Are you trying to lose weight despite having Hashimoto’s disease? We’ll show you how to improve your quality of life if you’re dealing with Hashimoto’s, through the right diet and lifestyle changes.
Hashimoto—it sounds like a delicious Japanese dish, but in reality, it’s an autoimmune disease that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Over 10% of the UK population suffers from this thyroid condition, with women being 10 times more likely to be affected than men. Often, the symptoms in women are mistakenly attributed to hormonal fluctuations, while the thyroid is overlooked. However, once diagnosed, there are many things you can do to lose weight, even with Hashimoto’s, by following the right diet! Improving the quality of life with Hashimoto is achievable through adjustments to your diet and lifestyle. We’ll show you how it works!
Contents
- 1 What is Hashimoto’s Disease?
- 2 5 Key Facts About Hashimoto’s Disease
- 3 Causes of Hashimoto’s
- 4 Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Disease
- 5 Losing Weight with Hashimoto’s: The Right Diet
- 6 Best Foods for Hashimoto’s Disease
- 7 Supplements for Hashimoto’s Disease
- 8 Tips and Recommendations for Hashimoto’s Patients
- 9 Summary and Conclusion
- 10 FAQ About Hashimoto’s Disease
What is Hashimoto’s Disease?
Hashimoto’s disease occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid tissue. The antibodies gradually destroy the thyroid gland, causing inflammation. Initially, this leads to the thyroid producing more hormones, resulting in hyperthyroidism. However, over time, as the thyroid tissue is destroyed, the condition shifts to hypothyroidism, where the thyroid becomes underactive.
This chronic inflammation of the thyroid was first described in 1912 by Japanese doctor Hakaru Hashimoto, hence the name of the disease.
5 Key Facts About Hashimoto’s Disease
- Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disorder.
- It affects nearly 10% of the population, with a majority being women.
- Diagnosis can take a long time.
- Symptoms can be improved through thyroid hormone treatment, dietary changes, and lifestyle choices.
- There is no cure for Hashimoto’s.
Causes of Hashimoto’s
Unfortunately, the exact causes of this autoimmune disease are not yet fully understood. Genetic predisposition is one possible factor, but there are also other triggers, such as:
- Excessive iodine intake
- Hormonal fluctuations due to puberty, contraceptives, pregnancy, or menopause
- Psychological stress
- Infections caused by bacteria or viruses (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus)
- Certain medications
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Impaired gut flora
- Suspected gluten intolerance
Symptoms of Hashimoto’s Disease
Hashimoto’s is often triggered by a combination of factors. As if the initial hyperthyroidism wasn’t bad enough, patients may experience a range of unpleasant side effects, such as:
- Slow heart rate
- Feeling cold easily
- Dry skin and hair
- Weight loss
- Sensitivity to heat
- Weight fluctuations
- Hoarseness
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- High cholesterol levels
- Constipation
- Brittle skin, hair, and nails
Eventually, the condition reverses, leading to hypothyroidism, where weight gain becomes an issue. It doesn’t seem fair!
Losing Weight with Hashimoto’s: The Right Diet
Adjusting your diet can help manage Hashimoto’s disease. Not only will you shed unwanted pounds, but the new diet can also positively impact your overall health and organs. However, you should avoid following strict diets to ensure you still get the important nutrients your body needs.
Experience has shown that many people with Hashimoto’s also suffer from gluten intolerance (celiac disease). Therefore, eliminating gluten-containing foods and grains is highly beneficial. These include:
- Wheat
- Rye
- Spelt
- Barley
Luckily, there are now plenty of delicious gluten-free recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks!
Best Foods for Hashimoto’s Disease
If you have Hashimoto’s, you’re probably wondering what foods are suitable for you. We’ve compiled a list of foods that are beneficial for your health and can play a key role in weight loss.
Category | Foods |
---|---|
Bread & Grains | Buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa, rolled oats, jacket potatoes, whole grains from gluten-free pasta |
Fruits | At least 1-2 servings per day. It’s better to avoid fruits high in sugar. (Reduced or sugar-free diets are generally healthy for everyone.) |
Vegetables | All vegetables except corn, which is high in sugar |
Nuts & Seeds | Great for a snack between meals—but avoid salted nuts or peanuts |
Beverages | Water, unsweetened tea (especially chamomile, dandelion, fennel, sage), vegetable juices, and moderate coffee consumption |
Fish & Seafood | All kinds of fish and seafood, except those rich in iodine (e.g., pollock or haddock) |
Meat & Sausage | Lean poultry, cooked ham, beef, poultry sausages, canned beef |
Eggs & Dairy | Eggs in all forms, 20% fat quark, buttermilk, natural yogurt, cheese up to 45% fat |
Herbs & Spices | Dark cocoa, ginger, cinnamon, pepper, turmeric, sage, fennel |
Oils & Fats | Olive oil, walnut oil, flaxseed oil, canola oil, wheat germ oil, and only small amounts of butter |
Supplements for Hashimoto’s Disease
Excessive iodine intake is also debated as a potential cause of Hashimoto’s. In addition to that, deficiencies in vitamins and trace elements are suspected to play a role. If you already have the disease, taking certain supplements can be helpful. These include:
- Selenium
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Vitamin B12
- Iron
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Vitamin D
Did You Know?
Vitamin D is important and is produced by the sun. However, if you use sunscreen with an SPF of 8 or higher, vitamin D production is reduced by almost 97%. Crazy, right? That’s why you should try to spend at least five minutes outdoors each day without sunscreen to get your vitamin dose.
Tips and Recommendations for Hashimoto’s Patients
- Strengthen your gut flora with symbiotics for a healthy immune system.
- Avoid foods high in iodine.
- Eliminate gluten-containing grains.
- Incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine.
- Avoid stress.
- Ensure you get enough sleep.
- Eat a low-calorie diet and avoid calorie bombs.
- Add appropriate supplements to your diet for support.
Summary and Conclusion
Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease where the body destroys its thyroid tissue. While the causes remain unclear, proper treatment can help manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Through dietary changes, you can make a big difference in your health and improve your quality of life.
FAQ About Hashimoto’s Disease
Still have questions? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Hashimoto’s.
What are the symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease?
Symptoms often appear gradually and may go unnoticed in the early stages. When the thyroid enlarges, most people notice hoarseness or frequent throat clearing. Other common symptoms include palpitations, excessive sweating, restlessness, high blood pressure, and weight loss. Later, due to hypothyroidism, patients often regain weight, feel tired, fatigued, or experience depressive mood swings.
Which foods should you avoid with Hashimoto’s?
You should definitely avoid spices and salt enriched with iodine. Be cautious with iodine-rich fish, even though they contain important omega-3 fatty acids. Also, avoid grains made from wheat, rye, spelt, barley, and emmer.
Can you lose weight with Hashimoto’s disease?
Yes, it’s possible but more challenging. Improving your quality of life with Hashimoto’s should be your top priority, and for many people, this includes weight loss. Make sure to adjust your diet accordingly and reduce calorie intake. Drink enough water, exercise regularly, and engage in physical activity.
What is the best diet for Hashimoto’s?
Avoid iodine and gluten, and maintain a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, protein, and water—preferably water or unsweetened herbal teas. Lean meats and sausages should be eaten in moderation. Regular consumption of fish and nuts, as well as probiotic foods like sauerkraut, yogurt, and miso soup, can also benefit your health by supporting your gut flora.