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Whether you want to believe it or not, a gluten free hypothyroidism diet might be just what you need to start feeling better.
“Gluten depresses thyroid activity.” What?!?! Yep.
When I first heard this statement years ago, I was floored. I didn’t realize at the time how food could directly impact the hormonal system.
Your Thyroid Health & a Gluten Free Diet: What you Need to Know
Though gluten’s impact on thyroid function still isn’t widely accepted as “fact” yet, an increasing number of medical professionals (both Western and Eastern) are sharing their expertise and success using a gluten-free diet to alleviate at least some of the symptoms of thyroid imbalances.
Meanwhile, many people in the gluten-free community acknowledge experiencing problems with their thyroid. They go to their doctors seeking answers for not feeling well, but the rate of improvement from what I’ve been able to gauge in talking to folks is not one of true success. The bottom line seems to be that despite seeking help, folks are met with a lack of tangible answers for what’s causing their thyroid to go off kilter and medication options that don’t really resolve the root problem.
Ultimately, you feel out of control. Your hormones don’t cooperate, the medications have unpleasant side effects and you don’t feel like you get any straight answers.
Before you start thinking that all is lost, keep on reading because it is my belief that you can take back control and start to feel better.
Why’s Your Thyroid So Important?
If you happen to be one of the many people out there who doesn’t really know what your thyroid is, where it’s located in your body, nor what it does, then here a quick crash course.
You are born with one thyroid which is a gland situated at the base of your neck. It’s an integral part of your hormonal or endocrine system which can affect nearly every cell in your body. According to Bastyr University, “Thyroid hormone (Triiodothyronine or T3) regulates our metabolic rate and is associated with modest changes in body weight and energy levels. Major targets of thyroid hormone are the skeleton, the heart and the metabolic machinery of every cell.” [1]
Here’s why you (and all your friends and family) should care about this — the statistics around the incidence of thyroid issues are alarming. Though it might not be ‘sexy’ enough to make it on to the nightly news, “an estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. Up to 60 percent of these people are unaware of their condition. One in eight women will develop a thyroid disorder during her lifetime,” according to acupuncturist Chris Kresser. [2]
What’s more disturbing is that “Levothyroxine, a synthetic form of thyroid hormone, is the 4th highest selling drug in the U.S.,” Kresser shares. [2] If that’s the case, what’s the real motivation to help people overcome (and dare I potentially suggest … heal) thyroid imbalance because we all know that money talks in the world of drugs.
Thyroid Disorders – What’s the Difference?
You may hear the terms hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid function) thrown around, but there’s different conditions that produce these two scenarios. Here is a brief explanation of the more common issues:
Hashimoto’s Disease (a condition that can cause hypothyroidism or low thyroid) is much more common of the thyroid issues and is also called “chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis”. In this instance, your body creates antibodies that attack your thyroid tissue which is why this is considered to be an autoimmune condition. Hashimoto’s primarily affects middle-aged women, though some men and children can also end up with it. [3]
Graves’ Disease (the most common form of hyperthyroidism) primarily affects women under the age of 40. Basically, your thyroid overproduces thyroid hormones and the prescribed treatment according to standard care is to depress or inhibit thyroid hormone production. [4]
Subclinical Hypothyroidism is not necessarily considered to be an autoimmune condition, but “is characterized by serum levels of TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) above the statistically defined upper limit of reference range, with normal concentrations of thyroid hormones and without severe clinical features of hypothyroidism. The prevalence has been reported to be between 4 and 20% of the adult population” and can be due to a genetic mutation according to the authors of an Italian study titled “Non-autoimmune subclinical hypothyroidism due to a mutation in TSH receptor: report on two brothers” published in January 2013 in the Italian Journal of Pediatrics. [5]
The Connection of Celiac Disease and Thyroid Disease
It’s been well-documented that there is a prevalence of celiac diagnosis in patients who present with Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases, particularly Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. In one study, patients who switched to a gluten-free diet showed an “excellent clinical and histological response [which] was recorded with an improvement of hypothyroidism and reduction of the thyroxine dosage.” [6]
Another study found that “thyroid disease was 3-fold higher” in those with a celiac diagnosis and the authors suggested that “the greater frequency of thyroid disease among celiac disease patients justifies a thyroid functional assessment.” [7] That’s a hard statement to ignore, yes?
