29.03.2024

Can a Gluten Free Diet Help with Thyroid Disease?

A lot of patient-run websites insist that eliminating gluten is essential for treating thyroid disease. What’s the evidence to support this advice?

Jessica writes: “I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism several months ago. There are many websites, blogs, and Facebook groups for people with hypothyroidism that insist that you have to go gluten-free. Is this true?”

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. It’s an auto-immune condition in which the body’s immune system gradually destroys the thyroid gland. As a result, the amount of circulating thyroid hormone in your body is too low. This can lead to everything from weight gain to hair loss to heart trouble.

If your doctor diagnoses you with Hashimoto’s, he or she will likely tell you it’s not that a big deal. They’ll write you a prescription for replacement thyroid hormone and send you on your way. If you ask about whether there’s anything you should be doing in terms of diet or lifestyle, they will probably tell you there isn’t.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *