Autoimmune conditions result when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. In the case of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, the body targets the thyroid gland, resulting in decreased levels of thyroid hormone. It most commonly affects middle-aged women and is the No. 1 cause of hypothyroidism in America, according to MayoClinic.com. Treatment primarily involves taking synthetic hormone replacement. Unlike some conditions, where certain foods have been clearly established as either worsening or improving symptoms, no such link exists for Hashimoto's disease. Making certain dietary changes, however, might address certain aspects of the condition, possibly resulting in symptom improvement.
Eat More Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Autoimmune diseases often produce high levels of inflammatory chemicals. An article published in the December 2002 issue of the ''Journal of the American College of Nutrition'' discusses a review of evidence that suggests consuming omega-3 fatty acids produces ''significant benefit'' for autoimmune diseases. These fats appear to reduce the production of inflammation-causing chemicals and weaken the overactive immune response that destroys healthy tissue. The fatty acids found in fish seem to work better than the omega-3's found in flaxseed and other plant foods.
Other Anti-Inflammatory Diet Tips
Choose whole grains over refined grains and reduce sugar intake. The resulting insulin spikes from consuming these foods trigger the production of inflammatory chemicals. Edward Bauman, M.Ed., Ph.D., founder of the Bauman College of Nutrition, advises you to include plenty of antioxidant-rich foods in your diet to combat inflammation. He stresses eating foods rich in vitamin A in particular, as people with autoimmune diseases tend to have low levels of this nutrient. Foods rich in vitamin A or beta-carotene -- which the body converts into vitamin A -- include carrots, calf liver, leafy greens, squash, red peppers, apricot, cantaloupe and sweet potato. Other antioxidant-rich foods include broccoli, citrus fruits, sunflower seeds, almonds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, mushrooms and brown rice.
Cut Out Gluten
Many grains contain a protein called gluten that in recent years has been implicated in worsening a host of conditions, particularly autoimmune ones. Nutrition expert, Datis Kharrazian, M.D., who authored a book on managing thyroid disease, reports research in various countries has uncovered many sufferers of Hashimoto's disease have gluten intolerance. You may or may not have gluten intolerance, but it cannot hurt to experiment and see if you experience symptom improvement.
Cut out wheat, semolina, rye, spelt, triticale, graham flour, kamut, barley, bulgur, durum, farina and matzo. Safe grains include tapioca, corn, polenta, arrowroot, amaranth, buckwheat, hominy grits, rice and quinoa.
Experimenting with an Elimination DIet
Elimination diets help you uncover if particular foods worsen your symptoms. Typically, it involves eliminating the most common food allergens such as gluten, eggs, dairy, soy, corn, nuts, shellfish, fish, peanuts and nuts. Kharrazian recommends cutting out these common allergens for two weeks, then reintroducing one group of foods at a time every three days. If you suspect you have any additional sensitivities, you can include these foods as well.
References
- Bauman College; Hashimotos Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Eating for Health Applications for Recovery; Jodi Friedlander, M.S. & Edward Bauman, M.Ed., Ph.D.
- Dr. K News; Changing Your Diet is the First Step in Addressing Hashimoto's ; Datis Kharrazian, DHSc, DC, MS; August 2010
- ''Journal of the American College of Nutrition'''; Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases; December 2002
