Introduction
In 2022, I began seeing a new primary care physician who was very thorough. It was the first time in my adult life that a physician had looked at my chart in detail, and there were a lot of holes (more on that in a later post). After gathering comprehensive blood work, my doctor found that I had abnormal thyroid labs as well as elevated LDL cholesterol levels. I was put on medication and was referred to an endocrinologist for further consultation. Over a year later, I met with an endocrinologist and was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an auto-immune disorder where my body creates antibodies to attack my thyroid. Yet again, I was placed on more medication, but I was not given any other means to correct my symptoms.
Meet, the Thyroid
The thyroid is an endocrine gland responsible for producing and secreting hormones like T3, T4, RT3, and calcitonin. These hormones regulate metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, fertility, skin and bone health, brain activity, and more. It plays a crucial role in the body’s overall balance and functionality.
What is Hashimoto’s?
Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disorder that affects nearly 10 million people in the United States. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Unlike Grave’s disease, which causes an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), Hashimoto’s leads to a slow-down in the gland’s activity, often resulting in widespread symptoms.
Symptoms of Hashimoto’s
Hashimoto’s can present with a variety of symptoms. Some of the ones I have personally experienced include:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Sensitivity to cold temperatures
- Difficulty concentrating
- Muscle pain
- Hair loss
Other symptoms linked to hypothyroidism include weight gain, infertility, and more. The condition can manifest differently for everyone, making diagnosis challenging.
Testing for Hashimoto’s
When my PCP initially ordered blood work, I didn’t realize that the symptoms I had been experiencing for years could be tied to my thyroid. I’d been in counseling for depression and was puzzled by constantly feeling “down” despite no identifiable triggers. Looking back, it all makes so much sense now.
To determine a Hashimoto’s diagnosis, practitioners consider a combination of symptoms, medical history, lab results (typically TSH and T4), and the physical characteristics of the thyroid (via palpation or ultrasound). In my case, the giveaway was the extremely high thyroid peroxidase antibodies found in my blood work. My little thyroid was having a main-character moment!
How Diet Helps with Symptoms
Although I take thyroid supplementation daily, I noticed a significant improvement in my symptoms when I started paying attention to my diet. I realized I was regularly consuming foods known to increase inflammation, including gluten, sugar, ultra-processed foods, dairy, and seed oils. Over time, I’ve had to find alternatives, limit certain foods, or eliminate them altogether. While there’s a lot to discuss about inflammatory foods, for now let’s chat about gluten!
The Role of Gluten in Hashimoto’s and Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Gluten is a protein found in the endosperm of wheat and is responsible for binding and providing structure to food. It’s not only found naturally in wheat but is often added to processed foods and seasoning mixes to improve texture. A specific protein in gluten called gliadin is particularly problematic for individuals with autoimmune conditions. Gliadin can provoke a pro-inflammatory response in the body—even for those without celiac disease. Through a process called molecular mimicry, gliadin resembles the thyroid enzyme tissue transglutaminase. This similarity confuses the immune system, which mistakenly attacks the thyroid, thinking it’s a foreign invader. Pesky gluten strikes again!
Call to Action
My advice to you is to advocate for yourself! Always consult with a medical practitioner before making significant dietary changes. Do your research and don’t hesitate to seek second opinions (I got several before feeling confident in my care). Join communities and connect with others who can offer support and guidance. Remember, seeking help is always a positive step forward. Also, don’t be fooled by processed or packaged foods labeled as gluten-free. Just because something is marketed as such doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Learn to read nutrition labels carefully—ingredients (not just wheat) can often be disguised under different names. Let’s work toward an inflammation-free, thriving life—one informed choice at a time!
With love,
Lauren B
Tags: anti-inflammatory, AIP, gluten-free, Hashimoto’s, hypothyroidism, autoimmune
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post. I’d love to hear from you! I encourage you to comment below or reach out via social media.