Hashimoto’s disease is one of the most common types of thyroiditis. It affects both women and men, but is diagnosed eight and a half times more often in the female sex. People in the fourth and fifth decades of life are most at risk. The immune system starts to go against the tissues of the thyroid gland. This is manifested by the accumulation of autoreactive lymphocytes infiltrating the thyroid tissue, which provokes the appearance of an antibody to the body’s antigens. To put it simply, the immune system starts to treat the thyroid cells as foreign and starts fighting them.
The consequence of this is the disturbance of the gland’s efficiency, and with it – the secretion of thyroid hormones. In the initial phase, due to the increased release of hormones from the tissues damaged by lymphocytes, hyperthyroidism is observed. However, in most cases, Hashimoto’s disease leads to the production of too little thyroid hormone, thus developing hypothyroidism.
Hashimoto’s disease symptoms
Unfortunately, most Hashimoto’s symptoms go unnoticed for years, and the correct diagnosis of the disease is often a matter of chance or another examination. If you have concerns such as:
- constant fatigue, even with little activity
- swelling of the face, swelling
- gaining weight, even with a proper diet,
- muscle pain and joint stiffness
- difficulties with breathing,
- deterioration of mental well-being,
- greater intolerance to cold,
- brittle nails,
- dry skin
- hair loss,
this is definitely a signal that you should see a doctor. Remember, however, that the diagnosis of Hashimoto’s disease does not imply radical action as in the case of cancer detection. Hashimoto’s is not a sentence, but treatment will require some changes to both your lifestyle and nutrition. What should be borne in mind during treatment?
Diet recommendations
The main task of the Hashimoto diet is to provide the body with the right amount of nutrients, minerals and vitamins. It is also crucial to follow the principles of healthy eating, such as regular meals, proper hydration or physical activity, as well as eliminating highly processed dishes, such as fast-food, sweets. Research shows that with this disease entity, more attention should be paid to the supply:
Zinc The alleviation of Hashimoto’s symptoms is similarly influenced by the balance of zinc levels. Its sources are: pumpkin seeds, wheat germ, buckwheat, meat, eggs, rennet cheeses.
Omega-3 acids Hashimoto’s disease is inflammatory, so it is important to follow an anti-inflammatory diet. For example, omega-3 fatty acids have such an effect. They can be found in products such as: Atlantic salmon, European anchovy, sardines, herring, mackerel and trout.
Antioxidants Products containing flavonoids, such as blueberries, citrus fruits or allin-containing garlic or onions, have a similar effect to omega-3 fatty acids. Foods rich in antioxidants are dried herbs, such as basil, oregano, rosemary or spices: cinnamon, ginger, cloves .. Due to their antioxidant properties, vitamins A, C, E are also helpful. Vitamin C is found in large amounts in parsley, but its good sources are: peppers, tomatoes, currants and strawberries. On the other hand, oils such as sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, almonds and walnuts are a good source of vitamin E.
Vitamins D. Strengthens the innate immune response. Research shows that its deficiency is often seen in people suffering from Hashimoto’s. Supplementing the deficiency results in the improvement of parameters. Vitamin D from food to the body is supplied to the body only to a small extent. Most come from cutaneous synthesis. It is worth noting that creams with UV filters block the production of vitamin D in the body. Reduced production is also noted in people with a significant amount of adipose tissue. The current recommendations indicate the need for supplementation even in healthy people.
Iodine It is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. The sources are: seafood, cod, halibut, salmon, mackerel, as well as eggs, dairy products, iodized salt. However, care should be taken not to exceed the reference values, as excess iodine may lead to an exacerbation of the immune response with Hashimoto’s.
Selenu Research shows that supplementing its deficiency has a positive effect on the absorption of the drug taken in hypothyroidism. Selenium is found in products such as Brazil nuts, tuna, halibut, brown rice, eggs and in fortified products.
Iron Its deficiency reduces the activity of hormone production. Good sources of food are: pork liver, meat – especially beef and veal, fish such as sardines, and egg yolk. Iron absorption from animal products is much higher than from plant products.
Volatile substances In Hashimoto’s disease, attention should be paid to products containing goitrogens (goitrogens). They inhibit the production of hormones, leading to an increase in antibodies. They are found in plants from the cruciferous family, i.e. savoy cabbage, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, kohlrabi or turnips, or cruciferous: e.g. Brussels sprouts. This does not mean that they should be excluded from the diet, but only to reduce their portions, frequency of consumption and introduce appropriate treatment. Do not eat them raw, cooking min. 20 min. (without the cover) reduces the activity of goitrogens by 30%, as well as during grinding and as a result of freezing.
Soybeans and soy products As research shows – they impair the absorption of levothyroxine, which results in the need to increase the dose of the drug in people with Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism. In addition, soy isoflavones in the presence of iodine deficiency impair the production of thyroid hormones. Therefore, consumption of products such as: soy milk, tempeh, tofu should be limited.
Gluten and lactose It is wrong to believe that in diet therapy with Hashimoto’s, gluten and lactose should be eliminated. In the light of scientific research, there is no indication to follow a gluten-free diet with Hashimoto’s. The only indication for a gluten-free diet is celiac disease. The fact is that celiac disease and Hashimoto’s very often occur simultaneously, and then the gluten-free diet (in people with celiac disease and Hashimoto’s simultaneously) improves Hashimoto’s parameters. This leads to a reduction in the dose of the drug in such people. The same is true of a lactose-free diet, where a lactose-free diet is not recommended for people with Hashimoto’s, if there is no coexistence of lactose intolerance.
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