Meanwhile, the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness dedicated an entire page on their site to this issue and state that “the prevalence of celiac disease in patients with autoimmune thyroid disease is 4 to 15 times greater than that in the general population.” The reason is that thyroid problems share a genetic predisposition with Celiac Disease which could go either way – Hashimoto’s or Graves’. [8]
Just Gluten Sensitive? You Aren’t Safe Either.
But you aren’t necessarily safe from thyroid disfunction if you’ve not been diagnosed with celiac disease.
A diagnosis of an autoimmune thyroid disease like Hashimoto’s may very well show signs of improvement assuming that you’re 100% gluten-free compliant (sorry, there’s no wiggle room here on this one). [2]
Dr. Datis Kharrazian covers this topic extensively in his book “Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests are Normal”. According to Dr. Kharrazian, “Because the molecular structure of gluten so closely resembles that of the thyroid gland, the problem may be one of mistaken identity. Every time undigested gluten mistakenly slips into the bloodstream, the immune system responds by destroying it for removal.”
Don’t think a lack of celiac diagnosis is your “Get out of jail FREE” card. It’s not. Gluten sensitivity can cause a ton of issues and may be something to consider if you don’t even know if you’re sensitive.
At the end of the day, many out there agree that part of a thyroid treatment include removing gluten.
Signs and Symptoms that Your Thyroid Function is Off
Hashimoto’s symptoms from the Mayo Clinic website:
- Fatigue and sluggishness
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Constipation
- Pale, dry skin
- A puffy face
- Hoarse voice
- An elevated blood cholesterol level
- Unexplained weight gain
- Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness, especially in your shoulders and hips
- Pain and stiffness in your joints and swelling in your knees or the small joints in your hands and feet
- Muscle weakness, especially in your lower extremities
- Excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
- Depression
- Enlarged thyroid gland which forms a goiter
- Forgetfulness, slowed thought processes
Graves’ Disease symptoms from the Mayo Clinic website:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue
- A rapid or irregular heartbeat
- A fine tremor of your hands or fingers
- An increase in perspiration or warm, moist skin
- Sensitivity to heat
- Weight loss, despite normal eating habits
- Enlargement of your thyroid gland (goiter)
- Change in menstrual cycles
- Erectile dysfunction or reduced libido
- Frequent bowel movements or diarrhea
- Bulging eyes (Graves’ ophthalmopathy)
- Thick, red skin usually on the shins or tops of the feet (Graves’ dermopathy)
- Graves’ ophthalmopathy (more than 1/2 of people diagnosed with Graves’ show signs for this issue)
How to Get Your Thyroid Tested
I checked in with my own nutritionist Samantha F. Grant, CN about her suggestions for folks looking for the right testing. Her suggestions include getting a blood test from your Doctor with the following data:
1) Thyroid levels: TSH, Free T3 and Free T4, Reverse T3, Thyroid antibodies (known as anti -TPO and TgAb).
2) Iron levels: Ferritin, % Saturation, Total Iron Binding Capacity and Serum Iron.
3) Vitamin levels: B12, Folate and Vitamin D3.
Then see if your doctor has the capacity to do saliva testing to check your Cortisol levels throughout the day. If not, Samantha has the capability to do that testing for you regardless of where you live along with the other levels as well. She’s tested my Cortisol levels twice in the past and the results were shocking.
Bottom Line?
You’ve got to be your own advocate here.
Samantha suggests that if you’re experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, go get checked. Ask for “a comprehensive thyroid panel – not just TSH. TSH doesn’t tell the whole story of how your thyroid is functioning. Most labs set the range for TSH 0.4 – 4. That is a HUGE range. The optimal range is between 1.0 – 2.0.”
She adds that “if your doctor says your labs are normal, make sure the tests reflect all of the markers. If your doctor doesn’t agree, find another practitioner to help. If you have hypothyroidism, there are treatment options such as the use of bio-identical thyroid hormones that are considered the gold standard in Functional Medicine. Addressing underlying nutrient deficiencies and other hormonal imbalances such as cortisol, can help your thyroid function more optimally.”
