Top 10 Foods to Avoid for Hashimoto’s

What is Hashimoto’s?

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition in which your body makes antibodies that attack the cells in your thyroid. This results in your thyroid not making enough hormones which can lead to a variety of symptoms such as weight gain, tiredness, muscle weakness, and sometimes an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter). 

Who is at Risk?

The anti-TPO antibodies are more common in women (13.9%) than in men (2.8%), causing women to be more at risk for Hashimoto’s. Another risk factor for this condition is being of middle age. Most reported cases tend to occur between the ages of 40 and 60. Hashimoto’s can also be hereditary, though no gene has been found that carries it.

The top 10 foods to avoid for Hashimoto's

Foods high in inflammation can trigger or worsen your immune system. Decreasing the amount of inflammatory foods in your diet can help relieve symptoms of Hashimoto’s and improve overall health. The following foods are considered to be inflammatory and should be avoided or limited:

• Gluten and Grains
• Dairy
• Eggs
• Coffee
• Alcohol
• Refined Sugar
• Oils
• Nightshades (such as eggplant and peppers)
• Legumes
• Food additives

What foods should you eat for Hashimoto's?

Not only should you avoid the foods listed above, but you should also incorporate more anti-inflammatory foods into your diet. It is important to eat nutrient-dense, whole foods that are high in bioflavonoids and antioxidants as well. These foods can boost your overall immune function and help lessen your symptoms from Hashimoto’s:

• Berries
• Healthy Fats (avocado, coconut, yogurt)
• Fatty fish
• Fiber-rich carbs
• Fruits (apples, pears, bananas, citrus fruits)
• Pumpkin Seeds
• Spices (turmeric, black pepper, rosemary, basil, saffron, paprika)
• Non-starchy Vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, carrots, tomatoes, mushrooms)
• Starchy Vegetables (sweet potatoes, peas, butternut squash)
• Drink plenty of water

Helpful Supplements for Hashimoto’s

In conjunction with a healthy diet, including these supplements may be beneficial in people diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis:

• Selenium - Studies have shown that taking 200 mcg of selenium per day may help reduce anti-TPO antibodies.
• Zinc - Essential for thyroid function and recommended 30mg daily
• Curcumin - Anti-inflammatory and strong antioxidant to protect the thyroid
• Vitamin D - Important for immune function
• B complex - People with Hashimoto’s tend to be low in vitamin B12
• Magnesium - Low levels of magnesium are associated with an increased risk of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and higher thyroid antibodies.
• Iron - People with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are more likely to develop anemia. 

The Bottom Line

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition that can be managed with lifestyle modifications like an anti-inflammatory diet. Research shows that dietary and lifestyle changes can significantly improve your symptoms and boost your overall health.

References

Hashimoto’s Diet: Overview, Foods, Supplements, and Tips (2022). Healthline.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Hair Loss and your Diet: What To Eat and What To Avoid. 

(2022). Stefanie Sandler Billette, MS, ACE-CHC.

Ostrowska L, GIer D, Zysk B. The Influence of Reducing Diets on Changes in Thyroid 

Parameters in Women Suffering from Obesity and Hashimoto’s Disease. Nutrients. 2021 Mar 5;13(3):862.