Hashimoto’s disease, otherwise known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, is a thyroid disease characterized by severe inflammation of the thyroid gland. This autoimmune disorder reduces the normal function of the gland. The state of reduced thyroid function is referred to as hypothyroidism. Oftentimes, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is associated with lethargy, weight gain and insufficient growth in children.
Statistics about Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
In the United States alone, Hashimoto’s disease affects about 14 million people. This makes the disease the most common thyroid ailment in the U.S. Women are seven times more susceptible to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis than men. People suffering from this thyroid disorder are at a greater risk of developing autoimmune disorders such as pernicious anemia, celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, and vitiligo.
The disease often occurs in young or adolescent women. However, it also appears between the age of 30 and 50 years. This autoimmune disorder tends to be genetic. According to various researchers, the gene that causes Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can be passed to future generations.
What are the best foods for people with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?
Iodine is a vital mineral to the thyroid gland. But it may have harmful side effects on people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Eating foods that contain a lot of iodine may result in hypothyroidism. So, it’s important to be careful when including iodine in a Hashimoto’s disease diet plan.
Treating Hashimoto’s thyroiditis includes making the following dietary changes:
If you have the disease, it’s advisable to go gluten-free first. This may not be easy, but it will help you a lot. I recommend that you go gluten-free for about 90 days.
Gluten is among the biggest autoimmune triggers. Nonetheless, it’s not the only culprit. Be sure to find out foods that may cause gut inflammation. Some of these foods include regular grains and pasteurized dairy products.
Steer clear of added sugar and fast foods. Too much sugar in your diet might cause inflammation of the gut. It may also contribute to other symptoms like nervousness, weight gain, and blood sugar fluctuations. Fast foods contain refined oils that are very low in nutrients. What’s more, the refined oils may cause gut inflammation.
A good diet plan should also include supplements. Supplements can help patients to regulate immune system activities and handle stress better. These include Ashwagandha, vitamin D, selenium, and probiotics.
Medical research has shown that Ashwagandha helps balance T4, which is a vital a thyroid hormone. Probiotics help boost immunity as well as support gut health. Vitamin D acts as a hormone and regulates your immune system.
Before creating a diet plan, it’s important to consult your doctor. A physician will help you understand foods that can interfere with the function of your thyroid glands.
What can cause flare-ups?
Some people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis complain of sudden weight gains. Flare-ups of the disease may come in different forms. You may experience problems sleeping, heart palpitations, anxiety and panic attacks.
An increase in stress can cause autoimmune flare-ups. Surges of insulin also promote these flare-ups. Other causes of flare-ups in people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis include missing meals, ignoring brain health, eating foods containing gluten, taking immune enhancing supplements and passive attitude towards treatment.
What are the symptoms?
When you have the disease, you might not have any symptoms at first. The thyroid enlarges as the disease progresses slowly. This may cause your neck’s front side to appear swollen. An enlarged thyroid is referred to as a goiter. It may bring about a feeling of fullness around the throat.
Most people with an enlarged thyroid don’t experience any form of pain. The disease damages the thyroid over time. Not all people with this disease develop hypothyroidism.
The symptoms of the disease include cold intolerance, weight gain, fatigue, constipation, muscle and joint pain, thinning hair, memory issues, depression, a slowed heart rate, difficulty conceiving and irregular or heavy menstrual problems.
How we can help people
With our custom Hashimoto’s disease diet plan, you can recover from the damages of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. The plan is well developed with the patients in mind. It’s easy to follow, and we can always help you adjust the plan to suit your needs.
Famous people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
There are some celebrities with the disease. These include:
Supermodel Kim Alexis
Actress Kim Cantrell
Oprah Winfrey
Singer Linda Ronstadt
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