I’ll also add that many Functional Medicine practitioners I’ve heard lecture have said that also controlling blood sugar spikes helps as well. Avoid sugar-laden or starchy breakfasts and snacks. Focus on real food and consider avoiding soy because it’s got a number of problems that can worsen your issues.
Leave a comment sharing your thyroid experience and questions below!
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I still think I have thyroid issues and my doctor says the test is fine. I have a lot of fluctuation in my temperature and I have just kind of blown it off at menopause. Without insurance I haven’t really been able to pursue much of the testing. Went gluten free (still working at it) on my own without testing and have seen improvement.
Any suggestions?
As Samantha suggests, I’d keep on looking for a different practitioner. It’s great that you’re getting results on your own, but it’s important that you feel supported by your doctor. I’d suggest looking for a Functional Medicine practitioner for better luck 🙂
Cheryl. I know there are issues with me too, been tested-came back normal.
I am right there with you. It is hard not having insurance, especially when more tests are needed. I just want to feel better. I have been gluten free since March 2013. I have lost a lot of weight, by doing so. I am also lactose intolerant. I do take vitman D3-tried taking a multi vitamin, but didn’t feel well when I did. Wish they would come out with better testing. Good Luck.
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 15 years ago after the birth of my second daughter. I’ve been on Synthroid ever since. Six years ago I decided to see a Naturopath to help me with constipation, extreme fatigue, irritability, irregular menstral cycles, and other issues. I have been GF and DF for 6 years. I feel 80% better and that feeling started quickly, about 2-3 months into the new diet. My current NP is trying to push my thyroid with supplements to get it to work. I currently feel off balance (my daughter can touch me with a finger and I’ll stumble), and still struggle with my bowel regularity. I’ve never had my adrenals tested. Should I?
I had the thyroid issues, so mine was removed. Now I have so many more problems and take Synthyroid. My doctor will not run all of the suggested tests and I wonder if anything can be supplemented to get the most out of what I no longer have. I feel my adrenal system is all out of whack too.
This is a great article! Not very long after going GF, my thyroid acted up. I was diagnosed with hypothyroid and my physician wanted to put me on Armour (desiccated thyroid). After doing some of my own research, I found that a few of the foods I was consuming on a regular basis were harmful to my thyroid, so I eliminated the goitrogens, soy, sugar, etc from my diet. This was quite a different concept than what I had been traditionally taught in school. However, scientifically and biologically it makes perfect sense! I wouldn’t say it was hard for me to make the dietary changes because I truly believe certain foods were making me sick (just as much as the gluten was before I learned I had to be GF).
Another thyroid book is “Stop the Thyroid Madness”, which is written by a patient advocate, who has suffered from thyroid issues herself. I was inspired to purchase it (currently awaiting delivery) after listening to her speak on a PodCast. Thank you for the book recommendation “Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms” in your article above. I also understand there is a Yahoo support group for people with thyroid concerns.
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s after being sick for almost 2 years and going to doctor after doctor to try and figure out why I’d gained 40 lbs in the space of a year; why I was fatigued ALL. THE. TIME.; why I was constantly woozy-headed; why I was constantly feeling like I was going to throw up; etc. Saw all the “ologists” – spent a fortune on co-pays & deductible, not to mention the various prescriptions that were tried. When I finally got the Hashimoto’s diagnosis, I was THRILLED…until the endocrinologist said “we’re not going to treat it right now, we’re just going to wait and see what happens…” I about had a nervous breakdown right there in the doctor’s office. Later that same week, I heard about an iridologist (she reads your iris and recommends supplements & diet changes) in a nearby town, I went to her and the first thing she wrote down was “thyroid.” Second thing was “adrenals.” She recommended some supplements, getting off all things gluten-related, and soda, among other things. I did everything she recommended and within 6 months, lost 30 lbs, could stay awake past 7:00 p.m. and was feeling MUCH better!! I then found a great MD about an hour away and started seeing her as well. She kept me on most of the same supplements, tested my adrenals and found that I also have Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome. She was amazed that I was functioning as well as I was considering my adrenal system was nearly flat-lined, along with my Vitamin D, B12 (after 6 months of B12 shots…), Iron and several other items. It’s been 3 years now and I’ll remain GF for life. I can’t even consume a tiny bit w/o being sick for a week. I’m constantly tweaking my diet, eat almost entirely organic and try to exercise. Thank you for articles like this to confirm that I’m NOT crazy and that all the changes I’ve put my family through diet-wise have been totally worth it!
