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Hashimoto’s disease is not that bad
Frequently occurring migraines, fatigue, hair loss and weakened nails, as well as persistent overweight or swelling may indicate a poor condition of the thyroid gland. To unequivocally confirm the diagnosis of Hashimoto’s disease, an antibody test against thyroid peroxidase (aTPO, anti-TPO) should be performed. You did the test and it shows that the norms of these antibodies are significantly exceeded? You are probably wondering if Hashimoto’s confirmation means many changes in life and diet? Don’t worry: not necessarily. Research is currently underway to develop specific dietary recommendations for people with Hashimoto’s, but here is what is already known from the observations made so far:
You should follow a balanced diet with an adequate amount of macronutrients – Long-term use of elimination diets, such as low-carbohydrate diets, is not recommended. On the other hand, a few weeks (about a month) of following a diet containing up to 15% carbohydrates (primarily complex carbohydrates – derived from whole grain cereal products) and up to 60% protein (the source of which is primarily lean meat) turns out to be beneficial for reducing body weight and the level of antibodies.
Fish and fats – that’s it
It is important to reduce the supply of omega-6 fatty acids in favor of omega-3. The former strengthen inflammatory processes, while omega-3s are anti-inflammatory. So it is better to reduce the consumption of sunflower, corn, soybean or grape seed oil and include more fatty fish, avocados, linseed and rapeseed oil and nuts.
It is worth paying attention to increasing the amount of selenium in the diet – participates in the protection of thyroid cells against free radicals. It is also an element of the iodothyronine deiodinase enzyme, which enables the appropriate activation of thyroid hormones. Moreover, it is involved in immunological processes, stopping the activation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Brazil nuts are the best source. How do we know if our body is adequately rich in this nutrient? Well, it’s best to do a blood test. Research indicates that the concentration of 120 µg / L is a favorable limit above which remission and reduction of symptoms of the disease are most often observed.
It is recommended to eat oily sea fish, but also cod and halibut – not only due to the content of health-promoting fatty acids, but also iodine. Deficiency of this component leads to an imbalance in the hormonal balance of the thyroid gland, because, like selenium, it is involved in the production and activation of this organ’s hormones.
Unfavorable vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower should be reduced in consumption. Excessive amounts of glucosinolates they contain disrupt the production of thyroid hormones by inactivating the aforementioned thyroid peroxidase. Cooking these vegetables reduces the amount of glucosinolates, but that does not mean that you are consuming these foods every day. Although they are a source of B vitamins as well as E, K and C, these ingredients can be introduced into the diet from other sources.
Gluten and milk for testing
Scientific observations have shown that Hashimoto’s disease often goes hand in hand with celiac disease – in this case, it is imperative to exclude gluten, but first do the tests for celiac disease. There is no justification for eliminating gluten without a laboratory basis. Similar recommendations apply to dairy products. In the event of allergies or signs of intolerance, it is obvious to eliminate or reduce the consumption of dairy products. It is worth consulting a dietitian to choose the right diet, without compromising on certain ingredients (for example, calcium). The basis is instead a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and excluding highly processed products.
Bibliography:
Paknys G. et al. Risk factors and pathogenesis of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Medicina (Kaunas). 2009; 45(7): 574-583
Esposito T et al. Effects of low-carbohydrate diet therapy in overweight subject with autoimmune thyroiditis: possible synergism with ChREBP. Drug, Design, Development and Therapy. 2016; 10: 2939—2946
Guastamacchia E. et al. Selenium and Iodine in Autoimmune Thyroiditis. Endocr Metab Immune Disorder Drug Targets. 2015; 15(4): 288-292
Xu T. Effect of n-3 and n-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Inflammation. All Graduate Theses and Dissertations. 2017; 5615 [http://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/5615 dostęp dn. 29.10.2017r.]
Łoźna K. et al. Composition of fatty acids of oils recommended in the prevention of civilization diseases. Probl Hig Epidemiol. 2012; 93 (4): 871-875
Metso S. et al: Gluten-free diet and autoimmune thyroiditis in patients with celiac disease. A prospective controlled study. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2012; 47(1): 43-48
http://www.izz.waw.pl/attachments/article/33/Normy… [dostęp dn. 1.12.2017r.]
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