, difficulty breathing due to bronchospasm, etc.

In gluten intolerance, gluten intake does not cause an autoimmune but an inflammatory reaction. The lining of the small intestine is not damaged, but the symptoms of upset stomach are the same as in gluten enteropathy. Therefore, in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, gluten withdrawal will have a beneficial effect and even reduce the autoimmune attack.

A gluten-free diet restores the intestinal microflora, improves the absorption of useful vitamins and minerals. When starting a gluten-free diet, it is important to know that many foods that should not contain gluten actually have it in their composition, so it is advisable to read carefully the composition of each product.

What is an autoimmune elimination protocol (AIP)?

 The autoimmune elimination protocol is not a diet, but a protocol that requires changes in lifestyle - nutrition, physical activity, coping with stress, sleep, through which you get to know your own body and require changes according to how it reacts.

At AIP the so-called autoimmune elimination diet. In it are forbidden foods containing gluten, dairy, eggs, vegetables from the family. Solanaceae, legumes, refined fats, nuts, coffee, alcohol, chocolate. The protocol is followed for at least 3 months and consists of two phases - the first phase, the elimination phase, and the second phase, the reintroduction phase. During the second phase, the excluded foods are gradually introduced and the body's reaction to each of them is monitored.

How do I control my blood sugar levels?

Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis is known to be often accompanied by insulin resistance. To control glucose levels, it is necessary to follow a low-carbohydrate diet and eat food with a low glycemic index (GI). The glycemic index is a numerical scale from 0 to 100, which determines the extent to which a particular food raises blood sugar. Foods with a low glycemic index (below 50) do not cause a sharp rise in glucose levels and the energy obtained during their breakdown is released slowly. These include vegetables, most fruits, eggs, meat, fish, nuts, dairy products.

What useful fats should I take?

Replace refined fats such as sunflower oil with coconut oil, ghee, olive oil, avocado, nuts, fish (salmon, herring, cod).

How long does it take to follow a gluten-free diet?

Giving up gluten and foods that cause intolerance should become a way of life, not just a diet. Refusal of these foods will significantly resemble the intestinal microflora, which will lead to the restoration of deficiencies of vitamins and minerals, and will put the autoimmune process in remission. In addition to the elimination diet, you may be tested for food intolerances to identify foods you are intolerant to.