Yes! Such a great topic, and one I share about often. The “mistaken identity” Dr. Kharrazian writes about is one I believe is much more prevalent than some physicians care to admit. It’s all about education, and articles like this really do help! xo, Gigi
I recently had my blood work done, and my TSH was a 5.6. The follow up panel that tests the additional Ts3 etc came back normal. My NP has already put in a prescription for me for Synthroid without even a consult with me…it seems like such a knee jerk reaction. I want a quick fix…I”ve gained 10 pounds in the last five months (frustrating because I’m a runner and eat well) and have been sluggish for the last few years. The brain fog is out of control, and I have many other symptoms as well. While I’m not happy to have this issue, I AM happy to have an explanation to these symptoms. I’m going to try gluten-free before getting on any meds. How long until results may be seen from dietary changes? Any other advice would be very much appreciated!
Hi Heather, while I’m not a medical expert, there is a lot of great info out there on thyroid issues. I’d highly suggest reading up on the topic over on Chris Kresser’s site. He has many articles dedicated to this topic. I can’t say how long it will take to see results and frankly, it may be highly personal as you may react differently based on your own body chemistry and whatever other factors that may be contributing to the thyroid imbalance. I hope this at least gives you somewhere to start looking for more clues and potential answers!
I have a friend who was hyperthyroid and tried a gluten free diet but it did not help her at all. Does this book have other suggestions? In addition, she always has her doctor check for Free T3 and Free T4 just not plain old T3 and T4.
Shari, I’d be curious to know what her GF diet looked like. The mistake (which I talk about many times on this site) that people commonly make is gravitating toward highly processed products that are GF which impact blood sugar. Blood sugar balance is important to thyroid health and adrenal health.
I’m following up on this comment I posted in January…
“I recently had my blood work done, and my TSH was a 5.6. The follow up panel that tests the additional Ts3 etc came back normal. My NP has already put in a prescription for me for Synthroid without even a consult with me…it seems like such a knee jerk reaction. I want a quick fix…I”ve gained 10 pounds in the last five months (frustrating because I’m a runner and eat well) and have been sluggish for the last few years. The brain fog is out of control, and I have many other symptoms as well. While I’m not happy to have this issue, I AM happy to have an explanation to these symptoms. I’m going to try gluten-free before getting on any meds. How long until results may be seen from dietary changes? Any other advice would be very much appreciated!”
After almost three months being completely gluten-free, my blood work has shown that my TSH has dropped to a little over 4. Improvement…not huge, but it’s going in the right direction, and I credit losing the gluten for this partly. While I still feel some hypo symptoms, I feel SO much better than I did while eating gluten. The number one improvement has been losing the brain fog, number two would be higher energy levels and motivation. I’m still experiencing some hypo symptoms, but overall I feel so much better! I’m grateful for your blog and bringing light to this subject!
Can going gluten free and sugar free/carb complex limited help in going off bioidenticals? And how other than meditation/biofeedback/prayer/ exercise can one reduce cortisol levels?
Paula, reducing cortisol requires that you reduce stress and there are many different types. Environments (toxins/chemicals), emotional (bad relationships), daily nonsense (traffic, angry coworkers), exercise (excessive working out), immune system (food allergies and intolerances, stimulants, drugs, alcohol, etc.), etc. So you’ve got to look at this from a complete picture and begin there. Does that make sense?
I’ve had “unspecified hypothyroidism” over the last 14 yrs, and been on Rx for it. (That means I haven’t had Hashimoto’s Disease.) My thyroid symptoms got only a little better over the years. And over those years I have developed rising cholesterol, obesity, vitamin D deficiency, inflammation, itchy skin especially on my face, and pre-diabetes, most likely helped by my my somewhat lack of rigid self-discipline in eating. But I was eating mostly what was good for me, with an occasional treat, which is normal for the general population.
