Could Going Gluten-Free Help Your Thyroid?

If you suspect that you may be dealing with a thyroid issue, whether it's hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid), it is essential to recognize the significant role that diet can play in your recovery. While some medical professionals may suggest that diet has no impact on thyroid health, we have found that this is not the case. This article delves into the question of whether gluten could affect your thyroid and the potential benefits of adopting a gluten-free diet.

Common Symptoms of Thyroid Imbalance

Before we explore the connection between gluten and thyroid health, it is crucial to understand the common symptoms associated with thyroid imbalances. These may include:

• Fatigue and lethargy

• Weight gain and a sluggish metabolism

• Hair loss

• Brain fog and slow thinking

• Always feeling cold

• Digestive issues like constipation and bloating

• Depression

• Difficulty swallowing

• Bacterial overgrowths, such as Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

• Wrist pain or carpal tunnel syndrome

• Dry skin

• Menstrual issues, including PMS, pain, and heavy bleeding

• Infertility

Can Going Gluten-Free Help My Thyroid?

The impact of gluten on thyroid health is an important question, as there is in fact a clear connection between the two. Going gluten-free is a pivotal step towards thyroid recovery since gluten can negatively affect thyroid health. We strongly recommend that individuals with potential thyroid imbalances or thyroid disease consider adopting a whole-food, gluten-free diet to support their hormonal and gut health.

How Gluten Impacts the Thyroid:

The most prevalent thyroid disease, Hashimoto's, is autoimmune in nature, indicating that the immune system plays a crucial role in its dysfunction. Gluten exposure can activate the immune system through a condition known as leaky gut, leading it to mistakenly attack the thyroid gland. In reality, the immune system is targeting the inflammatory gluten proteins or even the chemicals used in the cultivation of gluten. This phenomenon is referred to as molecular mimicry, and it is a prevalent occurrence among individuals with thyroid issues.

Benefits of Going Gluten-Free

Embracing a gluten-free diet can offer numerous advantages, not only for thyroid function but also for overall health. Some of the potential benefits of adopting a healthy, gluten-free diet include:

• Increased energy levels

• Reduced levels of inflammation

• Improved digestion, less bloating, reduced discomfort, and increased regularity

• Decreased pain

• Enhanced immune function

• More stable blood sugar, energy, and moods

• Improved mental clarity

Testing for Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity

While tests for celiac disease, a full-blown gluten allergy and autoimmune disease, are available, only a small percentage of people are diagnosed as celiac. Consequently, many individuals are led to believe that gluten has no impact on their health. In reality, they might be suffering from non-celiac gluten sensitivity, which can adversely affect their thyroid and overall well-being.

To test for gluten intolerance, we recommend an IgG Food Intolerance Panel, which assesses reactivity to over 95 different foods. This panel measures IgG food sensitivity (as opposed to IgE allergy), which can be valuable if celiac testing was negative. Alternatively, individuals can perform a self-test by completely eliminating all wheat and gluten products from their diet for at least 30 days. More information and tips for going gluten-free will be coming in our next blog post.

Additional Ways to Support Thyroid Health

While adopting a gluten-free diet is a vital step, it is not the only solution to support thyroid health. A holistic approach is essential, addressing factors such as nutrition, gut health, liver and gall bladder function, immune function, the HPA-axis, nervous system health, sleep, physical activity, and more.

For those seeking an accurate assessment of their thyroid, our Comprehensive Thyroid Panel offers a complete profile of thyroid function, including essential markers often overlooked in conventional testing.

Start your journey to optimal health and schedule a consultation with us today. Your well-being is our priority!

Asher Kleiber

Registered Holistic Nutritionist

flourishnaturalwellness.com

Sources:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37554764/#:~:text=Our%20results%20seem%20to%20indicate,patients%20with%20HT%20and%20GRC.