What Is Hashimoto Diet? Know All About It

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a common autoimmune condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid, a small gland at the base of your neck that controls metabolism, growth, and other important functions. Over time, this damage makes it hard for your thyroid to produce enough hormones, which can affect your whole body.

Even when treated with medication, people with Hashimoto’s may still experience symptoms like fatigue or weight gain. Research shows that making changes to your diet and lifestyle can help manage these symptoms. Diet and lifestyle shifts can reduce inflammation, help prevent weight gain, and lower the risk of other health issues like diabetes. However, everyone responds differently, so it's important to find what works best for you.

There’s evidence that people with Hashimoto’s are more likely to have celiac disease, which is a condition where the body can’t tolerate gluten. Because of this, experts recommend screening for celiac disease if you have Hashimoto’s.

Even if you don’t have celiac disease, some studies show that going gluten- or grain-free can help lower inflammation and improve thyroid function in people with Hashimoto’s.

The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet is designed to help people with autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s. This diet cuts out foods that might cause inflammation, such as grains, dairy, sugar, coffee, legumes, eggs, and processed foods.

A small study found that people with Hashimoto’s who followed the AIP diet felt better and had lower levels of inflammation. However, this diet should be followed under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as it’s quite restrictive.

Lactose intolerance is common among people with Hashimoto’s. If you notice digestive issues after consuming dairy, cutting out lactose may help your body absorb thyroid medication better and reduce discomfort. But not everyone with Hashimoto’s needs to avoid dairy, so it’s important to listen to your body.

Since inflammation plays a big role in Hashimoto’s, eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits and vegetables might help manage symptoms. Studies have shown that people who eat more fruits and veggies have lower levels of inflammation, which could ease some of the issues caused by the disease.

Eating a diet that’s low in processed foods and high in whole, nutrient-rich foods is another great way to manage Hashimoto’s symptoms. Focus on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich carbs. Preparing meals at home with fresh ingredients can improve your health and help manage your weight.

If you have Hashimoto’s, you may need certain supplements to help lower inflammation and support thyroid function. Some beneficial supplements include:

However, be cautious with iodine supplements. Too much iodine can cause problems for people with Hashimoto’s, so only take it if advised by a healthcare professional.