I had received all the usual treatment and education about good diet, exercise, and I follow that for the most part.
Then I had a routine visit with my nutritionist where I explained again that I was full all the time and wasn’t hungry. Over the years she was telling me I wasn’t eating enough, which now I see that was true. But at this visit I told her I had diarrhea/gas most of the time (that’s hard to talk about with anyone). She put my conditions and symptoms together and suggested I had gluten intolerance, and suggested I do an elimination diet and go gluten-free for 7 weeks. There was no medical test. But there was a real patient responsibility I now had, being invested in getting better, and taking the time and discipline to do the elimination diet.
And OH MY GOODNESS! Once I started eating gluten-free, my head cleared – no more brain fog. My stomach went flat! I wasn’t bloated. My digestive insides began to function normally and there was peace in my intestines! They didn’t gurgle or run or make me stay close to home. Then my skin began to clear up! No more itchy patches around my eyes or puffy face. My vitamins actually work for me now! I don’t feel tired at 1:30pm anymore and I can work a whole 8-hr day without any physical distraction! And over the last 10 months I’ve lost 12 pounds by just going gluten-free.
After those 7 weeks I introduced gluten here and there, and realized I didn’t notice any symptoms when I ate some croutons on my salad. Another time I ate a burger with the whole bun. I did have symptoms, but not too bad. Then another time I tried having one small gluten item per day for three days straight. That was too much. Kept me close to the bathroom and taking naps for 2 days after. So, I believe I’ve come to know what my “intolerance” level is regarding gluten. So, I have concluded I have “gluten intolerance”.
I’ve now been gluten-free for 10 months and I feel great! I cannot begin to tell you how great I feel!
Now to address the physical conditions that are more serious. About 8 months being gluten-free, my Dr gave me a complete metabolic panel, testing several things. One excellent result is my A1C came back normal! In the normal range for a normal person! So I’m still avoiding sugar for the most part and eating balanced meals favoring good veggies.
At the same time she also tested my TSH. I had been on levothyroxine 150 mcg for 2+ yrs. The test came back showing my TSH was low, at 0.05! So my dose was lowered to 125. Now 2 months later another TSH shows low again, at 0.23. We will review the results at my next appt. I’m so excited to talk to her about this continued success!
I NEVER KNEW gluten sensitivity or intolerance had so much to do with thyroid! If I had known, I would have pursued the gluten-free lifestyle much sooner to have avoided the last few years of chronic unwellness, if there is such a term.
If there are two things I would encourage others to do, it is to pray to ask God for the answers, and it is to also be up front with your Dr about all your symptoms. If you can’t remember when you get to your appt or if you might feel rushed in your appt, bring a pre-written list of questions and even small symptoms or concerns. Don’t feel insecure to be transparent, (but don’t be hard-nosed about it either.)
May you find healing and relief as I have!
I went to the ER a few months ago and my TH levels came back and they were 624.98 tell me how that works????? They want to know why im haven’t went into Thyroid Storm..Which apparently would have killed me I have a 2 cm nodule on my thyroid that I have to have a fine needle aspiration on with essentially is a biopsy of the growth. My question is how can I get back to normal. Im taking levothyroxine but my levels are still 51.69 And I feel like crap.
Thank you for this post and all the information. I have hypothyroid and went gluten free about a month ago and it is the best thing I have ever done. I feel SOSOSO much better! I have a couple posts about it as well if you want to check out my personal story about going gluten free and being diagonosed with hypothyroid
http://writingtheleftunsaid.blogspot.com/2014/08/my-hypothyroid-gluten-free-experiment.html
My endo and dietician said to me “if you go gluten free your antibodies will reduce, guaranteed.” I went gluten free for 9 weeks, had another Anti TPO antibody test done and my antibodies went up to 3 times as much just before I reintroduced gluten back into my diet! How am I going to be able to tell my endo and dietician that something they put all their confidence in did not work? And why did it go wrong for me?
