The disease Hashimoto is one of the most frequently occurring autoimmune diseases.
In sufferers, the destruction of the thyroid causes changes in the level and metabolism of thyroid hormones, which leads to physical and psychological symptoms.
The disease is more likely to affect women, especially those aged 30-60 years, with the risk increasing over the years.
Gland dysfunction causes symptoms in some people and not in others. Some of what patients may notice are mood changes, depression, concentration problems, brain fog, as well as biological changes such as dry skin, hair loss, constant fatigue or disturbances in bowel function.
Contributing factors include both genetic and environmental factors, such as stress, imbalance of gut bacteria and poor nutrition.
Improving diet can be supportive in the management of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Studies have shown that sufferers often do not have normal levels of selenium, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin A and D, antioxidant vitamin C, B vitamins, nor do they get the right quality and quantity of omega-3 fatty acids. There is also an excessive or insufficient intake of iodine.
The basic dietary rules that people suffering from Hashimoto's thyroiditis should follow are as follows:
- Eat 4-5 meals a day that provide vitamin D, B vitamins, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, iron, iodine and selenium.
- Choose to get carbohydrates from whole grain products and look after the gut microbiome by eating vegetables and fruit.
- Prefer to consume fats from olive oil, avocados, nuts, oily fish and seafood.
- Increase the amount of protein and soluble fibre a little.
- Avoid eating processed foods and when there is a diagnosed reason (e.g. celiac disease) to exclude gluten or any food that causes an allergy (e.g. egg) from their diet.
