Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: What It Is, Symptoms, and Causes
Dr. Eric Berg
11/25/2024
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Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroid disease characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking the body's thyroid tissue.
This thyroid disorder is the most common cause of underactive thyroid function and is linked to a wide range of health issues, including weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, skin issues, and poor cognitive function.
Discover the surprising causes of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and explore natural solutions for promoting a healthy thyroid gland and balanced thyroid hormone production.
What is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is a common autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid gland.
This condition is significantly more prevalent in women and is caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking thyroid tissue. This leads to chronic inflammation and damage to the thyroid gland, impairing its ability to produce and release essential thyroid hormones.
Thyroid hormones, including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), play crucial roles in regulating a wide range of cellular functions and metabolic processes.
Subsequently, a lack of adequate thyroid hormone levels, widely referred to as hypothyroidism, can negatively impact metabolic functions, hormonal balance, cognitive health, and overall well-being.
According to research published in Frontiers in Public Health, chronic autoimmune thyroiditis is the leading cause of underactive thyroid function, accounting for nearly 95 percent of all hypothyroidism cases.
In addition, individuals with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are at increased risk of other autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and celiac disease, as well as cardiovascular issues and complications during pregnancy.
This makes early diagnosis and effective management crucial to alleviate hypothyroidism symptoms and minimize the risk of long-term health issues.
Watch the video below to learn more about Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Hashimoto Thyroiditis (Autoimmune Hypothyroid) Simplified
Symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Because thyroid hormones are essential for regulating cellular functions, metabolic pathways, and maintaining energy levels in the body, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can lead to a wide range of health problems.
Here are common signs and symptoms of Hashimoto's disease:
Unexplained weight gain
Muscle weakness
Fatigue
Dry skin
Joint pain
Depression
Hair loss
Menstrual irregularities
Fertility problems
In addition, data published by the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) reports that people with Hashimoto’s may develop an enlarged thyroid gland, widely referred to as goiter, which can cause discomfort in the neck area and lead to difficulties swallowing.
A goiter can signal that your body isn’t producing enough thyroid hormones, and it's important to assess whether you have any underlying thyroid disorders that require medical treatment.
If you are worried about your thyroid function or are experiencing symptoms of hypothyroidism, it’s critical to consult a healthcare provider. A doctor will likely evaluate your overall health status and perform blood tests to measure thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, which indicate how well your thyroid is functioning.
Causes of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
While the exact cause of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis remains unknown, there are several factors that appear to trigger autoimmune responses against thyroid gland tissue.
Evidence published in the Journal of Molecular Biochemistry found that stress plays a notable role in the onset of Hashimoto's, as prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, can disrupt immune function and trigger autoimmune responses.
It’s believed that stress-related elevations in cortisol can weaken the immune system’s ability to differentiate between the body’s cells and foreign invaders, which may lead to the immune system attacking thyroid tissue.
“Many people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis report that their symptoms began or worsened following significant stressful life events, periods of prolonged chronic stress, or during hormonal fluctuations such as pregnancy or menopause,” explains Dr. Berg.
In addition, research published in Frontiers in Endocrinology suggests that gluten, a protein found in various grains, such as wheat, rye, and barley, may trigger autoimmune responses in some individuals.
Gluten shares structural similarities with the thyroid enzyme transglutaminase and other proteins in the thyroid gland. This similarity can lead the immune system, especially in individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, to mistakenly attack the thyroid as it tries to eliminate gluten from the body.
The best and worst foods for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
For individuals with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, focusing on foods that support thyroid health while avoiding those that can exacerbate symptoms is critical.
Here are some of the best and worst foods for individuals with autoimmune thyroiditis.
Best foods for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Optimal thyroid function relies on various vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and D, as well as iodine and selenium.
Iodine is vital for thyroid function and thyroid hormone production, and some of the best dietary iodine sources include sea kelp, fish, and dairy products.
Selenium is required to convert thyroid hormones into their active form and can be found in Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, and seafood.
Vitamin A supports thyroid hormone synthesis and plays a significant role in the regulation of metabolic processes. Foods such as egg yolks, liver, fish, and grass-fed butter are excellent sources of vitamin A.
Not only is vitamin D important for regulating the immune system and minimizing the risk of autoimmune disorders, but this fat-soluble vitamin also has potent anti-inflammatory properties, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Vitamin D is primarily obtained through sun exposure and can be found in small amounts in liver, oily fish, and egg yolks.
However, dietary sources aren’t adequate to maintain optimal vitamin D levels, and supplementation is recommended, especially for those with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or other autoimmune disorders.
A study published in Nutrients investigated the benefits of vitamin D supplementation in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis and concluded, “Current evidence supports the potential role of vitamin D in the prevention and management of Hashimoto thyroiditis.”
Worst foods for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
It’s recommended that individuals with autoimmune hypothyroidism follow a gluten-free diet by eliminating grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. Additionally, it’s essential to avoid processed foods that contain gluten, including breads, pastries, and many packaged snacks.