Jo, I had the same experience! I went Gluten free about 3-4 months ago and expected my TSH levels to go down, but they were higher than ever (around 8). My endo increased my Synthroid Rx and I am dumbfounded and discouraged. I really thought things would improve, but seem to be going in the wrong direction?
Hi Stan, Before I say this, please know that I’m not a doctor. Now I’m not sure what your diet looked like when you went gluten-free, but if you opted for refined gluten-free products that can cause blood sugar spikes, that could play a factor into more issues with your thyroid. Blood sugar regulation affects thyroid health. Just my two cents.
I would like to add that I have been STRICTLY gluten free for over two months. I have also had no refined sugar at all and only fruit on occasion. I have deliberately made an effort to keep an even blood sugar level by avoiding high glycemic foods entirely. I have eaten every single meal at my own home the entire 2 1/2 months. I have only eaten gluten free pasta three times and it was organic and no sugar. I’ve had nothing else from a box. I have not eaten any possible cross contaminants. I just got my blood work back and my TSH INCREASED from 3.5 to 4.8. My antibodies had no significant change. I have not felt any differently at all with the gluten free diet. I had no digestive symptoms to begin with so of course that can’t improve, but I have not experienced any difference in energy or anything else either. I’m not buying the gluten free diet and I feel so frustrated that it has done nothing for me despite all of the regurgitated info about it all over the internet.
Hi Katy, have you had a full thyroid panel? In the recent webinars I hosted, I shared that it’s important because TSH is not a hormone originating from the thyroid, but is in fact more a “brain hormone” since it comes from the pituitary. High TSH could mean that there’s not enough T3 (the active hormone), but what you really need to know is Free T4, Free T3 and reverse T3. Just having the TSH and antibodies doesn’t give you a full picture. You could actually have an issue with a nutrient deficiency that could play a role in poor T4 generation or T3 conversion. You could also have stressors that could shunt T4 to reverse T3 (the inactivated form of T3 that won’t help you) rather than Free T3.
There are a number of issues here. And just so you know, the pasta all gets turned into glucose so it’s not low glycemic. That said, I wouldn’t worry about it since you’ve had it so infrequently and I don’t know what else you’re eating. You may want to find someone to consult with who can help guide you so that you get a clear understanding of what’s going on and what’s the most effective way to deal with this. I can’t tell you what’s going wrong here, but can only suggest what COULD be in play. Ultimately, a full thyroid panel would be the best first step.
Thanks Jennifer. My free T4 is in the normal functional range, 1.2. My free T3 is low, 2.5 so, yes, I’m not converting properly…just don’t know why. All of the nutrients I have been tested for have been good except that my vitamin D is 57 and the doc thinks >60 is best. My B12 which I keep reading is usually low in Hashimoto’s is on the high end of normal…874. The only symptom I have had is fatigue…no gut issues. I have been a healthy eater with a mostly organic (~85%) diet for many years. I had high hopes for changing to gluten free, but got no results. I’m going to keep doing it just because it’s not a big problem to cut it out, but I’ve lost my hope in it. The pasta I had was Ancient Harvest quinoa (and maybe corn) blend which is high fiber/protein so lower on the glycemic index than other types like rice. It still may not be considered low depending on who you ask, but I don’t think it considered a high glycemic index food which is what I was trying to avoid. Anyway, thanks for your response! Just wish I could get to the bottom of this mystery with my thyroid!! 🙂
I’ve have an under active thyroid for 25-30 years, I’m now 43. I’ve been gluten free for six months now after finding your book. I am still as exhausted as ever and sleep 12-15 hours a day. I have odd days with energy but then suffer afterwards for doing things on these days. Should I give up the gluten free diet (I’m also dairy and onion free) or persevere for longer, for how long?
Please advice, I’m desperate x
i have thyroid issues for 10 years and now have celiac. i am always on a diet and cant seem to lose weight. i have no carbs mostly veggies and protein. Not sure what else to do?
Hi Dawn, You may want to look at your adrenals (and other areas of your hormone system) which can prevent you from losing weight as well as gut issues as well. Sometimes stubborn weight requires a deeper look at what could be going on. Have you looked into either of these areas?
