Living with autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s, Celiac, and thyroid disorders can feel overwhelming at times, but it’s important to remember—these diagnoses don’t define who we are.
We are warriors navigating the challenges of each day with strength, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to our health. As part of this community, we understand the struggle firsthand—my wife lives with Hashimoto’s and thyroid issues, and every day is a reminder of the battles we face together.
This space is dedicated to sharing our journeys, offering support, and empowering others facing similar challenges.
We’ll also provide trusted articles and resources to help educate and inform about these autoimmune issues, so we can all make informed decisions for better health.
Together, we’ll break barriers, embrace wellness, and thrive in spite of our diagnoses.
Trusted Articles:
The Connection Between Autoimmune Disorders and Food Sensitivities
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This article discusses common food sensitivities, including soy, in individuals with autoimmune disorders and how identifying these sensitivities can aid in symptom management.
The Underlying Connection Between Food Sensitivities and Autoimmunity
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Explores how food proteins, such as those in soy, can trigger autoimmune reactions and the importance of dietary adjustments in managing these conditions
What Is the Autoimmune Protocol Diet?
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Details the principles of the Autoimmune Protocol diet, emphasizing the elimination of foods like soy to help manage autoimmune diseases.
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Discusses dietary strategies for managing myositis, an autoimmune condition, including the reduction of processed foods and potential allergens like soy.
Diet Review: Anti-Inflammatory Diet
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Reviews the anti-inflammatory diet, highlighting foods that can help reduce inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases and the importance of avoiding potential triggers like soy.
AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) Diet: A Beginner’s Guide
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Provides an overview of the Autoimmune Protocol diet, which eliminates potential inflammatory foods, including soy, to reduce autoimmune symptoms.
How Diet Eases RA and Autoimmune Disorders
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Explores how dietary choices can alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders, including the role of avoiding inflammatory foods such as soy.
Soy Allergy: Causes, Symptoms, Tests & Treatment
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Provides comprehensive information on soy allergies, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options, relevant for individuals with autoimmune conditions.
The 8 Most Common Food Intolerances
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Discusses common food intolerances, including soy, and their impact on individuals with autoimmune diseases, emphasizing the importance of dietary management.
Diet Recommendations for Celiac Disease
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Offers dietary recommendations for managing celiac disease, including the elimination of gluten and potential cross-reactive foods like soy.
How Is Celiac Disease Treated?
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Discusses the treatment of celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, and the importance of a gluten-free diet, which may also involve avoiding soy products.
The Top 2 Nutrients You Need More of If You Have Hashimoto’s Disease
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Highlights essential nutrients for individuals with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune thyroid disorder, and discusses dietary considerations, including the role of soy.
An Inside-Out Guide To Tackling Eczema and Psoriasis
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Explores dietary approaches to managing eczema and psoriasis, autoimmune skin conditions, including the elimination of potential food triggers like soy.
Is Gluten Safe To Eat If You Have Hashimoto’sThyroiditis?
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This article will explore more about the relationship that gluten and a gluten-free diet have to the symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Food Sensitivity, Intolerance, or Allergy: What’s the Difference?
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This article clarifies the distinctions between food sensitivities, intolerances, and allergies, emphasizing how each condition affects individuals differently.
Why Are Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases Rising
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This article discusses the increasing prevalence of autoimmune and allergic diseases, exploring environmental factors and their impact on the immune system.
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Addison’s disease occurs when the immune system attacks the adrenal glands, leading to insufficient production of hormones like cortisol and aldosterone. Symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and skin darkening.
MS and Neuro-Autoimmune Diseases Linked to Food Reactions
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This article examines a study indicating that subjects with food allergies experienced a higher rate of multiple sclerosis (MS) disease activity than those without food allergies.
Here’s why gluten may not be safe for some people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis:
Autoimmune Response: Both Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and celiac disease (a condition triggered by gluten) are autoimmune disorders. In autoimmune conditions, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. Some research suggests that people with Hashimoto’s may be at higher risk of also having celiac disease. In such cases, gluten can trigger inflammation and worsen symptoms.
Leaky Gut: Many individuals with autoimmune diseases, including Hashimoto’s, have a condition called “leaky gut” (intestinal permeability), where the lining of the gut becomes damaged, allowing gluten particles and other toxins to pass into the bloodstream. This can cause an immune response that exacerbates autoimmune symptoms.
Thyroid Function: There is some evidence suggesting that gluten can interfere with thyroid function in individuals with Hashimoto’s. Gluten may cause an increase in thyroid antibodies, leading to more inflammation in the thyroid gland, worsening the autoimmune attack.
Inflammation: Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, is known to contribute to inflammation in the body. For people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, managing inflammation is key to controlling symptoms. Removing gluten from the diet may help reduce overall inflammation and improve thyroid function.
Should People with Hashimoto’s Avoid Gluten?
While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, many people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis choose to eliminate gluten from their diet, especially if they have symptoms related to gluten sensitivity or if they also have celiac disease. For those who don’t experience gluten sensitivity, the decision to avoid gluten is typically a personal choice.
What to Do If You Have Hashimoto’s and Want to Avoid Gluten:
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: A healthcare provider or nutritionist can help determine whether gluten is affecting your thyroid function and overall health.
- Consider a Gluten-Free Diet: If you suspect that gluten might be exacerbating your symptoms, trying a gluten-free diet for a few weeks may help. Keep track of any changes in symptoms.
- Check for Cross-Reactivity: Some individuals with Hashimoto’s may experience “cross-reactivity,” where the immune system mistakes gluten for thyroid tissue. Working with a healthcare professional to test for food sensitivities can provide insight into whether gluten is a trigger.