HASHIMOTO’S THYROIDITIS (HT) NUTRITION GUIDE

By Maeson Temple RDN, CNSC & Chris Brazell MS IV
Paramount Health Directions
Authored Paper

WHAT IS HASHIMOTO’S?

HT is the leading cause of hypothyroidism in the US. It is an autoimmune condition caused by antibodies that attack the enzyme thyroid peroxidase (TPO) & and the protein thyroglobulin (TG). Both are involved in thyroid hormone synthesis.

CAUSES

HT is highly genetic but multiple factors may also provoke the immune system to attack the thyroid:

NUTRITION
STRESS
GUT DYSBIOSIS
MINERALS

SYMPTOMS

CHANGES IN MOOD
POOR CONCENTRATION
BRAIN FOG &/OR FATIGUE
DRY SKIN &/OR HAIR LOSS
WEIGHT CHANGES

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET

Pro-inflammatory foods to avoid:

PROCESSED FOODS, SODA, ALCOHOL, RED MEAT, FRIED FOOD, BUTTER, EXCESS SUGAR

Anti-inflammatory foods to try:

COOKING SPICES, FISH, AVOCADO, NUTS, GREEN VEGGIES, DARK BERRIES (STRAWBERRIES, BLUEBERRIES, RASPBERRIES, ETC)

NUTRIENTS OF INTEREST

Zinc & Magnesium

Zinc assists in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. An estimated 12% of the US population is at risk for zinc deficiency. Symptoms may include diarrhea, altered immune function, loss of appetite, and hair loss with HT. Restoring zinc levels has been shown to restore thyroid function. Pumpkin seeds, ground flaxseeds, & whole grains contain zinc.

Magnesium The American Academy of Family Physicians estimates 75% of the US population falls short of recommended Magnesium. This vital mineral contains anti-inflammatory activity, which helps the immune system and reduces attacks against the thyroid. Eat more avocados, nuts, whole grains, & bananas to increase magnesium intake.

Iodine & Selenium

Iodine in excess can block important enzymes needed to assist thyroid activity. Iodine is often found in iodized salt as well as saltwater fish. Studies have shown that damage from excess iodine can improve when paired with selenium.

Selenium is a mineral with anti-inflammatory, properties. It can block inflammatory cytokines which stimulate autoimmune destruction of the thyroid. Selenium is found in meat, fish, dairy, yeast, eggs, whole grains. The ideal concentration of selenium is 60-140 µg/L.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D protects against inflammation from autoimmune diseases. Studies show that people with HT are more likely to have lower vit. D. Thyroid function has shown to improve with adequate consumption. Sardines, salmon, cod, & mushrooms contain vitamin D. It can also be absorbed through the skin from sunlight or supplemented.