I was diagnosed with Hashimotos Thyroiditis 13 years ago and have been “stable” on Synthroid 125 up until now 1/2016. 16 months ago I went gluten free in search of both thyroid and bone health, and began to slowly lose extra pounds I carried for many years. About 11 months ago I went totally grain free and am now down 40 pounds and 8 inches in my waist. 9 months ago, May 2014 I began experiencing symptoms that felt more like hyperthyroidism and I hard a second be=one density test that was significantly worse than the previous one. I became alarmed and stopped taking Synthroid. . When I started Synthroid 13 years ago I did not have any bone loss. That was clearly a mistake to stop Synthroid cold turkey as my TSH hit 107.53. Although my T4 was only slightly low at .03 then. I did feel horrible and weight started to come back and my face was very puffy with eyes almost swollen shut. A month later and back on the same 125 dose THS was 53 with a t4 of 1.1 and a month later it was back in high normal range. September 2014 perfect labs but with t4 at high end of normal at 1.6. T4 has been steadily climbing since being gluten and grain free with the month exception when I stopped Synthroid. Most recent lab show t4 at 1.9 and I had the labs done outside of normal cycle because I’m feeling increasing symptoms of hyperthyroidism; racing heart, palpitations, lose stool, jittery and nervous, blood pressure is up and LBBB which was gone for 8 years is back. My Endocrinologist likes to keep my lab numbers ratcheted up to high end levels and says 1.9 while over the upper limit is not that high and shouldn’t cause heart palpations. All my other lab work is picture perfect – lipid panels, etc. I think high levels of Synthroid could be contributing to rapid bone loss and now the high t4 contributing to heart palpitations and racing heart beat. I would like to find a doctor in the Houston or Austin area who can treat me as a whole, not completely based only on lab levels and will explore thyroid treatment using whole desecrated animal hormone. I’m north of Houston and looking for another solution.
I have experience as an integrative medicine physician and have a strong background in thyroid. You can’t just treat someone’s thyroid to the “normal range” as people can be very symptomatic even though their levels fall into the theoretical normal range. I practice in Austin, Texas.
http://Www.texasintegrative.com
Reading everyone’s comments made me want to add that a gluten free diet shouldn’t include gluten free products. They are just processed high carb junk food put together by the food industry to recoup falling revenue as people get hep to processed foods. Real gluten free food doesn’t have any labels. Real gluten free food is food in it’s natural state and preferably raised/grown without antibiotics or pesticides – an egg, veggies, some fruit, berries, beans, fish, chicken, pork, beef, cheese, butter, nuts, nut butters, flax seed, sunflower seeds, etc. – one ingredient foods veggies, veggies and more veggies with other items more as a compliment to primary veggie dish. Eating like this I now know what it means to only eat when I’m hungry, not have cravings and continue to see my body change and excess weight melt away. I occasionally make myself cookies with almond meal or cupcakes with coconut flour but I always avoid other starchy wheat flour substitutes and have come to realize I feel bad when I have used them.
I couldn’t agree more!
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s 6 months ago – my thyroid level was 5.3, antibodies around 700. My doctor slowly built me up to 75g Eutirox but laughed off my questions about gluten. I went 100% gluten free anyway – and my blood tests yesterday showed my thyroid levels have gone down to 0.5….feeling great!
Hi Peggy,
Did your antibodies go down as well after going gluten free? Also, how long were you gluten free before you had your blood test ran a second time?
I’ve been confirmed with Hashimotos and I’ve taken Amour Thyroid for many years. Recently, my TSH was 12.5. My endocrinologist was surprised and had it checked again. It was worse at around 20! She increased my medication, but not by a lot. At the same time, I started eating Gluten Free, mostly organic with very few processed foods. I do not have Celiac disease according to my gastroenterologist; however my stomach blows up like a balloon when I eat Gluten (stomach size increases 4 to 5 inches). Three months after the medication change, my TSH was .01! Now, I’ve been asked to go back to the original dosage. Would the gluten-free diet really make this much of a change for someone who does not have Celiac disease? I’m reluctant to go back to original dosage even though I’m feeling hyperthyroid now.