This has been confirmed by research published in Food Science and Nutrition, reporting that a gluten-free diet increased thyroid hormone levels and improved metabolic health markers in patients with Hashimoto’s.
Furthermore, certain foods are classified as goitrogens because they contain compounds that can interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis and inhibit enzymes necessary for iodine metabolism and thyroid function.
Foods high in goitrogens include:
Cassava
Lima beans
Sorghum
Millet
Soy products
Onions
Sweet potatoes
Flaxseed
While cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale also contain goitrogens, they can be consumed in moderation, especially when cooked or steamed, which significantly reduces their goitrogenic effects.
Tips for managing Hashimoto’s
Conventional hypothyroidism treatments focus on thyroid hormone replacement. While this can help restore thyroid hormone balance, it often addresses only the symptoms rather than the underlying causes of thyroid dysfunction, especially in cases of autoimmune thyroiditis.
Fortunately, various dietary and lifestyle changes may help promote balanced immune responses and support overall thyroid function.
Here are three tips for managing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
1. Limit fluoride exposure
Fluoride can disrupt iodine metabolism and potentially contribute to iodine deficiency, which is associated with underactive thyroid function.
This inorganic mineral is typically found in dental hygiene products, naturally occurs in green and black tea in small amounts, and is often added to drinking water to reduce dental cavities.
The safety of fluoride in drinking water is widely debated, and those with thyroid disorders may benefit from limiting its intake while maintaining adequate iodine levels for thyroid support.
2. Follow a Healthy Keto® diet
Healthy Keto® is a low-carb, high-fat diet that focuses on nutrient-rich whole foods, including organic vegetables, grass-fed beef, wild-caught game meat and fish, organic full-fat dairy, and pasture-raised eggs.
This dietary pattern offers plenty of nutrients that support thyroid function and can help reduce chronic inflammation, which is essential for managing autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
In addition, Healthy Keto avoids gluten-containing grains, which trigger autoimmune responses linked to thyroid disorders, making this meal plan an excellent choice for those with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
3. Practice intermittent fasting
Intermittent fasting involves alternating between periods of fasting and time-restricted eating windows.
Research published in Autoimmunity Reviews suggests that intermittent fasting is a promising therapeutic intervention for managing autoimmune disorders, including those affecting the thyroid.
The authors discuss that caloric restriction triggers profound metabolic and hormonal changes that can reduce inflammation, improve immune function, and enhance cellular repair processes.
In combination, these physiological changes may help regulate the immune system’s response, potentially decreasing the severity of autoimmune attacks on thyroid gland tissue.
Key takeaways
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder and one of the most common causes of underactive thyroid function, especially in women.
It’s believed that chronic stress and dietary gluten intake can trigger or exacerbate autoimmune responses in susceptible individuals, contributing to inflammation and thyroid dysfunction.
Therefore, it’s crucial to avoid gluten-containing foods such as bread, crackers, pastries, and many processed foods, as well as goitrogenic foods known to interfere with thyroid hormone production and thyroid function.
FAQ
1. What is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks thyroid tissue, leading to inflammation and underactive thyroid function, also known as hypothyroidism.
2. What triggers Hashimoto’s?
It’s believed that a combination of genetic predisposition, chronic stress, and environmental factors such as dietary gluten exposure and iodine deficiency can trigger Hashimoto's.
3. What are the warning signs of Hashimoto’s?
Warning signs of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis include persistent tiredness, unexplained weight gain, skin problems, hair loss, sensitivity to cold temperatures, joint and muscle aches, and poor cognitive functions.
In addition, Hashimoto’s can cause an enlarged thyroid gland, which can cause neck discomfort and difficulties swallowing.
4. What are the best remedies for Hashimoto's disease?
Some of the best remedies for Hashimoto’s include consuming nutritious foods rich in vitamin A, selenium, and iodine, all of which play a critical role in thyroid function.
In addition, maintaining optimal vitamin D levels, following a nutrient-dense Healthy Keto® diet, practicing intermittent fasting, and monitoring fluoride intake can help reduce inflammation, support immune balance, and improve thyroid health.
5. Can keto cause Hashimoto’s thyroiditis?
No, keto won’t cause Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, as this autoimmune disorder is primarily triggered by genetic and environmental factors.
In fact, following a nutrient-rich, low-carb diet such as Healthy Keto may help manage symptoms by reducing inflammation, promoting balanced immune responses, and supporting hormonal balance, all of which are critical for optimal thyroid function.
6. Can you do fasting if you have Hashimoto’s?
Yes, fasting can be beneficial for those with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, as it has been found to support immune balance and help reduce inflammation.
However, it’s recommended that those with thyroid disorders discuss fasting with a medical professional to ensure it suits their individual health needs.
7. What foods should I avoid if I have Hashimoto’s?
It’s recommended that those with Hashimoto’s follow a gluten-free diet, which involves avoiding gluten-containing foods such as bread, cookies, pastries, and processed foods that may contain hidden gluten.
In addition, it’s crucial to avoid goitrogenic foods that can interfere with thyroid function. These include cassava, Lima beans, sorghum, millet, soy products, onions, sweet potatoes, and flaxseed.
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