Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders & the Benefits of Going Gluten-Free
So, you or your loved one has just been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s or an Autoimmune Thyroid Disorder causing hypothyroidism. Will adopting a gluten-free lifestyle be worth it? Why might it help?
Numerous studies show a strong link between gluten intolerance and autoimmune thyroid conditions. The molecular structure of gliadin, the protein portion of gluten, closely resembles that of the thyroid tissue. One of the immune system’s primary jobs is to protect the body from foreign invaders. When gliadin breaches the protective barrier of the gut (aka leaky GUT), the immune system tags it for destruction as a dangerous invader. When you eat that food throughout each day, this can keep your immune system engaged in constant battle, making it hyper zealous, overly sensitive, and thus prone towards food sensitivities and autoimmunity.
These antibodies to gliadin, can also cause the body to attack thyroid tissue.
This means if you have an autoimmune thyroid condition and you eat foods containing gluten, your immune system will attack your thyroid. Typically, the immune response to ingested gluten can last up to 6 months, each time you eat it. This is why it is important to eliminate gluten completely from your diet. Small cheats will perpetuate this reaction. If you are gluten intolerant, you have to be 100% gluten-free to prevent the immune destruction of your thyroid.
This all or nothing approach is somewhat depressing to me, because I’m not a black and white thinker. I love creative and flexible solutions for patients & myself. Plus, I love food! However, if the aim is to stop the immune destruction of the thyroid, reduce thyroid autoantibodies, decrease symptoms of hypothyroidism and feel your best, going gluten-free should be “on the table” (pun intended). Making this easier, we are blessed to be living in a time where there are actually so many gluten-free options readily available.
Here are a couple links to studies discussing this topic, in case you’d like to read more.