Hello from London, UK.
For the last few months I have been toying and trialing recipes that include alternative sweeteners and sometimes gluten free to see if this helps me feel better and I think it does. It’s a hard permanent switch though – due to lifestyle etc and requires dedication – I admire anyone who can become completely gluten free.
I have a very complicated thyroid history (links to my blog below), and I’m now at the point where I take the maximum daily dosage of thyroxine any doctor will give me, and so I feel that I have to work ten times harder just to maintain my weight, decent skin/nails, energy levels etc, and with a busy full time job it’s hard to always stay positive and focused (that’s where the depression I think can kick in). I do try though – i.e. using gluten free rice flour in my breakfast muffins, and instead of sugars I boil/blend dates to use as a sweetener and binder for my baking. I’d love to chat to anyone as I am only 30, and although I have a blog that I do as my hobby (and therapy!?!) I do feel very alone in this matter, as I feel I only have to look at a loaf of bread to gain 5 pounds!
Camilla xx
http://flamingomonroe.com/2015/03/12/you-got-a-problem-thyroid/
http://flamingomonroe.com/
I have been treated for hypothyroid for 20 years. About 18 months ago, I started a gluten free diet as I discovered I am gluten intolerant. a few months ago I had a routine thyroid test done and my doctor has REDUCED my thyroid medication by one third because my thyroid function has improved. The doctor was very surprised but I put it down to my gluten free diet.
I have been on a Gluten free diet for 2 months. I now feel like my thyroid is overactive. I have been on .125 mcg Levothyroxine for many years. Could the Gluten free diet be making my thyroid work better? Do I need to reduce my dose? My last TSH was 2.4 but my primary never does a complete workup. I know that is not right.
Karen, It is possible that your thyroid function is improving and yes that would require a change (most likely) in your medication. However you’ve got to work that out with your doctor. If you’re not pleased with your current care, then I would look for another doctor (preferably a specialist) who will so that you get the absolute best care.
Hello.
I have hypothyroidism because of hashimoto. for 17 years i have taken levo thyroxin. I have got married but never got pregnant. Does it relates to my disease? Can i get pregnant with glutenfree diet?if the answer is yes,how long should i continune such diet?
Hi Narcis, I nor anyone else could guarantee you that you could get pregnant simply by going gluten-free. A gluten-free diet is often best when you have Hashimoto’s and there’s a link between having it and also having Celiac Disease. There are also issues with autoimmune diseases and gut permeability which gluten increases. From my understanding, going GF is for life especially if you also have celiac disease.
To Narcis,
I also have Hashimoto so have been reading a lot on the subject.
Two things re-pregnancy: from what I have read: 1. There is definitely a relation between your problem and Hashimoto/thyroid disease. 2. Normally doctors DON’T listen and probably don’t know much about that. definitely GP don’t.
I suggest you read by yourself on the subject and remedies. Ideally, you will find a holistic doctor, or thyroid specialist. Good luck
I cut wheat out and this forced the doctor to reduce my levothyroxine by around 10%. This has held for around 2years. Not the cure I was looking for, but positive result.
I did a blood test and I do not show a sensitivity to gluten. I then went to a GI doc and had an endoscopic done and they biopsied my intestine and it showed no celiacs disease. I still have low vitiamin D levels I am on 50,000 units of vitiamin d once a week. I still have low iron and my iron is low. My goiter continues to grow and I am onna high dose of Meficine. My endocrinologists feels I am not absorbing meficine. Should I still try a gluten free diet even though I show no signs of gluten sensitivity or celiacs disease? Why is my body not absorbing my supplements or medicine?
Thank you. I live in SA – not too much assistance in this department. I suffer from almost all the symtoms mentioned in the first symtoms. Painful.
Hi! Just wondering if the information in this article is still accurate. Have there been more studies on this? I’m trying to do my own research to find things that I can implement to improve my health. Thanks in advance
Hi Jennifer, the most current integrative approach still has found that going gluten-free is helpful as you work on improving thyroid health due to a variety of factors that stem from the gut that have the capacity to fuel autoimmunity and increase inflammation.